The list of projects exciting hotelier Jerry Schwartz disappointed me for not including Newcastle's favourite, the old post office ("Hotelier backs bid for World Cup", Newcastle Herald 25/9). I believe it is time we drew a line under this one and called in a bulldozer.
More than a decade ago I bet a friend that if nothing had been done after 10 years, I could push for its removal and replacement with something bright and new.
Let's face it, the inner city needs a lift. Ross Kerridge's first lord mayoral move could be to press Dr Schwartz. If his much-talked-about refurbishment has proven too hard, then put the ol' gal out of her misery and give us something fresh.
Ray Dinneen, Newcastle
Halting coal exports a pyrrhic win
I'VE seen a sign at a post office inviting people to join a blockade of Newcastle harbour in order to stop the movement of coal from the port. However, I've heard it said if the customers want coal, they'll get it from somewhere else.
I've also been told that China gets most of its coal from Mongolia and Indonesia. This tells me that, if the activists are successful in permanently stopping coal exports from Australia, it will be a false victory as coal is still being burnt.
About 25 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions come from transport.
This is why more freight needs to be moved by rail. Rail is more fuel-efficient with far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than road transport.
I don't know why the environmental movement isn't pushing for a greater emphasis upon rail transport. Such action, if successful, would make a real difference to climate change.
Peter Sansom, Kahibah
It's a super market for gouging
RIPPING off consumers is not just a supermarket problem. Greed is alive and well everywhere.
Scaling and shutting down services such as introducing card-only checkouts, plus post offices and services closing and the myriad fees and charges in different guises, insane housing and rental prices, etc - the tentacles spread far and wide.
Meanwhile, CEOs and big business operators are picking up mega million-dollar pay packets. When are we, the consumers, going to get our act together and have a look at the ugly big picture and realise that we are all being ripped off every day, every week, every month of the year?
Wake up, Australia.
Alan Harrison, Glendale
Invisible pain deserves respect
The recent article ('Manager screamed at parking officer', Herald 23/9) I believe sheds light on a serious issue affecting many Australians with so-called invisible disabilities. While we can't comment on the specifics of that case, it's worth discussing how invisible disabilities are often misunderstood and how the stigma surrounding them can cause long-lasting harm.
Invisible disabilities, such as chronic pain or mental health conditions, are not always visible to the eye, but they profoundly impact the lives of those who live with them. Sadly, the prejudice faced by individuals with invisible disability, who make up 90 per cent of the 4.4 million people with identified disability in Australia, is all too common.
As a community, we have a collective responsibility to do better. It is imperative that we educate ourselves on the diverse ways disability presents, refrain from assumptions and judgements. Employers, in particular, must prioritise respect and understanding, ensuring that discriminatory behaviours are neither tolerated nor rewarded.
At Community Disability Alliance Hunter, we advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. Let this story serve as a call to action. We must commit to building a community that recognises the dignity of every individual and continually promotes equality and inclusion.
David Belcher, Community Disability Alliance Hunter, Newcastle
Thanks for all your kindness
A couple of days ago, my 95-year-old father ended up in John Hunter Hospital, ED. I would like to thank all of the overworked staff who so caringly looked after him.
During this time, I lost a book, Black Duck by Bruce Pasco, and a few pages of notes that I had written from this book and a few others. Notes that were precious to me in regards to some poetry and prose that I was going to write. Apparently I had lost it in the car park, but a very thoughtful person had handed it in to lost property, and the book and notes were returned to me. I hope my gratitude finds you through this letter.
Steve Eyre, Cardiff
Smacking the supermarkets will cost dearly
SO the ACCC will be seeking significant fines against the big supermarkets over their alleged price manipulation. So what? The supermarkets will continue to set prices that they see will move products and maximise their returns. And who do you think will pay any fines imposed? They will just be another cost of doing business and will be fed into their pricing structure that will ultimately be paid for by the consumer. Big deal.
Daryll Hadfield, Redhead
Relics linger in some lives
THIS week I was profoundly shocked by the implications of two news items; that there were still some people using pagers and that the incorruptible and even the imperishable Tupperware food storage brand could go out of business. What other relics of our past must now be discarded by the march of history, like dignity and decorum in government?
Garry P Dalrymple, Earlwood
Pagers may have offered privacy
JOHN Arnold fails to recognise that all those pagers and walkie talkies were likely issued to Lebanese terrorists because they didn't want their mobile phones monitored ("Pager attacks 'terrorism", Letters, 25/9). As for the civilians being killed, once again, like Hamas, I believe they are using them as human shields by storing rockets and weapons in their homes.
Tony Mansfield, Lambton
Reserve judgment on rates
SO now we have the Greens wanting the government to dictate to the Reserve Bank on how to set the cash rate. Who do they think they are? This government's economic credentials leave a lot to be desired as it is, so to give them free rein when it comes to setting the cash rate would be madness. That's apart from the fact the RBA is, and always must, remain independent. Just another of their harebrained ideas to freeze rents that goes to show how out of touch they are.
Ian King, Warners Bay
Inflation rate and fake discounts
I HAD to laugh at the latest episode of hypocrisy from our PM, obviously under increasing pressure as his government rapidly loses popularity. He accused supermarkets of taking customers for "fools" with their illusory discounts, but then lauded his government for the latest inflation figures, also illusory due to energy rebates. We all know inflation will rise again once the rebates finish. Does he take us for fools?
