So says a commentator on a recent article about Jacinda Ardern published in The Times in Britain.
The article itself – “How I watched the halo slipping from Jacinda Ardern” – doesn’t really add anything new to other coverage of her that has been made in the wake of her resignation as Prime Minister.
It’s actually that comment by one Iain Thorpe, picked up the blog site Samizdata, that is more interesting than the article itself. He goes on to say:
If kindness is the answer to all problems, then the problems must be caused by unkindness. And people who disagree with you must be unkind people. Obviously you don’t have to listen when unkind people try to tell you anything. And you certainly don’t have to offer them the same concern or compassion as other people. Their unkindness is their own fault. You don’t have to do anything for it, or for them.
And so “kindness” ends up being without empathy, the opposite of inclusion. Ardern’s inability to deal with people who disagreed with or were disadvantaged by her government’s policies was striking. She seldom even attempted to speak to them and seemed incapable of winning over anyone who opposed her.
No Minister 
Most of the left seems to be acting in the same way, if twitter blocking is any indication. But, I wonder also if it’s because people have acted so badly that any one who reminds them of that induces extreme guilt; and therefore engagement is impossible.
Kindness is a virtue but it’s not enough by itself in government, especially if it’s only words not actions. And sometimes the kind way is also the hard way.
The word ‘kindness’ is not be used in our household any more. It is forever tainted by the arden brand.
It can be replaced with considerate, generous, decent, courteous, humane, good-natured or just plain old friendly.
Thorpe nailed it.