Memo to all Australian billionaires: here’s your chance to be loved and be unforgettable as well as being able to help humanity, like our dear Olivia. She founded her foundation to find a cure for cancer. Felix Orcullo, Wahroonga
It’s not often this man in his late 60s sheds a tear, but with the death of Olivia coming so soon after that of Judith Durham, today’s the day.
The voices of both singers soared with such grace and beauty above the often-undignified scramble of life. Along with the loss of two wonderful women I mourn the passing of what helped give our nation character. Peter Farmer, Northbridge
So sad Judith and Olivia died at approximately the same time. A pure coincidence, but a shame one is removed from the front page to be replaced by the other. This ancient teacher was reminded that Olivia’s grandfather was a Nobel Prize winner and physicist Max Born. Bernie Carberry, Connell’s Point
It proves again that Australia is God’s own country. He has taken two of our singing icons, Judith Durham and Olivia Newton-John. Ok Judith. Okay Olivia. Chrissie Whitlock, Earlwood
With the passing within days of two of the world’s loveliest people it seems that death is a really dud idea. Is it essential? Peter Skinner, Beecroft
I was 10 when my mother took me to see grease. I started to take the grease soundtrack cassette to school, where we would gather around a cassette player and would try to imitate the moves in the movie while singing along. I was briefly nicknamed Olivia Newton-Raffan and my dance partner was George Travolta. Thank you, Olivia, for being such a huge, happy part of my childhood. Clare Raffan, Campsie
We loved you, we honestly loved you Alan Gibson, cherrybrook
Hopelessly devoted to you. Rod Tuck, Katoomba
ONJ online taxes
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Like so many young guys growing up in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, ONJ was top of all pops for me. For five decades her presence de ella whether singing, acting or dancing (or all three) was jaw-droppingly fabulous. Her 10,000-watt smiles from her would light up the darkest room, despite her ongoing cancer and treatment from her. Tony M.
I was Olivia’s trainer for a few weeks in 1984 when she attended Kerry Packer’s Hyde Park Club for a short time. I was in awe of her and I was shy and a bit awkward… I have often wished that I’d engaged a little more but she radiated incredible warmth and beauty and it was all too much for my 20-year-old self . Dave
Olivia, Livy, Sandy. You have been there my whole life and I have always adored you. Thank you for the wonderful sounds and visions. May you rest in peace lovely lady. Jason
If there was ever a class act, Olivia Newton-John was it. In addition to her career, her career tributes perhaps the ultimate is that not a single bad word can be found about her anywhere, ever. She is remembered with nothing but love and fondness. liv
US could look in mirror on criticism of China ambitions
Peter Hartcher illustrates René Girard’s “mimetic” theory: that humans have an in-built compulsion to imitate each other (“Mutual agitation, a parlous game”, August 9). The desire of the US for world domination mirrors that of China, as does the desire of forces within each nation for domestic success. The wishes are the same. Neither would agree with this, of course, so devoted is each to the fallacy of being both autonomous and right. Carl von Clausewitz not only saw war as politics by other means but came to the realization that the ever-developing means of war, combined with human violence – reciprocal and imitative – results in an “escalation to extremes”. Is China’s belligerence towards its own people and neighbors so very different from decades of US meddling in other nations’ affairs and the accelerating slaughter of its own civilians? Susan Connelly, Lakemba
Heart bleeds for Liberal
How very rich of the senior Liberal minister to claim that his party machine is now in the business of acting like the Labor Party (“MPs rage at machine politics”, August 9). Firstly, anti-abortion, predominantly an issue at the heart of conservatism and always has been, is social control too. All the other issues this maverick is now rallying behind are the very ones his party fought against for the last decade (and more) with no crossing the floor from him. The Liberal Party has never represented Labor principles. A case of sour grapes at their abysmal loss is more like it. Anthony Connolly, Beacon Hill
The problem with the Liberal Party is not only machine politics – for it afflicts all our parties – but the fact that people do not have a “choice”. When was the last time you were able to truly negotiate with your bank or insurer? Their terms are either “take it or leave it”. How can you embrace “freedom of choice” when they have none in sight? Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga
Set the tone of debate
While there’s much truth in Lidia Thorpe’s forthright opinion piece, its ability to cut through to the vast majority of voters is thwarted by both tone and delivery (“Trust us approach to Voice will never work”, August 9). Likewise to the senator’s recent appearance in parliament’s swearing-in ceremony. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. Raising a closed fist in parliament, our nation’s highest office of public debate, is at the very least, completely counterproductive to progressing your concerns. Parliament House’s protocols, as antiquated and anachronistic as they might be, demand respect equal to that paid to acknowledging ancient Indigenous practice and custom. It works both ways. Possibly changing them through persuasive, logical, well-measured arguments from within might be more constructive in garnering support. Cleveland RoseDee Why
Plugging the EVs gap
On the subject of electric vehicle uptake, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries claims by 2025 that private homes in Australia will require some 177,000 charging systems (“Clean car traffic jam after 10-year delay”, August 9). They are forgetting that EV owners, like everyone else, have to sleep. EVs can be slow-charged overnight at off-peak rates, from an ordinary powerpoint. In most circumstances, there would be no need for an expensive charger in the garage. I’m sure most EV owners would agree. Dennis O’Hara, Wanniassa (ACT)
Kickflip the script on youths
“It’s almost no longer a skate park; it has skating elements,” says Lachlan Scott, right, now 20.Credit:Janie Barrett
the herald is to be applauded for allowing opposing views a forum, but there are times when an opposing view doesn’t deserve to be heard (Letters, August 9). Your correspondent makes Scrooge look benevolent. How does he know whether the skateboarders he derides don’t swim or play football on the weekend. On the other hand, they may not like team sports or be unable to afford sailing. Not everyone in the eastern suburbs is rich. And more seriously, would your correspondent prefer that after school these youths, rather than skateboard in full view, go vaping and drinking in the public toilets or behind his apartment? Richard Fry, Marrickville
A minor suggested rewording to yesterday’s skateboard letter: “The proposed renovations to the Royal Sydney Golf Club are selfish. Golfers can get exercise swimming, playing tennis, sailing, etc.” Chris Yates, Narrabeen
I walk in Rushcutters Bay Park every day, weather permitting and enjoy the green open spaces, the birdsong and the peace and quiet, which is at a premium in our busy city. Apart from the visual impact of a skate park facility, there is the issue of noise and the safety of children crossing busy New South Head Road to access the skate park. There are many other more suitable options for a skate park such as Centennial Park or the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. Karin Olah, Darling Point
Different accounts on banks
Reading of the practice of banks rejecting loan applications from single women took me back to 1963 when, as a single 23-year-old and a serving WRAAF Sgt at Richmond air base, I attended an appointment with the then bank manager at the Bank of NSW. I went to request a loan of £1500 to buy out my siblings’ share of an old house inherited from our mother (Letters, August 9). Much to my surprise, the loan was approved on the spot. The only provision was that I change my banking to the Bank of NSW. I have remained eternally grateful that I was helped financially at such a young age. Yvonne Tebay, Brandy Hill
Not only ladies had problems with banks. In 1965, my fiancee and I went for a house loan. She had worked eight years for a major bank since leaving school and I had worked for a major company for the same eight years. We were refused. We had a good savings record but not a chance. We got a loan through my employer who had a terminating mortgage scheme running for employees. Still angry after 56 years. Richard Kirby, Campbelltown
The digital view
Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
MPs say muzzled debate, culture wars and populism is killing liberalism
desde HWGA: ″I have such fond memories of liberalism and the contributions it made to robust politics and the cultural fabric. I do miss it and have always hoped it would have a resurrection after being murdered by conservatism and then buried by right-wing populism.″
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