I was stopped at red lights in York Street, lights turned green, I put my foot on go pedal next instant there was a fully loaded B-double log truck in front of me which I was unable to see till that instant as a large van was beside me blocking any view of the truck. I, like the truck driver and police urge all drivers to take care and drive to the conditions. Trucks of this size should not be travelling on our city streets. Until a ring road is built large trucks of this nature should have a heavily policed speed limit of 40km/h. I am very thankful I was not quicker off the mark.

Alan Hardman, Legana.

WHAT is it with some religious folk and their unhealthy obsession with gender diversity? Mary T Bates’ (The Examiner, October 21) comments on this subject are naive, insensitive, ignorant, unhelpful and dangerous. Gender diversity is not an ideology, irrational reaction to it is. Public schools are interested in providing age appropriate health education. Being informed about human sexuality does not qualify as an undesirable practice.

For some youngsters to be told that they are not normal is utterly contemptible and unforgivable.  Might I suggest to Mary T Bates who it is that really needs counselling on this subject.

Ralph Marshall, Launceston.

THE Launceston Historical Society celebrated its 30th anniversary at the recent monthly October meeting. Pioneered by the late Mrs Patricia Ratcliff, the society has continued to be an important social fabric of Launceston, explaining the who, what, where, when, why and how, pertaining to the development of Launceston and environs. A number of founding, active members were present to celebrate the anniversary, with Dr Eric Ratcliff (husband of the late Mrs Ratcliff), acknowledged by cutting the celebratory cake, but also making an invaluable contribution in his own right with publications, drawings, paintings and preservation activities, as examples, which are important, permanent additions to Launceston’s record of varied and interesting history.

Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.

THE editorial (The Examiner, October 29) rightly states the hardship that will be suffered by the loss of livelihood of the JBS abbatoir workers in Devonport.

However we need to also spare a thought for the businesses and workers dependent on the spending power of those JBS employees.

In addition, the Quioba abbatoir is the only facility capable of processing the vast bulk of pigs bred in Tasmania.

As a consequence unfortunately the planned closure will also result in the disappearance of Tasmanian grown pork from all our butcher shops and local markets.

I for one am looking forward to buying a quality free range ham for Christmas and fear the unless the powers that be can find a satisfactory solution the only thing I will be looking forward to will be the demise of our local pork industry instead.

Kevin Bell, Lebrina.

AS a Liberal supporter did the Federal Liberal Party really think you was going to get away with your egotistical stupidity.

Remember you are voted in to serve the people not stroke your own huge out of controlled ego’s. And to get upset that Malcolm Turnbull did nothing to help, is an absolute nonsense. Why should he, the Federal Liberal Party, sacked and embarrassed him on the world stage. I personally was not a strong supporter of Mr Turnbull pertaining to the Banks debacle, but I respected his position as a loyal Liberal, he was the chosen leader. Mr Turnbull must also carry some blame with the Abbott change of leadership, we are viewed poorly on the world stage as an unstable and rudderless country.

Carrying the crosses of energy, leadership and bank debacles, can we survive the next election? Who knows? Big changes needed.

Peter Doddy, Trevallyn.

Here are some A A Milne-inspired thoughts about recent political events in the Wentworth electorate:

Scott Scott Morrison Morrison, Weatherby George Dupree/Has caused the loss of the electorate although he was just the key that unlocked the door to more political anarchy/Scott Scott Morrison Morrison, Weatherby George Dupree/Said to his leader: “Malcolm Malcolm Malcolm”/He said: “You must never go back on your principled crap without first consulting me.”/S.S.M.M.W.W.D.P said to his leader/“the people are fickle and we’re in a pickle/if they decide they will deride our brand of democracy.”/Scott Scott Morrison Morrison, Weatherby George Dupree/ said: “even an arrogant frog When faced with a dog will decide to hop the pond” but/“Malcolm Malcolm Malcolm" he said/“you must never go down to Canberra town without first deciding to lead/as the populace there don’t seem to care for your brand of gentility.”

Sarah Trousdale, Newstead.

WE’RE heading towards a stalemate in Canberra unless changes are made.  

The Senate should be restricted to delaying approval for a limited time, about one year, and the deposit required from candidates to both houses seeking to be elected should be substantially increased.  

This will allow the elected government to govern, after scrutiny, and encourage voters to focus on parties with some chance of governing. This model would be a vast improvement since it would be substantially democratic and yield an effective government.  

Gordon Thurlow, Launceston.