----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2004 6:38
PM
Subject: Re: [sharechat] George W
Allan,
Thanks for a far more diplomatic reply than was my posting . I am not an ideal
candidate in the world of diplomacy . At the high price today
of sophistry maybe I would not wish to be.The American system of elections
fascinates and mesmerizes New Zealanders from this
distance.
Thank you for the better insight you have given,
you clearly went to some trouble. Many of us envy your Republican
system of Government . However it can lead to heated debate here between
wannabe Republicans and traditional Monarchists under a Westminster
parliamentary system . Loyalty has apron strings that are too
long for some. I don`t want to open a can of worms so I will not
proceed down that path. Except to say it would certainly be my preference .
Particularly if we could cement in a benign Dictatorship and ensure it stayed
that way. In NZ there are so many endemic issues we cannot resolve
through our crazy adversarial party system, We also admire
your distrust of centralisation.
We have experimented with electoral
systems and seem to have tied ourselves up in knots in the process. Maybe we
are just hard to please. I accept your version on George Bush`s electoral
vote. I would comment that I admire the way American`s get behind your
President and more readily identify with national aspirations. New Zealand has
issues to face that are unique and militate against
our obtaining similar unified identity. On the sporting
field allegiance comes easier though somewhat transitory for 80
minutes.
Please read into what I have said
that profound and lasting gratitude
is universal in this country towards America `s vital role in WW 2 and it`s outcome. While we may
criticise America`s foreign policy at times we are consistent in our
judgment All that has to happen is that we are proved wrong. In the
harsh light of facts or debate we do acknowledge that fact when we are
wrong.
Regards
David Stevenson
See IRG research reports
