Today the United States is on a day of consequence. Will the Donald Trump led Republicans get rocked by an amazing electoral outcome? Or will the M.A.G.A. machine be vindicated by an outcome few in the world want? What will this map look like when it is all over? I am cynical about the outcome. … Continue reading The U.S. is on a day of consequence
The awful legacy of 11 September 2001
Front page of The Press newspaper, New Zealand, 12 September 2001 We all know where we were when the news broke. For me it came early in the morning (N.Z. time) of 12 September 2001. Initially, I did not think too much of it until Mum came into my bedroom while I was getting ready … Continue reading The awful legacy of 11 September 2001
Constitutional reform in New Zealand? Yay or Nay?
The Treaty of Waitangi (N.Z. Govt. Archives) As concerns with the transparency and accountability of our politicians, and - in particular - the current Government of New Zealand grow, the usual debate about whether New Zealand needs constitutional reform has returned. The status quo supporters who think we have bigger problems to worry about versus … Continue reading Constitutional reform in New Zealand? Yay or Nay?
China’s very unwelcome missile testing in south Pacific
Chinese P.L.A. Navy ship Hengyang in Tasman Sea, 2025 (Australian Defence Force). Days after China fired the first of two missiles into the south Pacific, the fallout continues. It is the first time that I am aware of any nation deliberately test firing missiles in this part of the world. It follows an earlier incident … Continue reading China’s very unwelcome missile testing in south Pacific
Where to for N.Z-U.S. relations on America’s 250th Birthday?
Independence Day, 04 July 1776 (ChatG.P.T.) America turns 250 today (U.S. time). On a day which normally invokes the most overt celebrations of all things American, what it means to be American, Independence Day means different things to the 330 million people who have the legal right to call themselves Americans. Most will probably celebrate … Continue reading Where to for N.Z-U.S. relations on America’s 250th Birthday?