Brand Maria
Curtail veto power
MLC Ruth Forest argues four opposition members is insufficient to become “the de facto government” and she is right (Talking Point, March 19). However, just three more Labor members voting on party lines would see the demise of the Legislative Council as a house of review. The Legislative Council has no mandate because it does not go to a general election with the Lower House where the government mandate is given by the people. The Leg Co has the power to veto anything but this needs curtailing so as not apply to the budget or any specific proposal for which the government has obtained a mandate at a general election. That would be good for democracy because parties would have to be specific and open in their policies if they were to rely on the mandate provisions. An obstructive or compliant Leg Co adds no value and ought to be abolished. or cutting health and education budgets. So where is the money coming from? The simple answer is you and me. The $33 billion amounts to an extra tax burden of $1300 from every man, woman and child. Are you willing to give big business a helping hand to this extent from your pocket? WHILE on Maria Island our volunteer group heard a steering committee has been established to “revitalise the brand” of the island. We thought about what projects would reflect the Government’s vision. Pokies on the ferry. A cable car up Bishop and Clerk. Expressions of Interest from Fragrance Group for Darlington. The possibilities are endless.
People the problem
WHEN will people wake up to the fact the murders and crimes committed with guns is not a gun problem; it is a people problem. In the 1950s and 60s, many households had a gun unlocked in a cupboard and there was none of the types of crimes committed today. It was possible to drive to the country after work and shoot a rabbit or two to stretch the family budget, all quite legally. It is mainly because of the change in the mentality of the population that everything is blamed on everything but people. The days of people treating your neighbour as you would want to be treated have gone. Until people change we will continue to have the problems we have. If someone wishes to hold someone up or kill someone, it is possible to obtain a firearm, regardless of any law, if you have the money. If you don’t you use some other implement. Hopefully something can be done to change the mentality of blaming everything on all except people, but I won’t hold my breath.
Great job, kids
WATCHING the march on gun control in Washington DC by school students (and all who felt the need to speak out) was an inspiration and a celebration of how youth of today (they’re not all bad) can conduct a rally about something that has affected their lives in the most shocking and devastating way. They know arming teachers with guns is not the answer. What teacher wants to carry a gun on their hip like the cowboys of yesteryear. Take a moment or two Mr President Trump to think before you speak or turn to Twitter. Respect the voices of the youth who will be leaders of the future. Their future.
If you want to make a name for yourself, why not make an amendment to the Constitution where it says every American has the right to bear arms, which I think was penned in the days where every saloon bar had its own memo, “Shoot first, ask questions later!” As we say in Australia, good on ya, kids. You did a great job.