With his departure this nation loses a voice of considered moderation, a steady hand on the wheel.
His declared faith as a Catholic has no doubt coloured his moral position and helped ensure a stable governing influence throughout his 27 years in Parliament.
We should be deeply concerned about a government that condones and at times advocates the murder of its most vulnerable citizens, the unborn and the aged or infirm.
The church of Jesus Christ should lead the way in promoting a return to the laws and standards that have been God's since the dawn of time.
Standards and laws that a careful, honest look at history would show, work.
A government that on one hand murders its citizens and, in turn, professes the ability and the will to end child poverty and child abuse, is at the best hypocritical.
It's also divided in its aims and objectives and will not stand. (Matthew 22)
(Abridged)
John Williams
Ngongotaha
Euthanasia humane
A very dear friend has suffered terribly from rheumatoid arthritis for some 40 years.
Having advocated for like sufferers she understands their concerns deeply.
As a lover of life she is second to none, and with a Roman Catholic background was not naturally inclined towards assisted death.
Now, however, she sees things from a different perspective, and believes that with stringent controls people should be able to determine their own time of death. She believes that they do this within their own conscience.
Having seen how the Netherlands system works, two in-laws having had assisted deaths when in the later stages of terminal illnesses, I feel that their system has the right checks and balances, and shows how a caring society can behave in a humane manner.
Ray Jackson
Christchurch
Saluting Dennis
Dennis Rollings jnr - No 1 son as your old dad (Long Ball Charlie) would say.
I read your article in the paper about your wife, Wendy, that's so sad.
You have really done your best to take care of her, your folks, Dennis snr and Mary, would have been so proud of you.
I would just like to say on behalf of all the "old" football fraternity of years ago, whether it be City, Suburbs or Ngongotaha we are with you.
The name Rollings is significant with the Rotorua City Football Club, for many seasons there was always a Rollings playing for one of the teams.
Men and ladies and even some in-laws and out laws too. Well Dennis, "keep the pike up Paddy", no surrender. Take care.
Clive Phillips
Selwyn Heights
