United in compassion
Any person with an ounce of compassion would agree that the loss of a child is one of the most heartbreaking things that can happen to a parent. Lucy Haslam must be reminded of her loss every day as she uses her son's death to motivate her battle against the odds to have the benefits of medicinal cannabis recognised by those in power.
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Yet, when she arranged a special viewing of a film on the subject for the most powerful politician in the region, it was reported all she received was abuse from him ("Barnaby denies swearing", August 10). Whether or not Barnaby Joyce used the "F" word, statements such as "I've got better things to do than watch a film" or "You don't have a mortgage on grief" from a political representative are in my opinion disgraceful enough. But to then leave the event talking about his own brother's death and missing the point of the film was unforgivably insulting in my view.
The most astounding aspect to me is that, prior to the recent election, Mr Joyce took Ms Haslam's fight to Canberra. It seems to me that Mr Joyce has tried to make an event all about him. He has, to my mind, become seduced by his own power.
Lucy Haslam did not deserve the reaction she received, nor the personal hurt. I hope she receives a full and public apology.
Bert Candy, Glenvale QLD
Will Dungowan dam be state owned?
Well done to Cr Mark Rodda for raising the issue of the potential of NSW state Government taking over, Dungowan dam. And here I was thinking that I was the only one that saw that coming through this paper's coverage of NSW MP Pavey's ulterior motive by actually being proactive in her role but for NSW Gvt benefit, not Tamworth's.
Until there is an iron clad guarantee that Chaffey/ Tamworth water will remain Chaffey/ Tamworth water understand that Cr Mark Rodda's fears are not without foundation.
My understanding is that other councillors will support the sell-off based upon mayor Murray's comments. I am happy to be proven wrong upon aforementioned iron clad guarantee. Well done Cr Rodda.
Andre Fritze, Tamworth
Farming future
Re: government is throwing farmers to the wolves by cutting off Farm Household Allowance welfare
I was saddened in two ways to read about the farmers getting thrown off their welfare package. The first way of course, is that I feel sorry for the farmers - and the pensioners (I'm a part pensioner myself) and the people on Newstart, all of whom are suffering the same sort of cost-cutting by this cruel government.
The second way it made me sad, is that I'll bet almost every one of those farmers voted National, a vote for the very Coalition that's doing this to them.
Ian Taylor, Macksville
