I have attempted to get enthusiastic about the soccer World Cup. Boy oh oh boy what a dreary, slow, overrated and boring game. No wonder those mindless soccer thugs in England need to be half to fully tanked with alcohol before they roll up. 

And as for the drama queen antics rolling on the ground as if hit by a freight train when they trip or take a very, very slight bump? Seriously I have seen four-years-olds fall heavier in the sand pit at childcare. 

Soccer makes croquet look like a viable candidate for extreme sports.

I am a World War II veteran, 93 years of age and a lifelong supporter of the ABC. I am appalled that the Liberal Party want to privatise our national broadcaster. After fighting against the Japanese, I never thought I would have to fight another battle on the home front.

The ABC is a much-loved institution, it belongs to the people of Australia. It is not for sale. If it was privatised we would lose all our quality programs and the only true source of independent news. It would become heavily influenced by commercial interests. If the Liberal Party were to succeed, they would be remembered as a bunch of redneck Philistines.

The ABC is a uniquely public resource. It must remain free, free to remain fair and balanced.

I wish to comment on the article by Janet Howie in the 21 May edition (‘Emergency department criticised over elderly man’s care’).

I was the carer for Jim Ryan who would have turned 90 on June 28 (today). The article contains several major omissions.

1. When I found Jim several days after he was discharged from emergency he was near death.

2. He was taken to the Albury Base Hospital and when I arrived there I was met by the doctor in charge of emergency who asked me as Jim’s carer, what I wanted to be done with him as he was going to die. I told him to make Jim comfortable and the doctor smiled, patted my shoulder and said that I had made the right decision. Jim had no next of kin and he was penniless.

3. After I made the complaint I received a call from the boss of emergency at Wodonga. He apologised even though he had not even interviewed the doctor concerned. He said that a full enquiry would be made and I would be kept informed.

4. Once the inquiries began the opposite occurred. I was excluded as I was not Jim’s next of kin nor executor. I obtained the signature of Jim’s executrix and I was then advised that it may be a forgery. I offered to go to a meeting with the executrix who would verify her signature. I have not heard further from AWH.

I saw the boss on TV recently discussing the improvements in emergency services due to a recent injection of funds. It seems that the almighty dollar speaks loudly.

It’s a pity that Jim didn’t get the chance to have our usual fish and chips dinner on his birthday. Apparently patient care and compassion are down the list of priorities in the north east of Victoria and Albury.

I am still waiting for the full and frank disclosure that I was promised.

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