Editor,

Viliami Laka's low blow against Mr. Kalafi Moala (Regurgitating Govt Press Release, Jan. 17, 2007) shows how short-lived Viliami's memories are serving him. Not too long ago the Pro-demos were basking in the sun when their voices were trumpeted by Mr. Moala's "Taimi 'o Tonga." It was OK then to Viliami that Mr. Moala "regurgitated" Pro-demos news releases.

Not too long ago President Bush picked Fox TV and radio popular newsman Tony Snow to be the White House spokesperson where he's now serving. Does that mean Mr. Snow is a lesser journalist than he was an independent newsman? I think that Mr. Snow considers it a great privilege to serve the government of the United States. How often does one gets such an opportunity?

As per the late President John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you; but ask what you can do for your country."

I'm sure Mr. Moala has weighed all the pros and cons of his decision to lend his expertise to the Government of Tonga. As the respected journalist as he is, I can only guess that he is asking, "What can I do for my country?"

Before Tonga's Black Thursday, Mr. Moala predicted in his column what the Pro-demos will do if they takeover power in Tonga. "They will abuse us indiscriminately."

Mr. Moala has stood the test of time. He was instrumental in bringing democratic changes to Tonga, both mentally and physically. In his own words he wrote, "However, the Pro-demos don't know where to go from here"

In Tonga's darkest hour, we should be asking: What can we do to help restore the prestige and respect our beloved Nuku'alofa has lost? I wish Mr. Moala luck on his newest challenge.

'Ofa atu,

Sione Ake Mokofisi