Dems barking up the wrong tree [1]
Friday, July 10, 2009 - 09:19. Updated on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - 18:34.
Editor,
Tonga's so-called pro-democracy camp whined like spoiled brats who expected attention from the NZ PM's state visit NZ Prime Minister visits Tonga [2], 08 July, 2009), but who were left irrelevant in the cold.
They threw tantrums and complained to the foreign press (Pacific Beat Broadcasting, 08 July, 2009) that "it's wrong for New Zealand to publicly press for more democracy in the Pacific yet not meet with them," Tonga's Human Rights and Democracy Movement (THRDM) spokesman Po'i Pohiva complained.
The most ridiculous complaint by the Democracy Movement shows arrogance.
First, Prime Minister John Key paid an "official state visit" to Tonga from the Government of New Zealand. He brought NZ's pledge of up to $16 million aid to Tonga in the next three years.
Stand in line
Let us use a little critical thinking and logic here . . . .
Mr. Po'i Pohiva and the Dems are barking up the wrong tree. New Zealand has no moral or legal obligations to speak to anyone else in Tonga. Mr. Key did the right thing on a diplomatic mission to conduct inter-governmental affairs. "There's a time and place for everything," the Good Book says.
The Dems may need to work on their international diplomatic manners. Mr. Key avoided the arrogant and condescending "Ugly American" behaviors we have seen in the past. A U.S. Ambassador from the Fiji Embassy came and lectured Tongan government officials several years ago on democracy. That was wrong, and not on Tongan soil.
Instead of praising the NZ Government's gift, and applauding the two countries' amicable relationship, the Dems used the occasion to make empty political charges. This is political dishonesty.
Next time, Mr. Po'i Pohiva and company needs to book an appointment with the New Zealand Government, please stand in line like everybody else. That is the democratic way in any country!
Sione A. Mokofisi