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4 February 2008 SUICIDE 'VICTIMS' WITH DOWN SYNDROME It’s unbelievable that elements involved in the Iraqi conflict could sink to even lower levels of inhumanity, but they have. On Friday, two women with Down syndrome were used as suicide bombers in a sickening attack in Baghdad. The separate blasts killed 99 and wounded 208, according to police figures. US and Iraqi Government officials believe the women were unwitting ‘martyrs’, deliberately chosen by al-Qaeda because their intellectual disability meant they didn’t understand what was happening and because they would be less likely to be searched. Some versions of the report say the bombs were detonated remotely. I find it impossible to think of words to adequately describe the sub-humans who could devise such a strategy. Their actions are repugnant to every religion. COME IN SPINNERS Prime Minister Rudd has a bizarrely inefficient way of collecting information and ideas. First we had his order to newly-elected Labor MPs—visit two schools in your electorate and check what computers they need! No-one in the media questioned if there were perhaps a more efficient way to collect this data, they were still too entranced with the new Labor PM and his ‘big’ gestures. But the proposed April gabfest—1,000 people in Canberra for a single weekend to propose wonderful new solutions to 10 BIG topics—is even stretching the credulity of some of the unpaid Rudd PR men in the media. One described the proposed 2020 Summit as ‘potentially unwieldy’. Potentially??? But that, of course, is the point. There’s got to be some viewpoints the Government can warmly endorse out of that many, and the real purpose of the Summit is thereby achieved--an attempt to give some long-term legitimacy to the ‘fresh approach’. My comments are not meant to denigrate in any way the sincerity or expertise of those who will be invited to attend. A few of the 100 in each Issues Group will manage to have their voice heard above the hubbub, so it’s worth a try. Of course if you can’t make to Canberra for that weekend, and many older people and people with a disability will find this inflexibility difficult, you’ve missed your chance to be part of Mr Rudd’s future Australia. COUNCIL ELECTIONS There are only 40 days until Queensland Local Government Elections - including the new super councils. The Liberal Party has endorsed candidates for Brisbane and Gold Coast seats, so if you are able to assist please contact them. I would also like to recognise the many local councillors with a passionate concern for their local communities who will be retiring this election as a result of the State Government's forced amalgamations.
CLOSING THE CDMA NETWORK As I drive around this state, I am frequently told of the lack of mobile coverage in rural Queensland. Anecdotal evidence from many people in the bush suggests that, while there are issues with CDMA coverage, it is far better than current NextG services. As a condition of its operating licence Telstra gave a commitment that coverage on the NextG network would be at least the same or better than CDMA. The CDMA network was originally scheduled to be shut down on January 28, but the Communications Minister has delayed the closure until the end of April. A recent report by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) - involving researchers criss-crossing Australia and measuring signal strength - shows Telstra has not meant this benchmark. I believe Telstra should be kept to their word on this. Until an independent assessment verifies that no person is disadvantaged, Telstra must maintain the CDMA network. QUEENSLAND YOUTH PARLIAMENT Nominations have now opened for the 2008 2008 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. If you are aged between 15 and 25, you are eligible to participate. Each year one person is selected to represent each of Queensland's 89 state electorates and has the opportunity to represent the views of their community. In July the Youth Parliament meets in Parliament House in Brisbane and debates bills and motions which they have written during the year. Nominations close on Friday 22 February at 5pm! Applications can be made online, faxed or posted - to lodge your application or find out more go to www.ymcaqyp.org
Sue Boyce |
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