THANK YOU COUNCILLORS
My heart went out to all the councillors of Wollongong City Council on Monday as they debated whether to raise the rainbow flag to show support for the LGBTQI community.
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The issue has polarised our nation and I agree with all the councillors present when they stated that the debate should never have come to this – the members of Federal Parliament should have taken responsibility and dealt with the issue. Yet here we are, left with a debate that has broken down relationship between grandparents and grandkids, neighbours and friends, as they stand in opposing sides.
Indeed, it should never have come down to a group of elected local representatives debating such an emotive issue. We listened as individual councillors talked of their intimate connections to the LGBTQI community through family and friends, of a lifetime of work supporting people of all diversity including LGBTQI families. People in the gallery were moved to tears as people spoke to the issue.
The Wollongong City Council showed that it is more than “rates and roads”. It showed it is made up of strong people who proudly represent the diversity of their community. I was so proud that a small symbolic gesture was endorsed. I am proud to live in a community that supports diversity.
Wendy Meyers, Lake Heights
RESULT WILL BE ‘YES’
After reading Bob Patrech's latest letter (October 30), I'm now confident enough to predict the postal survey on same-sex marriage will record a majority “yes’’ vote. Confident enough that a majority of the population is far too sophisticated and mature to be swayed by the misinformation peddled by Bob Patrech and his like since the issue of same-sex marriage first appeared.
Instead of being honest and simply stating their true interest in entering into the debate,i.e.their disapproval of someone having the nerve to be attracted to someone else of the same sex and wanting to enter into a legal commitment of their relationship,they have muddied the waters by bringing up spurious claims of child exploitation,questionable parenting and homosexual grooming,unaware that most extended families now recognise they have at least one gay member in their clan and wish only the best for their future happiness.
Instead of being depressed by the negativity of those calling for a "no" vote,I have been buoyed by the support shown by the “yes’’ voters. From the large corporations,small businesses,sporting organisations,some religious bodies, State and Federal politicians, houses and local councils flying rainbow flags, media personalities, neighbours and workmates and some of the least likely individuals giving their thumbs up.It's been an exhilarating,life-affirming experience. Thank you for drowning out the negativity and gloom of the naysayers.
Max Fischer, Scarborough
FAIR AND HONEST
I think the governor of the Reserve Bank has been given the job of Squeeler from Animal Farm. He told us we have low inflation as prices are going down. For this reason we have to be content with low wage growth.
I personally am unaware of anything going down except for the size or quantity of food like biscuits – not the cost. We are told this is to stop use consuming too much sugar or salt. I don't know what toilet rolls contain but they are reducing the size of them as well (for our health?).
I suggest the way to large wage growth is to be given our wage rises by the Remuneration Tribunal. They give federal pollies, judges, the Fair Work Commission and probably the Governor his wage rise. They have been getting eight-and-a-half per cent per annum for the last five years prior to their three per cent this year. So Governor we can all get a fair wage rise by everyone having our wage rises given by the Remuneration Tribunal. At least that would be fair and honest.
Ray Jaeger, Coledale