Michael, America's army isn't protecting NZ's democracy. If it is, it's just a byproduct of protecting their own interests.
If it suits the USA to protect New Zealand, they will, if it doesn't they won't. Simple. Even if NZ doesn't want the USA to 'protect' us, we'll be protected whether we like it or not if it suits the USA.
We don't owe the USA anything. Neither does the USA owe us for our services in defence of democracy and freedom over the decades.
The USA shouldn't pretend they have gone to Iraq for the good health of Iraqis and to protect New Zealand against Saddam. They should just admit that it's in USA interests to attack Iraq, replace Saddam and get the oil flowing to the SUVs.
Similarly New Zealand troops went to Afghanistan to deal with Osama and co, not to protect USA democracy, but to protect New Zealand's interests and support the UN. We don't ask you for a medal. Similarly, NZ engineers have been in Iraq to support UN stabilization and civilisation of Iraq, which is in NZ interests.
I don't think the USA has ever thought "By crikey, it looks as though New Zealand needs some defence. Hop to it guys!" <your countrymen can rest easy knowing America's army is protecting your democracy.>
On the contrary, I'd bet $100 that the USA and British intelligence people were in on the French bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour as a message to NZ to get with the programme [that was after the Nuclear Free 1984 Labour Government of David Lange took over and stopped USA noocular ship visits]. The French bought the inflatable boat they used from a British supplier.
The USA certainly didn't leap to our defence against the French. No way!
Most Americans wouldn't have a clue where NZ is, let alone whether it needs protecting.
Mqurice |
