Terrifying brave new world
ANYONE who has studied political history can see the familiar process the government is using of making it “safer” for everyone, or using the term “making it safer and more economic for everyone”, to justify increasing controls on everything the population tries to do. We should be rioting in the streets over the dictatorial way in which immunisation, immigration, restrictions on free speech, a looming cashless society, and now virtually compulsory facial recognition is being forced upon us ( Sunday Tasmanian, July 1). Who do these people think they are who come up with these Aussie battler-bashing ideas? Have we become, under successive governments with the same agenda, a defenceless and cornered people too stupid to cast a sensible vote and too cowardly to speak out against the policies destroying our once lucky country?
It is about time we came to realise we are all going to have to be brave to live in Aldous Huxley’s “brave new world” because it is going to be terrifying. The sad thing is we, the overwhelming majority, will be the cause of its success if we don’t get off our lazy bottoms and push back in every way we can. We need to learn to cast our vote wisely, remembering our freedoms and liberties sprang out of Magna Carta and activists in the past, some of whom gave their lives for the freedoms of the likes of us. Perhaps it is time to turn the three mainstream parties agenda on its head through peaceful protest. What is missing right now is choice.
Common Ground loss
HOW ironic that Hobart this week hosts a conference of interstate representatives from their own very successful Common Ground social housing models. The deafening silence and lack of support from original board members and supporters of our own Common Ground adventure has been overwhelming. Our Liberal government under ex-minister Jacquie Petrusma decided to no longer support our very successful model. Still no explanation after many requests or any transparent reason for doing so! Those of us who put so much effort and commitment into its development, deserve that at least! I hope there will be some questions from the delegates, as to the reason for our demise.
Well said, Bob
BOB Cheek has hit the nail right on the head with his opinion piece on the state of Tasmanian football (Talking Point, July 3). I don’t know Mr Cheek and was possibly a little young (I am 36) to remember his governance, but the piece that he has penned for the Mercury has me wondering why he hasn’t been invited to help solve the problems associated with the state of football in Tasmania. Mr Cheek sounds like he could offer quite a lot of sensible ideas regarding fixing our Tasmanian Stuffed League as it should be known.
Tip from Townsville
TOWNSVILLE in Queensland is hot and humid. Like Hobart it has a river and a port, a hill instead of a mountain and roughly the same population. It does not have serious traffic congestion. Townsville has one council, Hobart has five. The university is in the suburbs as is the general hospital, and other hospitals are scattered in other suburbs. Metal refineries are scattered around outer suburbs. Hobart has the general hospital, private hospital, Menzies Institute and university all jammed into the axle of the city. This is why we have problems with traffic, no other reason. It will never be resolved unless first we reduce local governments from 29 to five. Too much greed and jealousy will halt any progress.
Move past attack
LORD Mayor Ron Christie’s impassioned letter to the editor (“Personal attack won’t stop me speaking,” June 30) should strike a chord in every reader. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and we can either agree or disagree, but to harass family members of a brave and outspoken mayor is simply intolerable in my opinion. Ron Christie should be congratulated for having the courage to speak out. He has generated debate and reading and listening to the opinions of others before reconsidering one’s own ideas and opinions can only be a positive. So let’s move on from this debacle, leave the hounds baying for Ron Christie’s blood behind, and make realistic and positive strides to retain our culture, heritage and lifestyle for ourselves, future Hobartians and others lucky enough to visit this wonderful city.
Vital maritime service
CONGRATULATIONS Barry McCann and all those involved with the refurbished Tas Maritime Radio Centre (“Centre breath of fresh air,” Boating, Mercury, June 30). The benefits and improvements to safety for many of the seafarers in this island state will be as a result of the hard work of the volunteers and those who generously gave their assistance at cost, along with the invaluable donors who made this all possible and Hobart City Council for providing the land lease. A vital service, training facility and museum has been created for the enjoyment of so many. Another fine example of Tasmanians proudly displaying their great community spirit.