Anzac
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NOT long now till we see all the politicians and their extended families set sail for their public funded European tours under the guise of paying tribute to the fallen.
I wonder if they realise who’s responsible for all the headstones. Wouldn’t be politicians would it?
— PETER CHURCHILL, St Helens.
Woolstore
I’VE been watching the Woolstore being demolished these last few days.
A perfectly sound structure, wonderfully attractive, full of Launceston’s economic history and heritage.
An act of pure barbaric vandalism.
Everyone involved should hang their heads.
— JIM DICKENSON, Launceston.
Abbott
THE friends of the Prime Minister Tony Abbott assert he has changed, yes I agree.
From changing one foot in the mouth to replace with the other.
Very convincing change too.
— PETER M. TAYLOR, Midway Point.
Powell
THE caustic attack by Dr Michael Powell (Letters, March 13) on Carmen Frelek for the sin of expressing her views (and on MP Andrew Nikolic and the government of course), reminded me so much of an election campaign speech I have to ask the good doctor, does this mean he is intending to once again run as a Labor candidate as he did at the last election?
— KERRY FOLEY, Launceston.
Tourism
OVER the past weeks there have been tourism operators with their hands out to grab some of the money from the failed Cadbury’s project.
In their altruism to say, protect the tourists from beastly weather, they failed to state the money would benefit them, the operators first and foremost.
— PETER M. TAYLOR, Midway Point.
John L Grove
I AM a stroke survivor residing in the John L. Grove rehabilitation facility.
Since I arrived on December 9 from the Launceston General Hospital, I have made very good progress, such that by May I hope to be home with a `live-in’ carer.
My rapid recovery can be very much attributed to the John L Grove experience - private room, ease of moving about, communal meals and great staff.
It is a shame J.L.G. has to close through lack of taxpayer funds.
The minister of course has to make hard decisions on priorities.
However, what is needed is a statement of what is the plan.
Can John L. Grove be leased/sold to the private sector?
We can’t just close the door on all the investment.
— ANITA JUPP, Launceston.
Wilderness
WHEN on earth are Tasmanians going to realise the importance of preserving places such as the World Heritage Area?
They are some of the most priceless and irreplaceable cultural and natural assets on earth. Note that word "Irreplaceable”.
The Tasmanian wilderness is one of the last expanses of temperate wildernesses in the world.
Tourists come here to see the wilderness, not fancy and expensive lodges and so-called eco resorts.
— BILL CARNEY, Riverside.
Nikolic
IN THE two years before the 2013 election, I listened to many speeches from Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic, where he highlighted key priorities if elected.
At the top of his long list was enhancements to Tasmania’s Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) and securing funding for the Scottsdale irrigation project.
Since the 2013 election, Mr Nikolic has shown what he can do in securing federal resources for our community.
In the last month, $60 million in federal money has been secured for Tasmanian irrigation schemes, followed by $203 million for an unprecedented expansion of the TFES.
Mr Nikolic has also secured tens of millions of dollars for many other worthwhile projects like a healthier Tamar River and NE freight roads.
— DAVID HECKSCHER, Newstead.
Political campaign
BASS Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic claims I have run a “political campaign” against him then savages my character.
This is precious behaviour.
If you dish it out you must expect rebuttal.
And a few letters hardly constitutes a ‘campaign’.
Mr Nikolic’s email to my employer was no innocent query but an attempt to produce negative consequences.
Only the bereft of intelligence would think otherwise.
It is within my area of expertise in Australian history for me, under the university’s rules, to comment publicly indicating my university affiliation though I do not represent the university nor its views.
That is clear and always was.
— DR MICHAEL POWELL, Springfield.
Federal politicians
I HAVE recently become aware of disturbing issues and need to get some understanding.
It would be useful for citizens to get some truthful information from all federal politicians regarding:
Are you a person who endeavours to speak the truth regardless of the consequences?
It seems the Government and Opposition calls asylum seekers ``illegal”. Could you please tell me what ‘illegal’ activity they have done?
Are you a person who respects human rights?
Do you believe it is honourable for anyone to remain silent about known inhumane activity?
Do you believe it is proper for a country to uphold international law regardless of the consequences?
I trust our federal politicians take these concerned questions seriously.
— GEOFF GRIMES, West Launceston.
Euthanasia
WITH regard to the front page story in The Sunday Examiner today regarding euthanasia.
I commend Lara Giddings for her re-tabling this important issue.
It is when you have been diagnosed with a serious illness that a different light is thrown on the subject.
I can say this as I have been recently told I have cancer.
Those who are there to set down legislation should be informed on how the electorate feel about important decisions such as this.
If euthanasia is made law, all it means is that those who have no hope of enjoying a fruitful and enjoyable life can choose to end it in a dignified way, without perhaps, years of pain, tests, chemotherapy or radiation.
My mother, aged 97, has been brought back from the brink of death several times from the age of 70, despite informing everyone who is prepared to listen she wants to die.
It has been proven in the Netherlands, where it is law, euthanasia has reduced the number of suicides because people now have a legal way of ending their life, when there is no point in suffering any longer.
I find it amazing that if a racehorse breaks its leg, or your pet dog is sick, a vet can be summoned to put it down to put it out of it's misery.
Shouldn't we at least have the same rights as an animal?
If the time comes when I am unable to go on, I would like to be surrounded by my loved ones, tell everyone what needs to be said, have a few drinks and not be a burden on my loved ones and Medicare, then leave this earth with dignity.
— COZ EGBERTS, Newstead.
Safe schools
I AM profoundly dismayed and angered by the participation of Bishop Harrower and Archbishop Porteous in an attack conducted by ACL in January on the Safe Schools Coalition program, which now has come to light in recent reports (Monday, March 16, 2015).
This program is critical for isolated and frightened young people to obtain support and confidence in coming to terms with their sexuality or identity.
I am a gay man who was schooled through the Catholic education system over 25 years ago.
It was a lonely, terrifying and profoundly depressing time of my life.
There was no acknowledgement of; or support or assistance for, LGBTI students. Indeed, there was a pervasive, silent, tacit approval of homophobia and discrimination during my school life.
I consider myself a survivor of that experience and look back at that time wishing that a program such as the one now proposed for Tasmania was present.
The pain, hurt and suicidal thoughts I endured may well have been considerably diminished.
I sincerely hope these leaders reflect critically on their conduct and listen to the voices of people such as myself who have survived the anguish of LGBTI discrimination in school life.
Some of my peers weren't so resilient and took their own lives as a result of those experiences.
I speak for them as much as for myself.
Stop harming.
Start helping.
— JARROD BRYAN, Lenah Valley.