Letters
Overcoming a system in gridlock
The federal government is considering financing the construction of coal-fired power stations in poor countries so Australia can keep selling coal. This way we would extend our fossil-fuel madness across the world and undermine the proliferation of solar in rural areas of those countries. It seems the fossil-fuel industry has completed its takeover of the Australian governent and is using us as a puppet country to disrupt upcoming climate agreements in Paris. Sapoty Brook Mullumbimby Q
in harmony with nature? At the recent solar event which featured Tim Flannery, we started the Byron Solar Revolution at the Byron ECO park. I’d like to see Mullum becoming Australia’s biggest little town in micro-cluster energy which would force out dirty power! This technology is ‘on the shelf ’ in Germany. Let’s start the revolution so you can be free to produce the means of energy production on your terms. Dieter Horstmann Tyagarah excellent analysis of our present local and global paradigm by a world author-
ity from the fossil fuel industry (Ian Dunlop, Trust in Women to Save the World, SMH April 7). Perhaps unexpected from the bastions of the establishment, but he demonstrates that the system is in gridlock. An intractable problem cannot be solved at the level of participants who don’t have the freedom to act for society. Corporations must ultimately, by their very nature, be entirely subservient to the bottom line. Most of all we need compassion and understanding for our politicians. They are bound by parties which act for special interests. They are lobbied and manipulated, both overtly and
covertly, by the most powerful forces on the planet. This perpetual problem needs resolving by the ultimate sovereign authority: we the people. What do we want? A stable, equitable society that no longer favours one special interest after another. When do we want it? Now. So let’s get cracking at the community level, with the participation of all sectors of the community, and invent a new paradigm. We must indeed involve the women to ensure none are left behind – except outdated patriarchal authorities. Hayo van der Woude Mullumbimby
ing something up is enough to deter an attack and cause the dog/s to retreat, though it is probably sensible to choose a weapon by sight without picking it up. I was first told this when I was living at Swayambhunath outside Kathmandu. I had noticed that dogs that merely barked in the daytime became more aggressive and approached closer at night. A more experienced trav-
eller told me not to raise a stick and why, so after I had crossed the bridge on the way out of Kathmandu I would load a few hefty stones into my shoulderbag. I have since generally found picking up an object more effective in dissuading dogs from attacking. I also remember a case in WA when an old lady was killed by three rottweilers. She was found with her walking stick
close by so I think it is easy to imagine the scenario. David Gilet Byron Bay
Q An Q Elections – fantastic, we be-
come greener, but can we live
Put down that stick
Re the advice given in Backlash in regards to threatening dogs: It is not a good idea to pick up a stick and brandish it at an aggressive dog. This usually makes them more aggressive and causes them to come closer rather than run away. It is much more prudent to pick up an object and throw it or even just pretend to pick up an object. Often just pick-
Career Guidance Vocational Psychologist with over 25 years experience offering expert assessment and counselling. Suitable for: • students • school-leavers • adults returning to work or study • career/work transition
Contact Peter Curry at Pathwise Careers pathwisecareers.com.au
P
6680 1474
M
0407 811 484
Energy superpower
Last year our inimitable prime minister declared that ‘coal is good for humanity’. While Tony’s often accused of being punchdrunk, the whole edifice of his government seems similarly affected. Perhaps the rigours of ‘good government’ are too great. Take this week’s energy continued on next page
Letters to the Editor Send to Letters Editor Michael McDonald, fax: 6684 1719 email: editor@echo.net.au Deadline: Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. Letters already published in other papers will not be considered. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes.
THE
RAILS
THE RAILWAY FRIENDLY BAR, BYRON BAY 6685 7662 • therailsbyronbay.com
AND THE FAMOUS
RAILS kitchen
Thursday 16 April
THE SHOOFLYS Friday 17 April
DAWN PATROL Saturday 18 April
TEA SOCIETY Sunday 19 April
TULLY ON TULLY Monday 20 April
GREG KEW Tuesday 21 April
CUZN Wednesday 22 April
THE OUTBACK GYPSIES North Coast news daily: www.echonetdaily.net.au
The Byron Shire Echo April 15, 2015 9