Letters to the Editor

PETA TACTICS
There’s been a lot of talk about PETA’s tactics in the media recently.

Our campaigns are intended to turn heads, make people laugh, or even make people angry, but at least get their attention.

Our shenanigans may not always win us popularity contents, but they get our message out in lighthearted ways that don’t make people feel defensive.

When the media reports on our activities, people flock to our websites to order free vegetarian starter kits and other literature. When we launched our tongue-in-cheek sea kittens’ campaign, countless people visited FishingHurts.com and learned that fish can use tools, recognise their -˜shoal mates’, and gather information by eavesdropping. When lifted from their ocean homes, fish gasp for air and thrash in agony. Some are still alive when their bodies are slit open.

By asking the Pet Shop Boys to change their name, PETA was able to inform people that most dogs in pet stores come from puppy mills, where they spin maniacally in their cages, cower in fear, or slump in depression. Many are emaciated and sickly with crusty, oozing eyes, gangrenous skin and/or abscessed feet.

Because of PETA’s campaigns, people debate things that they might otherwise not think about. We don’t mind being laughed at as long as we provoke discussion and prompt even one person to make kinder choices. Animals depend on us.

-” Jason Baker, Director, PETA Asia-Pacific

DAVID HISCOCK #1
David, you were an inspiration to so many, for such a long time in both Sydney and Melbourne. You were a dynamic contributor to the identity and culture of many Sydney icons of the ’80s and ’90s.
How, in so few words, can we say thank you to a person who became a friend, mentor, and close work colleague? You helped us to build a little record store in Bondi Junction into a vibrant dance music outlet. You were the always cheerful and jocular face of Disco City. Your affection and care for staff and customers alike will always be treasured and respected by all who knew you.
We will always remember you for your signature input into the Paradise Parties, playing the final uplifting set.
-” Gordon and Janette

DAVID HISCOCK #2
When I first walked into Disco City in 1983 and met David Hiscock, he inspired me to be a DJ.
In my heart I know that every event and every gig is thanks to this wonderful man. Music was his life and I thank him eternally for showing me the way.
-” Mark Alsop

DAVID HISCOCK #3
You will be remembered for so many reasons, but most of all for the way you helped others. Life won’t be as much fun without your smile and your humour. I’ll miss you always, possum.
-” James

DAVID HISCOCK #4
David in the DJ box, hot steamy room, floor space very limited, voices shout in harmony, limbs move and twist to his happy music.
All a part of my life for many years. I danced and laughed with boys I no longer see
I made it known what he meant to me.
He gave me tapes, music, he’d specially done.
The universe is better off now that he has gone to a bigger, more comfortable DJ box.
The angels can’t keep still.
Thank you for the music, David.
-” Bettina

DAVID HISCOCK #5
David Hiscock was a walking human disco music encyclopedia. He could tell you when and who made what and what mixes were available.
He was funny, loving and kind. We had a mutual admiration going for each other as we both love our music.He was always available to chat with me on the phone or online.
Any time I saw David in his DJ booth at whatever venue he was playing in, I would always pop in for a hug and a laugh. He would always surprise me with a special track he’d play just for me.
He was a great supporter and friend to many HIV charity organisations and was always there to play for BGF at Bake-Off, or put together a CD for an event. He was one in a million and an inspiration to many.
The outpouring of love and tributes pouring in from the community for David has been so amazing. We will miss him and know he’ll have just the right track ready to be played for us when we next meet.
-” Shauna Jensen

DAVID HISCOCK #6
I first met David in 1982 and he was an important part of my formative years as a DJ.
I’ll always remember him -” and his music -” as upbeat, full of jokes and a real crowd pleaser. Sydney’s lost a big name.
Rest in peace, David.
-” Rob Davis

ART SPACES

What an excellent idea as noted in your recent article -” to use vacant shops as art spaces.
Extensive art education and experience over many years is currently wasted.
Space for artwork and display would be beneficial for shop owners and the entire community by focusing the potential of those spaces and increasing passing trade for all shopkeepers in the area.
Better things for our community!
-” Cecile

POLICE PROBLEMS
I refer to the article in SSO 967, Police review trans policy.
This case is not about the need to incorporate more information for police on issues to deal better with transgenders. It is about alleged police misconduct.
The problem with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) is it never addresses the real issue involving the conduct of its officers.
Commissioner for Police Andrew Scipione needs to get his house in order by taking a good look at the make-up of his police force.
What about the hardship suffered by Ms Fell, having to spend two weeks in hospital?
If the NSWPF continue to dish the NSW public up these slops they might as well round us all up and put us in a pen ready for slaughter.
Perhaps Commissioner Scipione should call it quits, go home, put his socks on and sit in front of the fire and read a few mystery novels.
-” Gary Burns
NUDITY BLUES
With a coalition government in NSW almost certain, nudists may soon be without a beach to hang their muscle.
The deputy Liberal leader, Jillian Skinner, has made no secret of her dislike of flesh. In 2007 she waged an unsuccessful campaign with Mosman council to rid the north side of its two nude beaches.
Nor is an O’Farrell government likely to gazette Little Congwong beach in Sydney’s south as clothing-optional, despite calls from nudists. Residents’ concerns and a conservative local council may well see privates aired in public for the last time, thereby ending a colourful chapter in Australian life.
-” Stuart

NEVER PREGNANT
John Lindsay of Ryde commenting online (Saturday, April 25) on John’s Gay Parenting letter to the editor (SSO 967) suggests that homosexuals pursue a lifestyle of -˜biversity’.
John Lindsay does not seem to realise that conception is the ultimate heterosexual act. My boyfriend and I have been in a relationship for 30 years now, and not once have either of us fallen pregnant. It is ridiculous and untrue to claim that homosexuality can result in pregnancy.
Perversity is not biversity. Some people, alas, cannot tell the difference.
Rupert Everett is spot on when he says, But this whole thing of forcing the idea of parenthood on us gay men is so bogus. John (II) is correct when he says that we (true) gay men don’t want to be heterosexualised.
-” George

LED BY THE NOSE
To Senator Bob Brown and those who are pushing for a plebiscite on whether Australians want a republic I would remind them that the cost of this useless exercise is over $10 million, an amount better spent elsewhere in these difficult times.
A plebiscite is simply an indicative vote on an issue. A show of hands, so to speak. It has absolutely no constitutional value. The last legitimate referendum on the issue showed the majority of Aussies against a republic. Even 44 percent of ALP members are against it!
Of course the 2020 summit delegates voted for a republic. Possibly all 1000 of them. But we should note that there was not one pro-monarchy person invited to this farce.
My point is that if you invite 1000 Catholics (say) to a meeting on whether they agreed in general with the Pope, would you expect them to vote other than yes? Of course not.
Our system of constitutional monarchy has served us well for over 100 years. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Would any thinking Aussie sign a contract without first reading it, and considering all the pros and cons? Of course not. But we are being asked to change our whole system of governance by being told that only our head of state will change. What absolute rubbish! Much more than that will change.
Wake up Australia. You are being led by the nose.
-” Ronnie