Letter of the Week

FAR too many people have fallen victim to their own stupidity by consuming drugs in whatever form.

Of recent instances they have taken their drugs/pills at music festivals and several have died. Will they ever learn?

Pill testing is not the answer as this tends to condone drug use. If they think this is the only way to get a “high”, then they are looking in the wrong direction. Abstinence is the only solution.

Perhaps one answer is for those who recover from their drug (ab)use (including alcohol excesses) to be sent the bill for the ambulance, treatment and hospitalisation.

To result in death is heartbreaking for families and friends, but the user does not think about them or the possible outcome when they indulge.

Regrettably, there will always be those who succumb to peer pressure or a desire to “fit in” and decide to try a little “lift” in their life, which in most cases ends up being to their detriment.

If in doubt, don’t!

PETER JOHNSON, ROBINA

WHY does it take just one day for the United Nations to find an 18year-old old Saudi woman is a legitimate refugee while Mr Dutton has taken over five years to determine if the people on Nauru and Manus are legitimate refugees?

Many cases are still undetermined even after that amount of time.

With the necessary case facts, country information and a proper hearing, a determination can be made within a day.

Under the LNP though, applicants are confronted with racism, prejudice and cruelty.

All is not lost though, while Australia dithers, Canada has come to the aid of this desperate woman.

RAY ARMSTRONG, TWEED HEADS SOUTH

I READ that again we have allegations of corruption against Cr Kristyn Boulton.

As a person who lives in the councillor’s division, I have found her to be doing a good job and is always willing to deal with the little things that make our lives comfortable.

I then read that yet another petition is being circulated about the idea of a new gambling facility on the Coast.

At the end of the day I don’t think any petition signed by .001% of the Gold Coast population really matters.

Then I read a letter by Sue Donovan, of the Main Beach Assoc

(GCB, 9/1/19) complaining about projects that have already been approved.

The Gold Coast is a growing city, Main Beach is mainly highrises, Main Beach businesses are complaining about a lack of people, so the obvious solution is that more people in the area brings prosperity to the businesses and more jobs for the locals.

Can’t we open the paper and read about things that people are enjoying?

After all it is only a few weeks to our national day when we shall see

stories of protests, claims of genocide, accusations and counter accusations flying all over the place and only the odd report of people being happy.

I can only wish for a happy 2019 for all.

RON NIGHTINGALE, BIGGERA WATERS

IF American golfer Matt Kuchar walked down the street I would not claim to recognise him.

However, with a mild interest in golf, I have been watching the Hawaiian Open Championship this week.

This fellow, although now 40, exudes something that seems to be missing in sport these days. A sense of enjoyment to be taking part.

Not there to win the millions on offer (although that is a nice sidebar) but just to be there and enjoying the game.

No hissy fits and tantrums, just a nice guy doing what he has to do for a living.

Oh that a lot of so called sportsmen would follow suit. Wouldn’t it be a lovely world.

FRANK TEWKESBURY, SOUTHPORT

A FATALITY appears the only outcome which may cause legislation to be prepared for silent electric motor scooters, motorised skateboards and the many various types of footpath transportation.

All are legal and do not require licenses. In addition, cyclists pedalling at full speed on the footpath with the bike lane empty.

We are talking about Surfers Paradise Esplanade, an extremely busy footpath frequented by most tourists. If an accident causes medical and legal costs, who will be liable?

Will it be the state government, local council or the individual?

Pedestrians are an endangered species and it requires the state Labor Government to act.

They managed to amend the anti-bikie laws which were highly successful, very quickly.

Obviously union leaders desired the change.

Perhaps the Premier or State Minister can provide pedestrians the same efficiency.

If there was a response, I anticipate it will be “we are moving forward and it is under review”.

REG SPENCE, SURFERS PARADISE

SURELY there’s nothing new about sharks in Currumbin Creek (GCB, Jan 12)?

If sharks have been seen and caught in Gold Coast canals in front of homes then surely a larger river system like this creek must be home to many more.

Swimming in all these waterways is dangerous as bull sharks especially are in great numbers. Why not? Waterways are their homes. These relatives of whaler sharks can be prone to attack even in shallower water. I’m not in favour of signage erected everywhere as it is the sole responsibility of human beings to be cautious whenever intruding into the natural habitats of other animals.

KEN JOHNSTON, ROCHEDALE SOUTH