Connie Lawn’s Column: Lamenting Letterman

Connie Lawn’s Column – September 27, 2009

Lamenting Letterman

The UN Session is over, and everyone apparently survived. There were important speeches by Prime Minister Key, President Obama, and nearly one hundred other world leaders. There were other rambling, hate filled speeches by the rulers of Iran and Libya. There were passionate protests outside the UN, and lavish meals and receptions in the museums and hotels of New York City.

Ultimately, everything was upstaged by the press event early Friday morning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In it, Presidents Obama and Sarkozy, and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, revealed a “secret” which had been known in intelligence circles for several years – Iran has a second secret nuclear facility, on a military base near the city of Qom. It is reportedly constructing the kind of material to be used for bombs, and not nuclear power, which is permitted. The world has a right to be alarmed, if this development continues. France and the UK suggest a December first deadline, before more sanctions are imposed. Russia and China want more UN inspections in Iran. The Iranians say it is all innocent, and open to inspection. More crucial meetings will be held on the subject next week in Europe. But the announcement became more dramatic than the UN sessions, former President Clintons climate and world development forum and the G 20 meetings in Pittsburgh.

In the midst of all of this, Prime Minister Key made many important speeches. Unfortunately, they received little attention here. His opportunity for attention came during his Thursday night appearance on the David Letterman show. Millions of viewers here would like to have heard a serious discussion about New Zealand, even if it only lasted five minutes. After all, Letterman gave President Obama nearly an hour on Monday. Instead, they heard the Prime Minister read Letterman’s “top ten” list. Letterman whined on about how long it takes to go to NZ. He said it was a beautiful country, but it took too long to get there.

Letterman is the most mean spirited of the so called late night comedians. But, the least he can do is now give NZ tourism representatives equal time. They can discuss how relaxing and enjoyable the flights actually are, and talk in detail about the rewards of visiting NZ. Give it a try – there is nothing to lose, and much to gain. In the meantime, it was good to see Prime Minister Key on US television, but wish it had lasted longer. Maybe he will get more time, if he returns soon to visit President Obama in Washington.

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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