Letters
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday August 3, 2009
Even our Czech matesbless same-sex couplesKevin Rudd has shown himself to be not only an economic conservative but also a social reactionary in decreeing that there will be no national system of same-sex civil unions, let alone the much more equal provision of same-sex marriage. What now then for lesbians and gay men in Australia who want the same range of relationship choices as their straight brothers and sisters? Perhaps a move to one of the countries that does have a national approach: Andorra, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Uruguay? Or do we all just hope that Saint Julia becomes prime minister much, much sooner than later?Murray McLachlan WamberalClearly in Rudd's Australia, all relationships are considered equal, but some are considered more equal than others.Peter Fyfe ErskinevilleTime for a grain of truthPeter Kenyon rightly draws attention to the need for farming methods that put soil health, land care and the environment centre stage (€śOrganic food a lifestyle not nutritional, choice€ť, August 1-2). However, in this context there are just two types of farming €“ good and bad. Not all organic farming is good farming, and there is certainly plenty of good conventional farming. Adopting the organic farming ideology, unfortunately, rules out the use of some proven farming practices that are beneficial in the areas of concern referred to above, and, moreover, are consistent with sustainability.Robert Still GlenbrookBeware nasty cocktailsWhile Josephine Tovey has unearthed a very serious drug cocktail problem among young people ("Pills, thrills and the Heath Ledger effect", August 1-2), what she fails to note is that mixing stimulants and depressants is already happening at nearly every bar and club in Sydney. Red Bull-vodkas, Jager-bombs and other alcohol-energy drink combos offer the chance for non-drowsy inebriation, a particularly alluring prospect for many of my generation.If we want to stymie the recreational use of prescription drugs, perhaps regulating dangerous caffeine and alcohol combinations is the right place to start.Jonno Seidler Bellevue HillNaked ambitionAt last there's some sense in the debate about using technology to enhance human performance in sport: Professor Rowe's suggestion for a return to the Olympic ideal of nudity ("Exclamations over sport records may soon have a point", August 1-2). And, wouldn't it do wonders for sport finances (except perhaps in sumo wrestling)?Ian Bowie BowralHarbour peace shatteredThe Premier's announcement of a major boating infrastructure project at Homebush Bay is a disaster for the 22 non-motorised small boat clubs based on the Parramatta River, and many others using it regularly: sailing clubs, rowing clubs, schools, scouts and guides. These clubs have grown in the western areas of the harbour because the waters are relatively calm and protected. But that is about to end. Boat ramps on the Parramatta River already provide more than half of the trailer boat access to Sydney Harbour, and more marinas are planned. No one can question the need for better boating infrastructure, but putting it so far from the main harbour will turn the Parramatta River into Parramatta Road. The impact of speed and wash means RIP sailing and paddling.Murray Clarke OAM Russell LeaSorry, I gave at the officeAm I the only one to suspect that the reason city people so rarely return cheery greetings may be because they're so often followed by "Have you heard the word of the Lord?", "Would you be interested in a free personality test?" or "Spare change?"Fred Pilcher Kaleen (ACT)
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald