We had a suggestion at Council the other day that we mount huge signs all along the coastline to warn people of the dangers of swimming off the Napier beaches. Frankly the suggested signs were huge ugly wordy things that suggested that the beach could be dangerous when rough – there may be freak waves – it might be shallow etc. Surprise Surprise!
This is the third recommendation to install signs along the foreshore that we have received in the one year I have been on council. One outfit suggested we ban smoking in all parks and reserves -that includes the foreshore – and that we should put signs everywhere to advise people of the fact. If you can’t wander down to the beach for a smoke where can you go?
Another do-gooder outfit suggested we erect huge signs advising people that “If a tsunami was coming they should move to higher ground”. What do they think we would do – go and sit in a hole somewhere?
Whatever happened to individual responsibility and parental responsibility? Where is this big brother – this is how you are going to behave – thing going end?
What else should we put signs up for? Don’t leave your sandwiches on the beach, the seagulls might get them. Don’t leave your towel by the water it might get wet. Don’t sit on the hot stones you might burn your bum.
I have to say this whole sign thing is getting out of hand and it is destroying initiative in our society.
Go to Wellington and see ugly signs slapped on the sides of beautiful old buildings telling you to use the handrail as you go down the steps.
If you are that wobbly on your pins that you can’t walk down a flight of steps, of course you would use the handrail – and possibly catch bird flu on the way down and die anyway.
Signs in general really say “don’t think for yourself just read the instructions we have for you.”
And most of them are so ugly. If we put all the signs along the foreshore they want us to, no one would have any idea the sea was at hand – no one would be able to see it.
Its time all these organisations who are trying to force their will on society simply to protect their own butt were pensioned off.
And its time we stopped all this nonsense and got back to thinking for ourselves – to looking after our kids and keeping our environment clear of ugly signs and hoardings.
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