Let’s talk about the crosses
IT’S Dark Mofo time again, and again the organisers of the festival are pushing against conservative religious sensibilities. The bright red crosses on the waterfront are clearly a statement about religion and, in particular, Christianity.
The upside-down cross is commonly thought to be a Satanic symbol. From a Christian perspective, the bright red crosses are actually beacons of hope. Crucifixion was common in first century Palestine. Crosses bore the rotting corpses as a warning for “enemies” of Rome. Christians used “empty” crosses, such as those on the waterfront, as symbols that life had conquered death. The upside down cross (the cross of St Peter) is a symbol of humility and devotion to Christ and has been part of Christian symbolism since the third century.
In a year where one Christian denomination has acknowledged its shortcomings by preparing to sell off some of its property, the upside down cross symbolising humility seems somehow appropriate. Churches don’t need to react to Dark Mofo. As the murdered civil rights activist Dom Helder Camara said, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Let’s engage the conversation that David Walsh has created in our city. tle opportunity to express their opinions and concerns.
Residents do expect their elected representatives to deliver new infrastructure and services without unnecessary carryon, but there is a great distinction between what is considered unnecessary and absolutely essential. When it relates to any development that will impact the public and our quality of life, it must always be the latter.
Ideal dog beach
KINGBOROUGH Council dog policy is discriminative in regard to Taroona dog owners. Five distinct beaches defined by the topography of the shoreline exist in this suburb and yet dog access on or off lead is not permitted.
Taroona Beach from boat ramp to Crayfish Point would be ideal with adequate parking and no residences in this specified area. Travel to Kingston Beach from Taroona is not practical considering the fact some residents have no vehicle.
On nipaluna
IN reply to the Editorial ( Mercury, June 7), I wish to publicly apologise to (my/our) Hobart/nipaluna Aboriginal community for the humiliation and conflict generated by several colleagues and ill-informed individuals following the presentation of your gift and name to our city.
I apologise for my “overly enthusiastic response” in accepting your gift to our city during Reconciliation Week. I apologise for presenting that gift and name nipaluna to the City of Hobart and I apologise for suggesting I would use the dual name Hobart/nipaluna where and when I could. Let me assure you I can do this. I am very familiar with the protocols and policies of the City of Hobart and in the past several days have welcomed several delegations, two ambassadors and a Consul-General to Hobart/nipaluna.
I appreciate the bridge-building our council and your community is continually working on has taken time, but I am confident it will be built, maybe not tomorrow but in future generations to come.
Alarm for wild places
IT’S fantastic to see so many people positively responding to the recent David Attenborough documentary on Tasmania. This film showed some of the many natural wonders that our state has to offer, and definitely makes you feel special to live in such an amazing place.
However, it is frightening to realise that so many of these creatures and landscapes may be lost completely due to our current government. It is alarming to think that these wild places and unique animals are not being properly protected by our politicians; this lack of regard for our exceptional and world renowned wilderness is astounding. I can only hope that this documentary will inspire the people of Tasmania to take action to protect this wilderness we call home, and carry on the legacy of past brave activists.
For the record
IN the story about documentary takayna (“Trail-blazer wants to keep running wild”, Mercury, June 7), the picture is of Hanny Allston, not Nicole Anderson.