Inaction on our part, whether we're like lemmings throwing themselves off the cliff or like hypnotised rabbits paralysed by fear and unable to move, it makes no difference; the result could be the finish of us all.
I hope we see more of Rachel in the Chronicle, on any subject. She is unable to be boring.
I.D.FERGUSON
Whanganui
Samaritan save Tuppence
Last week I went for a therapeutic walk with the dog along the riverbank walkway between Georgetti Rd and the Four Square.
As the footpath is below Anzac Parade I had Tuppence, the white Tibetan Terrier/Japanese Spitz, off the lead but feeling not very well sat on the seat halfway for a rest.
When I got up to return home there was no sign of Tuppence and no answer to my whistling and calling.
Then I noticed that all the traffic on Anzac Parade had come to a halt.
You've guessed. She had either scrambled up the almost sheer concrete wall, or had shot along to the section where the path is level with the road and, being confident of the kindness of drivers, had got out on the road.
Fortunately a kind driver rescued her and returned her to me, saying: "Is this your dog? She deserves a good smack".
I was in a rather distraught state by then and mumbled that if I smacked her she'd never return to me, and didn't even say thank you.
So here is my heartfelt thanks to a kind citizen.
I am so grateful that you rescued her. Please forgive my seeming lack of gratitude. From now on she stays on the lead on that stretch and doesn't come off anywhere unless it is completely safe.
LESLEY BARDSLEY
Euthanasia bill
Of course David Seymour is claiming that his bill will pass.
With almost zero support for his party he has pinned his political survival on the success of this dangerous bill.
It is clear from his comments that he knows it will not pass without being substantially amended. However those MPs who would not vote for the bill in its current form may not be so easily reassured by the changes he is planning.
Restricting the bill to terminal illness would only delay the slide to a much wider application. Everywhere euthanasia laws are enacted the categories inevitably expand over time as the result of relentless challenges by groups who feel they are missing out.
And no longer is Oregon an exception to this, as Seymour has often claimed.
Pressure is building there to extend the terminal only provision to a much wider category similar to the one Seymour wants to get rid of here.
The only difference between passing the bill as it stands and passing an amended version is the time it would to take to get to the same point.
ROBYN JACKSON
Hamilton
Voting is simple
In response to Steve Baron (Chronicle, 5 April, 2019) writing about STV voting system. We only have one vote, the voting system needs to be simple, Hamish has the greater number of votes. Hamish wins.
FR HALPIN
Whanganui
No to name change
Has the New Zealand Rugby Union caved into the current political correctness gone mad, by suggesting a name change for the Crusaders, the most successful sporting team in Australasia?
Have they actually got any feedback from the Crusaders catchment area, or is this another condescending decision from on high, like our political leaders who know what's best for us?
How does a murderous act affect the name of a sporting team, which has encouraged, inspired and supported us and the whole of New Zealand throughout thick and thin, including the tragic Christchurch earthquakes – where through a superhuman effort, they almost won the Super Rugby title that year?
We the common people, who ultimately pay for rugby through our back pockets, need to be consulted and I would suggest the resounding feedback from around New Zealand will be, "no…we support our Crusaders".
Maybe we all need to message or email Mr Tew in his ivory tower in Wellington and let him know?
A. MCKAY
Rangiora
