Results for Letters

When the representatives win elections, they are the people's top choices to represent them in government. If these top choices are taken out so to speak to fill the post of a minister, they are removed from the very responsibility and the reasons why they were voted for in the first place. - Sione Lousiale Kava

Please allow me to whine for a few seconds regarding this potential fiscal crisis that is looming over the kingdom. No, it is not the crisis that I am bellyaching about. I cannot say if it is the oath of loyalty and the veil of confusion and apathy that governs Governmental Operations or the incompetence at the helm that is grinding my last nerve. Norman Schwarzkopf once said, "When placed in command, take charge." I may be wrong like I always have been, but I do not think there is a whole lot of taking charges in our government. - Tama Foa

I simply wish to thank you for your continuous coverage of the cases involving those PRs who by all means sought to identify themselves with the destruction of Nuku'alofa on 16/11. There is a sense in which the PRs directly involved with the events of 16/11 ought to be extremely thankful that their rights as Tongan citizens have been apparently upheld throughout the current situation in our country. I would think that if the claim that the Tongan government has been dictatorial and oppressive was to be substantiated in any way, that their treatment could have been altogether different from what they are given up to now. - Rev Dr Ma'afu'otu'itonga Palu

Would you please tell me what is going on with our National Rugby Union team? Have team members been selected yet for this year's Rugby World Cup in France? Is there a coach in place? Is the rugby committee formed with their main objective for the year: to win the world cup in France 2007 or thereabouts? - Vain Maka

In my "Soifua from Amerika Samoa", I allowed my personal feeling to over ride my better judgment, thus insulting close friends and embarassing myself and my family. - Sione Lousiale Kava

It seems by Mr. Kava's post-response to my rebuttal struck a nerve. His point of Tonga's economic priority, and "reform is worthless" is quite shortsighted and misses the mark for Tonga's economic problems today and for the future. Reform for Tonga will have far more impact to Tonga's economy than a robust economy to Tongan reform. In a robust economy the people that stand to benefit most is the king and royal family. I don't think there's an argument there. - ‘Alipate Sanft

You got it right Mr. Sanft, the Tonga's budget is pretty much dry. What you and your Demo friends do not seems to see is that regardless of the form of government you insisted of installing in Tonga, it will have to deal with a budget that is pretty much dry. I am not too sure because you and your friends have never been definitive on the type of system you insist on Tonga. But the early indication your Demo system is not going to solve Tonga's problem either. As a matter of fact, the Demo System created Tonga's current problem by forcing the 60%, 70%, and 80% pay raise. And then apply the last straw to break the camel's back when turn around and burn down the businesses that were going to finance this pay raise. -Sione Lousiale Kava

As many may deny it, or the faint of heart may not admit it - Tonga's reform may be its only hope for economic recovery (and future). - Alipate Sanft

I have not forgotten the message of the struggle that Tongan women face in their daily lives, explained to us by the wonderful women at the National Centre for Women and Children during our visit in July 2006. - Rob Stephenson