Letters To The Editor

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Correction

In the letter titled Murdoch's media by Nadir Martello in the last week's Letters pages the following sentence was written: You sound like a real estate salesman who believes [read brainwashed] his own words. The sentence should have read: You sound like a real salesman who believes [read brainwashed] his own words. Apologies to Nadir and all real estate agents out there for the mistake.

Bad timing

In his May 6 letter Tom Murdoch comes out all guns blazing in defence of the integrity of his beloved America. It was a valiant effort Mr Murdoch, but the timing was absolutely disastrous. You really dropped your guard on this one. I mean, what on earth possessed you to repeatedly come up with the "thanks to America we now have a torture-free(!) Iraq" argument? Was it outrageous audacity, or naivety par excellence? Don't you have a TV? Didn't you hear what our countrymen and women were up to in Iraq? Or have you just lapsed into the dreaded phase of denial?

You also talk about the number of executions under Saddam Hussein. Yes indeed, he tried very hard. And yet, he still could not beat you guys. The United Sates is only surpassed by China in the number of people it executes each year. These are facts Mr Murdoch, as opposed to empty rhetoric. I hope you can handle the truth, because there is more.

An Amnesty International report accused US forces of using tactics that are a "strong echo" of Saddam's modus operandi. According to the organisation, apart from the shoot-to-kill incidents, US soldiers routinely snatch people off the streets and put them in prison, where they are subjected to torture and denied access to relatives and lawyers.

The European edition of Time magazine had been conducting a poll on its website "Which country poses a greater danger to world peace in 2003?" With 318,000 votes cast the responses were: North Korea 7%, Iraq 8%, the United States 84%...

You see it's not only me Mr Murdoch, but the rest of the world who has no trust in America, no confidence in American willingness or ability to use its immense power responsibly, or indeed to define the use of its power for anything except selfish motives, to recognise the common good as anything other than its own self-interest.

You also seem to have picked up on this fad of throwing the word "democracy" around for desired effect, Mr Murdoch. So here is my question: What if this new democracy in Iraq elects leaders who are sceptical of the United States and its motives? Who perhaps see designs on their oil, or a threat to local economies and fortunes by multinational corporations?

Will the fearless leader of the world bow to the will of the people then? I bet you anything that the possibility has not even been considered yet. As though the concept that Iraqis can oppose both Saddam and the US is too fantastic to comprehend.

Do I need to be anti-American to come to these conclusions? No, of course not. Just as the multitudes of Americans holding similar views and sentiments are obviously not anti-American either.

But I will finish this letter with the question most important to us Australians regarding the latest developments in Iraq: The safety and security of our troops over there. Are they in greater danger as a result of the abhorrent behaviour of the American forces? This is yet another reason to bring them back home to Australia, to safety, without delay.

Tom Koo
Alstonville

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A catalyst for change

Tom Murdoch's letter Children of the Revolution warrants a response, or two. Firstly, few if any would miss the atrocities committed under Saddam in Iraq. Replacing one evil practice with another however does not make things right. Surely, commerce is returning following the invasion and some locals are now fed, others are fed to the German Shepherds... Let's not compare which form of mutilation or torture is less brutal - all of them are, regardless of the language spoken by the murderers. It's a sad reflection on 'civilization' that in the US, half the population still supports the aggression, that is if you can believe what we are fed upon by the media. Your concern, Tom, is well founded. 'The children of the revolution' are still alive and well, perhaps somewhat disillusioned by society, the greed, aggression, corruption so entrenched in the world we are living in now. Nevertheless much smarter after such experiences. Revolutions need a catalyst to ignite the flame. Vietnam was one of them and see what happened? We had genuine role models for a few decades as a result. Surely, Mickey W. Mouse, or Bonsai Bush wouldn't stand a chance to be seen as one, perhaps that's why they took a totally different course, devoid of human feelings? I want to be your friend Tom. I am not sure about your circumstances, but should you be in need of employment, there'll be some vacancies in the US Military, perhaps even close to the top. My advice is, get in while you can, for the next catalyst is just around the corner...

Stephen Lang
Tilba Tilba

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Kudos for Kadina

I wish to publicly express my heartfelt congratulations to all who were involved in Kadina High School's musical The Charades. Having booked my ticket for the final performance on Saturday night, I was delighted to hear positive comments about the preceding performances, but, even so, the production exceeded all my hopes and expectations. It was wonderful to see so much talent amongst both junior and senior students on the stage, in the choir and the band, and in the lighting, sound and stage management. It was also amazing to realise that so many of the staff were involved in supporting the production in some way, and caring for the students involved. I can only describe this show as a genuine triumph of willingness, commitment and determination in the face of enormous adversity, which included illness and misadventure as well as the uncertainty associated with administrative change. I have no doubt that Kadina's spirit of "Success with Honour" radiated through this production.

To Steve Wilcox, Virginia Johnstone, and all the supporting teachers, thank you so much for your efforts and for giving so many students a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and the development of their talents. To the entire cast and crew, thank you for a truly enjoyable and memorable production, towards which each one of you made an invaluable contribution. Your achievement bears witness to the value of public education in general, and of Kadina High School in particular. Well done!

Jill Garsden
Goonellabah

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Budget bribe

The election bribe hilariously referred to as the Federal Budget was aimed firmly at the top 1/5th of working families, essentially the economic elite and particularly professional political commentators and top flight journalists. So don't be surprised if the bloody, cringing hands of the racist all of a sudden smell of rose water and frankincense.

Laurie Axtens
North Lismore

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Heart in the art?

I am heartened to see The Echo is printing letters relating to media censorship and giving others an opportunity to contribute to this debate. Thank you again for printing my letter and I trust both the Editor and those contributing do not take my words to heart; nor imagine that by speaking of these issues I am taking aim at them personally.

This debate started when I and other local artists felt our words and images had been censored by the local media. In a published letter I wrote to The Northern Star dated March 1, 2004, a key sentence was removed from the middle of the letter. This sentence contained criticism of the Art in the Heart project. This sentence and all subsequent letters relating to this project have been censored or remain unpublished.

The Art in the Heart project will undoubtedly benefit the art bureaucracy (the Arts Industry); but will it benefit those people who actually create art (the Arts Community)? Aside from the occasional opportunity to exhibit in more spacious surroundings, what benefits will accrue to independent working artists? Will this project encourage the creation of new and original art; or will it simply boost the local economy and leave artists (and others) scratching for the remaining crumbs? Does generating more economic activity actually flow-on to the public; or is the bulk of this prosperity absorbed by existing business both here and over the border in Queensland?

My experience tells me that spending on the Arts in the public realm does not aid the creation of art at a personal level. Billions of dollars of public money is spent each year on the infrastructure of art ($4.5 billion in 2000-01 for arts and recreation: Australian Bureau of Statistics) and yet the majority of working artists still survive on meagre incomes. Is this not proof that our current arrangement is more about bricks and mortar and less about individuals? Is this matter really about art; or is art being used as another excuse to attract foreign capital? In a community where many people do it hard, these are reasonable questions to ask.

Bad Boy Roddy
(R J Poole, Lismore)

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The naked truth

I came across a passage this morning which seems pertinent to photos recently published from Iraq. It's interesting that the public seems more upset by this shaming of naked Iraqis than by their murder by invading foreigners (or "casualties" as the media is so fond of calling them). But is this shaming worse than death? Are we all so deluded by the connotations of a word? Anyway here's the quote:

"A common misinterpretation of the Adam and Eve story is that "original sin" had something to do with sex or nudity. This confusion comes from that part of the story in which Adam and Eve eat from "the tree of knowledge of good and evil" and immediately become shamed of their nakedness. It was not nudity however that shamed them. Adam and Eve were mortified by what their nakedness represented. Ancient Mesopotamian records depict human beings stark naked when performing tasks for their Custodial masters. Custodians on the other hand were fully clothed. The implication is that Adam and Eve felt degraded by their nakedness because it was a sign of their enslavement - not because being naked is in itself bad." The Gods of Eden, by William Bramley, p49 (Avon, New York, 1989).

Same Gods, same stunt, same Eden. Read this book, and you'll know what I mean.

Jane Jennings
South Lismore

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Highway robbery

England had Robin Hood, Australia has Robbin' Costello. He takes from the poor and gives to the rich. Wake up Australia, he just gave all politicians a pay rise disguised as a tax cut for the wealthy. Labor has let middle and low income earners down by not blocking the Budget. Bob Brown you have my vote next election.

Christine McNamara
Evans Head

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Whistle blower

John Howard will forever be known as the most deceitful and divisive PM this country has ever had. I do not refer to the sleight of hand, pea and thimble, smoke and mirrors Budget. I am detailing the 103 Iraqi prisoners that Australian troops have captured in Iraq and delivered to their US and British jailers. 94 to the Yanks and nine to the Poms. Thank God for Morrie McNairn, the Australian Army Officer, who on Monday night 'blew the whistle' on the absolute lies to the Aussie public of Messrs Downer and Howard on this subject.

John X. Berlin
Maclean

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Secede?

How many North Coast people want to escape from the Carr Govt's neglect, job cuts, investment taxes, closure of railways, hospitals, TAFE charges, extra taxes etc? Should we consider joining Queensland, as Brisbane is only two hours away? If the border was moved south to Grafton, I believe the Queensland Govt would soon extend electric rail to Murwillumbah and further south, and finish missing sections of the Pacific Highway. Tony Kelly is about to resurvey the existing border. If Carr does not want us, maybe Beattie does.

Ken Macdonald

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Lennox Head

Anyone know Rachael?

I am the social worker of the Eventide Nursing Home at Brighton, Queensland, looking after a new resident Rachael (Rae) Nancy McDonald.

As said by Rachael, she was born in Lismore and grew up around Lismore, Casino and the surrounding areas. I am looking for people who know Rachael so as to re-connect her to her past years, her friends, her families.

I can be contacted by mail via Social Work Department, Eventide Nursing Home, Beaconsfield Terrace, Brighton, QLD, 4017, or by phone on (07) 3866 0449.

Eric Lau
Brighton

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Desperately seeking Barney

Barney, a young pretty grey cat, is missing from his Dalley Street home. The tragedy is that he had just moved to a new home with a new family and got out of the house - he doesn't know the area and hasn't been spotted for two weeks. Barney is very timid and we are worried sick about him.

His new owners have done a mail-box drop in the area, vets and council rangers have been contacted, but still no word. Being timid, Barney will be laying low and possibly scavenging or hunting at night. If anyone tries to approach him in their yards he will most probably run away. Food, and a soft voice, will gain his trust.

He is a desexed, healthy, attractive cat, but definitely scared of people he doesn't know. If anyone has spotted a stray grey cat around their homes, please contact any of the following numbers: 6622 5799 (owners), 6622 1881 or 6628 1431 (Animal Rights & Rescue). There are enough unwanted animals having to fend for themselves, please help us find Barney.

Michela Brown
Alstonville

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Disabled therapy disgrace

As reported in the media recently (Northern Star, May 12), disabled children in our region are not receiving adequate (if any) levels of therapy services during their school years.

Many of the children have moderate to severe disabilities, and struggle to achieve developmental milestones (in their lifetime) that the rest of the community take for granted. It includes learning to crawl, stand and walk, learning to feed themselves using their fingers or utensils and communicating (whether it be through speech, sign language or with the aid of other aides).

Most parents in the community are able to delight in watching their baby progress into a walking, talking bundle of joy, attending a regular school, playing sports, moving on to driving a car, gaining employment and leaving home and having a successful adult life.

Families like mine do not. Having a child with a severe disability means that with each day we are reminded of where our child will not be, and the much needed skills they are not obtaining.

The Department of Aging, Disability and Home Care (DADHC), including management employed by the Regional Office in Lismore, continue to cause undue distress to families by denying our disabled children regular access to physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.

In addition, the Department's failure to provide these essential services to the children means that the dedicated staff of local schools are unable to adequately implement the (non-existent) specialist guidelines to support the children's individual development.

I have made representation to DADHC on behalf of all affected disabled children since August 2003 and am disgusted at the indifference of the Department to this ongoing crisis.

DADHC Lismore (in it's infinite wisdom) has recently determined that a local physiotherapist (employed by the Department) must reprioritise her caseload of Ballina and Casino disabled children to also include those in Lismore. This means that DADHC now determines that Lismore children receive a service. This pathetic management decision further highlights the reason DADHC is unable to recruit and retain qualified therapists.

Families of disabled children residing in Ballina and Casino are encouraged to write to DADHC and object to this new development. Similarly, families in Lismore are encouraged to come forward and register their child as needing physiotherapy support as a matter of priority.

I encourage all families (and indeed members of the community) to write to DADHC and voice their disgust on the failings on our most vulnerable children.

Susanna Piper
Alstonville

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American lie

The anti-US, coalition of the whiners never cease to amaze you do they? In last weeks Echo we had efforts from Christine McNamara, Stuart Wales and Nadir Martello, all carping on about America, yet not one acknowledged the torture, murder and massive human rights abuses that were a daily part of life under Hussein's 30 year reign.

Christine McNamara occupies the cheap seats when it comes to human rights issues. She criticises America when it intervenes (in places like Iraq) and, surprise surprise, she criticises them when they don't intervene (in places like East Timor).

Hypervigilant Christine also notes that David Hicks is still "being held without charge" at Guantanamo Bay. The silence is deafening from Christine about the tens of thousands that rot in Castro's prisons (on the same island).

Every survey conducted of Iraqis since the end of the war has consistently proven that they are in no doubt that they are better off without Hussein. Whilst civilian deaths are tragic, 22 million Iraqis are now free from one of the worst dictatorships since WWII, and they have a chance to make their country into a citadel of democracy and peace.

Incidently when Iraqis were asked to name the country that they would like to model their new government on, moress Iraqis chose the US model than any other country.

The next letter we had was from moral posturer Stuart Wales who likes to pontificate and he thinks he is wit, but he is only half right.

Finally we have the paranoid rantings of Nadir Martello who talks about conspiracy theories, the corporate controlled media and the evils of vaccination. Nadir would rather children die from preventable diseases such as whooping cough than any pharmaceutical company make a profit, which gives you some idea of this person's mindset. In his deluded world vaccination is an even greater evil than Hussein was.

Nadir then rambles on about not being able to trust the media and the truth can only be found on the internet. Nadir might like to check out the website www.kdp.pp.se/chemical.html and see what happened to Iraqis under Hussein's regime. Human rights group have estimated that as many as 2,000 per week were executed - over a million in his reign. However these facts do not survive on the airless atmosphere on planet Martello, where all atrocities are exonerated unless perpetrated by Americans.

The US has a Tocqueuillian plan to build democracy from the ground up, and 90 per cent of local councils have already been established. The interim constitution is a 21-page document and it can be viewed at www.cpa.Iraq.org/government/tal.html. I suggest Nadir, Christine et al all have a quick read, maybe then your knowledge might equal your sarcasm.

Tom Murdoch
Lismore

PS - Christine the sanctions against Iraq were imposed by the UN not the USA.

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Out in the open

I refer to your issue of May 6 and Cr Chant's assertion that the Crozier facility is for families, not drug users. I couldn't agree more.

So why has Lismore City Council decided to lock out families on the 350 days of the year when football matches are not being played? Why in the last week has the LDSA begun storing graders, tractors and rollers on the site?

Public access for thoroughfare and general recreation was guaranteed by the lengthy Plan of Management process and by the Conditions of Consent for the development, overseen by the Land and Environment Court.

The recent unfortunate incident regarding needles found during a football game is the only incident of this nature during the last 15 months when the ground has been open to the public every day, during daylight hours. Local residents have successfully battled to keep this area Public Open Space for the last nine years. We have learnt to co-exist with the football codes and the grandstand.

It is highly likely that the needles were left by intruders, who gained access on the previous night. I have given information to the Mayor Mr Merv King in this regard. The Crozier grandstand is the only place lit up at night in this area.

I hope the newly elected Council will set a good example to the community and other developers by complying with the Development Conditions and re-open Crozier Park to the public in the very near future.

Peter Bellew
Lismore

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