Letters to the Editor | 7 October 2006

Special relationship spats

From Stephen Graubard
Sir: The interview with Senator John McCain (‘David Cameron has what it takes to succeed’, 30 September) is both informative and interesting but I’d like to correct McCain on two points. The Senator’s thought that the ‘special relationship’ has existed for 200 years conveniently obliterates memories of the War of 1812 and the Civil War, when Lincoln worried greatly about the UK’s policies, not to mention serious transatlantic differences during the time of Salisbury, David Lloyd George and Neville Chamberlain. As for the proposition that Cameron is a ‘Tory JFK’ — that is almost as bizarre as the notion, once expressed by too ardent Republicans faithful to George W. Bush, that Tony Blair was a latter-day Winston Churchill.
Stephen Graubard
Peterborough

Media whore

From David Mayger
Sir: As a longtime Spectator reader, I used to sympathise with Britain’s problem. Used to, that is, until reading that your two major political parties are importing US politicians to address their conventions! John McCain to the Conservatives, and Bill Clinton to Labour; each expected, nay, invited to meddle in internal British affairs.

The Senator, to do him justice, is a sincere and capable man. While in my view a spent force, he is an all but announced candidate for America’s highest political office. Mr Cameron et al are merely giving him a platform for what will be seen as partisan pronouncements.

And then there’s Bubba! Bill Clinton is what we inelegantly call here a media whore, feverish to revise the history of his administration. What in the name of Ramsay MacDonald does he have to offer Labour, or anyone else? How to place personal aggrandisement above sworn duty? How to whine and pout your way to fortune? How to manage by opinion polls, to slough off responsibility, endanger our lands and encourage our foes? And then make a fortune in speaker’s fees prating about the world on the nobility of one’s intentions? Serious people in both America and Britain must be shocked!
David Mayger
Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Where Paul first preached

From Tim Hudson
Sir: It’s odd that the Pope should think that  Christianity both defines and is defined by Europe (‘Pope Benedict was attacking the West, not Islam’, 23 September), when its very name reveals its genesis as the fulfilment of a Semitic faith — whose sacred writings remain central to its worship and beliefs.