GOOD to see Save our Rail has been re-birthed (‘City given dud light rail program: report’, Newcastle Herald, 27/12). By the way, did they pay their rather large legal bill?
Andrew Whitbread-Brown, Cardiff Heights
CONSIDERING that Australia as we know it began on New Year’s Day 1901, I find it difficult to understand why we do not celebrate Australia Day on New Year’s Day. Maybe because it would interfere with the politicians’ holiday period.
Clive Jensen, Merewether
FOR those who have been singing about the virgin birth of Jesus, the following might be of interest. ‘The proof of his divine birth will reside in the greatness of his deeds…’ (Diodorus Siculus). Unfortunately this was said of Alexander the Great who was considered to be the product of a god and a human (Plutarch). Astrologers in Rome also claimed a special star appeared representing Julius Caesar symbolising his immortality. Such stories were common in the Graeco Roman world, so to hear rumours of a miracle birth in a Jewish family was hardly unique.
Neville Aubrey, Wallsend
THE question is, did Miley’s dad Billy Ray sing Achy Breaky Heart at the wedding (‘Star Snap’, 28/12)?
Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
PETER Dolan rightly states that for Catholics “euthanasia is morally unacceptable” (Letters, 26/12) and you’re lucky Peter that living in Australia you have the right to follow that line of belief right to the bitter end. As one person of what I believe to be the majority of Australians, I ask that you as a believer of this line of thinking, when euthanasia again comes up for debate, give that same right to those of us that want no more than the same humanity that we give to our pets, for ourselves. In this debate I don’t believe the views of a minority should be allowed to influence the conversation purely based on a religious outlook.
Allan Earl, Thornton
I SUPPORT Brad Hill’s call Steve Barnett for PM (Short Takes, 27/12). It seems he may fit the bill. Morrison and Shorten are interested in getting noticed in the media. Repeatedly attacking the same easy targets while producing nothing of substance. When challenged for evidence they flub it with avoidance, misdirection and the straw man. Our contenders need to look out as it seems there may be someone just as qualified in the Upper Hunter.
Colin Fordham, Lambton
TO Neville Aubrey (Short Takes, 29/12): the flag isn’t for our entertainment, it is a serious legal document and should state the real situation in the country. What the original inhabitants accept as their flag everyone should accept. I stand by my suggestion.
John McLennan, Charlestown
I CAN’T wait for the 2019 elections. I’m hoping to get rid of all three levels of government. They have all acted entirely in their own self interest and have forgotten they are supposed to represent the people who gave them the power to make decisions for the good of the community. Bring it on!
Ruth Burrell, Merewether
