Letters To Editor: Right to express view

Right to express view
It would appear Alasdair Thompson is the latest victim of a worldwide trend to obliterate anyone who proffers an opinion that isn't in accordance with "right think", "right talk" philosophy.
Overseas, Dr Laura Schlessinger is a recent high-profile victim after telling a neurotic black woman to stop using the phrase "the N word" and say the actual word.
In New Zealand a Holocaust-denier was denied a visa because of his views. Paul Henry lost his job and Sir Peter Jackson had to change a dog's name to Digger to satisfy the chronically offended.
In all these cases two factors stick out - the media being judge and jury for those offended, and supporters bailing out fast in fear of collateral damage.
Unbelievably, Mr Thompson will probably lose his job because of his comments. It's a pity the media didn't report the positive things Mr Thompson said during his interview.
But do Mr Thompson's views on the feminine cycle have any veracity? I think they do. Many women suffer in varying degrees during their period.
Where I would disagree with Mr Thompson is his assertion that women take time off during their periods.
My experience has been that women with symptoms continue working.
Maybe they should have time off because their symptoms can and do affect their work and personal relationships.
So to all those shrill voices out there, get over it. Use your brains and realise that no matter how sexist Alasdair Thompson's views are, it will not change one iota how individual employers view women in the workforce.
Also realise we should be living in a democracy. That gives us all a right to offend others with our views. For Pete's sake, that's why thousands of our fellow countrymen are lying in their graves overseas.
K C Wellwood, Hastings
Who needs surveys?
One questions where Mr Yule conducts his surveys? It was the same with the regional sports park. I never met one person who has been interviewed on this, either. Thank goodness Barbara Arnott has her feet on the ground on the amalgamation issue. I can vouch for a huge number of Napier people who will support our mayor on this issue without any survey being conducted. This is by simply talking to Napier community groups throughout the day. What did the amalgamation of Napier and Hastings hospitals do for Napier? What did the amalgamation of HB Rugby with Manawatu, which created the Vikings, do for Napier rugby?
What has the amalgamation of Hawke's Bay netball with Wellington Pulse done for Napier netball ?
Come on, who needs surveys? Look at history. (Abridged.)
Marie Ewens, Napier
Questionable poll
One wonders on what basis all three of our MPs, as well as those folk who answered that questionable poll on amalgamation, came to their conclusions, without at least a little detail of the advantages or disadvantages.
Peter Holland, Hastings