It is the dictum used often by TV presenter! One wonders as to why they don't use the old fashion terminology, ie virtue (goodness) signalling (telegraphed).

Like sheep, together they follow each other in their quest for hegemony ie influence, prestige and authority. As Paul Hogan's famous noun quoted ie a bunch of wankers trying to impress. What are your thought on this comment?

Greg Daly, Limbri

May I, on behalf of Tamworth West Rotary and West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club, thank all those who attended the Gipps Street memorial 7am service on Anzac Day. Once again the event was well attended maybe the biggest since we have been organising it some years ago.

Thank you to Gary Sticks (flag duties) bagpipe person, band, speakers, wreath layers, TRC staff, those behind the scene organisers, but most impressive were the students from Tamworth High School and teacher Mitchel.

After talking to and witnessing these very professional people, distribute flyers, provide Anzac biscuits, tea and coffee, read messages from Barnaby Joyce and Kevin Anderson MP as well as their general appearance, fantastic. To Peter Dillon (Rotary) and members from the bowling club, thank you. Have I missed anyone? Forgive me, but to everyone my personal thanks.

Bob Hennessey, Tamworth

The way some people talk about a possible war with China, it's like they think China will specifically target us for invasion, as if China has nothing else to do but sweep down and conquer Australia.

In reality, if a war breaks out, it will likely be over Taiwan, the South China Sea, of the Indian border, this would pull in America and Australia as part of a wider regional war.

It may upset our egos to hear this, but the fact is Australia is not the centre of China's concerns and ambitions, we are not their target to invade, Taiwan is. Taiwan has far more to be concerned about from China than we do. Besides, if China wanted to invade Australia, they would have to get past Indonesia, which would be quite a challenge.

Daniel Peckham, Tamworth

Traffic lights Calala Lane and Campbell Road. In the bush RMS bosses can't think past their next golf game. One of the most difficult things you will have nowadays is the ability to 'future think' and that becomes when the times arrives to do the work. Sometimes it's nigh impossible to get the funding as the then excuse is the costs. Too expensive to do the lights.

None of these people seem to practice a magic system called 'pre-wiring' in the bush, that's why you can drive through a particular intersection in the morning in Sydney and the afternoon there is suddenly 'traffic lights'. Whilst doing the roadworks possibly two to even five years before they were 'pre-wired' and that way they only had to stand the lights, wire them in and set the systems. It was already there. Look at the cots savings.

Seems the RMS is only interested in the now out in the bush as the population increases are not the same rate as the larger cities. The fact Calala's future growth when lights will be really needed, you will have the problem (or council will) of practical sense in the first place over the costs of the roadworks again. The future will see the question of why wasn't there lights here in the first place. All traffic problems seem to have the same solution for that time. Do it in a roundabout way. The simplest and safest way is traffic lights. How many times is it that they cannot visage the fact that lights control and regulate traffic.

I have indicated to the RMS public input into the proposed extensions out here (The Longyard) that I am in favour of the 'wait for it' traffic lights to 'wait for it' replace the Calala roundabout. Sort of in favour of a RAB Craigends Lane and the sort of highway still at the moment. But with provision made for the opening up of the land on the eastern side of that intersection when it becomes active. Now this is another part of what I have been saying as within that future you could very much wind up with a traffic lights situation.

My, oh, my. The Ringers Road onto the highway. I have only lived out here for over 31 years an these planning surveyors of the public submissions only a very short visit so they have no idea at all the shemozzle that can eventuate at that intersection at times.

I submitted for 'T' intersection lights in the interest of public safety as within the areas of that intersection you have; the BP, Maccas, the Gold Guitar Motel, the Visitor Info centre with the wax museum and guitar collections, Longyard Hotel, Fire station, new business centre now in progress, units construction, expansion to the rear section of the Homespace centre. Traffic exiting, entering from all direction to the said premises, caravans, campervans, vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access, shared pedestrian and cycle footpaths, kids running for Maccas and people like browns cows idling around crossing roadways.

With safety the situation remains as a number one on paper but a zero in reality. Until it happens, and then we are reminded that safety always was a substantial issue. With the intersection light you can have a right turn onto the highway. No one seems to know why, but for some reason, The Ringers Road at times becomes a 'drag strip' for hoons who will collect someone on day quite easily.

I have said before today that this is so far behind that the roadworks should now be to the Bergmans Lane intersection. With all this is the magic words 'depending on finance'. I like the others out here all the time would not put a great deal of any confidence from this council's input. Since they are not on the spot they can influence decision by the usual guess work method.

With even more expansions out here the traffic will of course only increase but to the point of whether they have the ability to preplan for future expansions is a very interesting question. I have whilst doing my submissions for out here raised the questions of the Scot Road being put to lights and I would like more to put it to council before it gets totally out of control.

How on this earth do we get through to planning engineers that traffic lights control and regulate traffic over RABs any day when the control and regulation of traffic was the intent in the first place.

Allan Lisle, Tamworth

Our scientists tell us that our planet has experienced many changes of climate from the Jurassic age to the Ice age. Sea levels have risen and fallen, tectonic plates have moved, causing land masses to separate and so on. The tilt of the Earth's axis varies as does our orbit around the Sun. This has been happening for millions of years, way beyond the control of all species of life. Mother nature is a very powerful lady.

Some scientists say we are moving into another mini Ice Age, last experienced some 200 years ago (freezing of the North West passage). In my short life I have experienced drought, floods, extreme heat and cold. What are emissions? I divide them into two groups. A) Carbon (which nature has delivered varying amounts) B) Chemical (acid rain and the like).

'B' science can change, 'A' nature can change.

To date there has been no scientific evidence to say carbon emissions are causing climate change. To date the argument has been driven by perception, emotion. let's have a real debate without all the rubbish.

Remember:

Whilst this drive will deliver some great science it is also the greatest swindle of all times, and as a friend of mine said a while ago: "Follow the money trail". I invite real discussion.

Richard, Barraba

The actions of our local council in Quirindi are so similar to actions of so many councils in NSW we can learn so much from them.

We can raise millions of dollars in Quirindi for funding and instead of awarding most of this money to outside interests thus destroying the town and creating conditions where you can not afford to live in your own home (this is already happening).

This money can be used by the people already in the area by them to construct the local facilities themselves thus increasing local employment and attracting other people to the area, increasing the numbers in the schools requiring more teachers more nurses, doctors etc reducing the great numbers of vacant shop. More accommodation thus more tradespeople etc.

The list goes on. It is so simple rather than the negative approach by Quirindi council who I believe, are taking away the residents freedom and reducing their rights perhaps unconsciously.

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Lindsay Bridge, Quirindi