Motorcycle Rider Training
IN RESPONSE to John Denne’s letter (The Examiner, November 20) ' criticising' motorcycle rider trainers for not 'doing their job properly' because 'L' and 'P' riders are riding in t-shirts, shorts and joggers.
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When are critics going to realise that training, laws, or any other guidelines to do anything are provided by authorities to inform people of what is expected?
You don't need to be a rocket scientist to realise that a percentage of the population will do the right thing to get their licence, but forget most of what they were taught the moment they walk out the door.
Most things in life are up to the individual to take personal responsibility and 'do the right thing,' which for some times seems impossible.
Malcolm McKinnell, Prospect Vale.
Unemployment Rates and Statistics
TASMANIANS unemployment rate reported down to 5.7 per cent.
One must query: How are the statistics circulated and by whom?
Is the work for the dole scheme, mutual obligation voluntary work and any part-time work while receiving Newstart allowance calculated as working, if so, why?
Both state and federal politicians have got no idea about the current employment problem.
There are not enough jobs out there for everybody and that is that.
We hear about the jobs created for the skilled and trade workers.
Where are the jobs for the unskilled worker?
K. Nunn, Newnham.
Prayer
I’D LIKE to thank Mark D. Gaetani for his entertaining critique of a letter I wrote regarding the efficacy of prayer (The Examiner, November 17.)
Just a couple of points.
I have never expressed an opinion that people should forsake their belief in God.
The same goes for the right to freedom of speech, and the freedom to practice religion: both vital in a healthy democracy.
Nor do I wish to see religion and Christianity ‘sifted’ from our society.
Mr Gaetani should be aware that I am neither atheist nor agnostic, and that I ‘tolerate’ disciples of God at all times.
I have no issue with people expressing sympathy through prayer, although I profoundly doubt the effectiveness of such action; that being the nub of my letter.
After all, if my house is on fire I’ll reach for the hosepipe and not the Bible. Also, Mr Gaetani’s claim that believers have supported God through prayer ‘for the past 2000 years’, seems at first glance to be a tad ambitious.
Early societies have worshipped their gods in temples built over many millennia. Stonehenge and the Druids would be a good example.
The idea that God somehow popped up 2000 years ago in order for early Christians to direct their prayers, is a silly as believing that prayer will somehow prevent, and ameliorate, the many shootings undertaken in America.
Dave Robinson, Newstead.
Citizenship
IT APPEARS as though not all political parties think the constitution applies to them.
Senator Parry, Liberal MP John Alexander and others from Liberal and National parties have put their hand up as not complying but Labor MHR Justine Keay wants to be paid until she is told to go.
As the constitution is clear as the High Court noted: "A person who at the time that he or she nominates for election, retains the status of subject or citizen of a foreign power will be disqualified."
How many more members of the Labor party are not owning up?
Donald Hazeldine, Hillwood.
Rally Sponsorship
THE CITY of Launceston council's decision to grant $50,000 to the Confederation of Australian Motorsport to hold the 2018 Rally Championships in Launceston was taken without much thought as to the economic benefits of promoting Launceston as an arts destination.
As with Targa Tasmania, I do not believe that we should allow wealthy people to drive like maniacs on public roads in the name of sport. Hopefully rally driving will become a socially unacceptable spectacle and will decline in popularity. In much the same way as the bullfight or the rodeo.
Leon Cooper, St Leonards.
Heaven Rocks
WITH THE tragic death of AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young after a three-year battle with dementia and actor/singer David Cassidy with organ failure and dementia (both around the same age), it makes you wonder whether such a public lifestyle is taking its toll. With Young and Cassidy joining Fats Domino - “heaven is set to rock”.
A.R. Trounson, Needles.
Another Vote
NOW THAT a vote that cost Australians millions of dollars is finished, the federal and state governments could call for another compulsory vote which would save millions over time.
The vote would be to cut all ties with Britain and the royals and make Australia a republic. We don’t want people living thousands of kilometres away telling us what we can or can’t do in our country. But I don’t think the Prime Minister or any other politicians would have what is needed to call for it.
Colin Knowles, Devonport.
Thylacine trap
A LOCAL auction house is advertising as a featured item (of all things) a rare Thylacine trap, from the early 1900s.
The expected bidding could see this item fetch as much as $13,000-$15,000. Given it's history, as an aid to the extinction of a unique Tasmanian species, you've got to wonder what's the attraction to owning the trap? Rest assured, for what it was used for, I wouldn't give a brass razoo for it.
Robert Lee, Summerhill.