Letters To The Editor

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You First

If Bush, Howard, et al., want to make war, let them be the first to go.

Peter Ashley
Evans Head

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Poster Boy

The new anti-pot posters now seen in public toilets courtesy of the taxpayer again expose the government's futile attempts at demonising cannabis. So the guy on the couch smoked too much pot? And he's boring company? Most young people know that this happens, remember nearly half of them have tried it. And he didn't die finding out, he just became introspective for a while. But when he scores some E tomorrow night, he'll be the life of the party.

Drugs and partying are not the business of the government and never will be.

The messages it sends are confusing. It's rebellion - do you remember it?

Rebels in less fortunate societies are blowing themselves up and taking innocent people with them. Get with the program.

Inez Price
Nimbin HEMP Embassy

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Vale Jim

Jenny and I were profoundly saddened to hear that Alstonville community leader Jim Chesworth passed away on Christmas Day, and we very much regret we are unable to attend the funeral, as we are overseas.

Jim Chesworth was a close personal friend whom I have always looked up to for his strong moral and family values. A true gentleman, Jim was the essence of dignity and decency.

Jim was not only a close friend of the National Party for many, many years; he was also an extraordinary advocate for his community, first in Wollongbar, then in Alstonville.

He will be sorely missed by Alstonville, which I am sure will rally around Jim's family in the true community spirit which is so typical of the Plateau village.

Jenny and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jim's wife Laurel, and to their children Neil, Elva, Don and Marie as well as their families.

Jim Chesworth will always live on in the hearts and minds of the many people he touched during his life.

Larry Anthony MP
Federal Member for Richmond

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Conspiracy Theory

At the moment, our illustrious leader John Howard is dutifully presenting an ad campaign telling us of our responsibility to be vigilant in the face of terrorism and to be observant.

Unfortunately, at a cost of $15m, it had no real context in the way of actual information, no doubt an oversight on his behalf.

So in the interest of perspective, I would like to give my interpretation in the form of an example. Terrorism has many faces, not always coming in the form of bombs and bullets. Terrorism is now defined as political, industrial and social unrest, and this is how it could be used in this case:

Friday, December 27, the Northern Rivers from Woodburn to the Queensland border experienced a blackout disrupting, I'm sure, what plans people had for an enjoyable night out.

On the same night, the Gold Coast also had one and Ingham in Queensland had one on Thursday night for the second time, both being blamed on vandalism.

Now imagine this: if a disruptive corporatism element infiltrated our corporatively-owned energy system, they could in their interest cause disruption through blackouts to incite anger and cause trouble at a time that coincided with a seasonal influx of police in the region, thereby maximising effect and helping to fill our corporatively-owned prison system. After all, they look after their interests (profits) and they don't live around here.

Be aware of what's going on around you, and question everything.

John Strawbridge
Ballina

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Inspiring Students

On Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, I was magnificently entertained by thousands of happy, enthusiastic, talented school pupils. While I usually watch the Rock Eisteddfod, I have never before watched the Schools Spectacular. What a lot of enjoyment I have missed.

The talent of all the participants was outstanding and all should be congratulated, especially considering that the hours of practice had to be combined with school studies, including those for the School Certificate and HSC.

I was amazed at the maturity and brilliance of the last performer at the Schools Spectacular, who received a standing ovation. He sang, in Italian, a song or aria which I have heard and enjoyed many times before and along with the vast audience at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, thoroughly enjoyed again.

I hoped there would be an encore, but time did not permit.

As always, the costumes, scenery, choreography, musical backing and organisation was spot on. For this, families, friends and teachers should be very proud and satisfied.

I am looking forward to December 2003.

E Rash
Casino

Editor's note: If you think that was good, don't miss the local version - Northern Stars Under the Big Top, featuring 2500 students, when it's live in Lismore, April 10-12.

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Outback Thanks

I am writing to thank the community of Lismore and district for their support and involvement in 2002 Australia's Year of the Outback.

The Year of the Outback has inspired so many Australians from all walks of life. Thousands of events across the country have placed the spotlight on Outback communities and brought the diversity of people and their talents well into the limelight.

The extraordinary year-long program was a passport for Australians to "go bush" and see it for themselves.

I hope by doing so, they came to feel part of it and came to understand that we are not two nations - city and country, as often claimed - but one people entrusted with the care of the world's great island continent and the only Outback on earth.

It is the spirit and ongoing commitment by outback communities and the enthusiasm by coastal cities and towns to look beyond their own backyard that has helped make 2002 a year to remember. Please accept this as my personal thanks.

Bruce Campbell MBE
Chairman
2002 Australia's Year of the Outback

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Exchange Needed

After attending the public meeting on the needle exchange on Thursday, December 19, a couple of things are clear to me.

Firstly, Lismore needs a needle exchange. With our high rates of HIV and Hepatitus C being the largest outside the metropolitan areas we need to ensure the possibility of widespread infection is minimised.

Clean needles for intravenous drug users is an important strategy in minimising the spread of these diseases. And, as intravenous drug use is a product of our society, we are ethically bound to turn and face this problem square on, if reasons of compassion are not sufficient to move us. With years of successful operation of the Needle Exchange at the Neighbourhood Centre it seems logical for that partnership to continue when the Centre moves to the current Library building next year.

Secondly I am appalled at the contempt for public consultation which the Lismore Council, and to a lesser degree the Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS), have shown in dealing with this issue. It seems clear that the Council has decided the people of South Lismore should host the needle exchange, despite the Bounty Street site being supported by the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre, the Lismore Police, and the NRAHS itself.

Flying in the face of this community support it appears Council has rejected the Bounty Street/Neighbourhood Centre site. The only question unanswered at Thursday night's meeting was put by Ros Irwin to Council GM Paul O'Sullivan - "Who directed you to pursue the South Lismore site?". He wouldn't answer and with the shake of his head protected those who are influential and powerful from the gaze of public scrutiny. I ask those councillors who do not support the Bounty Street site to show themselves.

Let us know your reasoning. All we heard at Thursday night's meeting was a statement from Cr Crowther who stuck his head in the sand on this important health issue and said he didn't want a needle exchange anywhere.

For some reason, the NRAHS has consented to collude with Council to achieve the aim of locating the service at an inferior site, against the advice of its own people on the ground. Who can say how that about-face came to be, however, it was interesting to hear that Council tried to buy Neighbourhood Centre support by offering them reduced rent if they didn't host the Needle Exchange. The NRAHS in its underhanded efforts distributed a "public" survey to five businesses in South Lismore giving them one week to respond.

That was in November. The businesses surveyed were not adjacent to the proposed site. Taken by surprise by the public outcry over these shoddy survey tactics, the NRAHS backpedalled and held a public meeting last and extended the survey response date to January 6.

The Council hoped to relocate the needle exchange to South Lismore on the quiet, but their contempt for public consultation has been returned by the people of South Lismore in spades and deservedly so. It will be interesting to follow the debate over the coming months. An issue which no doubt was supposed to be signed and sealed by the end of 2002 now has the potential to become an election issue for both Councillors and our State representatives. So who will be heard - ordinary people, health professionals, the Police and the Neighbourhood Centre - or the powerful but cowardly back room boys?

Rob Garbutt
Goolmangar

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Stranger than Fiction

Margaret Howes (Echo, Dec 19) seems to have trouble telling the truth. But then again, why should the truth get in the way of a good story. Firstly the Secretary of Ballina Country Labor was nowhere near Alstonville and never helped in getting the petition signed.

Secondly, Margaret Howes came in screaming through Alstonville Plaza trying to make an embarrassment by shouting ` The Labor Party is here!` With a voice like a foghorn, she interrogated my friend as to whether he voted Labor. He looked at her amazed never answered. She then yelled the same question at me to which I had no trouble replying. I asked her who did she vote for and you can guess her mouthful.

No-one swore at her, but then that would not have made a good story would it. For the record Margaret Howes wouldn`t help with the petition, nor would she sign it. She has trouble helping anyone but herself. But then again, if you look at what Sue Dakin has done for the Shire compared to Margaret Howes. That is why Margaret Howes will never rise to anything more than a whinger.

Walter Mulgrave
Ballina

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Short Term Gain

A club has been formed at South Lismore for the short term.

They will have fun winning and succeeding. They could have become brave and helpful members of our community, but they chose to go out of their way to cause greater human suffering.

Some of our fellow humans have a medical condition caused drug addiction. This only happens to people who have been abused or otherwise bashed in their more tender years. Some other humans think of their own fears and insecurities first, and would prefer to put these people in jail instead, then complain as they create for themselves a few more criminals to justify or lesson their deceits.

As if not one of these South Lismore folk have never committed a crime - I know the truth.

I understand that you guys think you are doing you best, but just because you make someone else out to be the "bad guy" doesn't make you the "good guys". It will seem like that for you as you all support each other while you win your battle, which is based in your ignorance, fear and lack of compassion. This makes you feel happy.

The sad part is that you will win your battle and fail to accept responsibility for the life at the other end of your battle.

Ever seen the people left over on the losing side of a fight? The ones that you are not considering are people with psychological and other medical conditions that your society fails to assist. It is your fear and unloving attitude that does greater injury to these people. I am sure you all simply don't understand the issues and like the feeling of winning no matter what the costs.

I could never do the same to you if you or your kids were in need of medical attention.

Name withheld on request
Lismore

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Doomed Debate

Ms Name Withheld's response ('Doomed For Sure', Echo, Dec 24) to my letter is distressing.

It is a mix of academic and social misinformation and a personal attack centring on a criminal conviction in 1997 (not 1977 as stated). I will only deal with that last one here.

The writer speaks authoritatively of three chances to admit guilt prior to trial, and that may be right, but it is also premised on an assumption of guilt ... guilt now 'proven' and demonstrated by conviction.

Prior to trial I was offered the opportunity to plead guilty to a lesser offence (the more serious would then be dropped) for which my penalty would surely not be custodial. I asked the question, "If I haven't done anything how can I plead guilty to anything?"... and I've kicked myself daily since for not 'choosing' to lie then... to plead guilty. I didn't, I stated my innocence to all levels of appeal.

The facts of my conviction, in a nutshell, are these. Whilst affected by intoxicants I got up from a lounge room with a couple of people in it and walked down a darkened hallway seeking the toilet. I entered a dark room and there, I say I tripped over a sleeping person on the floor and attempted to rise by pushing up off the person, the Crown said that the person half asleep/half awake felt me 'cup' a breast and touch the vagina. The person consequently woke, some words were said, and immediately began screaming. This occurred in less than a minute of leaving the lounge room, in the dark, in a house I had never previously been in, the locations of any rooms or bedrooms being unknown to me, with a friend and the victims partner in a room down the hall. It was 'unbelievable'.

The Judge found no evidence of premeditation, no attempt at concealment of identity, no intimations or actuality of violence, and no actual physical harm. He found Ms Name Withheld's responses at the time (and at the time of trial) to be disproportionate and extreme. In directions to the jury, he described my 'intent' as instantaneously popping into existence then equally quickly disappearing, under the disinhibition of the intoxicants, without any evidence or statement on that notion being presented by either side. Comments which a single Supreme Court Judge described as "outrageous", amongst other things, and which he invited me to use in my appeal.

The trial Judge prefaced his sentencing comments with a reference to a serious anomaly which arises out of a shift in the categories of sexual offences which occurred in about 1994, whereby an offence such as mine was now in a serious category (maximum sentence 14 years) yet far more harmful things can be done in 'lesser' offences, and for which maximum sentences are much less.

I was sentenced to a minimum term of one year (maximum three years three months) and served that minimum term with parole for the balance. Gaol, despite the popular press representations, is hell. Whilst incarcerated all my property was disposed of and my bank accounts operated by someone unknown, leaving me with nothing and a debt to CentreLink upon release. A couple of years later I received a bill for $18,000 Victims Compensation. The magistrate there described the offence as "trivial" ... for who? I have been punished for my offence.

Similar to Ms Name Withheld's three chances. At several points in the trial and subsequent appeals I was asked whether I believed the victim thought she herself had been assaulted. I consistently said that I did, and I don't doubt that to this day.

There aren't three chances, there is only ever one chance or choice (maybe no choice). That is to choose to tell the truth, it is eventually the only shield, however imperfect, available to any person. For Ms Name Withheld I am either mentally ill or deceitful or worse to believe my truth in the face of a conviction. How can I 'reasonably' argue? I don't, I can only say that I reject that and the numerous other imputations contained in the letter.

I now, daily, live the label convicted rapist (sans balaclava). I don't seek to be publicly castigated about responsibility or credibility, particularly when it is not genuinely motivated, life's tough enough. This public shaming of me by Ms Name Withheld is a manifestation of a fearful, hurting person in a fear-filled society. I am a sitting target... 'doomed for sure'. I have had a few instances of people publicly haranguing and identifying me over the years, and for several months in 2002 I was the recipient of harassing phone calls and minor acts of mischief. These all derive from this event in my past colliding with my present. Understandably labelling and shaming serve some purpose for the victim, even maybe for those others who emotionally attach to them, but as a social practice I don't believe it should be seen as healthy.

I hope no-one ever finds themself in this position of feeling obliged to respond publicly to the types of imputations contained in Ms Name Withheld's letter. It is not pleasant. All things however, occur for a purpose and maybe many of the events of my last few years have their resolution in this. No test will be given that cannot be faced. I am what I am, you can believe what you will.

Paul Wade
Goonellabah

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Correction

In my letter 'Doomed for sure' (Echo, Dec 24), which was in response to a letter entitled 'Doomed Bloke' (Echo, Dec 12), written by Paul Wade, there was an error. The sexual assault was in 1997, not 1977, as printed. I feel it is important that my mistake is corrected.

Name & address withheld

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I am the Eggman

Once again George Walrus has surfaced from the depths of primordial ignorance, waving his flippers frantically, blowing red smoke from his rear end and bellowing bigotry in the season of goodwill.

Pity the old bull can't remove the crap from his only eye before attempting to operate on others with his old blunt tusks!

Continuing the Biblical metaphor, he goes on to take the name of the Almighty three times in vain to support his propaganda of prejudice!

Finally to demonstrate his mastery of "smart-arse big-time terminology" he claims to be a "xenophile" or "lover of foreigners". (Was that what you meant George?)

Our old "warwhores" (sic) is certainly confused. And this time he discloses that he is "buggered"! (... anyone for NASHOS?)

Harry James
Lismore

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Fascist Tendencies

G Wallace (Echo, Dec 24) obviously abuses, insults and denigrates those who don't agree with George and John Dubya with the 'authority' of the militarised fascist, who have shown the world over and over that they feel that Might is Right and everyone else is either a "smartarse", "amazingly stupid" or "dopey". Unlike him, these people use "perceived, big time terminology" as if having a vocabulary of words of more than one syllable is a crime and because people "stand out like the Harbour Bridge", they are to blame for being discriminated against by the likes of his hero, Fred Nile.

Does Wallace, against war as he states, ever analyse issues beyond his obviously right wing philosophy? Typically, like fascists everywhere, his answer to every problem is to make soldiers out of everyone, rather than see people enjoy peace, democracy and freedom, which if one looks deep enough, are only illusions in this increasingly police state.

In a pluralist, free democracy, people reserve the right to protest wrong government policy and being inconvenienced for a few hours of your driving career is a small price to pay. But Wallace expects us all to pay the ultimate price with our lives and the lives of our children.

Many people enjoy staying at home rather than invading another people's country in the cause of US imperialism and greed for oil while bolstering the omnipotent shareholders portfolio profits. Or does Wallace think that these things are worth more than human lives?

The thing that really needs 'cleaning up' is Wallace's rabid and hate-filled mind and heart, as no decent person in this day and age would be as shameful as to see militarism as a solution to anything, especially voicing an opinion.

M Mizzi
Tabulam

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Phile This

G. Wallace is somewhat confused (Echo, Dec 24). A search on the Echo website revealed no instances of anyone referring to him as a "xenophile" (sic). Who could possibly accuse dear old G.W. of being "A person who likes foreigners or foreign things"?

Some explanation seems necessary of the term he seems to be referring to: "USAnophilia".

For anyone who's taken more than a cursory glance at the Americas it would become immediately clear that the term "America" is inappropriate for North America (aka USA). They do not yet, as far as I know, have the title deeds of Central and South America in their possession. But judging by their penchant for meddling in the region it's bound to be on their list of "Things To Do Real Soon". Especially if there's a whiff of oil.

Partly as a personal protest against the overweening nature of the United States of America, and partly as a shorthand way of indicating exactly which part of the globe he's referring to, a friend recently coined the term "USAnia" (you-say-knee-ah). A rather tidy solution I thought and one many of his friends have since adopted.

So the term USAnophile denotes someone with a liking for all things USAnian. And I used USAnophilia to describe a condition suffered by someone who has taken that liking to an unjustifiable extent.

I apologise for confusing G.W. with new words, especially as he already finds big words such a challenge. Would some compassionate soul who knows him thrust a dictionary in his direction please.

Cloud
Kyogle

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Repetitive Rhetoric

G Wallace (Echo, Dec 24) professes to be "shocked" that The Echo can print views other than his, because those views may not be very complimentary.

Well, I am coming to the belief that many of your readers may not bother to read Wallace's letters any more, because his repeated use of the same descriptions of caring people like myself and many others. For instance 'hairy fairy, head in sand, ears plugged, eyes covered with bulldust, flip, amazingly stupid, dopey lot, gutless and hopeless... etc etc"

All this from that one letter, but it is just a small sample of the literary ravings from G Wallace for quite some time now.

Doug Myler
Lismore Heights

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Disappearing Act

I have come to the conclusion that G Wallace is a tired cliché in search of a point. He worries that others have their head in the sand. Mr Wallace has his head up a place far more fundamental.

A Gough
Larnook

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By Example

We owe a debt of gratitude to G. Wallace (Echo, Dec 24) for his remarkable demonstration of the truly regrettable and long-lasting consequences of sending young men off to war or into National Service.

A. Seer
Green Pigeon

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Animal Distress

I am absolutely disgusted by the amount of unwanted cats and dogs being dumped upon animal welfare organizations. Wake up people! Being a responsible pet owner is not a hard thing to do - desex your pets (both male and female). If you don't want litter upon litter upon litter of unwanted babies.

Organisations such as the Northern Rivers Animal Shelter and the Animal Rights and Rescue have been inundated with unwanted animals, especially kittens. It is a sad and extremely unnecessary thing and there is no excuse for it.

I have two amazing cats adopted from the NRAS. It was difficult to choose from the 50 or so cats available (the number has now increased). Pets come desexed, vaccinated, microchipped (vouchers are provided to be used at participating local vets), wormed and in good health. For a small price you can give a good home to a beautiful companion, one that somebody so thoughtlessly dumped.

In this post-Christmas period, animal welfare groups (consisting of volunteers) are run off their feet. They work tirelessly to clean up other people's mess and deserve all the credit and recognition due to them and their cause. I urge all residents of this area to help out in any way they can, whether it be adopting a pet, or giving a cash or food donation. The best way people can help is by being responsible pet owners.

It is really not that hard. Anyone who cannot manage this small task doesn't deserve to own such beautiful creatures. And if you are going to give someone a pet as a gift, please make sure it is a wanted and appreciated present. So many animals are in distress and sometimes danger from irresponsible, thoughtless humans.

Do the right thing and treat animals with the respect you would another human.

The Northern Rivers Animal Shelter can be contacted on 6629 8124, or via their Op Shop in North Lismore. The Animal Rights and Rescue Group can be contacted on 6628 1358.

Kate Schumacher
Lismore

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