Letters to the Editor
Charlie Kirk
In Australia, we hold free speech in high regard. It’s a cornerstone of democracy, not just here but across many Western nations. That is, until it’s not. We’ve all seen how a well-meaning individual, simply wanting to express himself on college campuses and elsewhere, was silenced—not because he was offensive or disrespectful, but because he dared to engage in debates and discussions. Charlie Kirk, as shown in his many videos, was always civil, even when tackling tough or controversial issues. He often attracted large crowds who were eager to challenge his views or hear his perspective on complex topics. His signature line, “Prove me wrong,” brought people forward to debate. Unfortunately, someone couldn’t handle Charlie’s viewpoint and took his life, leaving behind a grieving widow and two young children.
Is this the decline of free speech? Are we now saying, “You can speak freely, as long as it aligns with my version of the truth”? This is not just an American problem. For years, various groups—government agencies, medical bodies, and others—have been imposing their intolerance on the Australian public, especially targeting conservatives and Christians. It’s time we say “enough.” We value all perspectives, even if we don’t agree with them. The time has come to end the hate, or else we risk more tragedies like the one that occurred in the United States last week. We live in a wonderful country, a strong community, and we should celebrate the freedoms we have. Remember the words of Jesus, “Love your neighbour as yourself”, wise words! Let’s love and respect one another, no matter our differences.
John Phelps
The New Reality For Success
No surprise the G.K.N.P. has been given the nod. An example of an end result achieved via deliberate untruths, ignorance and propaganda distributed via a biased media. The day following the declaration, on channel 9 to support the common claim that Forestry Corp clear fells native forest (an absolute untruth) The picture put up I believe was an aerial shot of a clear-felled area taken some years ago from within the Tarkeeth, a plantation. If true, to-day a sight to behold, but why not a shot of a recent operation within a native forest where clear felling does not take place to expose the truth. Proposed logging in our new park would have been a mere pin prick if one takes into account the vast forested area if National Parks and private forest were included and would have had a negligible impact on the koala and that 100 other native species as claimed, but will have a huge economic impact, and one feels for all those workers and contractors consigned to the scrap heap. But same old story for all those on welfare or in a good soft job who couldn’t give a damn. Having been involved with the R.F.S. for 60 years I do see fires as a real issue with the loss of so many logging contractors, via their skills and local knowledge who over the years have played a huge role in fighting bush fires. As a koala or one of all those creatures out there I would be bloody nervous to see that puff of smoke. The good news locally is our third-generation sawmill in Thora will continue to operate at least for the foreseeable future.
The three huge concrete bridges plus the removal of the existing near completion, plus a huge upgrade via our council to Darkwood Road. Finally for the true believers and climate warriors, a government funded survey reveals that within the next 25 years over 2 million homes in Australia will be lost to rising sea levels,floods and bushfires. I bet the insurance companies are sharpering their pens.
Darcey Browning