I HAVE noted with interest recent calls (in this forum and others) for population control in the face of climate crisis and dwindling water resources.
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While I have nothing against domestic pets (although I don't own one and tend to like people better), I wonder why controlling the pet population (or at least people's choice of pet) isn't the first step before controlling human numbers.
The RSPCA says there are more than 24 million domestic pets in Australia - nearly five million dogs and almost four million cats. Aside from the impact on native species and the plastic entombed droppings (or those left to mellow on paths), the carbon footprint and environmental impact of family pets is larger than most imagine. Some studies have shown that a medium-sized dog can have twice the carbon footprint of an SUV driven for 10,000km. Paws for thought.
Martin Dinneen, The Junction
Consider climate facts
IN reply to Milton Caine (Letters, 10/12), you are confusing weather with climate. Yes, there can be weather extremes like you cited about snow at unusual times of the year even as the climate changes.
The point about climate change is that there will be more extremes occurring. Climate change or global warming looks at the overall trends occurring from year to year and the trends point to a warming climate. This in itself will bring changes to daily weather and long term weather patterns.
For some parts of the planet there may be positive changes and for others undesirable changes like we are seeing in Australia. Please look at all the facts before you discount climate change as a fallacy.
Jayne Sharpe, Maryland
Broken banks
AFTER watching A Current Affair last night I am embarrassed to know that the banking industry and the government show no compassion towards our farmers. Banks are only concerned with profit and the government continues to ignore this greed. Banks show no concern about the repercussions of their inactions towards supporting these beautiful Aussies.
Supermarkets such as Coles should also be held accountable for the mass exodus of dairy farmers from our country and the increase of mental anguish among or farming community. You as consumers must realise that if nothing is done soon you will be buying milk and milk products from overseas. Your call, get onto your local members.
Graeme Kime, Cameron Park
No support for veterans
I NOTE that our, not so illustrious, PM has taken that axe to several Commonwealth departments and fired a few senior public servants. However, I do not recall any of the departments the PM cut and pasted receiving too much bad press.
Why is it then a department which has been the subject of a scathing report by the Productivity Commission, pummelled by more that a dozen newspaper reports and TV programs, escaped the PM's wrath?
The Department of Veterans' Affairs appalling record on its treatment of veterans led a VC awardee to state because of the DVA's lack of care for veterans, he could no longer recommend to anyone a career in the military.
So I ask what is it that the current Minister Chester and the Secretary of DVA have got that keeps them safe in their sinecure.
Minister Chester appears to be asleep at the wheel and the secretary approves policy guidelines to limit what legitimate treatment veterans can receive.
Don't believe me? Well believe this, I understand that since 2015 DVA has spent over $33 million in legal fees fighting cases brought by veterans seeking help.
Veterans are sick of the DVA's attitude and the attitude of a Prime Minister who, apparently does not give a damn about those who have served this country of ours.
Mike Sargent, Cootamundra
Ode to a politician
SITTING in the hallowed halls of government
Safe in a palace beneath the grass
Secure for another four years
The exclusive club of men
and now a few women
sit on their hands
while the grasses flame
and the rainforest, completely drained of tears,
burns as never before.
How hard it is
This task of keeping a seat
Reading the polls
Weighing the costs
Deciding which club or faction to join
Satisfying the electorate
The leader carefully hides behind the catchcry "we were elected"
and dictates the policies.
Truth teller Peter Hartcher writes the motif from the fearless leader
"There is no emerging crisis so big that the government cannot find a way to look past it".
Control the media.
Cut budgets.
Promote fear.
Stopping the boats still looks good!
Don't mention "the climate".
Legislate against protest.
Feeling safer,
perhaps not?
What about exhausted firefighters?
Worst drought on record
Impacting 40,000 farmers and their families and the towns they rely on.
Better we stay in the air-conditioned bubble under the grass.
Push all thoughts of our children's world away.
We have too much to worry about
keeping our seats with the lurks and perks of power.
Our leader markets a utopian dream
to protect and reassure the "Quiet Australians".
We are the party that will keep you safe.
The tide of crisis will not wash us away.
Beware neglecting the climate will.
Peter Lipscomb, Maryville
Morrison no Trump
'DRAINING the swamp' according to Mr Morrison is his despicable way of describing changes to the Public Service announced this week.
Donald Trump uses this term and it's laughable that Mr Morrison has termed the phrase. Mr Morrison needs to realise that there's no comparison between him and Donald Trump.
Mr Trump has increased employment in real terms. He has secured better trade deals for America. He has stood up to China. He has grown the economy and many Americans are seeing a better future.
Mr Morrison can't hold a candle to Mr Trump. He should stop pretending and get someone who can run our economy - like Donald Trump.
