Embarrassment to nation
Pauline Hanson's mindless stunt in Parliament the other day is an embarrassment to our nation.
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It is an affront to the 90.5 per cent of Muslims in Australia that are decent, hard-working, law-abiding Australians.
I had five uncles that served in World War II as young blokes to preserve the right to free speech, choice and affiliation to what ever religion people may or may not chose to follow.
I hope the Islamic community in Albury-Wodonga feel that the greater community supports you as opposed to a very tiny redneck element.
Tony Boyd, Wodonga
Council’s good call
I applaud the decision of Yarra Council in changing their activities on January 26. Everyone should read the resolution unanimously adopted by the council on their website at www.yarracity.vic.gov.au.
January 26 is a day that is not inclusive for all Australians and is seen by some as a occasion that celebrates a day Australia was invaded, although the land was not called Australia back then.
I understand that Australia Day has not always been celebrated on January 26, and therefore there should be no problem in changing it again. Whatever date is selected should be one that is inclusive for all Australians to celebrate.
Yarra Council were acting in accordance of a resolution carried at a National Assembly of Local Government in June 2017 and perhaps Albury City Council could consider whether it should follow?
Peter Hood, Albury
Bad reporting
Your front page headline “Bad Marks” (The Border Mail, August 17) gives the impression of doom and gloom in the public school system. Given that this is the time of the year when schools seek new enrolments for next year, your article seems to be a poorly disguised advertisement for private schools.
This would not be unexpected given the coverage Fairfax gives to private schools and the amount of money they spend on advertising.
Given the number of students who attend government schools from all social and economic backgrounds, your small number of incidents of violence, drugs etc. is in fact a pat on the back for the hard work teachers do in promoting positive behaviour and learning.
Unfotunately, despite getting taxpayer money, private schools do not have to report incidents of bullying, vandalism or drugs. They are able to keep incidents in-house or hire public relations people to keep incidents out of the media.
Witness the recent report into the behaviour of private school boys at a certain Sydney residential college and the cases of sexual abuse at boarding schools highlighted in the Royal Commission findings.
Many students have come into government schools as a consequence of “upper class” bullying at private schools.
Your journalism smacks of the old Frontline series on television.
Start with a premise and then look for the examples to back your story.
Forget the positives. Fairfax was one of the last bastions of balanced journalism. A similar story in your sister paper the Wagga Daily Advertiser was even worse “gutter” journalism.
No wonder there is a problem with many young teachers leaving the career when all they cop is negatives.
Barry Overs, Glenroy
A Pauline plebiscite
Let’s have a plebiscite to get Pauline Hanson out of government.
There should be no tolerance of racism or religious control in our government.
Pauline Hanson is a racist and out of touch with life and what is right.