In a few words
Kim Saffron (Letters, Jan 21) shows both her ignorance of dementia as well as her lack of care in reading the article in her letter criticising the interview with Nick Rowney (Jan 15). Firstly, the early stages dementia do not change a person’s personality and speech patterns; writer Terry Pratchett went on to write several more books after his initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Having gone to school with Nick, I can assure you he’s always been articulate and chatty. Secondly, the article states quite clearly in the second paragraph that Nick’s doctor confirmed his self-diagnosis.
Robin Ransom, Newtown
Please stop using the cutesie name ‘‘Roast Busters’’ for sex abusers. Same as ‘‘boy racers’’. Kiddie names imply ‘‘boys will be boys’’, ‘‘no harm done’’. These young men had group sex with underage women, posted the events online, and one of them is still using it to publicise himself. If you are going to report on these people, please dignify their victims with the correct term for what they did. Annette Parry, Waikanae Beach
The latest action of the US Supreme Court is shameful. It has upheld President Trump’s transgender military ban. If somebody is willing to protect their country at the risk of their own lives then they should be able to. It’s that simple. Dennis Fitzgerald, Box Hill, Victoria
I couldn’t help but have sympathy for Gary Esler (Letters, Jan 24), who laments the passing of the supermarket plastic bag, when I’m in the fortunate position of receiving a free plastic bag every day. Instead of destroying the bag that wraps my (delivered) Dominion Post, I carefully slit one end and, hey presto! I have a plastic bag that is available for those numerous uses around the house. Thank God for my daily DomPost.
Peter Judge, Camborne
Speaking to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jacinda Ardern urged the rich and powerful not to be on the ‘‘wrong side of history’’ when debating climate change. She reminded her audience that they too have children and grandchildren. The ‘‘extinction rebellion’’ movement of non-violent direct action against climate change is the beginning of a worldwide mass movement to encourage governments, including our own, to do more, and especially to do more more quickly, to protect all living things on the planet. Good luck to them.
Ken Findlay, Island Bay