Mark’s hawkish obsession

It used to be said, ‘‘join the army, meet someone interesting and kill them’’.

That all changed when the NZ Defence Force established a reputation as a Pacific helper, a willing rebuilder after cyclones. In Afghanistan, Kiwi forces played kick-ball with the local kids.

Now it seems we are to put on the ugly face of warmongers (Edtorial, July 11) with an expensive purchase that would be gone by lunchtime if we were involved in an actual war.

Our best defence will always be our reputation (and our distance), and our need is for craft that will protect our waters from poachers.

Ron Mark’s hawkish obsession with big guns will make us more vulnerable, not less.

Marg Pearce, Whitby

I would love Golriz Ghahraman and her fellow Greens to explain exactly what they would do about the Somalia pirates hijacking ships off the African coastlines. New Zealand has taken part in the multinational taskforce protecting these trading routes both with Orions and frigates. We are a trading nation, most of our goods go by sea, and our trading routes must be protected from threats, be they modern-day pirates or the Chinese. The only way is in conjunction with other countries, for which our armed forces need the most modern equipment we can provide. If it helps provide for fisheries protection and search and rescue in the Pacific, that is a big plus. The Green way is no way in this turbulent modern world. Graham Dick, Masterton

If we did not take sides in any conflict but, as we used to do, provided peacekeeping and medical aid, we would not have to spend money on keeping up with America and Australia expectations.

The only times we have had ‘‘enemy’’ ships in our waters during wars was when we were supporting Britain with troops and supplies. Carole Naylor, Papakowhai