The Guardian 15 March, 2006
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Letters to the Editor
Military ads camouflage truth
I noticed a full-page advertisement in the Weekend colour magazine, saying "being an army officer isn’t a great career. It’s many." The ad says that the army is looking for people "who are active, intelligent and motivated". No previous military experience is necessary to join and become an army officer. Just 18 months of training and away you go. The ad mentions Medical Corps, Armoured Corps, Engineering Corps, Infantry Corps, Transport and Ordnance Corps.
No where in the ad does it say anything at all about a military action, blood and guts, being sent to fight for all those nice corporations which thrive on bribery and pillaging. The new Defence Minister Brendan Nelson recently criticised teachers for discouraging their students from joining the defence forces.
We will be marking the sad anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq three years ago. Millions of people across the world had taken part in "pre-emptive" peace actions trying to stop the ‘coalition of the willing’ from their illegal action. It was to no avail.
Look at what is happening in the world today. Is it better off than it was three years ago? Are we more relaxed and comfortable? Are the new anti-terror laws aimed at protecting us or intimidating us?
The unfolding scandal of bribery and corruption at the Cole Inquiry into the AWB dealings shows the real reason for attacking Iraq — the same aim as in all wars — occupation, plunder, making money. All those arms merchants, oil barons and hundreds of "soldiers of fortune", all out there trying to get their bit of the loot.
So if you have to run an ad, state what it is you want — young people to serve corporate interests and be prepared to die for the same.
J W Smith
Chippendale, NSW
Termites show the way
I hate termites. I hate the sinking feeling of spongy woodwork when I press my hand against a doorframe. "Not again!", I hear myself sobbing.
However, David Attenborough’s brilliant series on all those minute buggers that are doing their little jobs so brilliantly brought a lot of joy and wonder at the ingenuity and variety of life. Wonderful stuff.
But back to termites.
In last week’s part, termites featured — and what an inventive lot they are! Magnetic termites were extremely impressive with their structures, but the champions were the ones who manage to build their mounds in such a way as to provide ventilation for the termites underground. What I found distressing though that human beings are still arguing whether to use solar energy in a big way. Much as I hate termites I think they are showing us the way to a more enlightened future. If termites can do it, surely we, humans can try as well!
S Pervis
ACT