Can’t he see?

IT is remarkable Senator Abetz can be so moved by the horror that befell so many innocents under Stalinist communism, yet be unmoved by the horror the government he supports is inflicting on innocent refugees indefinitely detained on Nauru, Manus Island, Christmas Island and elsewhere. Can he not see the parallel?

Be gone

THE best thing for Tasmania is for Abetz to be disendorsed or placed on the bottom of the ballot paper when up for re-election.

Totalitarianism

SENATOR Abetz gives a timely warning of how terrifying totalitarianism is, and how easy it is to lose hard-won freedom. Whether it be Communism/Marxism, Fascism/Nazism, or extreme fundamentalism of any persuasion, the rise of evil governments usually have several things in common. They generate fear (of invasion, cultural takeover, financial takeover). They create division by demonising the “other” (Ruling class, Jews, Aborigines, dark-skinned or different people, Muslims, refugees). Then they vow to save the country from these terrible threats, explaining that the citizenry must give up some freedom in order to combat the threat. Another way to have your say themercury.com.au readers have another way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website.

No respect

TURNBULL pork barrels the electorate. Abetz rakes mud. Whiteley rushes around handing out cash as if he is anything other than a failed candidate. Could a party have less respect for people than the Liberals?