YOUR VIEWS

THROUGHOUT history governments and despots alike have marginalised sections of our society, be it religious, race or beliefs. It has always ended badly with loss of rights and at the extreme, even lives.

There are also those who have taken advantage of this turmoil creating fear for their own ends. And there are those defending against the ensuing segregation, suppression, and hatred.

The Covid-19 pandemic has divided our nation and threatens our democratic way of life through censure, segregation, and political expediency.

At one end of the conflict, we have Victorian Premier Dan Andrews trying to pass a law in his state that gives him power of rule by decree. A law that imposes severe penalties for those who transgress his edict in declaring and handling a pandemic.

On the other we have billionaire and resurgent politician Clive Palmer riding the crest of those protesting repressive laws, and, in common cause, the minority anti-vaxxers to win seats in the upcoming federal election.

This conflict is more than the political catch cry of keeping us safe. It is about our freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of movement and the right to be different.

I am fully vaccinated and totally disagree with the anti-vaxxers but if I wish to maintain my own rights within our threatened democratic society I must also respect and defend theirs. As vaccinated, I can catch and spread Covid but am less likely to have severe symptoms. The anti-vaxxers do not have that protection and by their own choice, place themselves at risk.

That very act of choice, right or wrong, is what defines our way of life. It separates us from more repressive regimes. Take a look through history and rediscover that repressive laws are often not temporary and eventually encroach on other choices and freedoms. Covid has presented a means of controlling the populace. I for one reject such control.

Under our constitution, these laws and rules are formed and enacted by the states, not the federal government. Blaming Prime Minister Scott Morrison for spreading Covid by defending our democratic rights in opposing segregation is malicious political manipulation of truth, fact, and reality.

Clive Palmer is right in one thing, and only one. This is a war about rights. But defending those rights does not necessarily mean we must vote his party into office for Clive also has his own agenda.

BOB JANSSEN, GOLD COAST

HOW do children, incensed over escalating climate change, personally contribute to carbon emissions? Solutions require more than just criticism.

Greta Thunberg’s rhetoric of blame and political apathy, offers nothing immediately workable. Have protesters offered practical solutions relevant to the rising emissions debate, that leaders have not yet contemplated? Easy to say we need action, but individuals also have a responsibility, as to how their lives and behaviours contribute to the problem. The ball is in everyone’s court.

We all need to examine ourselves and how we are all part of the problem.

ELOISE ROWE, TANNUM SANDS