As we debate and argue, and cast our votes on the question of formalising unconventional partnerships, there is another marriage taking place whose consequences threaten to end life as we know it.
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The government hasn’t asked for Australians’ consent to this union – “till death do us part” – with Donald Trump’s America, nor asked if we would be prepared to die so that Americans may live.
But neither has the government told us that we can have a vote – for the Treaty to ban nuclear weapons. This Treaty has already been accepted by 122 countries, and this week at the UN countries will be signing it into law.
As the US engages in unprecedented and dangerous provocations that bring us to the edge of a nuclear conflagration, threatening to wipe North Korea off the map, now is the time to draw a red line against the use of nuclear weapons by pressuring our leaders to sign up to the Treaty.
It’s also not too late to put a red line through our matrimonial agreement with Donald Trump, before he gets to show us what his warheads – all 7500 of them - can do.
David Macilwain, Sandy Creek
A spellbinding talent
Move over Dames Nellie Melba, Joan Sutherland and Kiri Te Kanawa for there's a new kid in town and she's done her apprenticeship.
Brisbane's Mirusia and her orchestra's performance last Sunday arfternoon at the Commercial Club was nothing short of sensational, spellbinding and jaw dropping. Her talent and commitment to her craft knows no boundaries so it was easy to see why Andre Rieu was so keen to get her onto his stage.
When she sang Ave Maria halfway through the show there wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium, including mine. Her joyous approach with her small but spectacular orchestra made everyone in the audience feel part of the show.
It's an extremely rare treat for performers of her calibre to happily mingle, chat, photograph and autograph at length after the show all while being 7 1/2 months pregnant. Wow! No matter what genre music floats your boat, you can't help be but gobsmacked by her.
To all involved in bringing the show to Albury on your way to world super-stardom, us music lovers say thank you and much, much appreciated.
Brizzy should be very proud and the reason Australia is called the lucky country is because we're lucky to have you. Your music will echo through the ages.
Pete Pattenden, Leneva
Equality for animals
Many people are currently calling for “equality” so I thought I'd add my voice to this call. But, not in regard to same-sex marriage. I'm calling for equality for animals.
By equality I mean equal basic rights. The right to breathe fresh air. The right to exercise and behave in a natural manner. The right to freedom and, most importantly, the right to live.
Despite the fact that we are all animals, we currently treat billions of our fellow animals as though they are our slaves, experimental tools and playthings.
Isn't it time we acknowledged the fact that, even though we differ from them in many ways, they are equally deserving of life and happiness?
