Reply to Bob Gould
Having only read of Bob Gould's political role in the historical archives, I was surprised to receive the advice he offered (GLW #462). Gould claims that my reference to a Liberal/Labor consensus and the Socialist Alliance's opposition to it was "ultra-left madness ... [and] in the NT ... the most grotesque of all political absurdities".
As I wrote in the follow up article (GLW #462), the end of the CLP's reign is a "new era" for NT politics. But does this mean the end of mandatory sentencing and more rights for workers and indigenous people? Unfortunately, no.
Labor Chief Minister Clare Martin has promised to strike a compromise between mandatory sentencing and judicial discretion. In the first days of the new government, some magistrates refused to hand down mandatory sentences, citing anticipated changes in the law. This action was opposed by the new attorney-general Peter Toyne.
I also beg to differ with Gould's assertion that the NT Labor Party has the "overwhelming support" of the union movement, indigenous people and migrant communities. These groups recognise the lesser evil, but that is a far-cry from "overwhelming support". Within weeks of the election, NT teachers will go on their first full-day strike ever. Hardly a show of overwhelming support!
Socialist Alliance members in Darwin ran an exciting, energetic and enthusiastic campaign and got results in terms of increased public awareness, activism and votes. A left opposition to Labor is being built, all over Australia and even in the deep north. It will continue to be built beyond the federal elections, whether Bob Gould likes it or not.
Ruth Ratcliffe
Stuart Park NT
Not a sex shop
Until recently I was unaware of Joyce Wu's article about the Labor Left Conference, and of her references to me and to my participation in that event (GLW #456). Once I read her comments I was outraged.
At no time did Wu or her associates approach me with their concerns, ask me about my politics or visit my business to see what BLISS is all about. If they had they would have discovered that it isn't a sex shop and doesn't trade in pornography, I am not a member of the Eros Foundation and I have never suggested that women's path to liberation is through their sexuality.
However, I do believe that all women should be free to express and enjoy their sexuality and are currently repressed in this by some religions, many repressive regimes and by cultural attitudes which denigrate women who are sexually empowered.
I believe victims of sexual abuse need help as they seek to reclaim their sexuality (and often refer women to appropriate counselling), that women with disabilities and illnesses need help in achieving sexual expression, that elderly women need somewhere to get assistance with this aspect of their lives, that lesbians need a safe space which sells products appropriate to their needs.
I started BLISS for women five years ago precisely because I felt that there was nowhere safe, tasteful and ethical where women could shop for books and products relating to their sexuality in a totally male-dominated industry. I believed that women wanted to be treated as customers, not merchandise.
If this is "bullshit" feminism then I don't know what feminism is about. Isn't it supposed to be about empowering women in all aspects of their lives, or is Wu of the school of thought that believes women should stop having sex until we have achieved a perfect world?
I was a member of the Eros Foundation until February, not because I'm a supporter of the male sex industry, but because it was the most powerful lobby group opposing the ultra-right-wing Lyons Group in Canberra. I allowed my membership to lapse precisely because of my disquiet about some of its members.
Since appearing on SBS's Insight program about censorship (September 9), I have been approached by some powerful people from the sex industry asking me if I would speak on their behalf (with funding) and I have refused in order to maintain my independence as a woman. I have certainly never been "propped up" by anyone or represented anyone but myself.
I would like to suggest that a feminist would show another woman some respect by asking her what she believes in before rushing into print with inaccurate, vicious and emotive abuse bordering on the defamatory.
Wu's article may well have put women off from visiting "Bliss for women". I invite any women who are interested to visit the shop and talk to me. I am an open-minded person who enjoys to hear a good argument and will happily debate with anybody on issues of sexuality. Thank you.
Maureen Matthews
Melbourne
[Abridged.]
Greens 'gutless'
If Green Left readers want to read something truly revolting, I'd advise that they check out the Greens' web site for statements about the Christmas Island refugee crisis.
On August 27, Bob Brown expressed humanitarian concern for the refugees but then said that the problem was that it would badly affect Australia's relations with Norway and Indonesia! Two days later he denounced Howard's use of the SAS by saying that it would damage "our tourism industry, our marketing potential, our economy"!
The next day he was upset that Howard was disrespectful of the constitution with his Border Protection Bill. Heaven forbid that Brown should take a stand against Liberal/Labor xenophobic racism! Is calling things by their true names is just too impolite?
Never once has Brown called for the refugees to be allowed in. Instead, he wants to appear humanitarian while not committing himself to the defence of the refugees. What is the correct name for this? Cowardice in the face of political pressure? Shamefaced racism? It is certainly gutlessness.
We are building towards one of the most racist elections in Australian history. All progressives will come under enormous pressure to capitulate to nationalism. The Greens are demonstrating how to get down on your knees in advance.
Barry Healy
Springwood NSW
Another Elian?
Mr Ruddock's appallingly brutal treatment of the six-year-old Iranian boy refugee (threatening to deport his family but keeping him here) reminds one of little Elian Gonzalez, kept prisoner by the Miami Mafia for six months, but eventually and mercifully reunited with his father.
On Lateline, August 23, Mr Ruddock carelessly let slip the fact that Sweden (population about 9 million) is coping in a much gentler way with far larger number of refugees than is Australia (population about 16 million). Why can't Ruddock send some of his officials to Sweden, to learn how it's done?
Meanwhile, according to three psychologists, the little boy is suffering physically and mentally. Ruddock bleats about not wanting to set a precedent. But his officials are expected to deal with each case on its merits. That is what they are paid for.
Rosemary Evans
St Kilda Vic
Hope
"Howard must go!" (GLW #462). Yes, but next time we'd be stuck with Peter Costello, or perhaps ... well, watch the telly when they're non-answering questions.
I nearly added: the ALP is the lesser of the evils. Then I remembered Paul Keating. Oh, well (with apologies to Alexander Pope): "Hope springs eternal in the socialist breast" — they couldn't be worse.
They've shot themselves in the foot over taxes, but they might just roll back the GST, particularly the services tax which hits the elderly, and generally shift the burden upwards.
After all they are supposed to be a labour party.
Don Bond
Enfield SA
Gangs
Street gangs in Sydney "identified" by coloured straws? Who's clutching at straws? The "greed is good" gangs held flutes of Moet champagne in hand, for sign and countersign, and wore $3000, fine light wool Italian made suits, for mutual identification.
Or didn't anyone notice?
Denis Kevans
Wentworth Falls NSW