Brian Burke, Polly Vernon and other polarising characters: readers’ letters

Those who vilify Brian Burke should acknowledge that he put WA on the map, says a reader.

TWAM 6 June 2015

Once upon a time in the West

Times were different when Brian Burke was premier of Western Australia and, in retrospect, perhaps bad decisions were made (“The pollie who fell to Earth”, June 6-7). But those who continue to vilify him should acknowledge that Burke took WA from a backwater state on the “other side of Australia” to an international destination. Burke has served his penance publicly but the public scrutiny of (and fascination with) Burke’s life, past and present, is extraordinary.

Sheryn Partington, Martin, WA

When I saw the cover pic of Brian Burke as a perch for two red-tailed black cockatoos and refreshed my memory of his exploits, it conjured up the image that perhaps two ravens, or even crows, would have been more apposite.

A.M. Whiddett, Yarralumla, ACT

Finally, a story about Brian Burke that goes beyond caricature. Andrew Burrell has done a great job of painting a balanced picture of a complex individual; a man of seemingly boundless talents yet still with feet of clay. Let’s hope Burke writes that book.

Sonia Edwards, Scarborough, WA

Brian Burke was miles ahead of our current insipid political class. It was his naivety and lack of protected species status that ultimately brought him undone. Both major parties and the nation would love someone with Burke’s abilities to lead them. But alas, the cupboard is bare.

Geoff Farnell, Fannie Bay, NT

Hot debate

Polly Vernon declares in her “hot feminist” manifesto (June 6-7) that abortion rights, equal pay and rape are her key concerns. I recall feminists in the 1970s who spoke out against wage inequality, draconian abortion laws and inaccessible childcare. Rape and domestic violence, however, were not on the agenda. Why? We believed then that the more men and women knew each other, the more equal and empathetic we’d become. How very wrong we were, and what a long, long way we have to go.

Fran Nicolaou, Forest Lake, Qld

There’s one thing blocking my being a fully subscribed member of the hot feminist brigade: I am a mother of three. It’s harder to argue for equal pay when one has had five years looking after offspring and needs some training and upskilling. Paint me a picture of the hot feminist mother and I’ll get really excited.

Natalie Moloney, Tarragindi, Qld

Polly Vernon writes, “I have had three abortions and have not had one shred of regret.” Don’t the unborn deserve more than to be shrugged off with “It did not hurt”?

Paul Wincen, Woodridge, Qld

Maybe the answer to all this confusion about feminism is to grow up, get off Twitter and read some of the excellent writing by feminists who remain committed to thinking as well as looking hot.

H. Neill, Southport, Qld

Vernon joins many in her rage and affront at the gender pay gap, violence against women and variable access to abortion services. She leaves the ideology that allows her big three to exist for others to fight. Personal fury and affront are not enough. They must be embedded in a political understanding of what her experience of being insulted in the street and being misrepresented by media (two things Vernon finds unimportant) actually mean.

Andrea Shoebridge, South Perth, WA

I agree with Polly’s list but wish to add another: women who feel they have no choice but to stay in toxic relationships. I despair when articulate, educated, potentially independent women stay in relationships with men who are violent, controlling and belittling.

Pam McEwin, Royston Park, SA

Bringing up Barbie

Nikki Gemmell encourages girls to “change their world through the power of difference” (“Stay vivid, girls”, June 6-7). I’m so happy for those girls who want to break the mould, but what of those girls who like pink and Barbie and fairies? My daughter wants to cook, keep house and have babies and the response she gets from peers and adults is, “Is that all?” It breaks our hearts.

Naomi Cleary, Bowenville, Qld

We don’t look on in horror at people like Miley Cyrus because she is different, but because on occasions she does more to degrade and denigrate females than any frat boy comedy could.

David Green, Holland Park West, Qld

Death of culture

Phillip Adams’ warning on our cultural obsession with porn violence is right on target (“Maxed out”, June 6-7). As history has shown, all cultures of death finish with the death of the culture. Sadly, our Mad Max violent nuclear-ISIS age is now armed to the teeth.

John Heininger, Tweed Heads, NSW

The writer of June’s best letter wins a Palm Beach Collection prize pack worth $500. Inspired by the idyllic spot on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the collection offers ecofriendly products enriched with natural fragrances. palmbeachcollection.com.au

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