News that radio personality John Laws is again retiring seems quite surreal. The golden tonsils has been in our lives and had an enormous impact on major political and social events in the tumultuous 70s, 80s and 90s (“Laws sells $12.5m wharf unit”, DT, 10/10). While never listening to 2SM in Sydney and not having heard him for 20 years, I felt I had gone back in time three years ago when I visited Lismore, only to have Lawsie on the local radio in the major breakfast segment, exactly as it had been when I grew up there so long ago. His popularity in the non-metropolitan areas has obviously never waned. I am sure we can all wish John the very best of good health and happy retirement as he celebrates his 89th birthday this week. In many ways, Australia is a better place because of his decency, commonsense and marvelous advocacy. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 11Oct2024
