Debating these issues is called democracy
What was the real purpose of Richard McGowan’s letter on Tuesday?
It’s strange that a partner of the architectural firm, Warren and Mahoney, which seem to be the ‘‘government appointed architects’’, would attack an ageing, former politician? His suggestion that I am seeking elected office again could not be further from the truth.
When we don’t want to listen to somebody we slap a label on them that we don’t like. Was Richard doing this as he commented on my looks and the motives of those I was pictured with?
Is Richard concerned that I regularly discuss the issue of affordable houses? Are Warren and Mahoney going to design an affordable house for the first time in their history? Bring it on I say.
Could it be that many people are saying it’s time for us all to finally have a say on what is going to happen to our city? That we want to support a strengthened council partnered with locally committed individuals and groups; equal partners with our Government? Could it be that we are tired of decisions being made for us rather than with us and that he objects to this? Could it be that the small selfserving dominant group of decision makers, which include some professional practices, like feeding at the public trough?
Let’s face it, progress on the grandiose projects has so far produced little else than ‘‘professional’’ fees.
I thought our debating these issues was called democracy. We are allowed to care, aren’t we?
GARRY MOORE Mairehau
It is not readily available in doctors’ offices. Lorne Kuehn
Sarcastic criticism
Richard McGowan’s letter (Aug 4) attacking Garry Moore leaves me confused.
In his sarcastic criticism of Garry’s work of "precious green shoots of democracy and local representation" he gets the location wrong. It is not, "holed up in their repertory Mad Max compound at the Brick Farm". The "Mad Max compound" is at Smash Palace, 172 High Street. There is no Brick Farm.
However I amleft with the impression that Mr McGowan is not a supporter of the precious green shoots of democracy and local representation. While I am impressed with Richard McGowan’s skill with the thesaurus as in "coterie of hirsute acolytes", I amleft with a sense of mean-spirited envy in the intent of this piece.
Garry Moore has been in public service all his life. He is a successful Christchurch city councillor and a successful three term Mayor of Christchurch. He has a great marriage and a wonderful supportive family. Garry is a successful businessman and activist who is still admired by many many people. I call upon Richard McGowan to clear up his intent and obfuscation.
MARTY SCOTT Woolston
Inexpensive mirth
In belittling Colin Craig’s publication righting the wrongs done to him, your correspondent Quentin McDonald (Aug 7) outs himself as a killjoy.
From his lofty position in Cashmere, perhaps Mr McDonald has the means to find amusement elsewhere. For those of us who dwell in the swamp, Mr Craig provides welcome and inexpensive mirth as he pursues his campaign of wealth redistribution.
First he uses his finances to assemble a political party; then he hires copious lawyers to defend his name; now he casts his benevolence on the public relations and marketing sectors, employing many to create and circulate the brochure that so upsets poor Mr McDonald.
Meanwhile, Mr Craig’s munificence also keeps many journalists employed covering his exploits.
This economic and entertainment value seems to have eluded your correspondent. Only comedians and satirists can have any real issue with Mr Craig’s generosity in sharing his fortune, which has rendered their efforts to make us laugh unnecessary and redundant.
ROB SMITH Strowan
Pneumonia vaccine
You were right in your editorial (Aug 7) to stress the importance of being vaccinated against the current influenza virus strains circulating in New Zealand.
A further consideration, especially for the aged and frail, is to augment this by being also vaccinated for pneumonia as well. This disease is implicated as a coup de grace for people who come down with the flu (and even those who don’t).
Unfortunately, in New Zealand, a person has to request this vaccine at a considerable cost. It is not readily available in doctors’ offices. This is not the case in Australia and certain other developed countries, begging the question as to why this vaccine is not made more easily available here.
LORNE KUEHN Sydenham