F G AND L M ROSE
Whanganui
Writers beware
Once upon a time, in a far distant future, all the letter writers to the Wanganui Chronicle received an anonymous invitation, either by post or e-mail, to attend a get-together at the Whanganui War Memorial Hall.
They all turned up on the stated date and time and were ushered into the hall by young women with angelic features. The venue was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as they eagerly awaited the opportunity to discuss, debate, expound their theories with fellow writers.
Suddenly, there was a tremendous clap of thunder from above and they heard a booming voice announce, "Ha, ha, payback time!" Then immediately all were struck deaf and dumb and their hands paralysed.
They ran, panicking, last seen heading for the hills. None were ever heard from again.
The next morning a council worker by the name of James Moses was cleaning up outside the hall when he came across a large, flat stone. Inscribed on it was "Commandments (continued)" with 10 messages below, numbered from 11 to 20.
The first message stated — "Thou shalt not utter, in any form, an opinion, theory, thought or belief."
And so it came to pass that from that day forth no letters were ever again printed in the Wanganui Chronicle — and from the hills there was silent wailing and gnashing of teeth.
DOUG PRICE
Castlecliff
Hope for Paul
Re "Jesus a terrorist" (Paul Evans, letters, December 11): We get it, Paul. You hate Jesus, God, Christians and you disdain our Christian faith, but you do seem to spend a lot of time thinking about it all and composing your seemingly endless vitriol.
In how many different ways do you still want to state it? Jesus has taught us to love our enemies and to pray for them. So I encourage all true believers of Jesus Christ to pray for Paul (and Trevor Mallard) to be saved by the very real God, while these gents still have the ability to make reasoned decisions.
We, as Christians, love you, Paul, despite your disdain for us — but give us some peace so we can concentrate while we pray for you.
Have a great Christmas too, Paul. The baby that grew up to be your so-called terrorist, loved you so much that he died for you too. He's promised that he's coming back soon to call you to account for what you've done with his gift of life to you.
CALVYN JONKER
Whanganui
Hope Walk
The Hope Walk, on Sunday December 9, through the city attracted good numbers of people remembering those lost to suicide and taking a stand against discrimination and judgment of those affected by mental health issues.
Suicide, I believe, is preventable with better attitudes, more funding for carers and greater ownership by everyone. We can all make a difference.
Suicide may not be justified, but what drives individuals to do this can be understood. With that sort of understanding all round, those at risk will become less at risk. For those left behind, it is the hardest of losses to come to terms with, with many questions often left unanswered.
I think a core belief that I hold is that, in essence, it is the individual's choice to do it, for whatever reason. That thought, I hope, may provide some comfort for those who possibly shoulder blame for loss of a loved one to suicide.
Rest in peace, friends of mine lost this way.
PAUL BABER
Aramoho
