... And Another Thing

The Age

Tuesday July 8, 2008

WHY does the driest and hottest continent on the planet have the most expensive skiing? I can tell you why: it's the driest and hottest continent on the planet. Paul Ricketts, Elsternwick Art or pornography? ART Monthly Australia is supposed to be a "credible" publication, but it has lost my respect. All furore aside, these images have been produced purely to generate mass public reaction. I'm with Kevin on this one: it's revolting and uncalled for. Stephanie Omizzolo, Ivanhoe East I NOTICED when I was last in the Legislative Council chamber of the Parliament of Victoria that there are life-sized effigies of naked children around the upper walls. They all have wings - but are otherwise quite realistic. Colin Smith, St Kilda THE emperor has the courage to say that the child has no clothes, while the crowds cry out: "How beautiful she is." Josephine Grant, Elwood THE Age is right to highlight the exploitation of a vulnerable young girl's image. No, not the innocuous photo of Olympia Papapetrou on page 1, but the appalling talking Bindi Irwin doll on page 3. Sally Cloke, Melbourne I APPLAUD Kevin Rudd's support for the protection and innocence of children. Paul Whitehead, Nunawading Politics ALEXANDER Downer would know all about "slinking away in a cowardly way". It seems the parting remarks from our puffed up, pouting Downer will be as embarrassing as his career. Arnold Thomas, Boronia THE protest groups complaining that Labor doesn't listen will be pleased to find out how the developers and contractors get it to listen. Peter Carlin, Frankston CHRIS Hammer (News, 7/7) informs us that the Government is "determined" to introduce carbon trading from 2010. Perhaps, but Kevin Rudd's latest wording on the subject is "this is our ambition", which is a different kettle of fish entirely. John Dorman, Carnegie WE NEED to have a royal commission on political donations before emissions trading policies are formulated. They present the greatest opportunity for political corruption we are ever likely to see. George Finlay, Balaclava Environment JOHN Brumby announces a 400-megawatt "clean coal" power station for $750 million and a 1000-megawatt natural gas power station for $640 million. Is this a misprint or Government stupidity? Geoff Gowers, St Kilda "VICTORIA, the place to be" for: the last steeplechase, the last petrol-powered car races, antique coalmines. There are so many ways to improve international brand recognition for our state. Anne Mancini, Malvern World Youth Day COULD World Youth Day be the next Reformation, where the church sells out on new indulgences? Hats, shirts, spoons and commercialism become guarantees to support a failing papacy. It looks good on the outside but profoundly hollow on the inside. Paul Rogers, Werribee AS ROBERT Mugabe calls on God to support his regime, perhaps the organisers of and delegates to the World Youth Day can petition the Pope to give Mugabe a call and tell him to step down? John Yeo, Glen Waverley

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