Letters to the Editor

from pages 8 and 20 of The Examiner, May 1, 1996


  Why did it take a massacre of this magnitude at Port Arthur before the Federal Government looks at uniform gun laws? Our laws in Tasmania are antiquated and shuold have been changed years ago.
  The argument that changing gun laws will not stop this kind of senseless killing is usually used by people who own guns for sport, and who will tell you how sensible and responsible they are.
  However, the fact remains that guns are made for killing, whether it is an animal or a human being, and society would be a much better place without them altogether.
  If people want to use them for target practive at a gun club, then the guns should be left there in a vault and not taken home.
  I bet most of us in Tasmania know a relative or friend with a gun who are quite blas'e about where they keep them. Responsibility for owning a gun should extend to where a person stores his gun, and in my opinion it should not be his home.
    - Jessie McKay, Launceston.

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  Would all State and federal politicians of the Bass electorate kindly raise their hands as to who would let 35 murders stand in their way of political survival -- or be brae enough to rebuff the pro-gun lobby, even if that meant defeat at the next election?
  How about that show of hands?
    - Brian Chamberlain, Heathfield St, Norwood.

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  Like all Australians I am shocked and dismayed at the senseless murder of so many people at Port Arthur last weekend, and I share the view of many that our gun laws need reviewing.
  However, I do not believe that the anti-gun lobby has done their cause any good by the haste with which they have used this incident to support their case.
  Even as early as Sunday afternoon, while the carnage was still continuing, radio talkback featured comments from the anti-gun lobby, and our police and politicians were distracted from their immediate task by continual questioning about gun laws.
  Surely our priority at the moment should be to help our communities, particularly the Tasman community, come to grips with the enormity of this tragedy. In particular, the families of victims need time to mourn their dead without the backdrop of and endless and divisive gun law debate.
    - Kevin Fagan, Kayena.

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  Why in the world would a sportsman need an Armalite combat rifle?
  For any State government to allow the sale of these weapons to the general public is criminal in itself. They should take a good look at themselves and not be scared of the gun lobby.
    - George McCarroll, Ilfraville.

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  Why don't we take action against the gun lobby and the laws? The gun lobby and society seem to turn a blind eye to all the massacres that involve guns. I can only blame the gun lobby for not supporting tighter restrictions regarding gun laws. Guns are too accessible for anyone and everyone.
    - Patrick Eadington.

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  Penalties are the ony deterrent for the crime, and I call on the lawmakers of today in the wake of Port Arthur to set an example.
    - Malcolm Leedham, Sherri Crt, Norwood.

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  Congratulations on taking a proper decision to black out the face of Martin Bryant in the page one photograph (The Examiner, April 30). The Examiner has exercised responsible caution.
  If either the prosecution or defence case is placed in jeopardy by those organisations which published photos of Bryant, they will have much to answer for.
  The Examiner deserves commendation.
    - Athol Y. Meyer, Grove.

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  Message from the Governer, His Excellency The Honourable Sir Guy Green, AC, KBE.
  I have received the following from His Excellency Major General Michael jeffery, AO, MC, Governor of Western Australia:
  "I was stunned to hear news of the tragic massacre at Port Arthur last night.
  "Marlena joins me and all Western Australians in extending our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
  "There is no doubt that an indelible scar will embedded also in the memories of the police, medical, emergency service, community workers and others involved at the scene and in the aftermath.
  "Our thoughts and prayers are with them all."


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