Street sweeper stands for silent majority

Street sweeper stands for silent majority

What a breath of fresh air it is to read an interview with dismissed street sweeper Shaun Turner on Monday’s front page of The Australian (“Sacked street sweeper: I’m pale, stale and male, but I speak for silent majority”, 30/6). This man speaks for the silent majority when he says: “What next? It just never ends.” The ridiculous acknowledgment of country at a toolbox meeting really smacks of Monty Python. Turner was absolutely correct in taking a stand and suggesting that if anyone is to be thanked it should be all those who have worn the uniform and fought to keep our country free. Turner has run his own business and been a union delegate, so he knows both sides of the equation. Shaun, don’t go back to street sweeping, take an unfair dismissal payout and then stand for council. You would make such a difference.

Sandra Mcvitty, Beaumaris, Vic

I do not agree with everything Shaun Turner says in the article in the front page of The Australian. He may be pale and male, but he is certainly not stale. I congratulate him as I think he does speak for the silent majority, cogently and sincerely. I think the Liberal Party should grab him; he would be a great candidate for the Darebin area, or anywhere if it comes to that.

June Zentveld, Newrybar, NSW

Libs at sea

What the Liberals need to remember is modern economies start with wealth being created by two industries: agriculture and mining. Modern economies then enhance that wealth with the add-ons, such as manufacturing, transport and the service industry. Having candidates selected by branches consisting of the people who build the economy, those who aspire to participate in a robust economy, and developing policies for the outcomes those people aspire to, is the only way to success.

They will select candidates, regardless of gender, who will succeed. The dictates of central office have been a massive failure. That’s why socialist regimes are such a disaster. Aspiring candidates will also bring a voter’s view of minimising the drag on the nation’s wealth by the mendicants who now outnumber the wealth creators.

Bruce Chalmers, Dalby, Qld

Nick Cater raises some interesting and concerning points about the Liberal Party (“Tory strife a grim omen for Sussan Ley’s Liberal fightback”, 30/6). Having been a Liberal for my 64-year voting life, I am for the first time given to wonder whether we have an opposition in the federal parliament. Given the numbers and the talent, things look pretty grim. Sussan Ley herself is a mighty big question mark. Looking at the Liberals I see a party that is confused and rudderless.

The rot starts at the branch level and extends right through to our elected representatives. In short, there is virtually zero talent. A few long-servers, but these are careerists who are there to enjoy the power and privilege rather than to tackle the needs of the nation. If Ley were to step aside tomorrow they would have difficulty finding someone better.

Where the party goes from here, is difficult to say. What is certain though is without some new A-league talent pool there can be no recovery in the foreseeable future.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

Radical rabble

While Israel fights for its existence and the IDF contends with terrorists on several fronts, an indulgent mob at the Glastonbury music festival wave Palestinian flags and chant “death to the IDF”. There are dozens of wars currently taking place across Africa and the Middle East. However, these stunts, under the guise of free speech, are only directed at Israel.

Why? This radical chic lot should embrace a journey of political exploration and discovery. Perhaps a revolutionary Long March through the Middle East will enlighten them with a few lightbulb moments: music festivals like Glastonbury, diversity and democracy (and other freedoms) only exist in Israel. Israel and the IDF have been doing the heavy lifting against terrorism while the chanting throng shame themselves. They should be very careful about biting the hand that feeds them.

Glenn Marchant, Pascoe Vale, Vic

Marxist tool

Like the Ides of March, the end of June is another portentous event. The tax year is another artificial pothole in the pathway to economic progress. Rush projects through to save tax, or miss the deadline and pay a penalty, is inimical to a sound economy focused on real issues.

The tax year is a significant component of an essentially Marxist system that deems everything we produce and exchange to be the property of the state to be shared out. A non-discriminatory low and consistent charge on the use of a stable currency issued to match trade requirements would eliminate inflation, easily fund good government, and unleash enormous human energy.

John McRobert, Indooroopilly, Qld