Putin's task
In response to Rachel Smalley's opinion piece on chemical warfare in Syria, where is the call for the world leader who has control of Bashir Assad to stop the chemical warfare? His name, Vlad the Impaler Putin.
Bryan Williamson, Karori.
Security lapse
I imagine the International Art Centre's insurers and the owner of the Lindauers will be dismayed, to say the least, that the gallery left these high value paintings on full street display when it was closed. Such a breach of fundamental security is remarkable, especially in these times of "smash-and-grab" raids.
Brian Byrne, St Heliers.
Cultural loss
The stolen Lindauer paintings on public display overnight in a commercial setting raise the question of how understanding we are as a country of cultural sensitivity. The immediate European response is related to money and the possible financial motive for the robbery. What about the hurt and humiliation such insensitivity can cause tangata whenua? What about the anger that arises out of such blatant disregard? I hope the business involved in commercialisation of such sensitive material has learned something from its mistake.
Ian Matheson, Balmoral.
Liable for damage
How fortunate it is that the Whanganui River has miraculously become a person. Given the extent of damage caused by allowing itself to flood, the river can now be prosecuted for causing wilful damage and if found guilty may be fined or even sentenced to prison. Maybe Cyclone Debbie, already sporting a human name, could be apprehended, personified and prosecuted too.
Derek Smith, Auckland City.
Tyred justice
I notice the person in Wellington who slashed the tyres of parked car blocking the road near his house was sentenced to 22 months in prison. The person who hit a horse, causing its death and serious and permanent injuries to the rider, was fined $25,000 with 80 hours' community service.
The sentencing judge said there was no precedent for a prison sentence for this crime. Luckily for the driver, when he killed the horse and almost killed the poor lady rider he can't have damaged the car tyres, otherwise there was a precedent for a prison sentence, wasn't there?
Ian Wilson, St Johns.
Useful rule
The golfing penalty precedent that cost a player the trophy could be very useful in the next Rugby World Cup. If France win in the semis by five points against the All Blacks after yet another forward pass, an email or phone call from a viewer will cancel the converted try, giving the ABs their deserved win. Keep this new spectator rule in mind in case.
Murray Hunter, Titirangi.
Teach civics
Why is civics, the study of governments and citizenship, no longer mandatory as part of social studies in our schools? Lack of teaching in this subject is mentioned in a recent book about New Zealand politics. It suggests that this is a likely reason why many young people do not bother to vote. You would think that in a democracy, teaching about citizenship is vital. Or do recent governments want obedient consumers rather than active citizens.
Geoff Barlow, Remuera.
Farming damage
It's hard to disagree with Rachel Stewart's opinion on the impact to our environment from intensive farming practices and the lack of prosecutions from frequently reported lawbreakers. This degradation is further compounded by overuse by record numbers of tourists, including freedom campers, many of whom see New Zealand as a giant toilet. However, expecting farmer Bill to admit there is a crisis is like getting financier John Key to admit there was a housing crisis.
Allan Gyde, Papamoa Beach.
Carrots, not the stick
While I agree with Rachel Stewart regarding the problems of water pollution, I do not believe the solution is the stick. Most people want a clean and healthy environment but everyone's priorities are different. Perhaps the Government might consider solving several problems at the same time, starting with the Far North.
Encourage farmers to fence or plant waterways by giving loans and the labour. Encourage participation from business by giving grants to train and supervise local people in fencing, planting and pest destruction, making a positive outcome for all in economic and social terms.
I would rather money was spent on trying to solve these problems than forcing compliance from people who feel that earning an income is their most important consideration.
Mandy Elliott, Westmere.
False complaints
The Herald reports big changes in the way police now handle sexual assault complaints following a 10-year overhaul of the system. Louise Nicholas reportedly enthused "they are far more empathetic". That morning on RNZ she declared, "It was really really important that [the police] understood people don't make up this type of thing."
Yet only several days earlier, on March 30, had come the disturbing news of a teenage girl confessing in court to such a lie as a 13-year-old, which sent her victim to jail for up to a year. Perhaps Nicholas could explain why she and her rape prevention colleagues persist with the perverse notion that sexual assault complainants never lie.
Barbara Faithfull, Whangarei.
Stand for Parliament
Rather than trying to bring down the Government by publishing a new volume of "revelations" every election year, perhaps Nicky Hager should consider running for Parliament.
That way he would be privy to all the information he needs to subvert the establishment from the inside rather than speculate on the verity of whispers gathered from questionable sources on the outside. Also, his obvious and proven grasp of the concept of alternative truths qualifies him perfectly for a life within the hallowed halls of political officialdom.
Jeremy Coleman, Hillpark.
Court needed
If there was any reason to believe a military operation had led to unnecessary deaths on the battlefield caused by our own troops, it should long ago have been investigated by a specially appointed court of inquiry. If that court had identified blameworthy individuals, they should face a court martial. Even at this late stage, this process could involve the obtaining of evidence from the civilians and the SAS members who supplied evidence to Hager.
Both courts act without interference from outside and this makes all military personnel, however senior, bystanders. We should be aware, however, that there is a condition called "the fog of war" and after any engagement the recollections of those involved often differ markedly.
Pat Moore, Orewa.
Bad grammar
Bravo to the mystery man correcting grammar on outdoor signs in the UK, in particular the use of the apostrophe. Unfortunately, poor grammar appears everywhere in New Zealand, including the media, and it will only deteriorate. As a retired teacher at a respected high school told me, "As long as what students write can be understood it is accepted." What hope is there when this attitude filters through our schools?
Janet Boyle, Stanmore Bay.
Catch 22
On Wednesday morning I found I had no internet connection. It was out for many hours. When I phoned Spark's help line a recorded message said, "We have an internet outage affecting areas of Northland around Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Pahia - please go to our website for updates." Duh.
Bill Keir, Hokianga.
