I am privileged to live in one of the most beautiful corners of this planet.

Always interested in what you Americans are thinking, your views on Democracy and Liberty. We don't have a Republic in NZ, though it would be nice one day. Our MMP electoral system makes a mess of our country's Governance, which is a constant frustration for me.

Still, New Zealand is home, and it is Paradise, a great place to live and to raise kids. I love my Country and am fiercely patriotic (fair warning!).

I train German Shepherds for a hobby, and sell Computer Software to local government for a living.

In my spare time, I have organized the very first Guardian Angels Chapter in New Zealand, here in Waitakere City. I am the Chapter Leader, and my patrol codename is "Chieftain". I have been blessed with some wonderful Volunteers to help with this work: "The Lads" and I train in the martial arts, first aid, and CPR. And we patrol the mean streets after dark, catching Bad Guys, deterring violent crime and keeping things safe while our fellow-citizens sleep.



"Good people sleep safe in their beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do them harm." That's us -- The Lads -- "rough men (and women) standing ready". And it is our privilege and pleasure to be the sponsors of our fellow Citizen's next peaceful slumber.

It is a comic book-like existence: by day a salesman, by night a Guardian Angel. And I LOVE IT.

The New York Chapter picked up the tab to send two legendary Angels, "Shish-Kebob" and "Kiwi" to train us up and get our Chapter established. An amazing gift to New Zealand: it cost our country not one red cent. Only in America would this ever happen. America's biggest and best export? I'd say it's Friendship.

Do not be dismayed: America does wonderful things for people. Some folk are unappreciative. Not to worry: it is the Outcome that counts! And anyone brave enough to bad-mouth America in my hearing will run into the blunt side of my personality.

We held our first Guardian Angels patrol on January 13 2006, in Henderson. We see an amazing slice of life each time we Patrol. Each week brings a new adventure: I could tell you stories that would break your heart, make you laugh or keep you awake at nite, afraid of the dark -- your pick. Guardian Angels duty is addictive. All the moreso because the people involved are Volunteers: ordinary folk like you and me, and are only there because they care and because they want to be.

I'm a Freemason (Lodge of the Liberal Arts #500, Ellerslie) and an Associate (civilian) member of the Henderson RSA.

It used to be I had a religion, which was Christian in a fundamental sort-of-way. A few things happened to me in my life. I now have a profound Faith in God, Christ, His Saints and Apostles but Alas! No religion. I know that I am a Saint. And I know where I am going. I know whose I am and whom I serve. I see this as a positive change. I'd be interested in your views on this subject.

That said, I learned everything I needed or cared to know about militant Islam on September 11, 2001. I have little tolerance for terrorists or for the racketeering influenced criminal organizations that support them.

Unlike many Kiwis, I admire GWB and the job he has done as President. I applaud the selfless sacrifice made by the American Armed Forces in the Middle East, and I hope and pray that they can come home safely to you, one day soon, Mission Accomplished.

I also support the State of Israel in their conflict against the evils of Militant Islam. It took me a while to choose sides: I was trying hard to stay neutral. Not anymore. Militant Islam must be concluded. And if the Israelis have the guts to do the job that every right-minded human being should be doing, then I salute them. They have my full support.

Others in New Zealand would disagree on my views on GWB, America, and the world-in-general: and this is their right. New Zealand was the first country in the entire world to give Women the vote: that should give you a flavor for what New Zealand is like.

Guardian Angels Ping List

Grizzled Bear, Grammy, yorkie, RightOnline, painter, Brad's Gramma, MS.BEHAVIN, Kathy in Alaska

An Intro to the Guardian Angels

Where Angels Dare to Tread

Chieftain's Patrol Log: the story so far...

This is Angel Country
The Last Train
The Mickey Mouse Teacher

Finally, as a citizen of New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom, I am going to take the following as a very high compliment indeed:

You Are a Smart American

You know a lot about US history, and you're opinions are probably well informed. Congratulations on bucking stereotypes. Now go show some foreigners how smart Americans can be.