Tongue in cheek I wonder?
I am writing this letter on the assumption that the editorial by Garry Linnell (Illawarra Mercury 27th May) is serious and not written “tongue in cheek” (as I am almost sure it must be).
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On the other hand, some of his remarks cause me to wonder.
The death of South African so-called “big game hunter', Theunis Botha, was certainly no cause for celebration but one can hardly fail to see the irony of the manner in which he died. How many countless elephants have fallen prey to his despicable band of “just for fun” paying heroes and how many of their dependant young have been left to die?
These elephants stand no chance against the weaponry and scientific aids of today.
I see no difference between one workplace accident and another except perhaps that for once, quite by accident, the elephant won out.
Linnell rightly points out that there are many areas in Southern Africa where crops are damaged by elephants, in which case measured culling is sometimes acceptable.
But to compare this practice with the cold blooded slaughter of some of the most wonderful and endangered animals in the world is absurd.
Unfortunately we live in an era when many species of animals are on the brink of extinction and I for one have no compassion for Botha or his ilk.
So pack up your outrage and your breathtaking disregard for the precious wildlife of our wonderful planet Mr Linnel.
Save your crocodile tears for coming generations who will never experience the joy of seeing many of these amazing creatures in their god-given wild habitat.
Denise Meredith, Kanahooka
Appreciate free speech
It is a worrying trend in Australia where we are no longer free to express our opinion without the worry of reprisal or threat of non verbal action against the person expressing that opinion.
People who have now found themselves in a stronger position than before need to remind themselves that they are very often in that position because of freedom of speech.
They were able to gradually improve their position by having this right. How dare they then deny other people from having that right without threats of reprisal.
To achieve a goal by bullying everyone who legally opposes your stand is totally wrong and against every freedom this country has been proud of and fought for.
Be strong in what you believe in no matter what that may be.
However have respect for people who express opposing views to you no matter how frustrating that may be. That is being an Australian who appreciates the freedom we have and cherish.
John Thompson, Cordeaux Heights
Heading wrong direction
Just how far have the socialist democrats of Australia dragged down our values.
The Queensland State Labor government has now legislated is favour of cats over dogs as reported in the Sunshine Coast Daily digital paper - https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/why-strict-new-laws-dog-owners-wont-be-extended-ca/3179341/ - “STRICT incoming laws limiting dog owners from breeding their animals won't be extended to cats.”
Australia now had by national and state legislation special legislation that segregate and divides cultural and ethnic groups that have now continued to separate requirements for dogs and cats. Surely this is not that direction we want this country to go. We may have a national budget and fiscal problems that I believe will be swamped by the desperate social engineering the socialist left government and lobby are taking us.
Have no fear of global warming, renewable electricity target, HECS fees or whatever. Cats could be feeding on babies in cots when they have finished off the local fauna.
Robert Buick, Mountain Creek
