Tourism
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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.
On the defensive
THE totally defensive attitude by a couple of letter writers leaps out when reading letters to the editor..
Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic seems to spend time scanning the pages to write rebuttal letters.
As a federal MP I would have thought he had better uses of his time than look for dissent in his electorate.
— MAX WELLS, Sorell.
Tribute to the fallen
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.
Anzac Day
IN reply to Chris Rattray (Letters, March 16) regarding Anzac Day.
It’s your choice not to honor the men that went to war - WWI, WWII, many never came back.
It gave you the freedom to write your opinion.
Don’t condemn the ones, like me and many more, that do.
My late husband and brothers went to protect us.
An uncle died at Gallipoli.
Us war widows and Legacy ladies will be there in respect for our dearly departed.
Enjoy your day.
— NANCY HOLMES, Waverley.
Bullying
HOW ironic that The Examiner runs a story about bullying under the headline ‘Anger over anti-gay letter’.
It is exceedingly disappointing that a reputable newspaper would label in such a way what was a reasonably argued letter condemning all forms of bullying, as being ‘anti-gay’.
If we truly want a tolerant and generous society it is not helped by inflammatory rhetoric, which labels whatever is disagreed with as bigoted, homophobic or other emotionally charged label.
— RT REVEREND ROSS NICHOLSON, Launceston.
Nikolic
ANDREW Nikolic: welcome to life as a public figure.
You are an elected official.
As a federal politician elected by the people, you are subject to constant scrutiny by the electorate and you must expect criticism from that electorate.
This criticism will be voiced quite legally and publicly in mass-media outlets such as newspapers and internet forums.
Contacting the University of Tasmania to see if Dr Powell "represented them" with his letter is nonsense.
Nothing in Dr Powell's letter suggests he is 'speaking for' the university.
He quite rightly includes his position and credentials because -- as an academic employed by the university -- he has a legitimate interest in the matter.
If he had not included that information, would you have accused him of being underhanded, trying to hide his own interests?
By contacting Dr Powell's employer in the wake of this completely legal and reasonable exercise in free speech and public debate, you are attempting to intimidate not just Dr Powell, but anyone else who may wish to express critical views of yourself or your government.
If you can't handle criticism, Mr Nikolic, get out of public life.
— LAUNZ BURCH, Scottsdale.
Dr Powell
NO, Dr Powell (Letters, March 13), I did not mean just The Examiner newspaper being solely responsible for the left-wing leaning media’s endless attacks on Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and this is partly my fault, as I should have been more specific in targeting which media I am referring to.
This includes radio, television and other newspapers, just to name some avenues.
Opposite to Dr Powell’s belief, I do not believe The Examiner culls critical letters, ignores the current "crisis” of national governance, or treats Liberal MP Andrew Nikolic as an "endangered species, never to be criticised”.
On the contrary, Mr Nikolic receives his fare share of critics in The Examiner, and it certainly does not ignore the supposed "crisis of national governance”.
In fact, I believe this newspaper is most fair and unbiased in reporting all sides in politics.
— CARMEN FRELEK, Launceston.
Holman Clinic
I HAVE recently been in need of the services of the Holman Clinic, every work day for the past five weeks.
I have never ceased to be amazed by the "extra miles" put in by the staff, regularly, every day.
The specialists, the radio and chemo staff, the receptionists, nurses, orderlies - every single team member contributes towards making one of life's more demoralising experiences less daunting.
The staff provide support, not just in physical matters, but emotional support, with the real engagement and friendliness which can only come from dedicated and committed people.
My guess is that this ethos of excellence goes behind the scenes as well.
There must be a management team who provide the leadership to make the Holman Clinic what must be one of the most outstanding clinics of its kind.
My thanks to all those exceptional people who have helped me.
— MARK BARTKEVICIUS, West Launceston.
Dr Michael Powell
AFTER the latest tirade, Dr Michael Powell's (letters, March 19) letters have become tedious because of their predictability.
First, while reminding us of his expertise he pours scorn on Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic (and any other Coalition supporter).
Then when Mr Nikolic has the audacity to react to that scorn, Dr Powell expresses outrage that he won’t be silenced, yet he expects Mr Nikolic to remain silent regardless of what is said or insinuated about him.
Mr Nikolic, being of the strong character that he is, will take more than a handful of detractors to deter him from his efforts to attain positive results for his constituents.
— KERRY FOLEY, Launceston.
Reply to Dr Michael Powell
IN HIS latest political attack, former Labor candidate Michael Powell reaches for the moral high ground by stating “if you dish it out, you must expect rebuttal” (Letters, March 19).
The key problem with this statement is that I have only ever responded to his regular political attacks in the media.
I absolutely believe in free speech and robust debate.
The issue here is not free speech or academic freedom, but that Dr Powell launched a partisan political attack in his university’s name – an attack his university disagreed with.
Dr Powell’s regular stream of letters to newspapers often contain ALP rhetoric and include personal attacks on Government MPs.
Political rhetoric dressed up as academic comment is still political rhetoric even if it is signed by an academic who names his employer and his position.
It is frankly absurd for Dr Powell to suggest his freedom of speech has been constrained in any way.
His regular political commentary continues – including in two letters to The Examiner during the last week.
Dr Powell should also not be surprised that his employer became aware of a letter that linked his university position to his political attacks.
Tens of thousands of people read The Examiner daily – including the University’s executive leadership.
So if Dr Powell was disciplined by the Dean of the Arts Faculty as he claims, this appears linked to the university’s desire that he stops representing his personal, political views as those of the university.
And if Dr Powell truly believes that it is fine to associate his role at the University of Tasmania with his media campaign, why has he stopped using his university title in letters to the editor?
— ANDREW NIKOLIC, Bass Liberal MHR.