Shipmates remember
I was Navigator aboard USS Taylor DD 468 in 1968 when the ship visited Wollongong. The years have dimmed much of my memory of that visit, but I will never forget how warmly we were welcomed and made to feel at home during our brief time there.
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I am now involved in the USS Taylor DD 468 Reunion Association, which meets every two years. I, and many of my surviving shipmates who made the Wollongong visit, would be very glad to make contact with anyone who might remember it. Perhaps a tall order after all these years, but I would like to remind anyone who remembers our visit how much Wollongong's hospitality meant to a crew of war-weary Yanks.
Bob Cashin, LT, USNR Ret, Plymouth
Moving the goal posts
Reply to the letter by William Bielefeldt, "It’s all about love" Mercury, November 30. Mr Bielefeldt, I am not a member of Opus Dei and have never heard of Rev John C. McClosky III so the next time you want to accuse someone I suggest you get your facts straight, first. By whose moral authority does William Bielefeldt accept and justify homosexuality?
Love, morality and truth are not defined by you or myself, but by God alone. Moving the goal posts to make God fit into our interpretation of morality is false. To describe love and charity as hatred and vicious, demonstrates you have a shallow understand of the meaning of love and charity.
Is brutally beating a child to death or molesting an elderly and frail person acceptable things? And if not, why? There is a difference between loving people and accepting their harmful behaviour. The discipline a mother or father gives to their child is done out of love, not viciousness or hate.
We are all made in God's image and likeness and if you do not believe me, take a look in the mirror at the unique and special person you are.
Adrian Devlin, Fairy Meadow
Thankyou is not enough
Our beloved Mother passed away on Thursday morning. She was admitted to The Wollongong Hospital on the previous Wednesday.
The treatment that Mum received from the staff on B 4 West was more than one could hope for. All staff treated Mum with much compassion and empathy.
The family were communicated with in a timely manner and kept fully informed.
During a late night sitting with Mum we were looked after by the staff with refreshments.
Mum was transferred back to the Tarrawanna Care Centre on Tuesday where Mum received the same treatment by Virginia and staff.
Her passing was peaceful and pain free.
To the staff of these two organisations Thank You does not seem enough.
Your commitment to mums care is very much appreciated.
A much heartfelt thank you.
The Birch Family, Fairy Meadow
A costly work of art?
My experience with insurance law is the owner of a tree which damages another party; can successfully avoid any liability.
This is unless, it can be successfully proven the owner (A) knew the tree was in a dangerous condition due to disease or damage and had failed to take remedial action, or (B) had, while in the process of pruning limbs, or totally removing their tree; failed to ensure due care and diligence.
Several years ago when parked in a Wollongong City Council carpark; my vehicle suffered extensive damage when a tree owned by WCC fell onto it. WCC successfully denied liability forcing me to claim through my own insurer and paying an excess of $600. All of the above leads me to ponder the fate of anyone damaged by a frond falling from the recently erected “palm up a pole” in the Mall?
Did whoever signed off on its erection consider the potential cost to ratepayers for personal injury insurance claims?
Barry Swan, Balgownie
