My, my, my

A measure of how far we have fallen over the last 30 or so years is the fact that we have to fund security staff in our hospitals.

I saw the rot set in when drunks harassing medical staff in Invercargill’s Kew Hospital in the late 1980s went unpunished.

Until then even aggressive drunks retained at least token respect for medics, and abusive hangers-on were wheeled off to the cells very smartly indeed, to face the wrath of a magistrate the morning after – or on Monday.

In whose interest is it that we have become softly tolerant of attacks on the cornerstone of society? I recall and American army sergeant encapsulating the basis of order, saying ‘‘We can’t make you obey the rules, but we can sure make you wish you had!’’

Now, the only people who are certain to pay the cost of stepping out of line are those caught by a speed camera – no, I’ve not been one of them touch wood – but any selfish, antisocial or mindlessly destructive behaviour is received with a pat on the head. ‘‘Making an example’’ is a no-no.

Jails overcrowded?

Make prisoners on a second conviction run 6am to 10pm, not cruise effortlessly in a cosy environment. The waiting list to get in would dwindle once the word got around.

Bill Holvey

Witherlea