Dairy and the ETS

The Labour Party intend to impose ETS penalties on our livestock industries with particular emphasis on the dairy industry. Politically, dairy is a conveniently large soft target because of its high-profile importance to our economy and is often blamed for our increased emissions.

Some points to ponder: Since 1980, livestock numbers overall have reduced by 20%. Since 1980, our population has increased by 54%. From 2000, vehicle numbers have increased by 40%.

Do these ‘‘inconvenient facts’’ indicate that the rural sector should be targeted rather than the actual growing sources of carbon emissions?

George Williams

Whangamata

or Facebook you take for granted and you would not be able to have a takeaway or go to a restaurant if it weren’t for (greedy) capitalists. Without capitalism, Mr Aldridge’s beloved socialism wouldn’t survive because there wouldn’t be anything left to tax.

I am not greedy, I provide a service to the community, I provide products for people to purchase (maybe even Mr Aldridge?) and I provide employment. I could sit on my backside, do nothing but hold my hand out for the dole or any other handout Labour would give me but that would create more unemployment. I could take a risk, borrow some money and set up a business to provide a service and employment so my employees can also put food on the table for their families but also for my family and in time my grandchildren and their children, that is how capitalism works!

The left wing describe capital gain as being greedy, for having the temerity of taking a (financial) risk but not being able to receive and enjoy the rewards. Many people, farmers, industrialists, rental owners, manufacturers have worked hard over many years to provide the products and services the likes of Mr Aldridge enjoy so why shouldn’t they enjoy some capital gain for their efforts?

Maybe the left wing should understand the alternative if capitalism were to die – your call!

A P Oakley

Hamilton