LetteroftheWeek
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DO we “count our cents and the dollars will take care of themselves” – take care of the small stuff or as in the song Let it go – only worry about the big stuff?
A trivial, petty incident provoked thought on the matter – “that” hamburger joint had run out of 5¢ coins so they couldn’t give me all my change and seemed initially surprised and then annoyed that I actually wanted my change. The coin was irrelevant but I thought if it was their fault then they should be the ones “short changed”. As I waited there quietly at the front of the quickly building queue they found the needed coin.
Any front page of this newspaper will show that there are major worldwide problems that need attention and we think there is nothing we can do as individuals but as many proverbs say the individual can do much as part of the whole.
What should we do? We should start with the trivial, even the petty and start to raise the expectations of people rather than accepting the gradual decline in standards and service so that others are freer to handle the bigger stuff.
How do we do it? Gandhi has shown the way – just stand there quietly and smile or say “not good enough” and return the faulty item or the poorly cooked steak.
There is so much to worry about that we should take a few steps to start improving things. It’s positive Karma and it feels good.
DENNIS FITZGERALD
TO the father of Liam Scorsese (“My son was no saint, but he was not heartless”, GCB, 2/3/18),
I feel for you so deeply. Your beautiful son reminds me of my amazing big brother. My bro suffered mental illness for years. Such a kind, beautiful soul, as I’m sure, your son was.
Please don’t think “he was brought down like an animal”. No police officer thinks like that. Your son knew and owned his mental illness, don’t look to blame people who are doing their job. Bet the police officers are suffering too.
Your son knew exactly what he was doing, he needed to leave NOW. It doesn’t make it right or easier for you, but in your heart, take comfort that he is at peace now. I can only tell you this because I listen to my child (police officer) telling me about the pain he goes through day in day out trying to stop situations like this.
My child suffers every day wishing he could do more. My brother would be proud, I know this in my heart. Bless you.
SANDRA FAIRBAIRN
TOM Morris calls them the “Revenue Vultures”. Some of us have more appropriate but impolite names.
I too have been in business on the Gold Coast for the past 40 years and am “over” this stupidity.
The City Council has parking laws inconsistent with even the State Government. My vehicles are
State-registered as “commercial” to allow deliveries etc but do not fall into the body shape category designated by Council. Fined!
Parked boat trailer in dead-end St with one wheel on the gutter with consideration for other road users. Fined!
Parked Sunday morning in Southport when meters all displayed “free parking”. Ticketed!
Parked boat trailer correctly in dead-end street outside my house. Deemed too long/heavy. Ticketed!
Common sense is out the window Tom. I will be electing for court decision. I realise it is a waste of busy court time but it will take the over-enthusiastic ticket writers off the street for a short time while they justify their existence.
PHIL CONNOLLY
HOW ironic and a kick in the gut for the Enviro Green Socialist Labor if Adani applies to build a new medium size modern fossil powerhouse on the Queensland coast and offers to supply electricity to the grid at cost plus 10 per cent.
That will solve the state’s electricity needs for a decade or two and employ a thousand or more Australians. Go for it.
ROBERT S BUICK, MOUNTAIN CREEK
IF the activists on Facebook don’t want to be called wankers, stop behaving like one. It’s not too hard to make a point without being disrespectful.
ROD WATSON, SURFERS