Fuel app prices mislead

Has this been a deliberate act to misinform their customers of the actual fuel prices and hence not allow them to actually benefit from the real price?

Is it time to boycott Woolworths as suggested by the NRMA director Alan Evans?

Stephen Horswell, O'Connor

Guns an abuse of liberty In the wake of the Martin Place tragedy Senator Leyonhjelm has spoken in support of an increased number of guns in Australia. It is often useful to consult first reading speeches of politicians to assess their basic philosophies. Senator Leyonhjelm's states in part "Liberty is eroded when we are prohibited from doing something that causes harm to nobody else ... I do not use marijuana and do not recommend it except for medical reasons, but it is a matter of choice ... Liberty includes the right to make bad choices." This is well sounding but illogical. Use of cannabis and other toxic drugs do cause harm to others — the user's family, and all taxpayers through social and health costs. Cannabis as such is not recommended for medical purposes. Liberty doesn't include the right to bad choices. These are made daily of course, but don't blame liberty. If anything, it's abuse of liberty. Drugs and guns are arguably the greatest twin social evils in Australia as evidenced by their joint presence in virtually all drug seizures by police.

Communities look to politicians to improve their lot in life. Senator Leyonhjelm's push for more guns must be seen as lifeless.

Colliss Parrett, Drug Advisory Council Australia, Barton

A Diana moment, the ocean of flowers in Martin Place, it is not. Three people were shot dead. For whom, for what, are the flowers? Princess Diana was an extraordinarily popular royal figure who died in a car accident. Flowers, candles, cards and personal messages were non-ambiguous tributes to her and her particular brand of magic. The world grieved just for her and showed its pain losing her.

The Lindt chocolate café assault volley of gunfire final moments raise many questions. The answers may be in the numerous bouquets deposited on the cement. These floral tributes may just reflect the high level of racism and fear of terrorism and certain "other" Australian citizens in the city.

But Man Haron Monis, a lone wolf, was not an ordinary "other" citizen. Apparently "under prosecution by the Interpol", with a criminal record, he was granted asylum in Australia. Was it terrorism? An Islamic message in Arabic and a siege starts. Nobody can read it. Panic takes place. No dialogue possible with a freelancer holy warrior violent criminal. Is it grieving or fear? And for those who thought that selfies in front of the café were a good idea? What is it?

The issues are complex but discretion and humility in wealth, happiness or sorrow is better for any society as a whole. Many countries would not be able to afford time and money for such display of flowers when grieving for daily deaths.

Noelle Roux, Chifley

All Australians are naturally worried about the rising global conflicts, particularly in the Muslim countries, and many Muslims are apprehensive of increasing tensions in the Australian community due to potential distrust and dislike towards themselves. Hijab-clad women, like myself, may feel vulnerable as they are easy to recognise. That's why I thought it was important to share my recent experiences. In the past few weeks many white Australians (sorry for the racial note!), who were complete strangers to me, have extended smiles, greetings and brief friendly chats to me for instance, in the supermarket, outside the school, and in public services. I have reciprocated, relieved over the realisation that people not only have attitudes of acceptance, friendliness and trust towards Muslims, they are also taking the step to express these attitudes. What makes me even more pleased is the fact that all these friendly gestures came from women ... my sisters.

Maybe, it's just Canberra! Or, maybe, these exchanges of goodwill are taking place in other communities in Australia as well. Whatever the case, my heart is filled with joy and I am saying a "thank you" to all messengers of harmony.

Faiza Syed, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Canberra

I wholeheartedly agree with your editorial ("Senator's gun laws proposition absurd", Dec 19), that a peaceful country like Australia must never allow its citizens to be armed.

Senator Leyonhjelm's suggestion, that the Martin Place siege would not have taken place had armed citizens been present, fails to take into account the fact that allowing citizens to carry arms is the genesis of a violent society.

Is the Senator implying that in order to avoid armed madmen breaking into schools —as is often the case in America — then the staff in every classroom ought to have a loaded gun lying next to their teaching notes?

Never! Carrying arms means more innocent deaths. Let the rule of law offer protection to our citizens.

Sam Nona, Burradoo

I am saddened that Palerang Council has been unable to be on the front foot in relation to Mr Fluffy, particularly given the very inopportune recent change of ownership of the only known affected property in Bungendore. Palerang Council is trying to hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss the issue, on Tuesday, December 23, but the recency of developments, the notice requirements for an extraordinary meeting, and proximity to Christmas with people's pre-existing holiday plans, mean it may be hard to get enough councillors present. If the meeting fails to reach a quorum, I would hate for anyone to think that reflects a lack of interest by Palerang councillors. I personally would love to take some action before Christmas, and I am still hopeful we can.

Peter Marshall, Councillor, Palerang Council, Captains Flat, NSW

The Eurobodalla Shire Council last month passed an amendment allowing for the sale of guns in a public building in the main street of Narooma as part of an annual festival of hunting. This was in spite of the fact that a majority of residents have expressed ongoing opposition to an event that encourages gun proliferation.

Thin edge of the wedge?

Susan Cruttenden, Dalmeny, NSW

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