Night at the Newseum with the US -New Zealand Council

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David Hackett Fischer and Mike Moore
Photos by Charles Sneiderman

At night, Washington DC is a city of majesty and beauty. On June the 18th, the US - New Zealand Council took full advantage of the city by hosting a wonderful reception and talk. The venue was the top floor of the Newseum; the dramatic museum dedicated to the history of the news business. The host and organizer was William J. Maroni, the dynamic new President of the US-NZ Council.

From the outside balcony of the Newseum, you can look down on the Capitol, the museums, and the other famous buildings of Washington.

The purpose of the gathering was to listen to a fascinating speech by American historian David Hackett Fischer. His 629 page book is entitled "Fairness and Freedom - A History of Two Open Societies -New Zealand and the United States." Professor Fischer believes "Americans value Freedom and Liberty above all else. New Zealand is organised around the principles of fairness and social justice."

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Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell

The invited guests included some of the most important people involved in New Zealand and American affairs. Comments were made by Ambassador Mike Moore, who cracked the audience up with some of his witty remarks. Others who spoke included top State Department official Kurt Campbell and Congressman Rick Larson - the head of the "Friends of New Zealand in Congress. Both Americans are extremely important friends to New Zealand.

At the end of the evening, we were given beautiful, hard cover copies of the book. "The Listener" has given it a glowing review, and I am anxious to get started on it!

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Bill Maroni, President of US - NZ Council

ENDS

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