Inconsistencies

I have referred before to the inconsistency of government. Operating lockdown etc it kept our Covid deaths to 26 yet with our alcohol-related deaths at 1000 a year, Labour are now geared up to support their member’s bill to extend opening hours.

It seems to be a universal malaise: 2.8 million deaths from Covid world-wide so all stops are pulled out to develop a vaccine, but 8.7 million are killed each year by air pollution and precious little is done. Yes there is a drive to get more electric cars but no real effort to get rid of the gas guzzling SUVs – which never leave the city.

Our appetite for energy is increasing exponentially and wind farms and solar panels will not be the answer. Do we want to go to nuclear energy? I have just watched a documentary on Chernobyl. We should rationalise our transport; the Auckland motorways are crowded but the new train service from Hamilton to Auckland is poorly patronised. In our own town question marks are raised over our new public transport initiative.

The apparent contradictions multiply. We worry about unemployment but export raw materials such as wood. We have a campaign against slavery but continue to buy textiles from nations using same.

We are a country which produces more leaders per capita in industries such as rocketry and nuclear physics; plastic surgery was pioneered by Kiwis.

How long are we prepared to sit on our hands and be famous for producing sporting superstars? Dennis Veal

Timaru