THANK you Newcastle Herald.
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Just wanting to give a big thank you to the Herald for producing such a quality paper with so much factual information in such a difficult time. I am finding it takes me even longer to read the paper these days as there is so much information we need to read and understand.
Last Saturday's Herald (4/4) contained some wonderful articles some of which I found particularly appropriate just now. One of these was by Scott Bevan of even harder times experienced by Alf Carpenter and how he managed to get through and thrive to a ripe old age of 103.
The article on the two premiership wins by the Knights in 1997 and 2001 brought back great memories for my family, while Jeff Corbett's column showed a different approach to isolation.
The final column for Joanne McCarthy brought a deep sadness to me, as her page in the Weekender is always one the first items I read each Saturday. I understand her reason to announce her retirement, but want to thank her for her outstanding coverage and the ethical viewpoint she gave on so many matters.
I have read the Herald daily for as long as I can remember, with the first report I can recall reading being the early 1950s story of a bus which had crashed into the bridge over Ironbark Creek on Cardiff Road Wallsend, not far from where we lived. A close neighbour of ours was among the several people who had been injured. My mother found out I could read the paper when I recounted the story along with the age of our neighbour.
In my primary school years, I contributed some basic poetry to the children's page, for which points were awarded for each one published. I managed to accumulate enough points to receive a book voucher to spend at Ell's Bookstore and the puzzles were always enjoyed. I still enjoy the puzzle page, tasking myself to conquer the sudoku and the cryptic crossword each morning. More puzzles are now being published to help us through uncertain times. Well done for that initiative.
Please keep up the good work. The people of Newcastle and the Hunter are indeed fortunate to have you in our lives.
Joy Conner, Merewether
Socially inclusive
SCOTT Morrison's approval rating is the highest for a Prime Minister since Kevin Rudd during the GFC. Polling also shows LNP leading Labor 51/49. Morrison's high approval rating is based largely on his socialist economic rescue package.
What he's implemented is more akin to policies of the Greens. The poll shows Green voter approval for the PM's intervention at 88 per cent. "In this new normal that we're living in, it's no longer about entitlement. It's about need," the PM said, and we've witnessed public money funneled into childcare, wages, businesses and health to support people.
It will be interesting to see what he does when the virus no longer poses a threat. Socialist policies have won him and his party support but, before this poll, he said "there is a snap back to the previous existing arrangements on the other side of this".
Socialism wins him huge support but capitalism is in his party's DNA. With so many voters gratefully relying on the support they have received, will Morrison risk going back to the 'old normal' which was about entitlement and not need?
John Arnold, Anna Bay
Listen to the people
IT is now close to two years since the Bath Street site debacle began - and still no resolution. Toronto has been on tenterhooks all that time, fobbed off with unsatisfactory excuses. We need our foreshore master plan ... and the Bath Street site must be included. Looking to the future, foreshore parkland undeniably ticks every box, especially that of community well-being.
Toronto has voiced its opinion. The public meeting, the petitions, media articles, submissions to LMCC, meetings with council and consultants all speak loud and clear. The continued stalling is causing frustration and resentment within the community. The money is there, the skills and expertise are there. All that is lacking is the will to do right by the people.
LMCC, your job is to represent your constituents and to serve the public. Please do that.
Lois Simpson, Toronto
WAIT BEFORE JUDGMENT
SANDY Buchanan (Letters, 8/4) feels that the NSW Premier, Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer should be removed, over the events surrounding the Ruby Princess.
He also suggested that the Police Commissioner would be too busy to investigate. He has plenty on his plate, but he is not likely to be getting his notebook out to take statements. He delegates to experienced investigators who make the necessary enquiries and prepare a detailed report.
Perhaps we should let the police complete their investigation before deciding who should take responsibility. I am not a Catholic, but the behaviour of some people outside the courts during Cardinal Pell's hearings was inexcusable and now, seven of our leading judges have overturned his guilty verdict. It might make a nice change if we could let matters take their course before making assumptions or demanding that people be removed from office.
David Stuart, Merewether
'PUB TEST' FAILS TEST
I'M always amused by the "pub test". Just imagine if we were ruled by people who, in general, are at least moderately affected by alcohol. What happens when a group of people do have a drink? They are loosened by it, and let their mouths run off on subjects big and small.
No, forget the pub test, because that's where the presumption of innocence becomes the presumption of guilt, where errors of government (read public servants) become a demand for hanging politicians.
We all know what happened, even though we weren't actually there. And we all know what "they" should have done, when we weren't in on any of the discussions.
Leave the "pub test" where it belongs, and leave the running of society to the people we put in place to run it. If we aren't satisfied, then we are all able to voice our opinion in the only place it matters - the ballot box.
Garry Robinson, Mannering Park
RE-OPEN THE DOORS
WITH the need for suitable accommodation for victims of COVID-19, I would like to suggest that consideration be given to reopen all the old health centre buildings that have recently been closed. Many would appear to be suitable, with minimal modification. A number of the facilities are self-contained, with their own laundry, kitchen, activity and medical centres. These facilities include Stockton Centre, Morisset Hospital, Peat Island, Rozelle Hospital and Gladesville Hospital.
Paul Wilson, Clarence Town
I LOVE New Zealand's response to COVID-19. My daughter is locked down and the designated shopper. They are encouraged to if at all possible only send one person from your household to do the whole shop. You may need to take young children with you if there is no carer available. Here though I see mum dad and several grandkids congesting narrow aisles. Be wise, be a lone designated shopper. It is an essential activity not a family outing.
Neil Owen, Glendale
IN China, where the population greatly outnumbers the USA, those that have succumbed to the virus is only a little over 3000. I believe these figures have been fudged. However in America they are expecting over 200,000 to die. Is America handling the situation poorly? Are those not medically insured receiving proper treatment? There are vast numbers of Americans who can't afford the expensive insurance. Are they being forced to fend for themselves after being diagnosed?
John Hallam, Kurri Kurri
THIS horrific abuse by bogans on our brave , hardworking medical staff is not the Australian way, I applaud them as should ever true blue, these dedicated people put themselves at risk every day to care for everyone including the bogans that abuse them, they work under extreme conditions, long hours, and are under possible threat of contracting this deadly virus. How dare these inconsiderate yobbos harass and be disrespectful to these wonderful dedicated humans, grow up and give yourselves an uppercut, totally disgusted with their behaviour and they should be brought to account for their stupidity by having their names placed in their local paper on a shame listing too humiliate them publicly.
Graeme Kime, Cameron Park
I LOVE rugby league and all sports, but the way some organisations are carrying on saying it is vital for injecting a boost for morale in the community is puzzling. Will boost injecting morale pay the recently made unemployed mortgages or grocery, electric and water bills? If it does, then all will be well as the injection should surely cover the pay to air sports too. It seems there are priority issues today rather than looking out for each other these days.
Bryn Roberts, New Lambton
I MANAGED to venture into the great unknown to do some shopping after all the shops are shut for one day over Easter. When I arrived at the supermarket this afternoon I found that dodging people is harder than I thought. Phone zombies are the worst, the virus must be afraid of anything electronic or bipeds devoid of cerebral function. The safest place was in the queue aligned with other irate shoppers. Some places are refusing to take cash, but they will take virus ridden gift cards. Where in hell has common sense gone?
Nick Ryder, Booragul
AT a time of national crisis, it is important to look at the positives. Aren't you glad that Newcastle doesn't have a cruise terminal?