Donald Trump
As I write this we are just rolling into the normally balmy month of February.
Peter Carr
Not to be confused with the other barmy when the antics of February 6 erupt north of Auckland.
I say this advisedly, not because I am critical of the ethos of Waitangi Day celebrations, but the general aura of unruliness when senior politicians become targets of abuse.
Sadly, those of a more responsible and courteous nature (and there are many of them) are drowned out by antics akin to some MPs in the big building in Wellington.
That this latter group appears to be on the cusp of imploding sadly negates the excellent political and social work undertaken several years ago by MP Tariana Turia.
But it is still summer. It is for enjoyment, release, good health and relaxation. Sandy beaches and gentle surf are calling, embracing the changed peak of good weather that used to be guaranteed in January.
The drift of seasons towards later enjoyment is said by some the result of global warming.
At the other end of the planet the spectre of Greenland looms large in the mind of the current incumbent of 1 Pennsylvania Avenue. He of the strangely coloured locks and facial skin.
It appears to me that he has been viewing the importance of Greenland through tinted spectacles – or at least using a chart or map that is laid out in the form of a Mercator projection.
As a (past) professional navigator I appreciate the north-south elongation of land approaching the Poles is stretched beyond its normal parameters, thus appearing far larger than it is.
Aerial view of Jakobshavn Glacier at Disko Bay, Greenland. Photo: Giles Laurent, Creative Commons.
Clearly the aspirant to own and run this lump of (mainly) ice has been looking at the ‘big’ version and perceives it to be far larger than its actual parameters. The proud owners in Denmark will be fully aware of this phenomenon and are showing huge patience and tact in dealing with his ever-changing needs.
It beggars me that those of a Republican or GOP nature in the United States follow his dictates so slavishly.
Yet in watching recent Senate hearings from Washington there is a chink in their armour where reality (the upcoming state elections) is looming large as states lurch towards the left.
However, like it or not, the sheer volume of energy, trade and armed forces in the descendants of 1776 begats us to take notice of what is happening and, more importantly, how it may come to direct at least a portion of our lives.
Here we are in a dilemma. Our Foreign Minister is forever cautious of treading a fine and ‘keep them on board at any cost’ line while those less leaning towards diplomacy are hell-bent on ignoring or deriding the value of the US in world terms.
Our Prime Minister is generally cautious while his two partners are ramping up the ante to upset the applecart as November 7 approaches.
We are in for an interesting ride.
Donald Trump.
