Not too late to donate
The Salvation Army is encouraging the Australian community to give generously to the Red Shield Appeal to help us reach our end of financial year target of $7.5 million.
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It’s not too late to donate and make a big difference in the lives of Australians in need.
In a typical week, the Salvos provide more than 17,000 beds for those suffering homelessness, around 40,000 meals for the hungry, in excess of 1,400 financial counselling sessions and refuge for more than 100 women affected by domestic violence. By reaching its target, The Salvation Army can meet the growing demand on services and make the greatest impact in our community.
The Salvos would like to send a big thank you to all those who have already donated to this year’s appeal. We would especially like to thank the nearly 70,000 volunteers who collected during the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock weekend. The Salvation Army is overwhelmed with the incredible generosity which took place right across the country.
Thank you for helping The Salvation Army provide a hand up to the most disadvantaged people in our community and for giving hope where it’s needed most. To donate to the Red Shield Appeal, please call 13 SALVOS or visit salvos.org.au.
Major Brad Halse, The Salvation Army
Sympathy for farmers
Recent media articles around rates have had me thinking about the inequality I see between residential and farm sectors. It's a discussion we hear every year, and every year nothing really happens (apart from a lot of talk). I sympathise with the farmers who have an increase of 17 per cent in their valuation as compared to 4 per cent in the residential sector (my own CIV reduced this year). I know this is not something that council can control, it's a directive from the Valuer General, but it still does not make it fair or equitable.
It is nothing more than a land tax and I believe it is time to have a serious look at alternative methods of raising rates revenue, example councils to have a bigger cut of the GST. Hopefully the meeting at Kalkee on Friday will come up with some viable solutions, we need something.
Kath Dumesny, Horsham
We’ve been trumped
Much revered in the US former, Australian PM John Howard is only surpassed as the ultimate political "Automatic Pragmatic" by current American President Donald Trump; because, just like John Howard, Donald Trump has – in many respects – mastered, the "Art of Persuasion"!
Sure Donald Trump (unlike John Howard) is in many respects an unsavoury character; however in so many respects – Trump, is a political genius. And yes Kim Jung-on is, a heinous despot: heading up an erratic murderous regime; now armed with nuclear weapons capable of being launched against American (and Australian) cities!
Now digressing (but very relevant) Trump, is thumping his G7 allies. Because their, subsidies against, and tariffs on, American manufacturing goods hurts every-day Americans' employment/standards of living. Because Trump (just like John Howard), realises just what the "clever people", "chaff-head celeb set" and other assorted intellectual elites do not.
So back to Trump courting Kim Jung-on who has, been "trumped" by Trump (despite the clever people and Trump-haters saying China is pulling all the strings in the background) continuing to impose crippling sanctions against North Korea.
This is while - after demonstrating to the world he will go the whole hog - privately, warning China, Russia and Iran not, to help Kim Jung-on, forcing Kim to save face by doing a deal with Trump before Kim loses much, much more than face, in a more and more desperate North Korea!
Therefore I contend a desperate (no matter what Putin promises) Kim Jung-on to survive; will put his trust, in Trump. And to Trump, with such trust there is respect; with respect there are values. Without values there is nothing! Donald Trump has spent his life investing in (thus, valuing) a nation he now leads. He trusts, he respects and he values, freedom. His stance, is gathering traction… worldwide.
Howard Hutchins, Chirnside Park
Recognition for prisoner
No doubt some of your readers have heard of a Pakistani Christian lady called Asia Bibi as she is the best known political prisoner in the world.
She is now commencing her tenth year in prison, mostly in solitary confinement. And what was her crime? On a hot day when the temperature was about 45 degrees she was working in the fields with other women from her village. She went to the well to get a drink of water and then offered some to the other women. Immediately a cry went up, “Unclean, unclean. A Christian has touched our water and it is unclean”.
She was attacked and a discussion (or was it an argument?) followed. She said, “My Jesus died for our sins. What has your Mohammed done for yours?” She was then strongly attacked and the police were called and arrested her. She was taken before the courts and sentenced to death by hanging for insulting the prophet. Two powerful politicians, one a Muslim and the other a Christian, tried to secure her freedom, but both were assassinated.
There have been a number of appeals but all have failed. Now one of the highest judges in Pakistan has agreed to hear her appeal “soon”. He will need to be a very brave man indeed if he decides to release her.
What has this to do with us in Australia? Well for one thing it tells us how lucky we are to live in this country, and for another we should keep in mind those who are not as fortunate as we are. You will hear more of Asia Bibi in the months ahead as her case is well known throughout the world.
Len Martin, Halls Gap