Greens Letter An Eye-opener
Illawarra Mercury
Monday May 10, 2004
IT has been refreshing to read the letters to the editor written by stalwart and ALP man Bob Harrison, the one of April 16 rejecting the Greens' proposal for legalising same-sex marriage, and homosexuals right to adopt children.
His opinion is shared by many others, whom I would call the silent majority, and you can expect a vitriolic attack by the usual lobby in town, since the letter exposed so clearly why the Green party is a sham.
The last letter from the same writer, on May 3, was a real eye-opener. The extract of the Greens policy was really astounding. Paragraph after paragraph of inane policy that could only be described as ``la la land".
I wonder how many of the preferential voters for Michael Organ at the last by-election knew of such policy. Apparently they were well hidden, like the Greens' talent. That party is not a bunch of harmless tree-huggers as they like to present themselves, they are a cover for a more insidious lot, and I commend Mr Harrison for exposing the Greens for what they are.
- ALDO FRANKS,
Figtree.
Just equal rights
TO Adrian Devlin: It's equality and human rights, not ``special rights".
Our sacred commitment to join together in a monogamous union should be recognised, our partners should be acknowledged by law.
Since 1982 the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act has made it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of homosexuality.
Areas which heterosexuals take for granted are owning property, inheritance, compensation and medical decisions. We seek recognition of our relationships in regards to federal superannuation laws.
If anyone has ``special rights" it's heterosexuals, as taxation laws don't give people in same-sex relationships the same concessions as heterosexuals, such as dependent spouse rebate.
Some employers offer partners of employees rights such as free health insurance or the right to accompany an employee on work-related travel.
People in same-sex relationships are not permitted to share pensions or lump sum payments with their partners. What about partners of gays and lesbians who serve in our military and fight for our country? In the event of death while serving, don't heterosexual partners receive a widow's pension?
Who has ``special rights" Mr Devlin? You are unjust and highly offensive. Your so-called ``facts" are asinine, ignorant and backward.
My family, friends and work-mates think it's wonderful and natural that my partner and I should be married.
Chris Williams is a very honest, sincere and hard-working advocate of human rights and deserves credit for his efforts.
Equal rights now!
- JASON LANE,
Wollongong.
Enhance Crown St
I HAVE lived in quite a number of cities and towns in Australia and overseas.
About seven years ago I stayed overnight in Wollongong for work reasons. I stayed at the Downtown Motel and was enchanted with the lower end of Crown St.
The wonderful ambience was something I rarely felt in any other city or town.
On my return, my family and I started thinking about getting a transfer to Wollongong, which we did shortly afterwards.
To destroy the ambience of lower Crown St by building a modern, out of character, large building would be a great shame for the City of Wollongong, its residents and future residents.
Think in terms of the next 20 or 50 or 100 years. Do we want to destroy this area and make it feel like everywhere else?
Maybe the building is needed but no, not there, not in lower Crown St. Let us enhance, not destroy - for ourselves and future generations.
- MARK ROWLES,
Wollongong.
Adventure by rail
THESE are exciting times, because travelling on our rail service has become an adventure.
However, when things don't go according to plan don't blame the staff. No-one tells them anything.
A train driver speeding to the Illawarra can learn that his express has become an all stations because of an earlier cancellation.
And travelling south from Kiama has become an each-way bet.
Whilst standing on a Central platform one can be informed that the train which patently isn't there, is about to leave. Tough luck if you're absentminded!
Perhaps the female information voice should be replaced by a dinkum Aussie voice saying ``Buggered if I know".
- ROBIN O'REILLY,
Gerringong.
Top hospital care
REGARDING Glenice Baker's reference to Bulli Hospital on April 29.
After being a patient at Wollongong Hospital's Casualty department for a couple of days undergoing intensive tests to ensure that I did not have the meningococcal virus, which I did not have, and because of a shortage of beds and still requiring medical attention, I was transferred to Bulli.
Whilst I could not fault the attention and care I was given at our major hospital, I must also stress that although Bulli does not have the facilities of Wollongong Hospital, it is still a much-needed, viable and important part of our health service in the Illawarra, especially to the residents in the northern suburbs.
I wish to thank every one at both hospitals for the care I was given as a Medicare patient. I am most grateful to you all.
- AILEEN CARR,
Balgownie.
Older driver tests
MOST people would say older people have more driving experience. That may be true, but when they did their tests they had different rules.
I am a P-plater and there are more new rules than ever before.
The only way people really know the rules is if they read the Learner's Manual, and I'm sure that they are not read by older people.
I am writing this letter because I was nearly in an accident recently with an older lady who just cut in front of me, not even noticing that she had done so.
I have seen older people drive way under the speed limit, causing a traffic build-up and angry drivers.
I am one of many people to think older people (over 55) should retake a knowledge, driving and eye test.
- S CLEWS,
Towradgi.
Success story
TO Doug Rymer, a man who listens and hears, a very special thank you.
I was widowed in 1965 at the age of 38 with three young children. Legacy took me before the Veterans Affairs Tribunal for a pension and they knocked it back, so I just went to work and let things be.
Three years ago, a Legatee in Traralgon, Victoria, took it up again. I moved up here and Legacy, RSL and a private solicitor all put it in the too-hard basket.
I met Mr Rymer at my brother's funeral and after an article in your paper, I contacted him and in five working days he got me the pension, Gold Card and three months' back pay - 41 years later.
B GNADEN,
Coolangatta, Qld.
© 2004 Illawarra Mercury
