Connie Lawn: Messages from Washington

This has been a week of tragedy, and tragic comedy, although it seems obscene to discuss them in the same column. The tragedies, of course, took place in Samoa, Tonga, and Indonesia. The events dominated the news coverage here, and tore at the heartstrings of most in this country. President Obama sent several messages of sympathy, and dispatched some emergency aid, especially to American Samoa. Many private Americans contributed to tragedy relief. But, most in this country realize New Zealand and Australia are leading the grim recovery efforts. It is unknown whether the extreme weather tragedies in the Pacific and Asia will have any effect on the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen. But, they certainly remind humans how puny we are in the face of nature.

This week’s events also remind us how stupid human beings can be. My last column was entitled “Lamenting Letterman.” I said he was the most mean spirited of the late night comedians, but I wish I had not pulled my punches, and had been even more critical. Now many more understand what I meant. At the time he was interviewing President Obama, and then Prime Minister Key, he was wrestling with his own sex and extortion scandal. Letterman finally admitted he had had sex with some women who worked for him. He then spelled out how a CBS producer (Robert Joe Halderman) tried to get two million dollars from him, to keep at least one affair quiet. Letterman went to police and the FBI, and they were able to entrap the former producer. Then Letterman revealed it all on his television show. At first the audience laughed nervously, believing this was one of his sick skits, where he traditionally mocked others engaged in sexual activities. But, this was far from a joke.

Letterman’s future is now a bit cloudy, but he will probably keep his job, if his ratings stay high. But sexual harassment of subordinates is no joke. Letterman’s problems are also no excuse for failing to ask a few serious questions of the Prime Minister. He did not have to spend the entire time whining about the long flight to New Zealand (which Letterman said he never took).

In anycase, it has been a tragic and varied week in the world. It is a good thing the Prime Minister’s trip to the United Nations took place when it did, and he was home in New Zealand before these events unfolded.

And again, millions of us up here send our prayers and thoughts to all those affected by the tragedies.

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

© Scoop Media