In Memory of Our (Aotearoa-New Zealand's) Rainbow Warrior Patriots, Cut Down in their Prime 28/29 Years Ago Today - by French State-Sponsored Terrorism Issuing - Undoubtedly - From the Very Highest Echelons of Power

May I take the liberty - and for that matter likewise employ in my 'defence' those other twin pillars of French society, equality and fraternity - of, *this Bastille Day (down here in the Antipodes, anyhow), 2014, marking the day by noting the anniversary of two pivotal events in our history (i.e. the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand waters - in 1985 or 1986, I believe; and the decisive and epoch-changing general election of the Fourth Labour Government of David Lange and Roger Douglas et al in 1984). And so of saying as follows:

The present-day witch-hunt of ex-President Nicholas Sarkozy, as has occurred evidently with various of his conservative predecessors (Jacques Chirac among others), as well as Monsieur Strauss-Kahn I believe (from the other side of the political divide), is a great if oh-so-effective smokescreen - deliberately intended or otherwise - from the deeds, increasingly discreditable evidently, of the present occupant of the Elysee Palace. But far more significantly, and troubling, of a former colleague of his, a 14-year, two- term-serving President known as Francois Mitterand to one and all, both in France and elsewhere. For that Monsieur Mitterand committed state-sponsored terrorism and indeed murder in the name of the French Republic seems almost beyond controversy these days.

Which is one major reason why New Zealand's own inimitable leader of the day, the now deceased David Lange, was such an ultimate disappointment. Though initially vocal about said event (Rainbow Warrior bombing), out of - perfectly understandable, but nevertheless - fear of the possible consequences, he let his criticisms be rather muted, and failed to pursue Mitterand and his Socialist Government all the way to the International Court of Justice/Criminal Court and press appropriate charges: i.e. against interference by a foreign power in the domestic affairs of God's Own, which interference moreover resulted in the tragic killing of a freelance photographer whose only crime was to be associated with the RW.

But don't expect Monsieur Mitterand to anytime soon, let alone ever be pursued by the French, much less the international, wheels of justice. Admittedly they turn rather slowly, but, more to the point, those who'd be indicted, were things to really operate as they should, would doubtless include among their number a number of previous American presidents and Roman pontiffs, and, as we all know, in this world and in this life such will doubtless escape justice. (Though citizen arrests have been attempted upon both the previous Pope and the then-serving ex-British Prime Minister - whether as war criminals or just plain 'ole international outlaws - while the world awaits 'with bated breath' the moment when Blair's buddy 'Dubya' may also receive such just desserts. But I'm advised to inform you you oughtn't lose any needed shuteye holding out.)

*Crediting National Radio's guest panellist John Bishop, upon their prestigious weekday Panel today, of reminding me of the fact.