ScoMo, bring glad tidings for Christmas
I CAN’T get those pictures from Father’s Day out of my head. Did you see them on the news? The barricade between Queensland and NSW became an impromptu meeting point for families divided by Covid red tape.
Kids handed cards over to grandparents, one family set up a picnic on the plastic divide with rolls, charcoal chicken and mayo; another passed a new kayak from one generation to the other.
A lot has been made this week of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s dash to Sydney to see his wife and daughters on Sunday.
I don’t actually have too much of a problem with the principle of it. He was within the rules.
He was not, however, open and honest about it with the Australian people, many of whom have not seen their families for close to two years. He also chose a photo from a family’s memorial for their dead children to mark the day, in yet another demonstration of an extreme lack of empathy. The Prime Minister shrugged off the criticism as a cynical, cheap shot from the other side of the aisle.
“In politics, people like to take a lot of swings at you, and you get pretty used to that, but sometimes those jabs can be low blows,” he said.
But he knows now the pressure is on to deliver a united Christmas for all Australian families, not just his. So what has to happen before then? Vaccination, for starters.
At 70 or 80 per cent in each state, surely restrictions can lift and we can at least gather in groups.
Mums and dads are getting older, brothers and sisters are leading separate lives, cousins are growing apart. FaceTime can make up for only so much face-toface time.
Will they get over west for Christmas? I just can’t see it happening at this point. And finally, what of our long-lost friends and family living offshore? The idea of a vaccine passport for Australians was floated this week. It would mean we could travel overseas, but even fully vaccinated Aussies living in other countries would still have to do hotel quarantine here.
I had grand illusions of my sister returning from London for Christmas and my brother-in-law coming home from Singapore.
BUT (SCOTT MORRISON) KNOWS NOW THE PRESSURE IS ON TO DELIVER A UNITED CHRISTMAS FOR ALL AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES, NOT JUST HIS. SO WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN BEFORE THEN? VACCINATION, FOR STARTERS
We would set a huge table, tear open presents and gorge on prawns, baked ham and pudding. It would be just like the old days, but so much better because it would mean so much more. I’ll hold out hope right up until December 25 that this may actually happen.
So over to you, ScoMo. We can probably forget the foibles of Father’s Day – if you make it possible for us to celebrate a very Merry Christmas together this year.
WELL done, Geelong, on vaccination and reopening of regional Vic. Hopefully business will be checking IDs, especially beauty and hairdressing business. This would be the first place Melbourne will come to. We don’t need a lockdown seven – please be smart and keep G-town safe.
Caring from St Albans Park
DAN’S proposal to lock unvaxxed people out of cafes, pubs and other venues has no basis. If the vaccine is efficient, then the unvaxxed can only infect each other.
Kanga, Anglesea
WHY are the non-vaxxed people being discriminated against? They are the vulnerable ones. They can suffer the symptoms but the vaxxed do not.
Both can get contamination and spread the virus.
Just think about it!
MR Morrison, my family interstate would also like to see me to celebrate special family occasions. Unfortunately, the borders to these states are closed and we are obeying the rules. A leader who leads by example will get my vote at the next election.
Grovedale Great Grandma
IT appears Ross Mueller has lost his
LOCKDOWN? What lockdown? Have a look at the supermarkets on the Bellarine with long queues; they are not all local. Staff are not allowed to ask where they are from – the only people suffering are business owners and their staff.
Kramer interest in American politics now that his leftist mate Biden has caused a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan. Donald
THE locking out (GA, 7/9) of regional firms from tendering for the Victorian container deposit scheme is more proof positive that the Andrews government is Melbourne-centric.
Give Us a Go
WHAT a wonderfully positive, interesting and life-affirming Opinion piece by Keith Fagg! (GA, 6/9) And yes. I do “fully endorse” your “geesey concept”, Keith. Thank you.
Elderly Woman
DISGUSTED with the cartoon White Line Fever; Nadia has made a mistake and whoever sent that video has betrayed her. While I definitely don’t condone her conduct, I don’t think it is necessary for your cartoonist to once again place a very stupid and NOT funny cartoon about a serious problem. Jenny, Waurn Ponds
TO Annie, re Nadia cartoon (Letters, 6/9). That’s what media cartoonists are all about. Highlighting current events in a creative and hard-hitting way.
Well done.
Pietro, Leopold
“SMASH cars of city folk driving in rural areas”? (Letters, 4/9) Why not smash the cars of everybody who speeds, uses their phones while driving, drives under the influence or through a red light, or fails to come to a complete stop at stop signs? They put people In danger, too. The growing hysteria isn’t helping anyone!
Michelle, Lara
RE “Pako plan deadline looms” (GA, 2/9). I think it is quite laughable that certain councillors are urging the public to have their say on development when they ignored the public objections re Lunan Ave development.
Not So Transparent, Newtown
IT’S not up to mum and dad landlords to supply affordable housing (GA, 3/9) – they must get a return for their investment. It is the government’s responsibility so where is the government that is supposed to represent the workers? Spending our money on tunnels and sky rails. Concerned