Letters: It’s a sad situation when our world leaders are congratulating Trump on Iran deal
Why are world leaders congratulating Trump?
Donald Trump trumpeting a peace deal with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a total oxymoron. He started the war and has achieved even less in the peace deal than Barack Obama did during his presidency.
For the European leaders Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and others to say what a wonderful outcome on his “wonderful” day - his birthday - is unbelievable.
This guy has pushed us towards a global recession by attacking Iran for what? And now he’s being congratulated by world leaders! What an indictment of these people who are supposedly leading our countries.
John Roberts, Remuera.
47 down, 8 letters
Because it was in the Herald crossword, I checked the meaning of Trumpery. “It is a noun or adjective referring to flashy, showy, or attractive things that are ultimately worthless, deceptive, or of no practical use.” How appropriate.
Richard Brown, Manly.
Prison population
As always, it is a pleasure to read Derek Cheng’s latest contribution in his series helping to inform Herald readers on the intricacies of developments in the area of crime punishment in New Zealand (June 15).
In an earlier contribution, referenced in this article, Derek Cheng documents how markedly youth crime and convictions have declined over the past 20 years or so (but with a bump upwards over the Covid period, which other countries experienced).
How is it that there has been this long-term decline in youth offending and imprisonment, and yet we are seeing increasing numbers in our prisons and major investments by the Government in buildings and custodians? Surely the pipeline will have been declining, not increasing?
The striking thing is that New Zealand has to be one of the safest countries in the world, and yet our prison musters are among the highest per capita in the developed world, excluding the United States and Eastern Europe.
It would be good to have some clarification in this area.
Peter Davis, Kingsland.
Stuffed or Posted?
So Matthew Hooton is being Stuffed by Sinead Boucher? Or is that Posted?
What a curious move to take his career south.
Closer to the festering centre of New Zealand politics and politicians, I suppose.
I wonder if NZ First will announce Hooton as one of their new candidates soon?
Photojournalist opportunity – Hooton waiting on the Wellington Wharf for the printed papers from the South Island not knowing the ferry has been cancelled.
I bet that cost Sinead more than TV3.
Gary Carter, Gulf Harbour.
The human toolbox
The brain is like a toolbox. If you only carry a hammer, you will treat every problem like a nail. But if you have a full set of tools, you can fix almost anything.
Sometimes I wonder if there have always been a lot of hammers around. People have long been quick to tell you what they think before they have listened carefully or considered other possibilities.
Maybe human nature has not changed all that much. We have always been quick to judge and eager to offer answers. What has changed is the speed with which our opinions now travel – and the number of people who hear them.
Funny world. Today, several people told me they no longer watch the TV news or read the newspaper. Perhaps they are tired of the noise. Yet a funny world needs more than hammers. It needs better questions, a wider range of tools, and the humility to know that we may not have all the answers.
John D. Thomson, Wellington.
Thanks, Mick
I want to commend Mick Guerin on his very poignant article about the death of the champion steeplechaser – West Coast (June 15). I have always admired Mick’s writing – he is one of the best.
This story puts into words what so many people feel. An incredibly sad ending to a fantastic racing career.
Condolences to West Coast’s connections and many fans. He was well-loved.
A very measured, sensible and touching article. Well said.
Heather Thompson, Parnell.
The gift of gifts
Murray Reade, chief executive of Cornwall Park Trust, sums up the park’s value and importance to Aucklanders in a superb article marking the park’s 125th anniversary (June 15).
This gift of gifts. Our spirit lifts.
Campbell’s vision amazing. Livestock grazing.
Sheep and lambs. Not traffic jams.
Cows and cattle. Not vehicle rattle.
Popular retreat. Midst birdsong and bleat.
Vista enduring. Peaceful times securing.
One Tree Hill. Continues to thrill.
Former farm. Retains its charm.
Place of leisure. Place of pleasure.
Cherished taonga. Of mana whenua.
He made his mark. With Cornwall Park.
Thank-you Camp-bell. For serving us well.
Free for us all. To answer its call.
David Hopkins, Remuera.
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