Letters: Catastrophe ever closer

CURRENTLY, short-term profit margins are considered more valuable than the survival of humanity.

Health — human, animal and plant health, loss of habitat, the extinction of animal species and the destruction of the biosphere appear to be written off as externalities. A nice way to compartmentalise the costs that are leading to environmental catastrophe and the possible extinction of the human race.

Many appear averse to dramatic change, and perhaps change will only occur when we are on the precipice of extinction. I hope we will wise up before then, because time is running out.

The environmental catastrophe has been building for some time. It has been building gradually and the end will not arrive in an instant, it will arrive slowly like twilight, and at first our eyes, our senses will not notice, but as the darkness builds and the night envelops us, there will come a point where for most it will be too late to act.

We are not at that point yet, but the twilight has started and night will come soon. Governments, local bodies, and all of us need to act now in ways to reverse the environmental damage that has already occurred and in ways to minimise any further damage. We all have our part to play.

HALIM SHERIDAN
Whanganui

Easter Sunday bungle

I offer my apologies for the egregious error in my letter, published om Thursday April 25, blaming local councillors for the ludicrous rules that prevent citizens enjoying a glass of wine with their preferred Easter Sunday entertainment (in my case attending a theatre production).

Soon after sending that letter to the Chronicle I realised that councils' powers are limited to voting whether or not to allow retail trading on Easter Sunday.

Whanganui's elected representatives let their district down on that score when upholding the ban as even the most "out" Christians among them fell back on half-baked "reasoning" that everyone in this district needs to spend that particular day "with their families".

Liquor licensing is the bailiwick of central government and enforceable by police, as I told the Chronicle in a subsequent email, sent shortly after the original, asking them to scrap my earlier letter.

Alas, my letter was published and damned I shall no doubt be.

But I still urge my fellow residents to demand candidates seeking election to the district council this October declare any religious affiliations and whether they will affect their decision making, including whether we should enjoy free choice regards whether we are able to shop on future Easter Sundays, attend church or do whatever we damn well please.

CAROL WEBB
Whanganui

Hi Carol, yes, we messed up. Your initial letter was not intercepted in time. Please accept our apology. — News director

Assumption incorrect

Assuming that criticism of a way of life means hatred of those who follow it is incorrect.

Reading the verses quoted by Israel Folau, it is clear we are all on our way to hell ... unless we repent (turn back to God's ways). Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery the same way: "Go, and sin no more".

Yes, it is wrong to stone a person for their sins, we all "live in glass houses" and are guilty before God. However, we are all invited to turn our lives around and hand control back to our maker.

Telling people to think beyond instant gratification and find the peace and freedom Jesus offers is love, not hate.

Similarly, if the road I am on heads over a cliff, the person who flags me down and warns me is being loving. It would be ridiculous for me to then be angry because I like the road.

MANDY DONNE-LEE
Aramoho

Waiting times

A headline on the front page of the Whanganui Chronicle of Wednesday, April 24, is incorrect.

Referring to a story about waiting times at Whanganui Hospital's emergency department, it reads: "90 per cent of patients seen within six-hour maximum target".

In fact, all patients at the emergency department are seen within five minutes of arrival when they are triaged (assessed as to the extent and severity of their injuries or illness).

The six-hour target is the total time spent in the emergency department, from arrival to discharge, hospitalisation or transfer to another facility.

On a brighter note, it was good to see a story in that day's paper about the Stemi pathway put together by St John and Whanganui District Health Board, and also featured on the TV news. This will deliver immediate treatment to people suffering severe heart attacks; it will save lives.

MARK DAWSON
Communications manager, Whanganui District Health Board