Letters to the editor August 23 2017

My objection to the same sex marriage plebiscite has nothing to do with freedom of speech.

People will continue to speak their mind on this issue with or without a plebiscite.

I opposed it because I can think of a lot better things to do with $122 million dollars.

I also know that most Australians are sick of politicians (and others) talking about this instead of the more pressing issues affecting their daily lives.

They know the Parliament has the job of making laws on this and should just get on with it.

It is true that I've expressed concern about the way the debate has gone.

Most of the opposing arguments I've heard are not about "gay" marriage but rather gay relationships.

That's where it gets unfortunate.

But this is academic. The survey-vote will proceed.

There will be plenty of free speech. Can I suggest that Sandy and I engage in an exemplar of respectful public debate?  I'm sure the Mercury could facilitate a place and time for this to happen.

Stephen Jones, Member for Whitlam

So Senator Hanson proves it’s safe for a woman to choose to wear a burqa into our parliament, good for her.

Now I would like to see her walk round an area that has a high number of One Nation supporters dressed like that  and with no TV or security so she can experience what her followers are like to Muslim Australians.

Doug Steley, Heyfield

If Japan won the Second World War and declared the day they arrived as Australia Day, would we all still be so enthusiastic to celebrate it?

Stephen Byrnes, Woonona

Clearly the allegations made by foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop indicating “Bolshevik Bill” Shorten has conspired with a foreign nation to bring the Turnbull government down; must be addressed by the citizens of The Land of OZ.  

If as alleged, those  Zealanders actually have blown the gaff on Barnaby Joyce being one of them: no, not a sheep but “one of them” then we as a nation should retaliate.

Let us begin by outing some New Zealanders who are, or once did, pretend to be Aussies: actor Russell Crowe, singer Keith Urban, former cricketer Brendon Julian, Australian rugby player Quade Cooper, famous race horse Phar lap to name just a few.  

Let’s beat them at rugby union.

Now that might just be a bridge too far?

Talking about bridges, let’s remove the statue of the Kiwi soldier off the ANZAC Bridge.

That will teach them Kiwis not to conspire against the government of The Land of OZ.

Let’s also declare Bondi off-limits to Kiwis.

Now as for alleged “conspirator at large”; Comrade Shorten make him spend at least two hours of every day nose tip to nose tip with “the death stare lady” Julie Bishop, sort of an Aussie version of Chinese water torture with lots of eyeliner and mascara added in.

Barry Swan, Balgownie

With all these politicians being found in possession of dual citizenship, one thing intrigues me.

No-one from the ALP has been found out.

Does this mean their screening is much better than everyone else?

If this is so and all their members are in the clear, why is Bill Shorten refusing to release the paperwork which would prove it?

Keith Norris, Bellambi.