Churchill predicted dangerous effect of fascism on free speech

Those British politicians certainly knew a thing or two.

Churchill, as far back as 1945, understood socialism to a T when he predicted the ANTIFA fascism which today stifles free speech . . .

“No socialist government conducting the entire life and industry of the country could afford to allow free, sharp or violently worded expressions of public discontent.

“They would have to fall back on some sort of Gestapo, no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance.

“And this would nip opinion in the bud; it would stop criticism as it reared its head, and it would gather all the power to the supreme party leaders, rising like stately pinnacles above their vast bureaucracies of civil servants, no longer servants, and no longer civil . . . My friends, I must tell you that a socialist policy is abhorrent to the British ideas of freedom . . . A free Parliament — look at that — a free Parliament is odious to the socialist doctrinaire.”

Ron Berrington, Orewa CRL too costly

Your article on Sunday was excellent (“Uber: Pie in the sky or the future of transport?” Herald on Sunday, September 9).

I became interested in Auckland’s traffic when a letter to editor of the Herald 1-2 years ago said that, for the cost of the CRL, 150km of elevated light rail could be constructed.

I believe that the CRL is an extremely poor use of scarce funds for a city that can’t afford to extend it.

They would have been far better to have created a train station “hub” at Mt Eden and to then construct, say, three lines of elevated light rail down and around the CBD.

Bruce Phythian, Parnell Enforce speed limit

Your editorial re changing the speed limit on NZ roads ignores one thing: NZ drivers totally ignore the speed limit now, so fiddling with the limit won’t save a single life. Enforcing the existing limit would.

Jules Riding, Wha¯ ngarei Bantam of the Opera

May I add to Paul Little’s suggestions for Putin: the Musical? The Devil Reads Pravda occurs to me, and given Putin’s modest stature, Bantam of the Opera might work. Surefooted manoeuvring to the top of the Kremlin heap suggests Vlad the Impala, which would also suit his outdoors image. And what about Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a KGB? No, perhaps not.

Dean Donoghue, Papamoa Beach Boorish behaviour

Much has been said and written about the US Open and Serena Williams.

The real issue is not inequality, nor sexism nor racism, it is abominable behaviour by a sporting superstar who knows better.

In addition Serena demonstrated poor judgment and a deficient quality of character.

And what about the New York crowd? Here we had a new, first-time grand slam champion who had played brilliantly throughout and thoroughly deserved her win. She got booed. Disgraceful.

The New York crowd demonstrated not just their boorishness, but just how difficult it is going to be for Donald Trump to make America great again.

Phil Chitty, Albany Turning point

Throughout the US Open, Serena Williams was the epitome of a good sport until she lost the first set to Naomi Osaka. The end.

John Clements, Orewa Labour relations

Since when is Mike Hosking an expert on labour relations or does he and Mark Richardson still not accept that National lost the last election?

Bruce Tubb, Belmont