Answer this
Maybe the proposed US ambassador, Scott Brown, should be asked the four questions in Kevin G. Marks’ letter (February 19).
Does he believe in these freedoms: 1. Of religion; 2. From religion; 3. Of the individual; 4. Of equal rights for women.
And maybe a few more about the abuse of women and the use of torture.
When he is being asked these questions maybe Nasreen Hannif (Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand) could be asked if she, and Islam in general, believe in them at the same time. Ian Wilson, Auckland Hannif’s own organisation recognises ‘‘all’’ Muslim women in New Zealand as its members unless they specifically choose to opt out, hardly the sort of democratic institution most New Zealanders will be familiar with. Traditionally New Zealanders have joined organisations at their own initiative. I wonder who New Zealanders should really be concerned about. Ross Jamieson, Wellington Could it be that Brown’s nomination is simply Trumpian revenge for our sending a Muslim to Washington in the person of Tim Groser? Tom Finlayson, Auckland Brown being under consideration for ambassador to NZ is not as bad as people might think.
He has considerable political experience and also rose to the rank of colonel in Judge Advocate General’s Corps after 35 years service in the Massachusetts National Guard.
Yes, he is a donor to the Trump campaign but that is often the case for ambassadors to New Zealand and other countries.
He has a record of achievement and should be given due consideration before he is written off as unworthy.
We could do far worse than have Brown as a conduit between us and the president of the United States. Scott Lelievre, Masterton It’s hard to imagine the average Kiwi could care less about Trump’s choice of ambassador. During the Obama Administration an openly gay man was appointed. I don’t recall any headlines or drama about that situation.
It is extremely important for Kiwis to not only recognise Trump as US president but also as commander-in-chief of the most powerful nation on Earth.
We live under the protective umbrella provided by their military muscle. For a small, isolated and defenceless nation, that’s not a bad place to be. Neil D. McCabe, Wellington