The Guardian 14 September, 2005
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Letters to the Editor
No head!
I enjoyed the article by Bob Briton "Readin’, writin’ and right-wing politics"
(Guardian #1244).
However, there is a logical further point to be made — concerning the importance of public education.
It is rather ironic that under the federal government’s "Choice in Education" policy (read: "private is best") he is forced to give out millions of dollars in subsidies to the very same private Islamic schools that he is now railing against.
If we really want a coherent Australia, where people of different nationalities and religions work and live peacefully side by side, then surely the first step would be to have a single, public education system, where the children can grow up side by side.
In this way children can make friends from a broad range of cultures, learn to appreciate the differences that make a multi-cultural society an exciting place to live, but at the same time learn that we are all Australians sharing common values (the word "mateship" springs to mind) and working towards common goals.
Taking children outside the wider community to educate them instils from childhood a notion of "difference" that will last a lifetime and leaves them disconnected from others in the community.
But apart from that, there is the fundamental issue of public funding for religious education. This violates the fundamental principle of separation of church and state. (You might want to look the meaning of that up, Mr Howard!)
The right to practice one’s religion can be upheld, along with the right of parents to so instruct their children. However, there are 135 hours left in the week outside of normal school hours where this can take place.
A final clarification: I’m not suggesting that only Islamic schools be shut down — which would seem the preferable option of Mr Howard and the racists and bigots who fill the ranks of his government. The same principle applies to Catholic, Anglican, Christian fundamentalist, Orthodox, Buddhist, Jewish, Sikh schools etc.
As for secular private schools: I find the attitude of "my child deserves a better education than yours because I’m richer" even more abhorrent than religious intolerance. But that’s an issue for another letter…
Public funds to be spent on public education for all — for a better future for Australia!
Andrew Lennox
Townsville, Qld
Give them protection
In the villages of Afghanistan many people are illiterate, they may not even have a surname, or know their birthday, and they may have little knowledge of world affairs, politics.
Now suppose a family tries to save a young son from being taken by the gangs. They pool all their resources and manage to send him on a dangerous journey, carrying all their hopes.
A young boy like this could be in his 20s now and still locked up in Australia’s detention camp in Nauru.
How will he ever prove his identity, provide documentation, and explain the power struggles in his country that put his life in danger?
Will Australia continue to keep such young people in detention? When is enough, enough?
There are still 29 people held in the isolated camp on Nauru. They are too frightened to return to their countries, so we Australians hold them there for a fifth year while they loose their youth, hopes and sanity. It is time to close the Nauru camp and give them protection and a safe life in Australia.
Elaine Smith
Laurieton, NSW
Use of illegal drugs
I’m taking back the title "Communist Party of Australia". I think the present CPA may have absorbed some of the populist petty-bourgeois ideas that brought the former CPA to ruin.
In particular I refer to acceptance of the use of illegal drugs: ie Rob Gowland’s review of "Grass" in the August 31 issue of The Guardian.
I believe that if you had to live with the psychosis and insanity that long term marijuana use can have, you would not be so flippant about attempts to rid it from society. If Harry J Anslinger did influence the UN to ban its trafficking, then to my mind he is a hero not villain.
Also if the US government is involved in the production and trafficking of drugs to raise slush funds for illegal CIA operations, I think they would also understand that doped up rebellious youth will never see the truths of Marxism Leninism.
Name and Address supplied
Solidarity with Korea
Recently I was lucky enough to be invited to the DPR of Korea to participate in both a Meeting Dedicated to the Great Persons of Mt Paektu and the World Conference in Support of the Independent and Peaceful Reunification of Korea.
Over 40 countries were represented there by more than 200 delegates. Both events were very successful and delegates were very enthusiastic in their dedication to help promote the peaceful reunification of Korea.
The DPR of Korea is a successful socialist nation which has not succumbed to revisionism and continues to prosper despite the many obstacles put in their by US imperialism. They are united as one in there love for their Country, their Leader and their Party, the Workers Party of Korea.
The DPR of Korea is a shining light to all the oppressed peoples of the world and should be supported in all ways possible.
I strongly urge all Guardian readers to join the Australia-DPRK Friendship and Cultural Society as one way of supporting this great nation. There are branches in Melbourne, Brisbane, Wollongong and Sydney. If you are interested please send an email to the address below.
Leanne Lindsay
Australia-DPRK Friendship and Cultural Society
Wollongong Branch Secretary
redallover11@hotmail.com