Editor,

Now that the fires in Nuku‘’alofa are distinguished it seems there may be smoldering embers still in our midst. Since the burial of King Tupou IV, it is amazing how quickly and deep-distant the downward spiral of Tonga morale has come. And the news each day from Tonga isn't getting better, and the forecast for the immediate future seems bleak too. It certainly seems the breadth of blame is pointed in the direction of the newest leaders of anarchy ...– the Temo...’s. And they should be held accountable, not only for recognition in their united ...‘claimed victorious responsibility...’ for the riot, and all of the destruction and Death. The video images of pillagers and looters, who seemed like bastard orphans in a frenzy of violence, have been summoned or arrested and will be criminally charged for their participation in the riot. Likewise, the Temo leaders should face appropriate criminal charges for their claimed responsibility of inciting, organizing, and directing the Pangai Si...’i mob to specifically and discriminately target businesses and families. Violating them of their freedoms, security, and rights to self and property. What is amazing is the Temo leader...’s hypocrisy and violation of the very principles of democracy they claim as their objective for rule in Tonga.



The past platform of the Temo...’s was the loud expose to the world of the arrogance and self-serving Royal...’s and their injustices and corruption in their performance of governance and rule. Furthermore, the Temo...’s finger-pointed the royals, nobles, and all their associates are to blame for the stagnant status of Tonga...’s economy and limited opportunities within her commerce. Howeveer, in the wake of the riot and the magnitude of destruction of property, death, unemployment, certain higher inflation, crime surely to escalate, and a disenfranchised public (not to mention expatriates overseas that send remittance to family in Tonga), how can all this be a better form of life, even in a democratic setting, for their countrymen? In a few years time the Temo...’s have formed their platform of noise and intimidation tactics, and in the few hours of 11/16, the Temo leadership relegated Nuku...’alofa back to the dark ages. Leaving the capitol barren and ablaze. The Temo leadership will certainly counter that all this is a small price to pay for democracy. What more do they want us to believe? What is quite certain about these self-proclaimed democratic leaders, they lack any semblance of true leadership. What is becoming disturbingly obvious, the Temo leaders have no plans or designs to Lead in the reconstruction of Tongatapu. Ironically, they don...’t know how to lead people out of a mess, but they have great plans of how to create a mess. A sure-tell sign of absolute idiots. In the old Tongan monarchy, these idiots would have had their asses strung up on the end of a rope.



If all signs in Tonga...’s political future are headed toward democratic elections, and these idiots are voted or appointed to power positions, I am certain the assembly sessions will be nothing more than bitching sessions, bearing little productivity. With the dissension amongst the Temo groups, and a variety of opinions of how the elected process should be implemented, certain chaos will be the order of the day for parliament sessions. You can bank on that!



Recently I...’ve met with several political officials in San Francisco, USA. Each of these leaders represent a very liberal party in perhaps the most liberal city in the entire free world. When they discovered my Tongan origin, the riots in Tonga immediately became the topic of discussion. When I asked them how Tonga...’s Temo party should move forward, each of their response rather quick, definitive, and concise; each phasing into damage-control mode ...– a true sign of a politician ...– they all called for justice and for new leadership. This coming from proven and credible democratic leaders, in a democratic society, who champion the cause and implementation of democracy. Amazingly collective, their first response was justice. And I can think of no better place to start than to call these Temo...’s to justice.



Sincerely and respectfully yours,



'Alipate Sanft

asanft [at] mangofinancial [dot] com