We are all in this together
It's obvious those who contributed to Letters to the Editor, (The Standard 20.11.2021) forcefully presented the argument condemning those protesters attending the Anti-Pandemic Bill rally.
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Branded as far-right extremists, neo-Nazis, a threatening mob, supporters of terrorism, an ugly and menacing element and dogs!, it was evident that lack of restraint, censorship or editing was considered. In responding to the correspondents I expect to be granted the same right of reply.
The placards, signs, flags and other paraphernalia on display carried a broad spectrum of demands. Freedom, in one form or another, loomed large as a favourite issue, irrespective of how moderate or extreme the rhetoric. Many groups and individuals seized the opportunity to voice other concerns which dominated their lives. I noticed even God was granted a mention.
I noticed the analogy to dogs, fleas, and protesters was resurrected to perhaps reinforce or strengthen the argument presented. On viewing various media coverage of the protests it became obvious the old saying used required some further analysis. With pro- and anti-protests coinciding, I feel both dogs and fleas must have been totally bewildered. While dogs are generally regarded as exhibiting positive qualities e.g. loyalty, faithfulness, protective and supportive, et al, surely the majority of protesters would expect our politicians and public servants to embrace the same attitudes.
Fleas in contrast are universally maligned by humans and animals alike being voracious, opportunistic, allegedly verminous in places of public assembly.
While an animal lover has the opportunity to choose a dog, perhaps based on its positive qualities, fleas are likely to attack any person irrespective of their views or political affiliations.
To quote another, not so old saying which has unfortunately lost its impact, "We're all in this together."
Brian Kavanagh, Warrnambool
Britnell stood up for our freedom
In The Standard (20.11.2021), a number of letters attacked Roma Britnell for listening to the legitimate concerns of Victorians about the Pandemic Bill. The Bill gives any Premier, Labor or Liberal, the power to rule as a dictator without the checks and balances of the parliament. This bill gives the Premier the power to rule by decree and implement draconian laws against Victorians, destroying democracy and taking away your freedoms, including Jailing those who disagree without legal representation.
Those condemning Roma should have a long think about the fact that Roma is defending their freedom to write letters criticizing her. They have no right to slander those protesting against this Bill as right wing extremist and Neo Nazis.
Premier Andrews is using a medical procedure as cover for his Marxist dictatorship.
He has contempt for the liberties held by free men with his mandated entry permits to Victoria, vaccine passports, QR Code tracking and medical procedures that determine a person's right to work. Now he has gone further by mandating medical procedures for our children, preventing them from fully participating in society. What else has he planned under the cover of Covid?
Well done Roma for having the guts to stand up for the freedom of millions of Victorians.
James Taylor, Framlingham
Forfeiting of public trust
When we elect people to represent us, we entrust them our power as citizens to use responsibly on our behalf in our parliament and other institutions of governance. As our state member, Roma Britnell's foremost responsibility is to serve us, her constituents. No more, no less.
The fact that our local member chose to appear at last week's rally against the proposed pandemic legislation is truly disturbing. The issue is not about her right to take part in protest rallies in general. The issue is that she knowingly attended a gathering where makeshift gallows and chants of 'kill Dan Andrews' were clearly on display.
As our elected representative, Ms Britnell has the power bestowed by us to provide direct feedback both to the government and crossbench representatives about what she might see as deficiencies in the proposed legislation. Instead, by choosing to be present, and seen, at the rally, she has effectively endorsed and validated those protesters who rely on a toxic mix of vitriol, disrespect and violence to carry their message.
Ms Britnell cannot claim to represent us and at the same time as she is seen to legitimise the sowing of these destructive seeds in our democratic discourse. She has effectively forfeited our public trust.
Julie Burns, Portland
We must say 'no' to new gas
According to the literature, the number of adverse weather events, throughout the world, has increased nearly five-fold since 1979 and have been attributed to climate changes.
The economic costs associated with disaster restoration and health care treatments are clear. The combined clean-up costs after disasters, throughout the world, run into the trillions.
Fossil fuel industries, community leaders and the broader public can no longer plead ignorance to the destructive nature of the mining and use of fossil fuels.
We can all reduce our reliance on gas particularly within our homes and on the road. Help Australia achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by saying no to new gas.
Patricia Nesbitt, Woodford, Secretary, Protect the West group
Time for lateral thinking
Instead of trying to bribe our crossbenchers and independents in Victoria's Legislative Council, why doesn't Premier Daniel Andrews and the Minister for Health Martin Foley follow the UK lead?
In the UK, some of London's iconic classic double-decker buses have been converted into 'Boost your immunity vehicles'. They now go daily into low vaccinated districts providing unvaccinated people with the opportunity to become fully immunised against the virus.
Instead of using more initiative in Victoria, the state government wants use the pandemic crisis as an opportunity to take more control over our lives with its unnecessary Pandemic Bill.
Don't we really need more lateral thinking instead of old authoritarian ideas from our governments?
John Glazebrook, Terang
Stay vigilant and stick to the rules
While shopping in Liebig Street stores and in the Homemaker Centre over the past few days, it has become immediately obvious that many are disregarding the stringent rules designated for non- essential shopping. COVID marshalls were not stationed at entrances, our check in, vaccination status and sanitizing were not supervised and some businesses we were either waved in with the staff saying they weren't worried about it and we didn't need to bother! While some are definitely doing the right thing to ensure the safety of their shoppers, others are complacent and uncaring. Few even glanced at those entering their store, or mentioned what the rules were, making me feel very un-safe in a situation that we have been assured are for the fully vaccinated only. But how could anyone know, when so few are checking? Some masks are being worn under noses or not at all, so the question begs, 'why'? It seems some local employers and their staff are more concerned with avoiding offending those who have 'chosen' to refuse vaccination and are content to risk the health and possible death, of the vast majority. I have always tried to 'shop local', but I now feel betrayed and let down by those business. When visitors to our town are let in to our shops unvaccinated, because no one bothered to check, it will all be too late, the horse will have bolted. Shame on those who don't care about their fellow Warrnamboolians.
Sandra Laird, Dennington