http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2002/07/15/1026185158759.htm
 
Charging off to Iraq not the will of these Australians
Letters to the Editor
Sydney Morning Herald (Au), July 16, 2002
 
There is a serious defect in our Constitution when the Foreign Minister can travel overseas and give commitments of strong military support, involving our troops, to foreign powers without prior debate in Parliament.
 
As usual it was a commitment to the United States in what many people see as a war of aggression in the US's own interests against Iraq, which is a country rich in the history of civilisation and tradition, posing no threat to Australia, but perhaps unfortunately for itself also rich in oil and therefore a threat to the Western world's greedy, seedy standards of living.
 
The charge against Iraq of stockpiling weapons of mass destruction used by Alexander Downer in his announcement this morning rings hollow indeed when the capacity and record of the US for the same thing are taken into account.
 
When it comes to gold medals for cringing and crawling, Australia is miles ahead of the rest of the world - first to Britain for 150 years and now to an even greater threat to world peace: sowing the seeds for future combat for our children and grandchildren in needless racial and religious conflict.
 
George D'Aran, Nelson Bay, July 12.
 
 
The use of embryonic stem cells may reduce all kinds of human suffering, and yet has triggered considerable opposition from those who regard it as an attack on the sanctity of human life. The public and the Government are still involved in this debate - yet without any debate we are about to help in another bombing of Iraq.
 
Are Iraqis less important than microscopic cells?
 
Grahame Wilson, Lane Cove, July 15.
 
 
The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, has stated that our nation will support, apparently unconditionally, an American attack on Iraq, presumably for its alleged terrorist involvement or intentions.
 
As a democratic nation we are entitled to answers for at least the following questions.
 
On what factual basis is Iraq accused of actual or planned terrorism? If Iraq has chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction, can our attack ensure that there will be no fallout or residual effects from the strike against these weapon sites?
 
Can any pre-emptive strike we make totally ensure that Iraq cannot launch its weapons of mass destruction? Can Mr Howard assure us that the American attack will not use weapons of mass destruction?
 
No doubt his answers will clarify the semantics of Iraqi terrorism and our pre-emptive attack.
 
Ray Hodgins, Lorn, July 12.
 
 
I can just see that pugnacious warrior, Alexander Downer, fishnet stockings and all, heading off to battle in combat drill. Oh, yeah! How about seeking a mandate from the Australian people you are supposed to represent, Mr Foreign Minister, before pledging our sons to a war in Iraq?
 
Ray Alexander, Port Macquarie, July 13.
 
 
Appease: "Try to conciliate or bribe by making concessions." Is that what Mr Downer's been up to? And I thought he was just being threatening.
 
But, now that we know what's really going on, no doubt Mr Downer will tell us what Saddam has, and where, that we are conciliating and bribing about.
 
Malcolm Park, Bronte, July 13.
 
 
How cynical must Kel Dummett be (Letters, July 12) to think that G. Dubya would start a war on Iraq just to deflect attention from the scrutiny of his business dealings.
 
It's way too far out from the election.
 
Joe Valence, Cherrybrook, July 15.
 
 
Isn't it amazing how politicians refer to doing what the people of Australia want them to do when it suits their own agenda?
 
Alexander Downer is openly endorsing an invasion of Iraq by the US, saying it is what the Australian people want their Government to do. I'm not so sure that this comment is correct.
 
In any case, does he really expect us to believe that this is why he is doing it?
 
A huge number of Australians were against the partial sale of Telstra and the loss of thousands of jobs, and an even greater number are against its full sale and many more thousands of job losses.
 
They are also aware that preventing its sale is the only way we will ever get the services we want and have some sort of control over rising phone costs.
 
I don't see Downer, Howard or Anderson taking much notice of what Australians want there.
 
David McLintock, Kinka Beach (Qld), July 12.
 
 
Given the eagerness of Howard, Downer etc to invade Iraq with the US, I assume they will not stop home but will be with George W. at the spearhead - and will encourage their offspring to be at the spearhead - of any Australian troops who may take part in any such idiotic adventure.
 
G.W. Spence, Bruce (ACT), July 13.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Return to article index