A real economic argument for coal

Niall Clugston writes: Re. “Crikey says: coal is finished” (Thursday). Crikey‘s editorial attempts to match climate change denialism with coal denialism. The world still has vast reserves of coal, and coal and other fossil fuels remain the main sources of fuel globally. Sure, listen to the science, but also listen to the economics. It would be lovely to slip into a economy powered by sunlight, but this is impossible without a lot of blood, sweat and tears. The current Crikey establishment seems to have a memory that extends no further than the latest tweet. I’ve apparently been involved in the environment movement before they were born. It’s easy to make snap judgements, but sadly the world doesn’t change because of the click of adolescent fingers.

Crikey, what ignorance

Geoffrey Heard writes: Re. “Crikey! Sorry…” (Friday). You didn’t know the origin of “Crikey”?  Here I am, an old-time journo, who has been taking your word for practically everything for years and promoting your sayings and site around the world, and now you tell me you don’t know the meaning of a key term you use every day. Your very own adopted moniker.

Only a couple of weeks ago I was explaining the meaning of “crikey” to a puzzled Canadian correspondent.  My mum wouldn’t let us use such a blasphemous term around the house (she would be horrified if she heard some of the words I use now!).

In fact, when signing up for Crikey the name with its whiff of irreverence, along with the name, writings, and reputation of the founder, was one of the main (oops, desperate pun — well, at my age you have to grab every chance you get, you never know when you won’t be in a condition to make another one) reasons for handing over my moolah.

Gosh (look that one up too), I’ll be scrutinising Crikey more carefully in future, by golly (also worthy of a check its its root).

So much for innovative and brave content

Anne Simpson writes: Re. “SBS insider reveals secret plan to kill Dateline” (Friday).

When Jim Carroll joined SBS, he said:

 “I am excited to be joining SBS at this important time in the Australian media sector when the ways our audiences engage with news and current affairs demands a commitment to innovation and brave content that gets people thinking about the world we live in.”

“It is a real honour to step into a leadership role with such a respected news service and I am determined to ensure that we continue to make a difference to Australians through the most accurate and informative coverage of national and international news and events.”

Please remind him of this commitment.