The Feast And The Fury puts history on the menu

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

Of course you know, this means war. Well, it did back in the mid-1700’s when France and Britain were fighting over North America, which is also why the Fortress of Louisbourg was built.

The Feast And The Fury, a new dinner theatre production scheduled for presentation this summer at the Louisbourg Playhouse and at the national historic site itself plunges its audience into daily life at the Fortress during a time of conflict.

“Canso has been captured and French privateers are out hinting British vessels,” Bev Brett, the writer and director of the show, says about its premise, “The audience becomes a group of prisoners who have been taken to the Fortress to be fed and entertained, in this case, to a traditional 25 course Ambigu meal.”

The Feast And The Fury grew out of a series of “mini-plays” Brett was commissioned to write three years ago.

With the sponsorship of the Fortress of Louisbourg Association, Brett re-wrote her earlier work into its present format.

“The Fortress was really helpful in making this play happen,” Brett notes, “They found us a big open warehouse where people can see the play more comfortably.”

Brett says the show is based on actual historical figures from all levels of Louisbourg society and uses a variety of theatre styles from “comedy to high drama to farce and melodrama.

Even a piece that started off as a puppet show, about two characters trying to find who is the most important person in Louisbourg, that we now do with real people.”

“We hope the audience will be drawn into the history through their emotions as they care about these people and what happens to them,” Brett explains.

“We have a cast of six actors, some of the finest on the island, who play 20 characters, and it’s a fast paced show so they’re jumping in and out of different costumes all the time,” Brett says.

The cast includes Joanne Donovan, George MacKenzie, Jeanne Matthews, Nick Sobol, James F. W. Thompson, and Lindsay Thompson.

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2 Days In Paris (M)

Saturday, March 29th, 2008

Slowly recovering from a bout of food poisoning, interior designer Jack is keen to see the city%26#39;s catacombs and Jim Morrison%26#39;s grave at Pere Lachaise. %26quot;Because I%26#39;m a huge Val Kilmer fan.%26quot;
Marion however, a visually-impaired photographer, is keen to check on her apartment, her cat%26#39;s health and catch up with her friends and family.
As well as the challenge of meeting her bohemian parents (artist Dad likes to key cars parked on the sidewalk, Mum doesn%26#39;t believe in locked doors), Jack also has to contend with a string of Marion%26#39;s ex- boyfriends who keep bumping into her.
With its City of Love setting, documentation of detailed discussions and hand-held style, writer-director Delpy%26#39;s Parisenne rom-com draws inevitable comparisons with the Before Sunrise and Before Sunset double that gave her her most iconic role as an actress.
Tonally though, 2 Days is very different %26ndash; a much more cynical date movie, highlighting the dangers of a stale relationship, especially one where previous emotional and sexual baggage hasn%26#39;t been revealed or discussed.
Delpy%26#39;s nicely barbed script also focuses on the differences between the French and Americans, poking fun at both cultures in equal measure, but does start to drag and veer towards French-farce before attempting a similar open ending as in Before Sunset.
Capturing Paris without the rose-tinted hue so often afforded it by filmmakers, Delpy also throws in a few nice Amelie- esque flashbacks and montages and some other cinematic trickery, although this does break the sense of realism she appears to be trying to engender.
She and Goldberg do however make for a delightful mis-match, his Jack the kind of character you%26#39;d expect Ben Stiller to play, but without the explosive aggressive streak. Credit too to Delpy%26#39;s real parents %26ndash; Albert Delpy and Marie Pillet %26ndash; who do a great job of portraying her wacky screen father and mother.
* In English and French with English subtitles.

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The prerequisite for improving hospital care is a team effort

Monday, March 17th, 2008

William Wolfenden wants to take hospital management back to
pre-Medicare days, when doctors were the only health professionals
worthy of consultation, to ensure their lofty position in the
hierarchy (Letters, March 8-9). The management of hospitals by
doctors, for doctors, did not work in the 20th century. Why should
it work now?
Dr Wolfenden blames the failure of hospital management by
administrators rather than doctors for the decline in hospital
care. I would like to know whether he set out on his life’s path to
be an expert physician, which he no doubt is, or an accomplished
administrator with expertise in financial planning, human
resources, hotel services, evidence-based medicine and
accreditation, or whether he completed a master’s in health service
management.
In the Bathurst Hospital shambles it appears NSW Health did not
consult any health professional or architect, just the finance
department. Dr Wolfenden rightly decries the lack of consultation
with doctors, yet there has been no mention of the failure to
consult nurses.
There are few aspects of a hospital that do not affect nursing.
Who knows better than nurses the space requirements, traffic
patterns, bathroom and toilet usage and design environments that
are sympathetic for patients, their families and hospital workers,
and that ensure better health outcomes at less cost? While doctors
may spend 20 minutes a day with their patients, nurses are there
constantly.
When will health departments learn that the prerequisite for
quality health care, whether in acute care hospitals, the community
or aged facilities, is a team effort? No speciality has the abiding
authority on good patient care and healthy outcomes. This requires
doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,
nutritionists, cleaners, pharmacists, architects and policymakers
to work towards a common goal, not to fiercely defend their vested
interests to the exclusion of all others.
Let us look forwards, not backwards, to better partnerships for
health service delivery and put the patient first, not last, on the
planning agenda.
Maryan Heffernan Narrabeen
Taking from the most vulnerable is unconscionable
It was with shock and disappointment that we heard of the
proposal to stop funding carer bonuses. We know they were never
part of forward estimates, but they were a recognition of the
contribution made by carers, as well as a much-needed financial
benefit for many living below the poverty line.
It would take more than $30 billion a year for governments to
replace carers’ services. While not in the paid workforce, people
with disabilities and their carers are no less “working families”
than those referred to by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and his
colleagues during the election campaign - just not so well off and
with no superannuation.
Laraine Toms President, Carers NSW, Sydney
Before a final decision is made by the Rudd Government on
whether to snatch back the carer bonuses, perhaps his minister
might like to spend 24 hours in my household to see the
difficulties and associated costs involved in caring for two
disabled family members. That research would confirm that carers
should be generously supported, if only to save both the federal
and state governments billion of dollars.
Stan Fildes Mona Vale
Two interesting articles in Saturday’s Herald. The first
reveals that Kevin Rudd proposes to slash payments to pensioners
and their carers. The second states that he is increasing aid to
Papua New Guinea. Thank you for explaining his priorities.
Paul Atroshenko Waverley
Wayne Swan has managed to be both fiscally irresponsible and
mean: handing out more than $30 billion in tax cuts at a time of
higher inflation and rapidly rising interest rates, while cutting
the carers’ benefit to save a few hundred million dollars.
George Finlay Balaclava (Vic)
Is this the “compassionate” ALP I’ve voted for all my life?
Surely there are a million other cuts the Government could make
other than on those least able to help themselves. What about the
great lurk of negative gearing? Or the overly generous benefits
former politicians help themselves to? As for the promised tax
cuts, which offer no benefit for those on a pension, they should be
deferred for at least three years or dropped altogether.
I realise cuts have to be made, but slashing and burning the
most vulnerable is unconscionable.
Jennifer Owen Baulkham Hills
As a carer for my war veteran partner, I was counting on that
$1600 to help us pay the winter bills and put shoes on the feet of
our son. My partner lost his ability to support his family in the
service of his country. Is this how you are planning to treat the
families of the men you send to Afghanistan?
Margot Clifford Kaleen (ACT)
Labor prime ministers have historically surrounded themselves
with complete idiots. With the proposed axing of the carers’ bonus,
Kevin Rudd has gone one better: he has surrounded himself with
complete bastards.
Matt Petersen Randwick
If the elderly and carers are to lose entitlements, can we
assume that John Howard’s endangered orang-utans will have to make
sacrifices as well?
Joe Dwyer Rose Bay
Cool heads must prevail in the face of provocation
The murder of eight students in Jerusalem by an Arab Israeli was
sickening, as was the gloating from certain Palestinian quarters
(”After the slaughter, sickening jubilation”, March 8-9).

However, Israelis such as the Prime Minister’s spokesman, Mark
Regev, should not get too self-righteous. For every Israeli who
dies in this conflict, 40 Palestinians are killed. In 1994 the
US-born Israeli Baruch Goldstein slaughtered 29 Arabs and wounded
150 in a shooting rampage in a mosque. To this day his grave,
complete with a shrine-like landscaped prayer area and a plaque
praising his actions, is a pilgrimage site for right-wing
Israelis.
Andrew Worssam Bondi
Mordechai Sher (Letters, March 8-9) claims Hamas is not
apportioned any blame for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That is
plainly wrong, as Hamas is often denounced by governments and
non-government organisations. In fact, it is frequently held up as
the only problem. “Remove Hamas,” they shout, “and all will be
better.”
Sorry, but as deplorable as Hamas is, it is a product of the
situation. Desperate people resort to desperate measures, so the
more Israel tries to tighten its grip on Gaza, the more
Palestinians will slip through its fingers. Only better conditions
for all Palestinians - and that means, among other things, an end
to the blockade of Gaza - will see to the removal of Hamas and an
end to the rocket attacks and suicide bombings.
James Kite Drummoyne
Alan Ramsey’s column denotes that April Fool’s Day has arrived
early this year (”Don’t mention the war as Israel lauded”, March
8-9): “It was also one of those extremely rare occasions that the
easily intimidated Australian Parliament, ever mindful of Jewish
financial support of party coffers, has debated the Middle East at
all.”
Curse those Zionist paymasters! I always thought it was property
developers who duped us into focusing on our own backyard.
Peter Ness Bardwell Valley
Alan Ramsey alleges without evidence that wealthy Jews unduly
influence Australia’s Middle East policy. In reality, the small
number of Jewish businessmen who make major donations to political
parties appear to be motivated by business interests as much as by
specifically Jewish concerns. None have gone on record as linking
their donations to Middle East policy. To be sure, Jewish communal
bodies lobby on behalf of Israel. However, there is no evidence
that Jewish organisations per se have ever donated to Australian
political parties.
Philip Mendes Kew (Victoria)
For 60 years Australia has indeed been a supporter of Israel,
but also a constructive champion of the peace process. If Ramsey
had read previous bipartisan motions relating to Israel, he would
see that they have also consistently called for the right of
Palestinians to self-determination. What we need to focus on are
tangible and supportive measures to eradicate the type of hatred
Saturday’s paper depicted, not finger-pointing rants.
David Faktor Bondi
Tokenism rampant
Can Verity Firth “wean NSW off its energy addiction” (”Can this
woman turn us off?”, March 8-9)?

In a word, no. In the Iemma-Costa clique the main game is: a)
build a new coal-fired power station in time to prevent the
electoral death that would result if the power faltered for one
moment in the air-conditioned mansions of Baulkham Hills; and b)
avoid any energy conservation measures serious enough to scare
bidders for a privatised electricity industry.
So they appoint an unknown 34-year-old, in Parliament for less
than a year, to lead the charge on climate change. Talk about
tokenism. No doubt they will keep her busy writing policies that
the big departments will do nothing to implement.
Geoff Dawson Narrabundah (ACT)
Sparing the child
Mirren Palmer (Letters, March 8-9) is right that private schools
are often more successful at dealing with disruptive students. The
method they use is called expulsion. Unfortunately this is not
readily available to public schools. They have an obligation to
make sure all children, including disruptive ones, have access to
an education.

Mary Lawson Mortdale
The worst kind of example
In the article “It’s a crime: how footy heroes go bad” (March 8-9)
the reporter writes that “behind the drunken antics and rape
allegations, there is a darker history of links between sportsmen
and serious crime”. Rape is not a serious crime? With attitudes
like this, how are those same “heroes” ever going to get the
message about their treatment of women? And what about the example
set to other men who want to emulate their “exploits”?

Trish Wiltshire Worrigee
I was dismayed, to say the least, that on International Women’s
Day your editorial likened fake virgin olive oil to two
celebrities, branding them “blond, cheap and unsavoury” (”Virgin
oil upturned”, March 8-9). Misogynist behaviour is not likely to
decrease when the Herald implicitly encourages it.
Elaine Diffey Glebe
A sadly foreseeable tragedy
I was very sad to read of the death of Peter Eagle, but not
surprised (”Man killed on his way to Superboat Grand Prix”,
smh.com.au, March 8). The harbour has become unbearable on some
days with the increasing number of powerful motor boats. As the
owner of an older-style wooden yacht I avoid parts of it, such as
Bradleys Head, where power-boat skippers seem to love to roar
around the point, presuming no one else could be there. Without
commenting on the circumstances of Eagle’s crash, so many owners of
these boats seem to lack basic seamanship, courtesy or common
sense. When will NSW Maritime realise the risk these types of boats
are creating and introduce a reasonable speed limit (I suggest 12
knots) so that everyone can enjoy the harbour?

Philip Bull Marrickville
Sydney Harbour is a busy commercial and recreational waterway,
especially at weekends. To close it for a day of races by so-called
superboats is disgraceful. Let them race where they will cause no
danger or disruption to others. Lake Eyre, for example.
Neil Radford Balmain East
Don’t blame the doctors
Geoff Dunsford (Letters, March 8-9) needs to explain how doctors’
bills are driving the increase in health fund premiums. Health
funds have their own nominated fee that they will pay for each
service provided by a doctor. But if a doctor’s fee exceeds the
health fund fee, most of the funds pay out much less than the
nominated fee. Furthermore, health fund indexation of the benefits
paid for doctors’ fees has been a lower percentage for the past few
years than the increase in premiums the government has granted
them.

Dr Andrew Wright Neutral Bay
The right man for the role at NIDA
As a past chairman of the board of the National Institute of
Dramatic Art for 13 years (1975-88) and a current member of its
foundation board, I entirely agree with the signatories of the
letter to the present chairman that Aubrey Mellor be appointed the
artistic director (”Battle over arts and minds divides NIDA”, March
8-9). It would then be in NIDA’s best interest to advertise for an
“energetic and inspiring chief executive” to be the administrative
head.

Malcolm Chaikin Rose Bay
It would be a tragic farce for NIDA to dismiss Aubrey Mellor. He
is a rare genius, a great teacher and a great director. Only a fool
could ignore the statement by Cate Blanchett, Judy Davis, Geoffrey
Rush, George Miller et al that Mellor is the finest acting teacher
in the country. NIDA is federally funded. Peter Garrett should take
decisive action to prevent mediocrity triumphing over genius.
Ric Davidson Avalon
Worthies of elsewhere
No, Adam Cook (Letters, March 8-9), Germaine Greer should not get
an official Australian honour. Permanent residence in Australia
should be a basic requirement for that. Those worthies who live
elsewhere, including Greer, Rolf Harris, Clive James, Greg Norman,
John Pilger and Geoffrey Robertson, should look to their homelands
of choice for a gong.

Brendan Linnane Dernancourt (SA)
Delusion rights
I can’t understand why Alan Ramsey (”Sideshow takes on delusions of
grandeur”, March 8-9) and letter writers are getting so hot under
the collar about John Howard’s speech last week. Surely it is the
right of every former prime minister to be in denial about why the
electorate gave them the heave-ho. Just look at Paul Keating for
the past 12 years.

Peter Dieleman Waratah
Long way west
“Motorists driving from Sydney Airport to the inner west, using the
Eastern Distributor and the Cross City Tunnel, will pay just under
$10 in tolls,” according to your report (”Tolls up in Sydney, free
ride in Melbourne”, March 8-9). Anyone doing so deserves to pay
$10. I suggest a long-term saving by investing in a street
directory.

Duncan Barrett Camperdown
Too big for the fridge
Surely Del Kathryn Barton’s picture was painted by her kids (”A
mother load of happiness”, March 8-9). I suppose it was too big to
fit on the fridge so she entered it in the Archibald.

Eddie Fingret Dover Heights
I’ve got no idea about art and portraiture, and it appears that
the trustees of the Archibald Prize share my inadequacy.
Graham Anderson Bundanoon
Journey of faith
Oh ye of little faith, Cardinal Pell (”The priest, his fake cancer
and an almighty apology”, smh.com.au, March 9). Surely Father
Richard Abourjaily’s “delusional” condition could also have been
miraculously cured at Lourdes.

Allan Lloyd Lamb Island (Qld)
Scattered chums
So, can we think of Mr Downer and his reluctant chums as “The
Things That Scatter”?

Phil Norris Longueville

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Players Workshop offers spirited re-run

Friday, March 14th, 2008

That’s the path being followed this weekend at the Little Theatre on Grove Street as Players Workshop presents its third run at Noel Coward’s comedy masterpiece, “Blithe Spirit.”

PW already has two smash productions of Coward’s 1941 gem to its credit — 1947 and 1980 — but is rolling out a third as part of its Diamond Jubilee season of revivals.

The farce about husbands, wives, mediums and mischievous spirits starts its seven-performance two-weekend run at 8 p.m. Friday at the amateur theater group’s home at 1431 Grove St. Shows are scheduled Feb. 15 to 17 and 21 to 24. Curtain for evening performances is 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees Feb. 17 and 24.

Director Eric Smith encourages patrons to show up early to ensure they get seated on time. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

Smith has selected the following cast: Charles, David Beckman; Ruth, Beth Cox; Elvira, Jennifer Glendening; Madam Arcat, Libba Flores; Dr. Bradman, Jim Beres; Mrs. Bradman, Sally Price; and Edith, Dawn Linneman.

Suzie Bray is acting as assistant director. Others on the production staff: Linda Garwood, stage manager; Mel Bray, set designer; Carol Rutenbeck, set decorator; and Kent Lewis, producer.

I’m currently reading “The Letters of Noel Coward,” edited by Barry Day. Day reports that Coward wrote the farce in 1941, fulfilling a promise to himself to write a play, film, and song that “would help his fellow countrymen get through the war.”

The play opened at the St. James Theatre in London’s West End on July 2, 1941. It ran for 1,997 performances.

Art, music program rescheduled

What was to have been a Fat Tuesday Photographic Celebration program last week at Two Twelve Jefferson Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in downtown Burlington has been rescheduled for this weekend.

The program, which will feature the work of seven area artists, will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday in conjunction with the gallery’s monthly Club SEISO (Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra) music event.

Featured will be photos by Jerry Granaman, Mhel Granaman, Mike Hamma, Cindy Larson, George Gaudette, Fritz Goeckner, and Susan Munroe. There also will be a slide show featuring New Orleans photography by Jerry Granaman and Mike Hamma, and Burlington photography by Cindy Larson, displayed through a slide show on a high definition television and sound system provided by Chuck Siekman of Camera Land.

The program will include food, wine and music by 12 to 15 string players from the symphony and the Burlington High School orchestra. Mardi Gras music will be played during a break in live music.

Admission is a $10 donation, which is dedicated to assisting the symphony.

For more information, call (319) 754-0373 or visit www.seiso.us.

Black History music

Jazz artist Semenya McCord and the Knox College-based Umoja Community Gospel Choir will be featured in the first of two free concerts scheduled at Monmouth College celebrating February as Black History Month.

McCord, who teaches jazz voice and related classes at Knox and Carl Sandburg colleges in Galesburg, Ill., will perform gospel and spiritual music at a 6:30 p.m. program Saturday in the Kasch Performance Hall of the Dahl Chapel and Auditorium at Monmouth, Ill.

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, hip-hop and R%26amp;B will be on tap, led by MC senior Emmanuel Minter of Park Forest, Ill.

SEISO to perform ‘Titan’

What will be the largest orchestra in the history of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra will perform Gustav Mahler’s monumental “Titan Symphony” (No. 1 in D Major) this weekend in honor of the late James Dixon.

In a concert at 7 p.m. Saturday in Burlington’s Memorial Auditorium, the orchestra under the direction of Robert McConnell will pay tribute to the man who conducted the University of Iowa Orchestra for two terms, beginning in 1954 and ending with his retirement in 1997. Dixon also served 29 years as Music Director of the Quad City Symphony. Dixon influenced thousands of performers, mentored more than 30 conducting students and conducted world premieres of more than 40 works.

Many past and present members of the SEISO were either directly or indirectly influenced by his work.

In addition, the concert program will include the solo debut of Paul Collier, winner of the 2007 Marilyn Minford McCoid Young Artist Competition. Collier, a Fort Madison High School senior, will perform the last two movements of David’s “Concertino for Trombone in E-Flat Major.”

Collier has participated in band since middle school and studied trombone for the past three years with Jim Priebe, SEISO’s principal trombonist. He lives in Fort Madison with his grandmother, Mary Mason.

Two additional performances will be given Sunday: 2 p.m. in Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center and 7 p.m. in the Chapel Auditorium at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant.

Admission to the winter concerts in Burlington, Ottumwa and Mount Pleasant is by season ticket or $12 for adults and $6 for students at the door. Reservations are not required.

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The prerequisite for improving hospital care is a team effort

Thursday, March 13th, 2008

William Wolfenden wants to take hospital management back to
pre-Medicare days, when doctors were the only health professionals
worthy of consultation, to ensure their lofty position in the
hierarchy (Letters, March 8-9). The management of hospitals by
doctors, for doctors, did not work in the 20th century. Why should
it work now?
Dr Wolfenden blames the failure of hospital management by
administrators rather than doctors for the decline in hospital
care. I would like to know whether he set out on his life’s path to
be an expert physician, which he no doubt is, or an accomplished
administrator with expertise in financial planning, human
resources, hotel services, evidence-based medicine and
accreditation, or whether he completed a master’s in health service
management.
In the Bathurst Hospital shambles it appears NSW Health did not
consult any health professional or architect, just the finance
department. Dr Wolfenden rightly decries the lack of consultation
with doctors, yet there has been no mention of the failure to
consult nurses.
There are few aspects of a hospital that do not affect nursing.
Who knows better than nurses the space requirements, traffic
patterns, bathroom and toilet usage and design environments that
are sympathetic for patients, their families and hospital workers,
and that ensure better health outcomes at less cost? While doctors
may spend 20 minutes a day with their patients, nurses are there
constantly.
When will health departments learn that the prerequisite for
quality health care, whether in acute care hospitals, the community
or aged facilities, is a team effort? No speciality has the abiding
authority on good patient care and healthy outcomes. This requires
doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,
nutritionists, cleaners, pharmacists, architects and policymakers
to work towards a common goal, not to fiercely defend their vested
interests to the exclusion of all others.
Let us look forwards, not backwards, to better partnerships for
health service delivery and put the patient first, not last, on the
planning agenda.
Maryan Heffernan Narrabeen
Taking from the most vulnerable is unconscionable
It was with shock and disappointment that we heard of the
proposal to stop funding carer bonuses. We know they were never
part of forward estimates, but they were a recognition of the
contribution made by carers, as well as a much-needed financial
benefit for many living below the poverty line.
It would take more than $30 billion a year for governments to
replace carers’ services. While not in the paid workforce, people
with disabilities and their carers are no less “working families”
than those referred to by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and his
colleagues during the election campaign - just not so well off and
with no superannuation.
Laraine Toms President, Carers NSW, Sydney
Before a final decision is made by the Rudd Government on
whether to snatch back the carer bonuses, perhaps his minister
might like to spend 24 hours in my household to see the
difficulties and associated costs involved in caring for two
disabled family members. That research would confirm that carers
should be generously supported, if only to save both the federal
and state governments billion of dollars.
Stan Fildes Mona Vale
Two interesting articles in Saturday’s Herald. The first
reveals that Kevin Rudd proposes to slash payments to pensioners
and their carers. The second states that he is increasing aid to
Papua New Guinea. Thank you for explaining his priorities.
Paul Atroshenko Waverley
Wayne Swan has managed to be both fiscally irresponsible and
mean: handing out more than $30 billion in tax cuts at a time of
higher inflation and rapidly rising interest rates, while cutting
the carers’ benefit to save a few hundred million dollars.
George Finlay Balaclava (Vic)
Is this the “compassionate” ALP I’ve voted for all my life?
Surely there are a million other cuts the Government could make
other than on those least able to help themselves. What about the
great lurk of negative gearing? Or the overly generous benefits
former politicians help themselves to? As for the promised tax
cuts, which offer no benefit for those on a pension, they should be
deferred for at least three years or dropped altogether.
I realise cuts have to be made, but slashing and burning the
most vulnerable is unconscionable.
Jennifer Owen Baulkham Hills
As a carer for my war veteran partner, I was counting on that
$1600 to help us pay the winter bills and put shoes on the feet of
our son. My partner lost his ability to support his family in the
service of his country. Is this how you are planning to treat the
families of the men you send to Afghanistan?
Margot Clifford Kaleen (ACT)
Labor prime ministers have historically surrounded themselves
with complete idiots. With the proposed axing of the carers’ bonus,
Kevin Rudd has gone one better: he has surrounded himself with
complete bastards.
Matt Petersen Randwick
If the elderly and carers are to lose entitlements, can we
assume that John Howard’s endangered orang-utans will have to make
sacrifices as well?
Joe Dwyer Rose Bay
Cool heads must prevail in the face of provocation
The murder of eight students in Jerusalem by an Arab Israeli was
sickening, as was the gloating from certain Palestinian quarters
(”After the slaughter, sickening jubilation”, March 8-9).

However, Israelis such as the Prime Minister’s spokesman, Mark
Regev, should not get too self-righteous. For every Israeli who
dies in this conflict, 40 Palestinians are killed. In 1994 the
US-born Israeli Baruch Goldstein slaughtered 29 Arabs and wounded
150 in a shooting rampage in a mosque. To this day his grave,
complete with a shrine-like landscaped prayer area and a plaque
praising his actions, is a pilgrimage site for right-wing
Israelis.
Andrew Worssam Bondi
Mordechai Sher (Letters, March 8-9) claims Hamas is not
apportioned any blame for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That is
plainly wrong, as Hamas is often denounced by governments and
non-government organisations. In fact, it is frequently held up as
the only problem. “Remove Hamas,” they shout, “and all will be
better.”
Sorry, but as deplorable as Hamas is, it is a product of the
situation. Desperate people resort to desperate measures, so the
more Israel tries to tighten its grip on Gaza, the more
Palestinians will slip through its fingers. Only better conditions
for all Palestinians - and that means, among other things, an end
to the blockade of Gaza - will see to the removal of Hamas and an
end to the rocket attacks and suicide bombings.
James Kite Drummoyne
Alan Ramsey’s column denotes that April Fool’s Day has arrived
early this year (”Don’t mention the war as Israel lauded”, March
8-9): “It was also one of those extremely rare occasions that the
easily intimidated Australian Parliament, ever mindful of Jewish
financial support of party coffers, has debated the Middle East at
all.”
Curse those Zionist paymasters! I always thought it was property
developers who duped us into focusing on our own backyard.
Peter Ness Bardwell Valley
Alan Ramsey alleges without evidence that wealthy Jews unduly
influence Australia’s Middle East policy. In reality, the small
number of Jewish businessmen who make major donations to political
parties appear to be motivated by business interests as much as by
specifically Jewish concerns. None have gone on record as linking
their donations to Middle East policy. To be sure, Jewish communal
bodies lobby on behalf of Israel. However, there is no evidence
that Jewish organisations per se have ever donated to Australian
political parties.
Philip Mendes Kew (Victoria)
For 60 years Australia has indeed been a supporter of Israel,
but also a constructive champion of the peace process. If Ramsey
had read previous bipartisan motions relating to Israel, he would
see that they have also consistently called for the right of
Palestinians to self-determination. What we need to focus on are
tangible and supportive measures to eradicate the type of hatred
Saturday’s paper depicted, not finger-pointing rants.
David Faktor Bondi
Tokenism rampant
Can Verity Firth “wean NSW off its energy addiction” (”Can this
woman turn us off?”, March 8-9)?

In a word, no. In the Iemma-Costa clique the main game is: a)
build a new coal-fired power station in time to prevent the
electoral death that would result if the power faltered for one
moment in the air-conditioned mansions of Baulkham Hills; and b)
avoid any energy conservation measures serious enough to scare
bidders for a privatised electricity industry.
So they appoint an unknown 34-year-old, in Parliament for less
than a year, to lead the charge on climate change. Talk about
tokenism. No doubt they will keep her busy writing policies that
the big departments will do nothing to implement.
Geoff Dawson Narrabundah (ACT)
Sparing the child
Mirren Palmer (Letters, March 8-9) is right that private schools
are often more successful at dealing with disruptive students. The
method they use is called expulsion. Unfortunately this is not
readily available to public schools. They have an obligation to
make sure all children, including disruptive ones, have access to
an education.

Mary Lawson Mortdale
The worst kind of example
In the article “It’s a crime: how footy heroes go bad” (March 8-9)
the reporter writes that “behind the drunken antics and rape
allegations, there is a darker history of links between sportsmen
and serious crime”. Rape is not a serious crime? With attitudes
like this, how are those same “heroes” ever going to get the
message about their treatment of women? And what about the example
set to other men who want to emulate their “exploits”?

Trish Wiltshire Worrigee
I was dismayed, to say the least, that on International Women’s
Day your editorial likened fake virgin olive oil to two
celebrities, branding them “blond, cheap and unsavoury” (”Virgin
oil upturned”, March 8-9). Misogynist behaviour is not likely to
decrease when the Herald implicitly encourages it.
Elaine Diffey Glebe
A sadly foreseeable tragedy
I was very sad to read of the death of Peter Eagle, but not
surprised (”Man killed on his way to Superboat Grand Prix”,
smh.com.au, March 8). The harbour has become unbearable on some
days with the increasing number of powerful motor boats. As the
owner of an older-style wooden yacht I avoid parts of it, such as
Bradleys Head, where power-boat skippers seem to love to roar
around the point, presuming no one else could be there. Without
commenting on the circumstances of Eagle’s crash, so many owners of
these boats seem to lack basic seamanship, courtesy or common
sense. When will NSW Maritime realise the risk these types of boats
are creating and introduce a reasonable speed limit (I suggest 12
knots) so that everyone can enjoy the harbour?

Philip Bull Marrickville
Sydney Harbour is a busy commercial and recreational waterway,
especially at weekends. To close it for a day of races by so-called
superboats is disgraceful. Let them race where they will cause no
danger or disruption to others. Lake Eyre, for example.
Neil Radford Balmain East
Don’t blame the doctors
Geoff Dunsford (Letters, March 8-9) needs to explain how doctors’
bills are driving the increase in health fund premiums. Health
funds have their own nominated fee that they will pay for each
service provided by a doctor. But if a doctor’s fee exceeds the
health fund fee, most of the funds pay out much less than the
nominated fee. Furthermore, health fund indexation of the benefits
paid for doctors’ fees has been a lower percentage for the past few
years than the increase in premiums the government has granted
them.

Dr Andrew Wright Neutral Bay
The right man for the role at NIDA
As a past chairman of the board of the National Institute of
Dramatic Art for 13 years (1975-88) and a current member of its
foundation board, I entirely agree with the signatories of the
letter to the present chairman that Aubrey Mellor be appointed the
artistic director (”Battle over arts and minds divides NIDA”, March
8-9). It would then be in NIDA’s best interest to advertise for an
“energetic and inspiring chief executive” to be the administrative
head.

Malcolm Chaikin Rose Bay
It would be a tragic farce for NIDA to dismiss Aubrey Mellor. He
is a rare genius, a great teacher and a great director. Only a fool
could ignore the statement by Cate Blanchett, Judy Davis, Geoffrey
Rush, George Miller et al that Mellor is the finest acting teacher
in the country. NIDA is federally funded. Peter Garrett should take
decisive action to prevent mediocrity triumphing over genius.
Ric Davidson Avalon
Worthies of elsewhere
No, Adam Cook (Letters, March 8-9), Germaine Greer should not get
an official Australian honour. Permanent residence in Australia
should be a basic requirement for that. Those worthies who live
elsewhere, including Greer, Rolf Harris, Clive James, Greg Norman,
John Pilger and Geoffrey Robertson, should look to their homelands
of choice for a gong.

Brendan Linnane Dernancourt (SA)
Delusion rights
I can’t understand why Alan Ramsey (”Sideshow takes on delusions of
grandeur”, March 8-9) and letter writers are getting so hot under
the collar about John Howard’s speech last week. Surely it is the
right of every former prime minister to be in denial about why the
electorate gave them the heave-ho. Just look at Paul Keating for
the past 12 years.

Peter Dieleman Waratah
Long way west
“Motorists driving from Sydney Airport to the inner west, using the
Eastern Distributor and the Cross City Tunnel, will pay just under
$10 in tolls,” according to your report (”Tolls up in Sydney, free
ride in Melbourne”, March 8-9). Anyone doing so deserves to pay
$10. I suggest a long-term saving by investing in a street
directory.

Duncan Barrett Camperdown
Too big for the fridge
Surely Del Kathryn Barton’s picture was painted by her kids (”A
mother load of happiness”, March 8-9). I suppose it was too big to
fit on the fridge so she entered it in the Archibald.

Eddie Fingret Dover Heights
I’ve got no idea about art and portraiture, and it appears that
the trustees of the Archibald Prize share my inadequacy.
Graham Anderson Bundanoon
Journey of faith
Oh ye of little faith, Cardinal Pell (”The priest, his fake cancer
and an almighty apology”, smh.com.au, March 9). Surely Father
Richard Abourjaily’s “delusional” condition could also have been
miraculously cured at Lourdes.

Allan Lloyd Lamb Island (Qld)
Scattered chums
So, can we think of Mr Downer and his reluctant chums as “The
Things That Scatter”?

Phil Norris Longueville

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

The prerequisite for improving hospital care is a team effort

Monday, March 10th, 2008

William Wolfenden wants to take hospital management back to
pre-Medicare days, when doctors were the only health professionals
worthy of consultation, to ensure their lofty position in the
hierarchy (Letters, March 8-9). The management of hospitals by
doctors, for doctors, did not work in the 20th century. Why should
it work now?
Dr Wolfenden blames the failure of hospital management by
administrators rather than doctors for the decline in hospital
care. I would like to know whether he set out on his life’s path to
be an expert physician, which he no doubt is, or an accomplished
administrator with expertise in financial planning, human
resources, hotel services, evidence-based medicine and
accreditation, or whether he completed a master’s in health service
management.
In the Bathurst Hospital shambles it appears NSW Health did not
consult any health professional or architect, just the finance
department. Dr Wolfenden rightly decries the lack of consultation
with doctors, yet there has been no mention of the failure to
consult nurses.
There are few aspects of a hospital that do not affect nursing.
Who knows better than nurses the space requirements, traffic
patterns, bathroom and toilet usage and design environments that
are sympathetic for patients, their families and hospital workers,
and that ensure better health outcomes at less cost? While doctors
may spend 20 minutes a day with their patients, nurses are there
constantly.
When will health departments learn that the prerequisite for
quality health care, whether in acute care hospitals, the community
or aged facilities, is a team effort? No speciality has the abiding
authority on good patient care and healthy outcomes. This requires
doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,
nutritionists, cleaners, pharmacists, architects and policymakers
to work towards a common goal, not to fiercely defend their vested
interests to the exclusion of all others.
Let us look forwards, not backwards, to better partnerships for
health service delivery and put the patient first, not last, on the
planning agenda.
Maryan Heffernan Narrabeen
Taking from the most vulnerable is unconscionable
It was with shock and disappointment that we heard of the
proposal to stop funding carer bonuses. We know they were never
part of forward estimates, but they were a recognition of the
contribution made by carers, as well as a much-needed financial
benefit for many living below the poverty line.
It would take more than $30 billion a year for governments to
replace carers’ services. While not in the paid workforce, people
with disabilities and their carers are no less “working families”
than those referred to by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and his
colleagues during the election campaign - just not so well off and
with no superannuation.
Laraine Toms President, Carers NSW, Sydney
Before a final decision is made by the Rudd Government on
whether to snatch back the carer bonuses, perhaps his minister
might like to spend 24 hours in my household to see the
difficulties and associated costs involved in caring for two
disabled family members. That research would confirm that carers
should be generously supported, if only to save both the federal
and state governments billion of dollars.
Stan Fildes Mona Vale
Two interesting articles in Saturday’s Herald. The first
reveals that Kevin Rudd proposes to slash payments to pensioners
and their carers. The second states that he is increasing aid to
Papua New Guinea. Thank you for explaining his priorities.
Paul Atroshenko Waverley
Wayne Swan has managed to be both fiscally irresponsible and
mean: handing out more than $30 billion in tax cuts at a time of
higher inflation and rapidly rising interest rates, while cutting
the carers’ benefit to save a few hundred million dollars.
George Finlay Balaclava (Vic)
Is this the “compassionate” ALP I’ve voted for all my life?
Surely there are a million other cuts the Government could make
other than on those least able to help themselves. What about the
great lurk of negative gearing? Or the overly generous benefits
former politicians help themselves to? As for the promised tax
cuts, which offer no benefit for those on a pension, they should be
deferred for at least three years or dropped altogether.
I realise cuts have to be made, but slashing and burning the
most vulnerable is unconscionable.
Jennifer Owen Baulkham Hills
As a carer for my war veteran partner, I was counting on that
$1600 to help us pay the winter bills and put shoes on the feet of
our son. My partner lost his ability to support his family in the
service of his country. Is this how you are planning to treat the
families of the men you send to Afghanistan?
Margot Clifford Kaleen (ACT)
Labor prime ministers have historically surrounded themselves
with complete idiots. With the proposed axing of the carers’ bonus,
Kevin Rudd has gone one better: he has surrounded himself with
complete bastards.
Matt Petersen Randwick
If the elderly and carers are to lose entitlements, can we
assume that John Howard’s endangered orang-utans will have to make
sacrifices as well?
Joe Dwyer Rose Bay
Cool heads must prevail in the face of provocation
The murder of eight students in Jerusalem by an Arab Israeli was
sickening, as was the gloating from certain Palestinian quarters
(”After the slaughter, sickening jubilation”, March 8-9).

However, Israelis such as the Prime Minister’s spokesman, Mark
Regev, should not get too self-righteous. For every Israeli who
dies in this conflict, 40 Palestinians are killed. In 1994 the
US-born Israeli Baruch Goldstein slaughtered 29 Arabs and wounded
150 in a shooting rampage in a mosque. To this day his grave,
complete with a shrine-like landscaped prayer area and a plaque
praising his actions, is a pilgrimage site for right-wing
Israelis.
Andrew Worssam Bondi
Mordechai Sher (Letters, March 8-9) claims Hamas is not
apportioned any blame for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That is
plainly wrong, as Hamas is often denounced by governments and
non-government organisations. In fact, it is frequently held up as
the only problem. “Remove Hamas,” they shout, “and all will be
better.”
Sorry, but as deplorable as Hamas is, it is a product of the
situation. Desperate people resort to desperate measures, so the
more Israel tries to tighten its grip on Gaza, the more
Palestinians will slip through its fingers. Only better conditions
for all Palestinians - and that means, among other things, an end
to the blockade of Gaza - will see to the removal of Hamas and an
end to the rocket attacks and suicide bombings.
James Kite Drummoyne
Alan Ramsey’s column denotes that April Fool’s Day has arrived
early this year (”Don’t mention the war as Israel lauded”, March
8-9): “It was also one of those extremely rare occasions that the
easily intimidated Australian Parliament, ever mindful of Jewish
financial support of party coffers, has debated the Middle East at
all.”
Curse those Zionist paymasters! I always thought it was property
developers who duped us into focusing on our own backyard.
Peter Ness Bardwell Valley
Alan Ramsey alleges without evidence that wealthy Jews unduly
influence Australia’s Middle East policy. In reality, the small
number of Jewish businessmen who make major donations to political
parties appear to be motivated by business interests as much as by
specifically Jewish concerns. None have gone on record as linking
their donations to Middle East policy. To be sure, Jewish communal
bodies lobby on behalf of Israel. However, there is no evidence
that Jewish organisations per se have ever donated to Australian
political parties.
Philip Mendes Kew (Victoria)
For 60 years Australia has indeed been a supporter of Israel,
but also a constructive champion of the peace process. If Ramsey
had read previous bipartisan motions relating to Israel, he would
see that they have also consistently called for the right of
Palestinians to self-determination. What we need to focus on are
tangible and supportive measures to eradicate the type of hatred
Saturday’s paper depicted, not finger-pointing rants.
David Faktor Bondi
Tokenism rampant
Can Verity Firth “wean NSW off its energy addiction” (”Can this
woman turn us off?”, March 8-9)?

In a word, no. In the Iemma-Costa clique the main game is: a)
build a new coal-fired power station in time to prevent the
electoral death that would result if the power faltered for one
moment in the air-conditioned mansions of Baulkham Hills; and b)
avoid any energy conservation measures serious enough to scare
bidders for a privatised electricity industry.
So they appoint an unknown 34-year-old, in Parliament for less
than a year, to lead the charge on climate change. Talk about
tokenism. No doubt they will keep her busy writing policies that
the big departments will do nothing to implement.
Geoff Dawson Narrabundah (ACT)
Sparing the child
Mirren Palmer (Letters, March 8-9) is right that private schools
are often more successful at dealing with disruptive students. The
method they use is called expulsion. Unfortunately this is not
readily available to public schools. They have an obligation to
make sure all children, including disruptive ones, have access to
an education.

Mary Lawson Mortdale
The worst kind of example
In the article “It’s a crime: how footy heroes go bad” (March 8-9)
the reporter writes that “behind the drunken antics and rape
allegations, there is a darker history of links between sportsmen
and serious crime”. Rape is not a serious crime? With attitudes
like this, how are those same “heroes” ever going to get the
message about their treatment of women? And what about the example
set to other men who want to emulate their “exploits”?

Trish Wiltshire Worrigee
I was dismayed, to say the least, that on International Women’s
Day your editorial likened fake virgin olive oil to two
celebrities, branding them “blond, cheap and unsavoury” (”Virgin
oil upturned”, March 8-9). Misogynist behaviour is not likely to
decrease when the Herald implicitly encourages it.
Elaine Diffey Glebe
A sadly foreseeable tragedy
I was very sad to read of the death of Peter Eagle, but not
surprised (”Man killed on his way to Superboat Grand Prix”,
smh.com.au, March 8). The harbour has become unbearable on some
days with the increasing number of powerful motor boats. As the
owner of an older-style wooden yacht I avoid parts of it, such as
Bradleys Head, where power-boat skippers seem to love to roar
around the point, presuming no one else could be there. Without
commenting on the circumstances of Eagle’s crash, so many owners of
these boats seem to lack basic seamanship, courtesy or common
sense. When will NSW Maritime realise the risk these types of boats
are creating and introduce a reasonable speed limit (I suggest 12
knots) so that everyone can enjoy the harbour?

Philip Bull Marrickville
Sydney Harbour is a busy commercial and recreational waterway,
especially at weekends. To close it for a day of races by so-called
superboats is disgraceful. Let them race where they will cause no
danger or disruption to others. Lake Eyre, for example.
Neil Radford Balmain East
Don’t blame the doctors
Geoff Dunsford (Letters, March 8-9) needs to explain how doctors’
bills are driving the increase in health fund premiums. Health
funds have their own nominated fee that they will pay for each
service provided by a doctor. But if a doctor’s fee exceeds the
health fund fee, most of the funds pay out much less than the
nominated fee. Furthermore, health fund indexation of the benefits
paid for doctors’ fees has been a lower percentage for the past few
years than the increase in premiums the government has granted
them.

Dr Andrew Wright Neutral Bay
The right man for the role at NIDA
As a past chairman of the board of the National Institute of
Dramatic Art for 13 years (1975-88) and a current member of its
foundation board, I entirely agree with the signatories of the
letter to the present chairman that Aubrey Mellor be appointed the
artistic director (”Battle over arts and minds divides NIDA”, March
8-9). It would then be in NIDA’s best interest to advertise for an
“energetic and inspiring chief executive” to be the administrative
head.

Malcolm Chaikin Rose Bay
It would be a tragic farce for NIDA to dismiss Aubrey Mellor. He
is a rare genius, a great teacher and a great director. Only a fool
could ignore the statement by Cate Blanchett, Judy Davis, Geoffrey
Rush, George Miller et al that Mellor is the finest acting teacher
in the country. NIDA is federally funded. Peter Garrett should take
decisive action to prevent mediocrity triumphing over genius.
Ric Davidson Avalon
Worthies of elsewhere
No, Adam Cook (Letters, March 8-9), Germaine Greer should not get
an official Australian honour. Permanent residence in Australia
should be a basic requirement for that. Those worthies who live
elsewhere, including Greer, Rolf Harris, Clive James, Greg Norman,
John Pilger and Geoffrey Robertson, should look to their homelands
of choice for a gong.

Brendan Linnane Dernancourt (SA)
Delusion rights
I can’t understand why Alan Ramsey (”Sideshow takes on delusions of
grandeur”, March 8-9) and letter writers are getting so hot under
the collar about John Howard’s speech last week. Surely it is the
right of every former prime minister to be in denial about why the
electorate gave them the heave-ho. Just look at Paul Keating for
the past 12 years.

Peter Dieleman Waratah
Long way west
“Motorists driving from Sydney Airport to the inner west, using the
Eastern Distributor and the Cross City Tunnel, will pay just under
$10 in tolls,” according to your report (”Tolls up in Sydney, free
ride in Melbourne”, March 8-9). Anyone doing so deserves to pay
$10. I suggest a long-term saving by investing in a street
directory.

Duncan Barrett Camperdown
Too big for the fridge
Surely Del Kathryn Barton’s picture was painted by her kids (”A
mother load of happiness”, March 8-9). I suppose it was too big to
fit on the fridge so she entered it in the Archibald.

Eddie Fingret Dover Heights
I’ve got no idea about art and portraiture, and it appears that
the trustees of the Archibald Prize share my inadequacy.
Graham Anderson Bundanoon
Journey of faith
Oh ye of little faith, Cardinal Pell (”The priest, his fake cancer
and an almighty apology”, smh.com.au, March 9). Surely Father
Richard Abourjaily’s “delusional” condition could also have been
miraculously cured at Lourdes.

Allan Lloyd Lamb Island (Qld)
Scattered chums
So, can we think of Mr Downer and his reluctant chums as “The
Things That Scatter”?

Phil Norris Longueville

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

The prerequisite for improving hospital care is a team effort

Sunday, March 9th, 2008

William Wolfenden wants to take hospital management back to
pre-Medicare days, when doctors were the only health professionals
worthy of consultation, to ensure their lofty position in the
hierarchy (Letters, March 8-9). The management of hospitals by
doctors, for doctors, did not work in the 20th century. Why should
it work now?
Dr Wolfenden blames the failure of hospital management by
administrators rather than doctors for the decline in hospital
care. I would like to know whether he set out on his life’s path to
be an expert physician, which he no doubt is, or an accomplished
administrator with expertise in financial planning, human
resources, hotel services, evidence-based medicine and
accreditation, or whether he completed a master’s in health service
management.
In the Bathurst Hospital shambles it appears NSW Health did not
consult any health professional or architect, just the finance
department. Dr Wolfenden rightly decries the lack of consultation
with doctors, yet there has been no mention of the failure to
consult nurses.
There are few aspects of a hospital that do not affect nursing.
Who knows better than nurses the space requirements, traffic
patterns, bathroom and toilet usage and design environments that
are sympathetic for patients, their families and hospital workers,
and that ensure better health outcomes at less cost? While doctors
may spend 20 minutes a day with their patients, nurses are there
constantly.
When will health departments learn that the prerequisite for
quality health care, whether in acute care hospitals, the community
or aged facilities, is a team effort? No speciality has the abiding
authority on good patient care and healthy outcomes. This requires
doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,
nutritionists, cleaners, pharmacists, architects and policymakers
to work towards a common goal, not to fiercely defend their vested
interests to the exclusion of all others.
Let us look forwards, not backwards, to better partnerships for
health service delivery and put the patient first, not last, on the
planning agenda.
Maryan Heffernan Narrabeen
Taking from the most vulnerable is unconscionable
It was with shock and disappointment that we heard of the
proposal to stop funding carer bonuses. We know they were never
part of forward estimates, but they were a recognition of the
contribution made by carers, as well as a much-needed financial
benefit for many living below the poverty line.
It would take more than $30 billion a year for governments to
replace carers’ services. While not in the paid workforce, people
with disabilities and their carers are no less “working families”
than those referred to by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and his
colleagues during the election campaign - just not so well off and
with no superannuation.
Laraine Toms President, Carers NSW, Sydney
Before a final decision is made by the Rudd Government on
whether to snatch back the carer bonuses, perhaps his minister
might like to spend 24 hours in my household to see the
difficulties and associated costs involved in caring for two
disabled family members. That research would confirm that carers
should be generously supported, if only to save both the federal
and state governments billion of dollars.
Stan Fildes Mona Vale
Two interesting articles in Saturday’s Herald. The first
reveals that Kevin Rudd proposes to slash payments to pensioners
and their carers. The second states that he is increasing aid to
Papua New Guinea. Thank you for explaining his priorities.
Paul Atroshenko Waverley
Wayne Swan has managed to be both fiscally irresponsible and
mean: handing out more than $30 billion in tax cuts at a time of
higher inflation and rapidly rising interest rates, while cutting
the carers’ benefit to save a few hundred million dollars.
George Finlay Balaclava (Vic)
Is this the “compassionate” ALP I’ve voted for all my life?
Surely there are a million other cuts the Government could make
other than on those least able to help themselves. What about the
great lurk of negative gearing? Or the overly generous benefits
former politicians help themselves to? As for the promised tax
cuts, which offer no benefit for those on a pension, they should be
deferred for at least three years or dropped altogether.
I realise cuts have to be made, but slashing and burning the
most vulnerable is unconscionable.
Jennifer Owen Baulkham Hills
As a carer for my war veteran partner, I was counting on that
$1600 to help us pay the winter bills and put shoes on the feet of
our son. My partner lost his ability to support his family in the
service of his country. Is this how you are planning to treat the
families of the men you send to Afghanistan?
Margot Clifford Kaleen (ACT)
Labor prime ministers have historically surrounded themselves
with complete idiots. With the proposed axing of the carers’ bonus,
Kevin Rudd has gone one better: he has surrounded himself with
complete bastards.
Matt Petersen Randwick
If the elderly and carers are to lose entitlements, can we
assume that John Howard’s endangered orang-utans will have to make
sacrifices as well?
Joe Dwyer Rose Bay
Cool heads must prevail in the face of provocation
The murder of eight students in Jerusalem by an Arab Israeli was
sickening, as was the gloating from certain Palestinian quarters
(”After the slaughter, sickening jubilation”, March 8-9).

However, Israelis such as the Prime Minister’s spokesman, Mark
Regev, should not get too self-righteous. For every Israeli who
dies in this conflict, 40 Palestinians are killed. In 1994 the
US-born Israeli Baruch Goldstein slaughtered 29 Arabs and wounded
150 in a shooting rampage in a mosque. To this day his grave,
complete with a shrine-like landscaped prayer area and a plaque
praising his actions, is a pilgrimage site for right-wing
Israelis.
Andrew Worssam Bondi
Mordechai Sher (Letters, March 8-9) claims Hamas is not
apportioned any blame for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That is
plainly wrong, as Hamas is often denounced by governments and
non-government organisations. In fact, it is frequently held up as
the only problem. “Remove Hamas,” they shout, “and all will be
better.”
Sorry, but as deplorable as Hamas is, it is a product of the
situation. Desperate people resort to desperate measures, so the
more Israel tries to tighten its grip on Gaza, the more
Palestinians will slip through its fingers. Only better conditions
for all Palestinians - and that means, among other things, an end
to the blockade of Gaza - will see to the removal of Hamas and an
end to the rocket attacks and suicide bombings.
James Kite Drummoyne
Alan Ramsey’s column denotes that April Fool’s Day has arrived
early this year (”Don’t mention the war as Israel lauded”, March
8-9): “It was also one of those extremely rare occasions that the
easily intimidated Australian Parliament, ever mindful of Jewish
financial support of party coffers, has debated the Middle East at
all.”
Curse those Zionist paymasters! I always thought it was property
developers who duped us into focusing on our own backyard.
Peter Ness Bardwell Valley
Alan Ramsey alleges without evidence that wealthy Jews unduly
influence Australia’s Middle East policy. In reality, the small
number of Jewish businessmen who make major donations to political
parties appear to be motivated by business interests as much as by
specifically Jewish concerns. None have gone on record as linking
their donations to Middle East policy. To be sure, Jewish communal
bodies lobby on behalf of Israel. However, there is no evidence
that Jewish organisations per se have ever donated to Australian
political parties.
Philip Mendes Kew (Victoria)
For 60 years Australia has indeed been a supporter of Israel,
but also a constructive champion of the peace process. If Ramsey
had read previous bipartisan motions relating to Israel, he would
see that they have also consistently called for the right of
Palestinians to self-determination. What we need to focus on are
tangible and supportive measures to eradicate the type of hatred
Saturday’s paper depicted, not finger-pointing rants.
David Faktor Bondi
Tokenism rampant
Can Verity Firth “wean NSW off its energy addiction” (”Can this
woman turn us off?”, March 8-9)?

In a word, no. In the Iemma-Costa clique the main game is: a)
build a new coal-fired power station in time to prevent the
electoral death that would result if the power faltered for one
moment in the air-conditioned mansions of Baulkham Hills; and b)
avoid any energy conservation measures serious enough to scare
bidders for a privatised electricity industry.
So they appoint an unknown 34-year-old, in Parliament for less
than a year, to lead the charge on climate change. Talk about
tokenism. No doubt they will keep her busy writing policies that
the big departments will do nothing to implement.
Geoff Dawson Narrabundah (ACT)
Sparing the child
Mirren Palmer (Letters, March 8-9) is right that private schools
are often more successful at dealing with disruptive students. The
method they use is called expulsion. Unfortunately this is not
readily available to public schools. They have an obligation to
make sure all children, including disruptive ones, have access to
an education.

Mary Lawson Mortdale
The worst kind of example
In the article “It’s a crime: how footy heroes go bad” (March 8-9)
the reporter writes that “behind the drunken antics and rape
allegations, there is a darker history of links between sportsmen
and serious crime”. Rape is not a serious crime? With attitudes
like this, how are those same “heroes” ever going to get the
message about their treatment of women? And what about the example
set to other men who want to emulate their “exploits”?

Trish Wiltshire Worrigee
I was dismayed, to say the least, that on International Women’s
Day your editorial likened fake virgin olive oil to two
celebrities, branding them “blond, cheap and unsavoury” (”Virgin
oil upturned”, March 8-9). Misogynist behaviour is not likely to
decrease when the Herald implicitly encourages it.
Elaine Diffey Glebe
A sadly foreseeable tragedy
I was very sad to read of the death of Peter Eagle, but not
surprised (”Man killed on his way to Superboat Grand Prix”,
smh.com.au, March 8). The harbour has become unbearable on some
days with the increasing number of powerful motor boats. As the
owner of an older-style wooden yacht I avoid parts of it, such as
Bradleys Head, where power-boat skippers seem to love to roar
around the point, presuming no one else could be there. Without
commenting on the circumstances of Eagle’s crash, so many owners of
these boats seem to lack basic seamanship, courtesy or common
sense. When will NSW Maritime realise the risk these types of boats
are creating and introduce a reasonable speed limit (I suggest 12
knots) so that everyone can enjoy the harbour?

Philip Bull Marrickville
Sydney Harbour is a busy commercial and recreational waterway,
especially at weekends. To close it for a day of races by so-called
superboats is disgraceful. Let them race where they will cause no
danger or disruption to others. Lake Eyre, for example.
Neil Radford Balmain East
Don’t blame the doctors
Geoff Dunsford (Letters, March 8-9) needs to explain how doctors’
bills are driving the increase in health fund premiums. Health
funds have their own nominated fee that they will pay for each
service provided by a doctor. But if a doctor’s fee exceeds the
health fund fee, most of the funds pay out much less than the
nominated fee. Furthermore, health fund indexation of the benefits
paid for doctors’ fees has been a lower percentage for the past few
years than the increase in premiums the government has granted
them.

Dr Andrew Wright Neutral Bay
The right man for the role at NIDA
As a past chairman of the board of the National Institute of
Dramatic Art for 13 years (1975-88) and a current member of its
foundation board, I entirely agree with the signatories of the
letter to the present chairman that Aubrey Mellor be appointed the
artistic director (”Battle over arts and minds divides NIDA”, March
8-9). It would then be in NIDA’s best interest to advertise for an
“energetic and inspiring chief executive” to be the administrative
head.

Malcolm Chaikin Rose Bay
It would be a tragic farce for NIDA to dismiss Aubrey Mellor. He
is a rare genius, a great teacher and a great director. Only a fool
could ignore the statement by Cate Blanchett, Judy Davis, Geoffrey
Rush, George Miller et al that Mellor is the finest acting teacher
in the country. NIDA is federally funded. Peter Garrett should take
decisive action to prevent mediocrity triumphing over genius.
Ric Davidson Avalon
Worthies of elsewhere
No, Adam Cook (Letters, March 8-9), Germaine Greer should not get
an official Australian honour. Permanent residence in Australia
should be a basic requirement for that. Those worthies who live
elsewhere, including Greer, Rolf Harris, Clive James, Greg Norman,
John Pilger and Geoffrey Robertson, should look to their homelands
of choice for a gong.

Brendan Linnane Dernancourt (SA)
Delusion rights
I can’t understand why Alan Ramsey (”Sideshow takes on delusions of
grandeur”, March 8-9) and letter writers are getting so hot under
the collar about John Howard’s speech last week. Surely it is the
right of every former prime minister to be in denial about why the
electorate gave them the heave-ho. Just look at Paul Keating for
the past 12 years.

Peter Dieleman Waratah
Long way west
“Motorists driving from Sydney Airport to the inner west, using the
Eastern Distributor and the Cross City Tunnel, will pay just under
$10 in tolls,” according to your report (”Tolls up in Sydney, free
ride in Melbourne”, March 8-9). Anyone doing so deserves to pay
$10. I suggest a long-term saving by investing in a street
directory.

Duncan Barrett Camperdown
Too big for the fridge
Surely Del Kathryn Barton’s picture was painted by her kids (”A
mother load of happiness”, March 8-9). I suppose it was too big to
fit on the fridge so she entered it in the Archibald.

Eddie Fingret Dover Heights
I’ve got no idea about art and portraiture, and it appears that
the trustees of the Archibald Prize share my inadequacy.
Graham Anderson Bundanoon
Journey of faith
Oh ye of little faith, Cardinal Pell (”The priest, his fake cancer
and an almighty apology”, smh.com.au, March 9). Surely Father
Richard Abourjaily’s “delusional” condition could also have been
miraculously cured at Lourdes.

Allan Lloyd Lamb Island (Qld)
Scattered chums
So, can we think of Mr Downer and his reluctant chums as “The
Things That Scatter”?

Phil Norris Longueville

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Text of Qadhafi’s speech at opening session of GPC

Wednesday, March 5th, 2008

Now the People’s Committee have the money and you say give us housing, give us farms, give us education, give us health.

No, no, take the money and you develop the health service yourselves. You now have 80 hospitals and 40,000 medical staff. They are to take over these eighty hospitals. You take them over together with them and the Health Committee is abolished. It doesn’t have to exist and it has to go together with its organs and medical companies. All this is to be abolished and you manage your affairs yourselves.

You have 4,000 schools for intermediate and primary education. You have 400,000 teachers. They have to take over the business of a million primary and intermediate school pupils. They have to take over 4,000 schools and you manage your affairs with them. And this education secretariat is to be abolished because you kept saying that it has failed. Now you manage your own affairs.

When you take your money and you have five children the matter changes. You tell your children this is our money and no one will build a school for us. Those who build schools for us or offer education locally or abroad, we give them the money. But now we have the money in our pockets let us come and manage the matter.

You ask every child what he would like to be when he grows up. Does he want to be a cook or a chef. If so he has to be trained as a chef. This will relieve you from primary and intermediate, secondary school, or even university education abroad. Anyone who wants to become a cook can be trained immediately. Then you come to another child. If he wants to become an artist he has relieved me from secondary school and university. He can go to such and such an institute or to an artist who will teach him how to sing and play music. Another son might want to become a doctor. This is well and good. You have to use your money for his education even abroad. No one is responsible for his education whether locally or abroad. You got your money in your pocket. The money is no longer in the hands of those who used to spend it in the past. If anyone does not want education it is relief from getting up early and examinations. If he wants to go and be a shepherd then let him do so. And so on.

This is okay. You now manage your own affairs and you no longer need a Ministry for Agriculture, Industry or health. Your money from oil will come to you every month and you manage your own family affairs. We no longer need local committees.

What happens next? Real committees are to be established afterwards. Real Peoples Committees, not established by anyone and sponsored by no one. And there is nothing behind closed doors. This will be over because these real committees are not like the present committees where there is a presence and government. These committees are managed by yourselves. Whatever you need people would come together in group of around 100 and say they want to form a peoples committee to import goods. We do not want to buy from the expensive shops. Therefore you will have a committee for imports in your name. And so forth.

You will have committees for health and education and other services. This is a spontaneous peoples action in every place and the responsibility is taken by those who form them. These committees have no relationship with the state and therefore there would be no state. The traditional state is over. This is Libya.

Deceit in examinations is there because there is no control and the questions are leaked. This will be over. If you want to study, then study. If you do not want to study do not study. You do not need to deceive anyone. You used to be deceptive in the past because of the state in order to bring a false certificate to get employment from the state. This is over. You do not have to deceive anyone. You only deceive yourself.

Why were the examination questions leaked in the past? In the past success was something official, employment was official and the salary was official. This will be over. This is a Libya. If you want to study then study and if you understand the lessons it is for yourself. In the past we used to learn the Koran with the scholars. There was no deceit or leaking of questions. If you studied that was for your own sake and if you did not that it also your affair. This is a subjective and irreversible. And if you back down you will lose your rights and there will be no questioning because it is the nature of administrative organs to steal and prevaricate. It is natural that there is a lot of favoritism.

All these banks are to be abolished because of theft and the companies which are public companies have been transformed into a possession for the general manager who spends the money on himself and his family. You have been wondering where the oil money went.. These public companies ended by the distribution of profits by the general manager who belongs to the state. Together with his family and his friends they use all the money and you used to call it a public company.

If you want to create Libyan industry and there is nothing Libyan it is because the general administration failed and no one could manage these matters.

I feel hurt to see somebody thanking another person because he gave him a house. Did that house belong to him. He only gave you a house from the petrol money.

You are stupid. Another one is thanking him because he gave him a car. Did that car belong to him? If it wasn’t filled with your petrol money and if he did not take your share he would not have given you a car. It means that the car is part of your share and it is yours. This will come to an end and we will be equal and everyone will take his share of oil revenues. There will be no more pensions and retirement funds. There will be solidarity. There will be no more official salary. You only take the petrol money and distribute it equally and that is it. There will be no more retirement funds and no more insurance. This is your money.

Why do we need a basic salary. Who can give you that basic salary. You better take your share of the oil money and that is it.

This heavy burden which weighed heavily on us and on the budget has consumed the money. But this no longer the case. We shut it down. There will be no secretariat except for defense and security. I still say ‘committee’ because if you ‘a peoples committee’ it might not become a peoples committee. People’s committees are those committees which are to be established and the state has no relationship with.

There will be people’s committees everywhere in every village and in every place. The people will form these committees themselves.

After you take your money you do what you want. Some people will say when you give them money the first thing they do is to travel abroad and buy so and so. This is your money anyhow and any consequence will be your own affair. This is your money.

When you do these things depending on a state you will have a salary and insurance and house and a farm. But this will be over because the state used to do these things when it had the money but now the money is given back to you. And the state relieves itself of responsibility and then you are free. You have your share of oil and you can do what you want and get drunk. But this your responsibility. You could live in a cottage and work on a farm and in a few years you could buy a house. Then you think about your own affairs. And now when you spend billions on electricity where are the energy generators.

This electricity is quite enough for us. You take the billions and you do your own thing. Someone may buy a diesel generator and offer electricity for the whole area. He can make deals with others who want electricity. Others may do other things.

Now the electricity is imposed on you. You are supposed to pay billions from the oil money and the electricity becomes yours. Electricity is just a generator. If there was industry in Libya you need a large quantity of electric capacity. But if there is no industry what do you do with electricity.

All this is a luxury and has to be reviewed. Everyone who has his money with him is free to live in the way he wants to with his family.

At the beginning you take your money like those who were given money by the European Union. I don’t know how many received funds. I am referring to the children in Benghazi who were infected with aids. Every family received one million. I don’t know what they did with it. Some families bought cars. You can also buy cars. They are telling me that in Benghazi everybody is saying I wish my son was infected with aids so the EU would give me a million pounds for my son. You may the cars you want and I don’t want to give publicity to any brand of cars. And I don’t want you to come later on and say we are mistaken, we have lost our money. But it will not be like in the past. If you lose your salary you have to wait for your next salary. This is your money. It could increase or decrease according to the oil revenue.

If we have half a million families and each family takes five thousand dinars monthly this means two and half billion a month. It also means 25 billion a year. Every month you take five thousand dinars which is oil money and you spend it as you like. If you want to educate your son abroad that is your own affair. If you want him educated locally or not at all there will be no more favoritism. You can use your money for health treatment abroad and you can use your money to get treatment locally. You are free.

Someone may say there will be inflation because there will be a lot of money in our pockets. What shall we do with the money? The prices may rise. This is expected but you have to manage your own affairs. If the prices rise they are raised by some of you. The shop owners or those who own the goods. If you bought it for ten it is up to you to sell it for twenty. If people do not want to buy from you then that is your affair. You can even send someone to import the goods for less, or for ten dinars and you get it for ten dinars. No one has the right to monopolize the goods or monopolize prices. You can establish the price of every product in the world. And when someone offers the goods at an exaggerated price you can use the internet to buy the products you want.

You may or you may not transfer your money abroad. Whatever you want to do with your money is your own business. No one is to claim that he has power or he is mandated to oversee other Libyans and that Libyans are like children and he is managing their affairs. No one can take their money or take their petrol money and put it in his pocket. Nobody will tell anybody to do so and so. This is over.

You have proved that yourselves. All the things you do and all this assessment you have and the message. You have written that and you have approved the paper.

The popular control or supervision issued a report which I saw and the first thing in that report was to summon the General People’s Committee for investigation and relieving it from its mission for its failure in implementing the resolutions of the Basic People’s Congresses etc And it contained a number of decisions. This means that there is no more trust. And you said the reports about the activities of the General People’s Committee are not identical presented to the Basic People’s Congresses.

That concerns the areas of education, health, construction, drainage, planning, budget, electricity, water, subsidies, local peoples security. It means that it has failed. This is not specific to the committee. Even the Mad Cow Disease Committee which we established last year was also ineffective. You said this and repeated it in subsequent years. Forty years and you still say this committee is a failure. It is not one committee or one person. You say in the report the committee issued decisions that undermine the principle of justice and equality and increase the salaries of some categories and not the others. We no longer have anything to do with that. There are more salaries. You take your money from oil.

Someone may refer to the security men, for example. Or the defense. These men will take something in return. They will take five thousand monthly. If there are three million individuals or half a million families every individual will take one thousand dinars a month meaning two and half to three billion. If he takes his share of the oil money then he has to leave his job as a policeman or as a traffic warden because he used to face the cold or the heat in return for a salary. And now, as long as he gets five thousand a month he does not need to work in the street. And he is free to do what he wants.

You have to think about that. You may come and say we still want policemen or we can do the job in rotation and through popular security. But if you want to remain officially with the salary and take your oil money on top you may agree and you can say I will take my share of the oil money and I will remain in the job and you give me a salary in return.

In this case you and all others who want to do so need these facilities and utilities such as drainage, roads, airports and whether we receive money or not we cannot do these things. These facilities and utilities have to be managed by others. We have the Utilities Committee. You may decide how much you give it. Now you have the money.

Okay this is quite simple. We give you one billion and you show us how you spent it. And there will be no more fuss. Those people who work in security take their share of the oil money but we want to give him in excess of that for being a security man. And we give to the policeman one hundred or two hundred or three hundred dinars a month. If we want to have one hundred thousand policemen and we give every policeman one hundred dinars a month that will equal ten million in a month and one billion a year. You can take one billion now for the security and you spend it on security.

We have given you one billion and you spent it on those utilities. We have given you another billion. You will spend it on security and we will hold you accountable at the end of the year.

We now have the Security Committee and we are giving you one billion. Now we come to General Abdul Fatah and we ask him at the end of the year: We have given you one billion. Show us how you spent it. We now realize that he bought this and this and trained so and so and we hold everybody accountable. If they are up to the job fine, if not we transfer him to the court and if everything is okay we thank him.

But do not say if the things go that way then we need that for health us well. We cannot do without it. And the same thing goes for education and electricity.

Therefore this means we go back once again. And if you go back once again you should not complain and you can’t hold anyone accountable.

It is the nature of the administrative organ to corrupt money and to steal the money and they do anything in order to spend the money. And you have to see in which way you are going to tackle this octopus which haunts prevails in the administration of the country. This octopus is eating the money. They spend it on such a center or council organisation or society. All that soaks up the money. But all this has to abolished and after some time you will say we really need those committees but we need so and so which has to be administered by somebody, not individuals.

A thousand Libyans may come and say we want to construct an airport. Then we will construct an airport at our expense and it will be your ownership. The aeroplanes that land pay you like any other foreign company. Now it is the companies that own airports and they do not lose.

Once I was in a country and its defense minister came to the airport to bid us farewell. But they prevented him from entering. But they prevented him was entering. He was told that this airport belongs to a company and it said there are security reasons. As long as there is a president of a state we assume security within the airport and we do not allow anyone, even the defense minister himself, or the president. This means a company may own the airport and it will not be the loser because they take fees and the planes that land at the airport pay fees.

There may be one hundred Libyans or 500 Libyans who want to build an airport, Benghazi or Tripoli, or Sabha, or Misrata, or Ghat. This could be an airport owned by the Libyans and managed through their companies and they may involve foreigners. You may rely on any administration and you will have the money. This is final and there is no more discussion. This is your money, take it and manage your own affairs. I know you can manage your own affairs. And the evidence is there for the ability to be smart, to steal and to flout. We are now seeing witty and intelligent people capable of doing whatever they want to do.

If you are going to establish committees and companies that is your business. Nobody will control you. This has no relation to the revolutionary committees and people’s leaderships. It has nothing to do with control and does not need promotion or anything. It is left for you and you are free.

The watchdogs say at the beginning of their report that the administrative bodies are inflated. This is the first problem. We have abandoned the watchdogs. Their role is over now. There is no more administrative body. There is no exaggeration.

The report then says the general budget of the state depends to a large extent on oil revenues. Who will take care of the alternative. Is the state going to manage the alternative. No. You have to take care of the alternative. Those projects undertaken by the state because it is the public sector are still being financed.

The report says there is no system for internal monitoring of the administrative affairs in the Peoples Committees. Then what you have been complaining about is over and there is no system for monitoring peoples committees from outside or from within. These have failed and we consider them a failure.