'Half-baked' theories: Letters, 24 January

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Here you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.

'Half-baked' theories questioned

Was allowing Garth George the column space (Opinion, Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, Jan 21) to spout his half-baked theories on abortion, women's roles and God a misguided attempt to offer some sort of mirror to the world?

For me it was more like a fairground mirror, distorting reality to suit his strange pre-occupations.

Women do have the right to choose to have an abortion, and quite right too. As with many men of his generation, Garth evidently finds it hard to grasp that women do not make these choices lightly and men need to be more supportive.

I gather the God who had the wisdom to create woman last is the one he personally believes in. I see no divine hand guiding such neatly defined roles and know the social ills of which he speaks are more complex than he would have us believe.

DAVID GRIFFITHS, Mount Maunganui

Abortion deplored

I agree with Garth George's analysis of why we have this deplorable amount of child abuse in our country.

The people of any country that happily agree to 18,000 brutal murders of unborn innocent children must realise that there has to be horrendous consequences.

The message is being sent loud and clear that murder for convenience sake is acceptable and, as Garth George has written, it has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships.

WESTON CARRYER, Tauranga

Help the helpers

I was sorry to read about the Men's Shed's recent difficulties following flooding on New Year's Eve.

The Men's Shed do terrific work for various community organisations and only ask a donation in return. The flooding wiped out a large quantity of timber which they use to repair and build things for schools, hospices and others. If anyone has any spare timber lying around or any woodwork equipment, the Men's Shed will put it to good use.

The Shed is located at the bottom of 17th Ave, in the Compass Community Village.

MARY-PAT KENGMANA, Tauranga

Street safety

I am not out to destroy people's fun and games.

I used to BMX freestyle and skateboard in my teens.

But what I want to know, is there a law against skateboarders on our roads?

I have nearly run over a few this summer down at the Mount.

They don't wear helmets, do they?

Bikes have a law to wear them, why not skateboards?

Even if they wore helmets should they still be allowed on our roads?

In my opinion, no, as they are not really in control and they have no brakes.

What will it take for a law to come in? A squashed teen under a car?

ROBERT CLARK, Papamoa