Results for Letters

I'm not entirely moved by the hysteria over the MPs payrise and backpay issue. So far I...’ve seen little in the way of the numbers ie the pay level that the MPs were in and the pay level they...’ve voted for themselves now, to justify the public flogging on these pages. More importantly, I...’m keen to find out how their new rates compare with the rest of the public service including the sectors who were critical of the size of the pay hike but couldn...’t refuse it when offered. - Sefita Hao‘uli

However, if you read my comments carefully, I do not hate America. "I love America with all my good heart." I am doing business and come to Amercia every other month, and so as China. (I am responding to you now from China). I love Tonga, and I love China too! Siosaia Moehau

This afternoon, Sunday 12/1½006, I took my family to a rugby match between Tonga and England. This was a big game the Federation Shield final. The game was played at Halton Stadium, Cheshire which is my local rugby stadium. I was so excited and proud the Tonga Rugby team is here in my own backyard playing one of the best rugby league teams in the world. - Senolita Swan

I got of the "Taulau Bus" only to find myself walking alone. So, Sione Mokofisi and the others, as much as you may not want to, the Tau Lau Bus will be kept in service because it is the most comfortable mode that excites our writers. In this Bus, you are not going to be responsible for anything and you are not required to do any work but throw trash into the fire to encourage the tau lau. - Sione Lousiale Kava

We live in a world where finding fault in others seems to be the favorite blood sport. It has long been the basis of political campaign strategy. It is the theme of much television programming across the world. It sells newspapers. Whenever we meet anyone, our first, almost unconscious reaction may be to look for imperfections. - Joshua Nehasi

This was my brief to the Governor and the people of American Samoa this morning on National TV. The report covers the month of August to and including the month of October 2006. I'll adapt the report to cover fuel price in Tonga. - Sione Lousiale Kava

I have followed the dialogue (more of a debate of who is more Tongan) of 'Culture and Society' that was initiated by Mele Lynch, and the dialectic steam-roll that has evolved to a loud discussion. While some threads of the discussion can be construed as bantering and personal attacks, which my eyes agree; there seems to be a common theme amongst Tongans, if you state something in a public forum, be ready to be taken to task, even if the intent is humble and respectful from the outset. Haters in da house! - Alipate Sanft

I read the current dialog degenerating into name calling and close-minded swaggering and it reminds me of previous disappointments when anticipating many a good game from our Ikale Tahi team playing overseas and later leaving totally embarrassed due to their short-fused attitude spoiling the game for all. Then we often lament that if only our players had kept their eyes on the ball rather than clothes-lining the necks of other players, we would...’ve won. I note, we Tongans are very good at personally short-circuiting any conversation that might offer any promise through personal attacks. - E. L. Saafi

Before I jump in this discussion, I would like to apologize to Mele Payne Lynch. I've never met her, I don't know her personally, and I really don't know her exact contributions to Tonga's economy, and my lack of judgement in using her as the example of a model tourist, when she is clearly more than that, has become fodder for others to mock her. - Richard Wolfgramm