Issue 741
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Letters To The Editor
Click here to comment on this letter.
No ExaggerationAbsolutely nothing appears exaggerated in the letter headed 'Youth Crime' (Echo, Oct 11). Let us look at a certain element in this society, where we see that illegal drug taking is doing damage to the family as a whole. Young children are in the street smoking! Pre-teen children are running onto private properties, when accosted, some are seen to carry a metal bar, which seems to be their protective weapon. Fires are being lit under trees and in gutters. Stones and sticks are being thrown at homes and cars, door bells are being rung late at night and 'smelly stuff' left at the front door. Filthy language emanates loudly from homes, and on the street. Proper parental example seems to be non-existent. We thank the Police officers for their support and frequent patrols. To sum up the situation - the behaviour in this area of Goonellabah is decidedly un-neighbourly - almost unbearable. Name Withheld Click here to comment on this letter.
Still ImprovingGot another letter in the post from dear old Ian Causley, of the National Party, the other day. He's a lovely correspondent when election time comes around, isn't he? In his letter he correctly states that the only effective vote on November 10 will be either for him or for Country Labor's Terry Flanagan (though, he coyly refrains from mentioning Terry by name). Something puzzled me about his letter, though. Ian lists a whole lot of improvements that we can expect if we elect him - improvements in education, roads (spelt 'rods', but no doubt educational improvements will fix that), in family and community services, in health, in aged care and immigration law. Now here's the thing that puzzles me: If dear old Ian has already been in Federal Parliament for 5.5 years (and in State parliament for 13 years), and hasn't managed to effect these improvements in all that time, why should we expect him to do any better this time around? I rather think it's time for a new broom, don't you? Walter Mulgrave Click here to comment on this letter.
Socialist StanceIt's heartening that Simon Thomsen (Echo, Oct 11) takes a principled stand in favour of the right of asylum seekers to settle here. However Simon argues for a fair go for refugees on the basis of our 'need to establish markets overseas' and not 'squander' the 'pain of structural reform'. But the economic rationalist policies that Simon is alluding to are not at all in the interests of most Australians. Tying these policies to support for refugees can unfortunately promote xenophobia among those hurt by pro-corporate governments. I support refugee rights for the pragmatic reason that workers, small farmers and small business people all around the world have the same interest in opposing exploitation, and in forming closer links. The Socialist Alliance is calling for the end of deportations and of mandatory detention, specialist services for resettlement, including free English classes, abolition of the temporary protection visa and full citizenship rights for all refugees and migrants. Along with our calls for taxation on the rich, increased public services and social justice rather than the GST, privatisation and cut-backs, we're making it clear that refugee rights, and the rejection of the 'divide and rule' logic of refugee-bashing, is in the interests of the vast majority of Australians. Nick Fredman Click here to comment on this letter.
Redefine CrimeAfter reading the article and letter on 'youth crime' (Echo, Oct 11), I felt compelled to express some thoughts on the issue. I am aware that this is an incredibly complex issue and that there are no simple solutions, however, I feel passionately that we, as a community, must listen carefully to the needs of, and the issues facing our children. We need to develop a genuine attitude of understanding and friendship towards young people, enabling us to support their needs and protect them from harm, instead of creating an environment where we are judging, ostracising and threatening young people. I believe, our own ignorance and lack of empathy are displayed when we continue to blame young people for their actions and fail to recognise the bigger issues form which their difficulties arise. We need to acknowledge the emotions and experiences underlying their actions, to gain some real insight into the deeper reasons these incidences are occurring. It is our responsibility to become aware; to develop a compassionate heart and find alternatives to the harsh, punitive measures which are used to discipline young people. It seems far too easy for us to use young people, along with other minority groups, as scapegoats for the disharmony existing within our society, our local community and ultimately within ourselves. I feel it is possible to open up a broader view of the situation, extending our imagination and our hearts beyond the oppressive methods which exist now, to create a long-term strategies, based on positive relationships with young people, which directly relate to their changing needs and interests. I feel that it is obvious that our children are already suffering, therefore we have responsibility as individuals and as a community to provide care which prevents further suffering, by acknowledging and protecting their inherent human rights. How can we expect children to have the courage to face their difficulties if we do not have the courage and wisdom to stand beside them, and be there for them? If we cannot offer our young people respect, understanding, supportive relationships equality, and all the things we ourselves expect and deserve as human beings, then I believe this is the true crime. We are the criminals. Do we really think our children are precious? How can we show them we believe this? Shavari Click here to comment on this letter.
Kids ConcernsKim Beazley and the Labor candidate for Page, Terry Flanagan, have both claimed that if Labor wins government that they will have 9 out of 10 children completing year 12. What an about face for Beazley in particular. While he was finance minister in the last Labor government, they introduced legislation which paid children to leave home at 14 if they resented parental discipline. Now they wonder why there are so many drop-outs and street kids. Does he plan to revoke that legislation if elected to government or is it just hot air? John Barnes Click here to comment on this letter.
No SnakeI wish to respond to a comment made in Shaggy Dog column (Echo, Oct 11) in which you refer to many in the ALP as having less backbone than a black snake. I have been a member of the Labor party for almost 10 years now and in that time have never met a member that fits that description. Your average ALP member is more likely to be an honest hardworking member of the community who is usually involved in other volunteer and charitable works besides politics. The Lismore Branch of the ALP is vibrant and members represent a broad spectrum of the community, ranging from doctors, war veterans, shopkeepers, farmers, teachers, labourers, students, retirees and numerous other occupations. We have constantly lobbied for better services in our region and always will. Our current candidate for Page Terry Flanagan definitely has a backbone and has knocked over 20,000 doors and is willing to listen to the constituents. I don't know how many of those doors were opened as you pointed out, but at least he took the time to make an effort, which is more than I can say for Mr Causley. How many doors has Mr Causley knocked on? I guarantee he wouldn't run out of fingers when counting them. The fact is that the National Party believes it can ride to power on the back of hysteria and with out any real commitment to local issues. They can sit back and relax and hopefully return to the good old days of a blue ribbon safe National Party seat, where the only real fight is the National Party pre selection ballot. I don't particularly want to go back to the Charles Blunt and Doug Anthony days, where the only people in the electorate with job security are National Party politicians. So call us what you like, but with policies like the $100 million Dental Health Scheme you won't be calling us toothless tigers. Ian Juleff Click here to comment on this letter.
Report DistortedYour report on the October 10 anti-war demonstration outside Ian Causley's campaign launch (Echo, Oct 11) was one of the shoddiest pieces of journalism I've seen. You significantly underestimate the numbers preset - there were easily 50 at a protest organised in less than a day, not 20 (and there were nearly 150 at the emergency anti-war rally on October 8, not 50 as you reported). Out of several minutes of discussion by me on the reasons to oppose the war, you choose to report only the most sensationalist-sounding off the cuff remark. You describe a friendly open mic discussion as a 'squabble', without referring to a single point that a range of people - members of the community you're meant to represent - made about their concerns. Was this a news report or a pro-war opinion piece? This issue is far too serious to distort local anti-war sentiment, which reflects the growing worldwide peace movement. At the action, after having to actually listen to their constituents for a couple of minutes, Mr Causley and Mr Anderson stormed off, declaring that 'we can't take you seriously' and 'you don't support free speech'. Well, we hearby challenge Mr Causley to show his seriousness and support for free speech by attending a debate on the war, at any time of his choosing. Edda Lampis Click here to comment on this letter.
What LeadershipThat our Prime Minister is able to sell his inept leadership to the Australian people is a remarkable exercise in spin doctoring. Mr Howard has rushed to offer 150 SAS troops and that part of our navy that is not harassing refugees to our 'great friend' the USA. We are, however, not wanted or needed. For his own political purposes the PM is keen to play some role. And here his total lack of leadership credibility is exposed. The only meaningful role Australia might play in this crisis is a diplomatic one, and our PM has 'lead' us to a position where we have no voice in this debate. Our treatment of refugees has alienated us from many Muslims, indeed from all compassionate nations. Our high handed approach to Indonesia on the refugee crisis has created a rift with our nearest neighbour. Our refusal to sign the Kyoto protocol on Greenhouse gases has alienated us from most of the developed world. The PM's well known manipulation of race politics and our distant and patronising attitude to Asia has alienated that continent as well. Who in the world, then, will listen to Australia? Is this the sort of leadership we need in 'troubled times'? Bill Kidd Click here to comment on this letter.
Child BulliesMy children were at the Goonellabah School at the time of the incident mentioned in the letter on youth crime (Echo, Oct 11), when young children were throwing sticks and hurling abuse. One stick actually hit my son in the head. I am a single mother of four children and even though I find that exhausting and difficult enough, I also work full time to provide my children and I with a better quality of life than what we would have if I lived on the Sole Parent Pension. I did not work in the paid workforce before my marriage broke down. During the school holidays I have no choice but to leave them in the care of the wonderful staff at OOSH. For this service I am required to pay a fee and believe that I should be able to attend to my duties at work without having to be concerned for their welfare. I also believe that my children have the right to feel safe in their environment... and not having to be locked up to ensure that this happens. Unfortunately this is not the first time that my children have come home frightened and upset because of louts. My home in Goonellabah has been broken into and my purse stolen by kids who think that they have more right to my hard-earned money than I do. My children get harassed by young kids at the bus stop, which is outside the Goonellabah Public School. One boy told my 13-year-old son that he would bash him, my 11-year-old daughter was punched in the arm and my 7-year-old son has been hit in the eye with a stick. All my children were doing was waiting for the bus to take them to their school. I am angry that I am trying to do the right thing by my children and by society in general by working, paying my taxes and raising my children to have decent values and respect for others, yet other parents 'cop out' because it is too hard. I am fed up with feeling fear every time a child, who I know has no reason to be here, walks down my street. I wonder what would have happened if one of those kids hanging off the milk truck accidentally got caught on the wheel and was run over? Name withheld Click here to comment on this letter.
Global VillageIt is interesting to note that since last Wednesday morning, ABC Radio station 2NCR has expanded its concept of what is classified as 'local' news to include the overnight events in the United States and/or Afghanistan as the leading story for 'ABC Local News'. This is in contrast to the previous practise of including this information as part of 'Making News Elsewhere' segment after the local events have been aired. Does this mean that the North Coast has become part of the global village without us being aware of it or does the ABC know something and not telling us yet. We certainly live in curious times, don't we? Terry Harvey Click here to comment on this letter.
Nurses SupportI write in support of the Nurses Association of NSW and their fight for better conditions and a wage increase. 'What is a Nurse worth?' is their slogan to get their message across to the public. Since the days of Florence Nightingale, going back 150 odd years, Nurses have been underpaid and over-worked, doing a job that no politician would dare do, like soiling his hands emptying a bed pan or clean up vomit from a sick patient. All this type of work and more is expected of a nurse. It's their work and it is unlimited working long hours, at times going into double shifts. In the past two years I have personally seen it - nurses run off their feet at Lismore Base, St Vincent's Lismore and Kyogle Hospitals. In Logan Private and Brisbane Princess Alexandra it is no different. In one hospital I witnessed operations going on from midday up til well after midnight. Doctors and Nursing staff working steadily and consistently were run off their feet that night. They are all a wonderful team of dedicated professionals and that includes the occupational therapists and the wards as well. They do their very best for all patients. But what do they get for their service? Nothing but a slap in the face by an uncaring NSW government. So a message to all you politicians... Wake up to yourselves and get these dedicated nurses back to the service they proudly give. Before giving yourselves another pay rise, give it right now to those who so richly deserve it the most, Our nursing staff. They are worth more than money can buy. Frank B Finch Click here to comment on this letter.
Animal RightsIn mid August, the Animal Rights and Rescue Group (ARRG) received a phone call concerning the safety of a group of wild cats in Ballina. A lady who feeds the group regularly has noticed that one of the cats with a ringbark type injury to its tail - possibly from a trapping attempt. The cat wasn't seen for a while, and when it returned, its tail had actually dropped off leaving a 10 centimetre raw stump. Since the end of August, with the help of this lady, ARRG have caught seven cats from the group. Each of the animals has been desexed and released, and the 'bobtail' had her injury treated. One female was far too pregnant to spay, so was kept in care to have her kittens. The issue of wild or feral cats is an emotive one and exists in all towns and villages. To curb the problem pet owners must take responsibility for their animals. These cats in Ballina are part wild, not feral, so they possibly originated as someone's pet or unwanted litter. By desexing the animals we caught, ARRG will prevent hem adding to the wild population. With each female capable of having 2-3 litters a year, it doesn't take long to become a major problem. The kitten which was born in care will be a domestic pet, and will be looking for a loving home. If you feel you can provide a good home to a feline member of your family, please contact ARRG - 6628 1358. Animal Rights and Rescue Group would like to thank Mary, Bridget and Brent for their enormous help with the cats of Ballina. Please desex your pet and prevent the possibility of it adding to the unwanted population - both wild and domestic. Michela Brown Click here to comment on this letter.
Reasons To GoThe Howard government should go because they lied about the GST and ignored the majority vote to claim a mandate. They gave massive tax cuts to the wealthy and a kick in the teeth to the poor They sold our most valuable assets to reduce our deficit instead of applying good economic management. They increased private schools funding at the expense of public education They would-not-could-not reduce the fuel levy for the people of Australia but found it quite easy to do it to save their skins after a series of disastrous by-elections. I could go on and on, but suffice to say that the Howard government has no compassion or understanding of the poor (Anderson thinks poverty is self-inflicted!). Therefore they cannot relate to their struggle and their social policies are inadequate. I would now like to get onto another subject, if I may. The September 11 terrorist attack is still difficult to comprehend, let alone accept as fact. Yet it is and it made me come to the conclusion that we humans are too engrossed in our selfish needs and cosy with our own perceptions. We take a narrow view of justice and lack the moral courage for peace. Since we are now fighting terrorism, let's have a world forum to define it. Once this is done we'll soon realise that unfortunately, we are all terrorists and should come to our senses. It is of course absolutely tragic to have lost so many lives in the attack, but I wonder how many Americans die homeless in the US each year? Could it be more than 6000? Why isn't there any money to save these people when there is so much readily available to hunt Bin Laddin? I tell you, we're all screwed up and very, very selfish! Andre Othenin-Girard - Edited for length - Ed Click here to comment on this letter.
Teeth ProblemsAs a NSW resident who receives the maximum amount payable through the Sole Parenting Payment I've had to wait more than five years to have my teeth fixed, thanks to John Howard. Thankfully, even my rapidly eroding wisdom teeth never caused such acute, intensive and immediate agony that they would have forced me - as such pain has forced others - to line up in the telephonic queue at 8am working weekday mornings, seeking emergency dental attention from the Community Health Centre or from the Base Hospital. So I suppose that it was unlikely that Howard's strutting of the International stage would've displaced or camouflaged my sense of sheer gratitude for the excellent - even kind - services I've recently obtained to restore, within the past month or so, a minimum of oral hygiene. It is 'the constraints of their political vision' which remains my principal concern. I do not believe I live within a culture that would continue to content itself with these present realities. To me, my culture anticipates such a resurrection of effective public sector responsibility. Charles Lowe - Edited for length - Ed Click here to comment on this letter.
Wrong InterestsDuring the 1960s the US Joint Chiefs of Staff developed and approved plans (codenamed Operation Northwoods) to trick the American people into supporting a war against Cuba. To achieve this plan the military chiefs were prepared to go as far as to blow up one of their own naval ships knowing that the 'casualty lists in US newspapers would cause a helpful wave of national indignation'. Other options included plane hijacks and terrorist attacks on US cities. They even proposed using the potential death of astronaut John Glenn as a false pretext for war with Cuba. In the event that his rocket exploded they were ready to provide 'irrevocable proof' that the communists were to blame. What I am building up to is that it can be extremely dangerous to uncritically accept the propaganda pumped out by the US military into our homes. Particularly when one considers the mountain of evidence which shows that the U.S. military/industrial/intelligence elite has time and again acted against the interests of freedom, democracy and human rights in pursuit of its own economic and strategic goals. Perry Libeau Click here to comment on this letter.
UnemploymentWhat a joke the unemployment figures are. Tony Abbott, Peter Costello, John Howard and Co. take a person out of the unemployment statistics if the person has a job of one hour or more per week. Who can live on the wage of one hour per week? Who can support a family on the wage of one hour per week? Who can pay a mortgage on the wage of one hour per week? What lending institution would consider loaning finance on a wage of one hour per week? I wish the Coalition would admit the real unemployment figures. On the North Coast the youth unemployment is up to 35% whilst general unemployment is double the National average. Don Blackmore Click here to comment on this letter.
Peace for AllFrom Buddhist to Baha'i; from Muslim to Methodist; Indigenous, white and emigrant; conservative and rebel; long-time activists and very new faces; old and young; mayor and citizens, in prayer, talk and music shared grief, compassion, concern, love, and hope for peace, in Lismore's home of happenings on Sunday September 30. They mourned, questioned and reflected on a world in upheaval since September 11. The ever generous, ever ready Bundjalung Elders, Aunties Fay Smith and Agnes Roberts welcomed the widely representative group. But, as always, good news is no headline and People Uniting for Peace, as the event was called, has passed unreported. The Muslim woman crying out that the Koran does not prescribe terrorism in God's name, was heard and applauded by all present, but not broadcast in any media. The Baha'is prayed the gathering would 'be a foreshadowing of what will, in truth, take place in this world when every child of God realises that they are the leaves of one tree, flowers in one garden, drops in one ocean and sons and daughters of one father, whose name is love'. Young Anneke Hawke spoke for the youth pointing out that a small seed can produce food, and asking what does war produce? What have all the wars of the past achieved? From the Internet came the suggestion 'bomb them with butter' - feed the starving.. It is sad that it takes a tragedy to unite us all, but if something good can come out of Sept 11, this will be it... we are all on this tiny fragile globe, flying through space together, and we can't carve it up into little segments to call our own, without destroying it and ourselves. God help us! Thank you organisers for helping us feel and celebrate that reality, worthy of a monumental headline. Judith Light - Edited for length - Ed Indigenous IssuesWhen some people see Aboriginal people drunk and falling about in the streets they walk on by, they do not turn. Are they the ones called tolerant? Others look and say under their breath: 'Why those drunks - they bring a shame on our town. How can they afford to drink booze all day?' The intellectual elite would call these people redneck racists. Then there are others - or at least there is me who says when I see these people - Why, you people are giving all Aboriginal people a bad reputation. Where are our community leaders with the courage to broach these problems? Where are some people with news ideas and energy who could do a better job than just going on and on about how John Howard should say sorry as if that would make any stupid difference. In the lead up to the forthcoming elections talk about Aboriginal affairs has gradually quietened and is now silent. Discerning people know why. Most political candidates haven't got the guts to discuss the tough issues. There are endemic health problems in Aboriginal communities. Lots of people are saying that ATSIC as well as The National Party and Labor Party blokes who have held the seat of Page in recent years have failed to come up with any practical strategies to arrest permanent high levels of unemployment and the problems that come with boredom for both Aboriginal and non -Aboriginal people. More then a year ago when I heard that the ATSIC office that has a staff of about 18 was being moved out of Lismore I was the only person who wrote in the press about it. MP Ian Causley has shrugged his shoulders and said Aboriginal people are not inclined to schooling and would prefer to go walkabout. The local Labor Party and Greens will keep quiet about Aboriginal issues but we all know they are fervently committed to saying sorry which translates as Government funded financial compensation. How not to address a serious problem you tell me! I think there is a real need for people with the capacity to put the lives and well being of all Aboriginal people before apologies and treaties and legal battles. I think the vibrant Aboriginal Magistrate Ms Pat O'Shane should run for political office and that people like her and I could make a positive difference in areas where so many others fear to tread. Kathryn Pollard-O'Hara - Edited for length - Ed Click here to comment on this letter.
His Master's VoiceIn the up coming Federal election we must make some very important decisions, as Rupert Murdoch said in a speech on Friday. If we do not spend a lot more money on education Australia faces a serious risk of global irrelevance. I fear it is already too late. I have met so many people here in Australia who have had a basic school certificate education who are great with their hands however severely lacking in the problem solving area of their grey matter. It is a social crime to allow students to leave school and head out into the world with less than we as a society can give them. Education broadens our minds, enables us to problem solve and stand on our own feet both individually and as a nation. We will become the work drones of the technological Kings and Queens, Europe and the USA. As Mr Costello once said: the value of our dollar is the measure of our economy. How low can you go? Over the past week I have noticed that even the Foreign Minister of Pakistan speaks English with more eloquence than many Australians. While living in Europe I never came across locals who used words and phrases such as, 'Um' 'Like' 'Well Ah Yea No' and 'Ya Know What I Mean.' The last one is said by many here not as a question but as a statement. Most Europeans speak at least three languages and in many cases their mastering of English is superior to ours. Education is the key here. Get yourselves educated and failing that, get your children educated. Football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars does not make for a diverse internationally competitive environment. The boat people situation will be dealt with by either party. They are not a threat. Over 60,000 illegals are here now via our airports. Education will always rule over fear if you allow it. Carl Densley - Edited for length - Ed Click here to comment on this letter.
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