Letters to the Editor

from page 18 of The Examiner, May 11, 1996


  If it is law that no firearms are allowed into National Parks, then why is this not enforced?
  The duration of a Port Arthur type carnage would have been far shorter in any rural town because licensed citizens still carry firearms in cars and would react to being shot at.
  Prohibition has never worked except to advantage criminals and make police work difficult.
  Let's not introduce prohibition but make our public servants enforce the rules.
  Let's also have our outlying police stations manned again. It will provide for a more stable community as well as save a lot of money and grief in the long run.
  The money proposed for gun buy back should be spent on reducing TV and video violence.
    - P.S, Spreyton

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  I congratulate Graeme Dazeley for his drawing (May 2) in regard to the tragedy at Port Arthur.
  No words were necessary, just a tear drop falling from Tassie.
  That simple drawing said it all.
    - M.Robinson, Norwood

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  We would like to express our deep concern regarding the easy accessibility of guns in our society, which allowed the tragedy in Port Arthur to occur.
  To prevent this from happening again, there should be laws introduced to totally ban automatic and semi-automatic weapons. This would be the only fitting way to recognise the suffering of the people involved.
  As a group of young people we demand the right to feel safe in our community. We would also like to express our deepest sympathies to the victims' families.
    - A group of concerned students, Alanvale College, Launceston

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  The evil of the massacre at Port Arthur is not confined to the tragic human being who has done this devastating thing, but also to those who make and sell firearms, violent films, videos, computer games and the media - all those who fill their bank accounts by playing human emotions in evil ways.
  Also in trusted leaders who have listened to the "powerful" and failed to enact legislation which the community has requested time and time again, for its healthy survival.
  This is where our anger and our action for change should be directed.
  The statements made by the Premier since the massacre at Port Arthur are inadequate to reassure the community concerning future protection against shooting incidents, gun related suicides, threats and intimidation throughout Tasmania.
  The Port Arthur massacre was an incident waiting to happen.
  The ease of access to guns, with or without a licence, has, for many years, been a major concern of thousands of people in the voluntary organisations which make up the National Council of Women of Tasmania, but particularly since the inadequate 1991 Gun Bill was enacted.
  The NCW of Tasmania reiterates the need for:
   € The adequate registration and storage of firearms, at easily supervised locations, eg police stations or registered amouries;
   € Licence holders to re-apply for a licence every five years at the very least.
   € Licence applicants to demonstrate clearly that they are "a fit and proper person" to hold a licence by production of evidence of emotional stability and two references from well known community persons.
   € Checks on the sale and movement of all armaments, particularly mail order sales.
   € Suitable legislative controls on individual "rights", to bring these back into balance with community and family needs.
  At some point the gunman had a choice, and so do the gun and violent film-makers and those who live by playing on people's emotions.
  So do we, the community and the law-makers - whether to allow greed and selfishness to continue unchecked, or to bring back the self-discipline and control that makes a community sound and safe.
    - Linley Grant, President, National Council of Women o Tasmania

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  Just a small note to say how tragic the recent news from Port Arthur has been for all Tasmanians.
  Also to we Tasmanians who are living interstate and overseas who are not at home to share in the grief and healing process.
    - Sherriff, Applecross, WA

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  I suspect that one major contributing cause of the Port Arthur tragedy is the end result of violent television imagery over many years.
  Todays adults under the age of 40 have had their minds filled with violent television imagery. What did we expect? Haven't we always taught our children by example?
    - Noel Mundy, Trevallyn

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  In wake of the Port Arthur massacre I don't think that the Broad Arrow Restaurant should be totally demolished.
  As a fitting memorial for those tragically involved, the front doorway section should be left standing and a garden then landscaped on the remaining area.
    - R. Johns, Sheffield

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  I have been part of a clinical alert team for disasters twice before in my medical career, both at UCLA Medical Centre when a bomb exploded at LA International Airport and when a 90-car freeway accident occured in heavy fog in Los Angeles.
  In both instances there was mass confusion, disorganisation and mayhem at the hospital when receiving these victims.
  I was extremely impressed, however, by the performance of the entire staff at the Royal Hobart Hospital during April 28s Code Brown.
  The entire staff, both medical and non-medical should be highly commended for their extraordinarily superb organisation, planning, and incredible ability to face such an emergency.
    - Rodger L. Bick, Professor and Directory of Haematology, Royal Hobart Hospital

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  Although the events of April 28 must rate among the most traumatic in our recent history, the response of many Tasmanian people has been particularly impressive.
  The level of co-operation, courage and caring will aso be remembered as something that stands out.
  As one involved in several services of rememberance I could not help noticing the level of respect and care shown by people of all ages - a rare and memorable experience.
  In the face of those calling for capital punishment or some other revenge, the majority seem to have taken on the task of combating evil by doing more than good, and opposing destruction by being more caring.
  We can be justly proud.
    - Rev. John McRae, Pilgrim Uniting Church, Launceston

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  In wake of the Port Arthur tragedy, is it possible to get answers to a couple of timely questions?
   € Which Australian politicians, especially at the federal level, still accept money from American pro-gun groups like the arrogant and profoundly evil National Rifle Association? And what's happened, will they return the cash and promise never to do it again?
   € And will some sporting journalists finally stop using the word "tragedy" to describe a missed putt or a run-out in some test match?
  Tasmanians now know what the word really means.
    - S. A. Robertson, Bellerive.

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  The news that the Rev. Lance Armstrong is contesting the Legislative Council seat of Cornwall is welcome indeed.
  This is especially in the light of recent sad events in this State, and our urgent need to have some rational debate on social justice issues, enlightened community representation and progressive legislative reforms enacted, in that traditionally conservative chamber of huff, puff and procrastination.
    - Good on you, Lance

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  Imprisoning capital offenders is like putting garbage in the refridgerator.
    - No noose is not good news


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