Sorry NZers, when you think that manslaughter is okay but opinons aren't you're xingjiao tu bou!

I try not to blog about rubbish or get involved in what's happening in reality television but I'm on a long train trip right now from Newcastle back to Sydney so figured instead of sleeping I might as well use the time productively. 

A couple of weeks ago New Zealand's second season of X Factor started and there are two things that have captured my attention.  I won't dwell on the first one because in all honesty it's really not that noteworthy.

As you all know by now, contestants audition in front of the producers and then the judges before  making it through to boot camp.  You may or may not recall Steve Broad from the second season of NZ Idol which screened in 2005.  He came third overall in the season.  Following that he didn't really stay in the spotlight and worked for The Edge radio station while studying before going back to Invercargill to become a teacher.  This year he decided to audition for the X Factor, and made it past the initial rounds.  He is in boot camp now.  As someone who has heard him sing live at church and knows him personally, he deserves the break, HOWEVER, as a viewer /media commentator/blogger it seems a little strange that NZ has literally run out of new talent and has to recycle old talent.

That incident isn't what's got me really annoyed though.

It was revealed a few days ago that the producers and judges had allowed someone who is guilty of manslaughter through to boot camp.  Shae Brider revealed to the judges he'd been around when someone was killed but didn't declare he actually played a part. 

This has become controversial.  Reading Facebook posts people say the guy's done his time and to forgive him.  Well I'm sorry New Zealand but it isn't that simple.  This guy was involved in taking another person's life and there is no way he should be forgiven and given a second chance for that.  What's even more astounding about this entire thing is that NZers appear to be okay with the concept and action of murder, yet if someone has opinions and dares to have a personality that's suddenly not allowed. 

So my question is this:  NZers in what crazy world do you think a manslaughter conviction is okay but having opinions, which hurts nobody isn't?  Shouldn't it be the other way around? Well suffice to say NZ, you've once again proved your retardness.