Letters To The Editor

Great art

At a time when neglect of Aboriginal health issues and allegations of racism and discrimination fill our newspapers, at last a good news story from Lismore where the two communities came together on Friday night as Aboriginal artists from Tabulam, Woodenbong and Casino mingled with the white community at a dazzling exhibition of Indigenous art.

More than 300 enthusiasts packed the Lismore City Hall on Friday evening for the launch of Lismore's first major exhibition of local Aboriginal art.

Over 70 artists contributed 202 paintings in the colourful exhibition and sale conducted by the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise, with the aim of raising funds to improve the quality of Aboriginal health care in the Northern Rivers.

The exhibition was stunning and within three hours of its launch, 60 paintings valued at $21,000 had been sold. A contemporary style painting entitled "Seasons" exhibited by a young Lismore artist was sold at an auction for $1350, exceeding its reserve by $450 while the top price of $5500 was paid by a Lismore businessman for a traditional painting created by a young Grafton artist exhibiting for the first time. Entitled "Belonging to the Land", the artist explained how the emu and the kangaroo have the same connections with the land as his people and the painting expresses the artist's sadness that many of our unique native animals are slowly being pushed out of the land which their ancestors, and his, have roamed for thousands of years.

A Sydney couple, returning home from a Queensland holiday, detoured into Lismore for a quick look after hearing of the exhibition on radio and although not intending to buy, continued their journey as proud owners of two paintings. Confirmed enthusiasts, they were overwhelmed at both the number and quality of art displayed and declared it the best exhibition of Aboriginal art they had seen anywhere.

A steady flow of visitors over the weekend saw the value of sales climb to almost $35,000 by Sunday evening. Twenty per cent of this total, augmented by generous sponsorship from local companies and individuals, will enable the Rotary sponsors to purchase several items of diagnostic equipment, which will facilitate diagnosis and management of diabetic complications in local Indigenous communities.

Successful artists will benefit from distribution of approximately $28,000 raised by sale of their works, most of which have never before been displayed to the public. A hope that this exhibition will become an annual event was expressed by Lismore artist Les Evans, who added that the exposure gained from this exhibition would help to establish some of the young artists in the competitive art world.

Kerrie Ellis
President, Rotary Club Summerland Sunrise
Malcolm Tester
Secretary and President/Elect

Hogging space

I am very disappointed that Maggie Moore's Pub and Bistro closed down permanently earlier on this year. But now it is going to be all offices, I've been told by Capminster staff. I heard a rumour before that that it was going to be Hog's Breath Café. In my opinion having Hog's Breath Café would be excellent for Lismore.

Gregory Bowen
Lismore

Unborn plight

How is it that journalists can treat with utter scorn the tragic plight of the Unborn who are actually murdered because somehow they (the Unborn) through no fault of their own, have become unwanted?

There is no doubt that, despite their size, their immaturity and their hidden-ness, they are still human beings - as we were once at that same stage - created by a loving God who entrusts each to its mother's womb for its first nine months of existence in what should be the safest of sanctuaries. But now there are those of the medical profession who belittle their noble calling by feigning compassion for the poor mother and so kill their precious charges for "filthy lucre". And Medicare refunds the mother for what? Funeral costs? Surely not for its murder!

May God bless Tony Abbott, and may his ilk truly multiply! Politicians of such moral strength can only be a blessing to all Australians. So far, we haven't had a terrorist act like America's September 11, 2001, but why shouldn't we, if we continue with this slaughter of our very own - all so utterly innocent and helpless - deprived of life, love and happiness!

Let us stop this frightful killing and allow our little comrades to live to love and be loved! We would never regret it, and surely the rest of the world will follow suit!

Marie Landers
East Lismore

Messenger fires back

Dearie me, what a bunch of loony, right-wing reactionaries live in Lismore. Judging by the flak my letters get it is without doubt the most rightwing little nest of Ku Klux Klanners that I have ever encountered.

The letters from John Lenon, who is no relation to the famous one I'm sure judging by his bigoted, reactionary politics, are especially convoluted and make a very sad attempt at turning things I write on their heads. What the likes of he and his cronies who also single me out for derision don't seem to realise is that the America of today is nothing like the America of WW2 nor is the Australia of today, but then they probably get all their news off channel ten and believe it too. America today is governed by fascists and neo-nazis who parade around pretending to have a love of freedom but in reality are just a bunch of cheap shucksters angling for a quick buck hither and thither and staying in power at all costs. As far as "us" fair dinkum Australians, what a joke that is considering that Australia was stolen from its original inhabitants and that everyone else is an import or the offspring of an import, including you Lenon.

So don't single me out for your racist remarks and your undeniable chauvinism. You should be ashamed for even suggesting that I am less an Aussie than you. Who do you think you are? The country I was born in did a hell of a lot more to turn back the tide of fascism than any of you sad lot.

As it is one of the basic tenets of nazism was scapegoating individuals to try and subdue the rest, a technique Lenon, Murdoch and Barnes seem rather partial too, even if their efforts are pathetic. As for the underlying violence alluded to in Lenons' diatribe re my breaking a leg and hands, is not this the sign of the fascist? Are not the fascists the ones who resort to violence to try and silence their critics?

The "minister for information" tag is also wearing a bit thin. Can't you think of anything better? Name-calling is the stuff of playground bullies and those who try to use such techniques are no better. It seems to me that the jackboots belong on your feet mate, not mine. Perhaps these dinosaurs of consciousness could do with smoking a joint or two, they may find that deep within their seething little minds there is a human being there after all.

And the jail at Tabulam is just another indication that our society is failing its most marginalised members and I would suggest that Lenon is more qualified for the toilet cleaner's position or maybe as a "screw" and then he can beat up on all those types he and his ilk like to deride so much. Perhaps if you all intelligently discussed the issues rather than shooting the messenger people might take you seriously, otherwise if you don't have anything constructive to say then say nothing. Have a nice day y'all.

Michael Mizzi
Tabulam

Youth thanks

Congratulations to all the families and businesses that contributed to Blast 4 Youth. Importantly, very special thanks also to the young people for their support and participation. Your smiling faces each week were a delight to work with!

The YWCA in Goonellabah have recently started a new Youth Group, called Blast 4 Youth, for young people between 13-18 years. It has been running every Wednesday and Friday at the YWCA and aims to provide young people with a place to hang out, and activities to participate in, as well as computer and tutoring access.

It's always a great challenge to start a new service from scratch, but again due to the encouragement, enthusiasm and kindness demonstrated by the young people, we have made it through our first 10 week program with many laughs, only a few tears, and most importantly a lot of success.

As an incentive for young people to join up and become members we have been very fortunate in receiving support and sponsorship from key businesses in our community. It's inspiring to see small businesses investing in young people, actually being pro-active, rather than merely reactive in their attitudes and actions. After all, the kids of Lismore today are our future, and happy kids help make happy adults.

So to the following businesses, I am extremely grateful: Choppers Music, Mikes Real Foods, Lismore Skate, Lismore Ten Pin Bowling, Hungry Jacks and McDonalds.

Thank you for supporting our program, and in turn our community!

Lindie Shrestha
Lismore

Bah humbug

In shopping centres and on the street, in chemists and preschools, there's that guy in the red suit. Yes, Santa.

Parents and educators spend quite a bit of time teaching our children about 'Stranger Danger' - that it is not OK to be too friendly with unknown people. Sad but necessary in the modern world.

However, if that guy is wearing a red suit and a fake white wig, children are encouraged (if not forced by no doubt well meaning parents) to accept lollies and sit on his lap.

Now I'm not saying that all Santas are paedophiles, but I am saying there is a gross double standard here that is just not right.

Have you ever seen a toddler or pre-schooler crying in distress on Santa's knee as a well-meaning parent or grandparent looks on trying to get smiles for the Christmas photo? I have.

By the way, 'Santa' has nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas.

He is a marketing invention by the Coca-Cola Company. Santa, and all the rest of the Christmas/advertising hype, is designed to encourage people to eat too much food, drink too much alcohol, buy more plastic toys and further tax our already over-burdened and under-appreciated planet.

S Ball
Lismore

Paint doubts

In the Legislative Council's report on the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line (no 10, p3, sec 34), a RailCorp officer investigated the condition of the Eltham rail bridge reported to the committee that the bridge had been repainted, with no metal left exposed.

Mr Battersby raised concerns about the condition that the Eltham bridge was left in after the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line to the Standing Committee at Lismore on June 9, 2004.

I am in possession of photographs dated December 8, 2004, which would suggest the Eltham bridge has not been painted or finished to date.

The photos show very graphically the current condition of the bridge and it's still rusting away. Who is lying to who?

RailCorp should be made to finish the job as soon as possible, at their own cost.

The condition of this bridge is a good example of the apathy the State Government and its departments has towards our rail line, rail corridor and the residents of the Far North Coast.

B Bugden
Goonellabah

Evil Empires

Our American friend Tom Murdoch (Echo, Nov 18) accused me of the cardinal sin of our times: anti-Americanism.

Just as some decades ago, while I was still living in the shadow of the Soviet Empire, some people accused me of the cardinal sin of the time: anti-Communism.

They felt ever so powerful and invincible at the time and only laughed when I predicted that their days were numbered. Then in 1989 it was there again as the Iron Curtain was falling and saw these brave men with their tails between their legs. They were not laughing any more.

I predict to you now Mr Murdoch, that the American Empire too will join the Soviet Empire one day on the garbage dump of history's fallen empires. And that means all of them. Because no mater how mighty and powerful they are, there was one thing neither of them could defeat: the Human Spirit. It was always there, slowly but surely corroding all empires and all forms of oppressions until they have all crumbled in a puff of dust.

And yet, there are still those who find it impossible to learn from history's lessons, driven by their primeval urge of world-domination.

It is sad indeed, to see the United States, the country that was founded on such high ideals, behaving like a rouge state and the bully of the world. And a president who is, just as Bin Laden, on a mission from God.

'But the American President was democratically elected!' I can hear you cry.

Well yes, but so was Adolph Hitler.

What I am saying is, evil can find it's way in a democracy too. In a dictatorship it works mainly through coercion, whereas in a democracy it's main weapon is deception. Hence, contrary to what the forces of darkness would like us to believe, democracy in itself is not the solution. No, democracy is only an opportunity. And the outcome depends on the consciousness of those who partake in it. It depends on their willingness and ability to see the truth.

And above all, the outcome depends on their conscience.

Also, the quality and the substance of democracy depends on people's day to day participation in it. Because if their contribution is restricted to just voting one day every few years, after which the government does what it likes, then what we really have is: one day of democracy, followed by years of dictatorship.

Finally, Mr Murdoch, I would like to thank you for making me feel very young again. The last time somebody called me silly names in the childish manner you did, was back in the kindergarten-years. No doubt, you must have been a child prodigy all those years ago. I mean, at the age of four you already had the brains you've got now. Just like your mate in the White House.

Tom Koo
Alstonville

For God so loved

A thought of the Holy Christ Child's birth.

If there had never been a Christmas, or a Holy Christ Child's Birth, or the Angels singing in the sky. Of the Promised Peace on Earth - what would the world be like today, with no Eternal Goal. That would the temporal body be without a soul.

Just what would give us courage, to push on when hope is dead.

And except the Christmas message and the word Our Heavenly Father said "in love I send my Only Son..." to live and die for you. And through his resurrection you will gain a new life too.

Now may you also have a happy and holy, joyful and safe Christmas. Also the joy of friendship, family and love may this be with you through all the coming years.

With God's richest Blessings,

Being Yours,

With love to you also.

Frank Patch
Alstonville

PS Put Christ back into Christmas not Xmas without Christ.

Uni of life

I may not have a university degree like the more employable. Does this therefore mean that when I left school at 15 my brain stopped functioning, the ability to learn ceased and any information I did absorb was wrong?

Globalisation worries me! What is it? What world awaits my growing children? Will they be the last non-genetically manipulated generation? Every day I try to learn. Every day I learn. For every thing I learn is created more questions. Who has the answers? Where is the light?

I'm looking for it myself and have a sneaking suspicion it does not lie in the fine point of the GATTs agreement. There is something fundamentally wrong with globalisation. The banks continuing ability to create credit out of thin air. Money does not grow on trees. Banks lend it. I think now is a good time to discuss these matters as it has taken the global economic corporate elite only 70 years to do what it took the Catholic church more than 1500 yeas to do - steal December 25.

Those who voted Liberal at the last three elections deserve no credit for this at all. Among the Celtic tribes it was the day they had thanked the earth mother for supplying the pre-requisites for sustained human existence. Then it was the day we remembered the sacrifice of one for the freedom of all. Now it's about increased credit card revenue for banks and increased revenue from multinationals for the things we don't need that damage the environment during their production. Vote Green at the next election.

Marcus Davis
Lismore