Commenting on the story: Touch Of The Fumbles: The Monkey’s Paw

It was like being slapped by a trusted friend.

I am a daily reader of InDaily and in particular have confidence in the reporting of Tom Richardson, whose well-researched, fact-based stories provide balanced,  knowledgeable information  in relation to all levels of government and business and incisive, informed commentary on local politics.

Irony and withering wit frequently coat valuable messages for citizens and taxpayers.

I admit to not having read A Touch of the Fumbles until tonight, when I was shocked by the level of hate, a word used in various permutations throughout the article. I kept thinking that maybe it was meant to be comedic, but I’m not too sure. 

I’m not going to read it again to check if I need to turn up my humour button as I was  surprisingly hurt by the level of hatred which far transcended the usual rivalry and banter which adds to the enjoyment of following one of the cross town rivals, which clearly I do – and have since a child, many decades ago, when I absorbed from my father an admiration for the people of Port Adelaide and their loyalty, resilience and community values during the Depression, during which he had been stationed there for work.

The defeat must have been a terrible experience and turned disappointment to hatred; however, Port Adelaide has had its share of horror losses and many supporters, including me, have not fully banished from our memories, a certain horrific Grand Final.  

I love the rivalry but now as a senior South Australian, concerned about the rebuilding of our state as it struggles to find its feet, maybe the hatred could be wound back a little? 

We’re all in this together, we’re told. Taking it too seriously?  Maybe.

Strange that I could be so affected but I suspect it’s because of my admiration for the author, whose work I will continue to read with interest and confidence. – Pamela Attwood

 Commenting on the story: Government surveyed voters on water bills before pricing decision

Did critical questions get asked such as:

1. Did you realise we put up other costs such as public transport, car registration and boat registration?

2. How do you feel about the Adelaide High School rezoning for mates in Liberal suburbs that now excludes Mile End families within walking distance?

 I expect not. – Rob Naudi

Water bill reductions are a deeply unfortunate development for the ongoing protection and development of water solutions for SA

Drought will continue to become worse, meaning we will also be less able to rely on reservoir water. This is on top of having ceded the Murray to the eastern states. Investing in securing and increasing our water supplies should be a primary obligation of our government.

Most obviously, with the Labor-built desalinisation plant now vital to our water supply, we need to look ahead further than currying favour with the electorate. The government should be building another desalinisation plant of the size of the first, so that our water supply is entirely protected and we have a safe future.

Instead, we have elected politicians who talk about population growth as a plan, when we live in a State where water insecurity is still the cloud under which we live from day to day. 

If not a desalinisation plant, then something else of substance that is a meaningful contribution to solving our water problems. 

Or are we just going to wait until the next disastrous drought, wring our hands – who knew? – and then do something ineffective and unplanned. – Cathy Chua

Commenting on the story: SA border restrictions to be lifted on July 20

It breaks my heart to see so many of our small businesses not yet open or struggling because of restrictions.

As a South Australian for over 70 years I’m usually the first to stick up for the state, talk up our attributes.

So why, when COVID-19 is having virtually nil impact from a health perspective, are we acting less adventurous than our eastern state cousins?

We’re on a par with New Zealand, so why not shout out and show how we love and look after our state? Or is SA really the home of boring after all? 

Why can’t we relax all restrictions in the state well before we open borders? Why are kids dance and drama classes still limited to 10, when kids have been at school all this time?

Why are bars, wineries, coffee shops still closed because we have such a strict policy with numbers?

Why is it ok to flock to shopping centres but not ok to participate in a rally? 

Already we’re hearing of neighbourhood businesses that will not be reopening, surely we can do better. – Sue Maywald

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