Violent power plays in religion’s name
This war is not just about land, but it’s not just about history, ideology or religion, either (“This war is not just about land”, October 6). Like all wars, it is about might is right. The power imbalance between the Israelis and the Palestinians and between the Lebanese and the Israelis is massive. No one can doubt who will win. The Israelis have overwhelming force on their side. As to the future, who could possibly imagine the return of Palestinians to a rebuilt homeland? Would the Israelis agree? Who would pay for the reconstruction? So, perhaps, in the end, it will be about land.
Garry Feeney, Kingsgrove
Parnell Palme McGuinness is correct, it’s about religion and the two (three if you include Christianity) eternally conflicting views about the one god. But today’s horror arises from the fundamentalist, even extremist, views of those in control on the Israeli and Islamic sides. Those in control today are simply using their respective ultra-religious views as a justification to maintain their power through violent conflict. These issues have to be resolved if this 3000-year-old conflict is ever to end.
Eric Hunter, Cook (ACT)
Palme McGuiness is so right to emphasise religion in the current Israeli–Palestinian–Iranian war. Down through the centuries, some of the bitterest wars have been fought between religions professing to love thy neighbour. This one is between forces dedicated to destroying Israel utterly and, on the other hand, Israel’s utter hatred of Hamas and their allies. This bodes ill for the future.
Andrew Macintosh, Cromer
Thank you Palme McGuiness. You have stepped away from the usual rhetoric to explain somewhat about the present horrors in the Middle East and the reasons why the situation is where it is today.
Dorothy Gliksman, Cedar Brush Creek
Preserving the planet
To hear that the planet is losing 9 million acres of tropical forest every year is heartbreaking and demonstrates the primacy of economics in human thinking, even when it’s to the detriment of our long-term survival (“A ‘crazy’ new scheme to save world’s forests”, October 6). It is therefore encouraging to see that Brazil is looking for ways to make the preservation of trees more profitable than their destruction. Prohibition has failed, money may not be the most noble of motivators, but it certainly works, as evidenced by the rush to rooftop solar around the world. If it’s the only way we can save our tropical forests, let’s give it a go! It’s certainly better than sitting around watching them disappear.
Ken Enderby, Concord
Orangutans are one of the species affected by deforestation. Credit: R.M. Nunes
Manners matter
Oh dear, Roby D’Ottavi, I can’t decide if you’re being facetious or if you’ve learnt nothing since school (“Have you ever been shushed? It’s humiliating and now I know why”, October 5). I feel the pain of the other diners subjected to the noise coming from you and your friends. Some groups tend to forget there are others present as they enjoy themselves, and as such impinge greatly on other people’s liberty to also enjoy themselves. It’s just plain good manners, really.
Judy Finch, Taree
Seriously! D’Ottavi presenting himself as a victim because he was asked to be a little quieter in a restaurant! He then proceeds to make his case by writing that he was asked to be quiet at school, but thought that when he left school he could “do whatever he wanted”! In other words, continue ignoring the rights of others. Maybe having a little more consideration for others around him might go a long way.
Jenny Thompson, Bateau Bay
The write stuff
Well done, Thomas Mitchell (“Write or wrong? I’ve forgotten how to use a pen”, October 6). My writing, formed in the 1950s when we went from cursive to modified cursive, using pencils to fountain pens to ballpoint pens, is still used to write much, including letters. How it warmed my heart recently on a bus to see a young woman get out a notebook and pen and begin writing thoughtfully. Thomas, keep on doing the same. Just keep on writing.
Lyn Langtry, East Ryde
Mitchell’s dilemma is far from unique and reinforces the need to explicitly teach the fundamentals of handwriting, including posture, grip and top-to-bottom letter formation. I notice modern writing books involve tracing with small indicative arrows to show the desired direction to undertake. By looking at the finished page in such a textbook, one cannot tell if the correct formation was employed. More teacher-directed instruction is needed to ensure that the basics for fluency and legibility are learned. Handwriting is a skill needed throughout life.
Kim Bockos, Oatlands
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