OK now, let's hear it for America!!!

This is (even though extremely small) a light in the distance that I never thought I would see...

Richard Armitage, the former high-ranking United States official most closely associated with reprisals against New Zealand's anti-nuclear law, has had a change of heart and is now arguing for closer military ties.

Mr Armitage, the former Deputy Secretary of State under Colin Powell, now says "there is no need to take an overly punitive approach" to New Zealand and says it is no longer in the United States' interests to maintain its ban on military exercises.

Further down...

When the David Lange-led Labour Government introduced the law, Mr Armitage was the Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security.

He has long been regarded as a staunch defender of the ban on military exercises.

In the article, Mr Armitage has no argument about the most fundamental US response to the [anti-nuclear] law that bans nuclear powered and armed ships - suspending the guarantee under the Anzus treaty to protect New Zealand in the event of an attack.

But he says that should not preclude military co-operation in other areas.

He said the ban on military exercises with New Zealand applied even if exercises were held in a third country. That meant third countries were often reluctant to invite New Zealand to defence exercises.

"We feel this no longer best serves American interests. The US military is spread thinly in various missions around the world and could use all the help it can get. New Zealand not only shares similar democratic values, it has increasing capacity to promote them abroad."

OK, I'll get the gumboots on...

But truly, has it taken this long to realise?

The article also champions a free trade agreement between the two countries and it gave weight to what is officially denied - that the nuclear ban is linked to a free trade ban.

"Washington's refusal to commit to negotiations with Wellington on a free trade agreement gives reason to suspect that US officials are viewing this issue through the prism of a nuclear policy."

Yeah, well we knew that from day 1. The message has been given openly, publicly and directly. Not that I mind in the least. NZ would be far better off with a FTA to the other side of the Pacific - China. Not because of any perceived socialist leanings on my part, but a matter of realities.

NZ's major exports are food.

China needs food.

The US is far more interested in protecting its own farmers.

Which one makes more sense? Follow the money!