Eisenhower was right about arms industry
The danger of the military-industrial complex, famously described by United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address, is in full swing.
The US arms industry is like an insatiable monster and it relies upon continuous conflicts to keep on feeding.
Numberone salesman at present is US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, and that’s the real reason for his speech in Singapore.
Now 2% of New Zealand’s GDP is not enough. We’re “freeloaders” in his opinion and he wants defence spending to increase to 3.5%. The Trump Administration wants to increase the US defence budget to US$1.5 trillion ($2.5t)!
So what are we going to spend all this money on? Drones, helicopters and missiles. Who are we going to attack? Who is the enemy? Not China. They have won the war without firing a shot.
Mark van Praagh, Hobsonville Point.
The cheaper option
The United States’ Secretary of Defence has issued a timely reminder of our lack of a nuclear submarine fleet, carrier fleet, strike aircraft and a couple of a million troops equipped with the latest battle tanks.
However, America and Israel are a long way away so I don’t really feel threatened by them.
China, with all its military might could waltz through the Pacific any time it likes but has shown no inclination to do so.
So I think our little nation of five million people can prioritise our own spending, thank you (child poverty would be a good place to start) and I’ve always had the view that making friends is better than making wars – cheaper too.
Paul Cheshire, Maraetai.
You build it, we man it
It may appease US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth somewhat that when Australia finally builds its nuclear submarines, New Zealand could supply the crews.
Brian Cuthbert, Army Bay.
What lethality?
I would like to register my displeasure at the Government’s pathetic increase in defence spending. It actually remains at 1.4% of GDP, the same as last year.
They keep saying they will increase it to 2% of GDP but this is way behind that of all our allies. And they talk of more “lethality”, but so far no lethality has been announced.
Rex Beer, Whangaparāoa.
Economic hope
Sir Ian Taylor challenged Nicola Willis in a recent letter published online. He targeted her claim that the loss of 8000-plus jobs in the public sector would be inevitable given the introduction of AI systems.
He said that his experience as a successful businessman had shown that new technology could lead to innovation, company growth and an expansion of jobs. New Zealand is in desperate need of this optimism.
But instead there is little economic hope - exemplified most negatively by the budget policy that will see those in social housing pay $30 a week more so some in private rentals may get an extra $15 a week.
Where are the inclusive and caring policies? Most of our parties prioritise their votes and power rather than make bold changes that could provide more economic relief for the wider community.
Angela Yatri, Ōrātia.
Moana Pasifika’s fate
It will be very disappointing if we don’t see Moana Pasifika in next year’s Super Rugby competition. Like the Fijian Drua, they bring to the game that type of spark that the game needs.
Any team that can go to Australia and beat the Brumbies has to be well worthy of a place in any competition.
Unfortunately, due to lack of financial backing, the team will fold unless there is a saviour out there.
It is also important to the Pasifika community that they still have a team representing them as it gives them an identity to hold on to.
One would also add that while Albany has the facilities, it’s a long way from their fan base.
Reg Dempster, Albany.
Blast from the past
I recently watched a replay of a Super Rugby game between the Hurricanes and Crusaders from 2000. It was like watching a different game to the current style of play.
No box kicks, no rolling mauls, no forwards bashing it up a few inches at a time, and the only bleach was in the cleaner’s cupboard.
Far more entertaining and skilful.
Laurence Mallon, Te Atatū.
