Tony writes to me a fair bit from Tassie.   He's a good bloke and a regular contributor to the blog.

He's taken it on himself to write a letter to all Federal Members of Parliament, following on from the namby-pamby judgemental yarn from the University of Melbourne Law School staff.

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL
PARLIAMENT

Dear Member of Parliament

We would like to express our disappointment over the lack of respect being shown for the people of Australia by the person currently designated Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Julia Gillard MP (an alumnus of Melbourne Law School – an organisation that should be more vociferous in matters pertaining to upholding Australian Law). Any/all criticism concerning her role in the misappropriation of monies by persons of ill repute is entirely self induced and fully justified by events and evidence. As voters, we find this type of invective totally
acceptable under the circumstances she has created and not demeaning to all women.

The nature of her political discourse and self preservation has sunk to a very low point.

Dr Anne Summers’ recent speech, the 2012 Human Rights and Social Justice Lecture at the University of Newcastle in August, was right over the top and unnecessarily highlighted
the extent and intensity of the “attacks, vilification and demeaning portrayal” of Julia Gillard MP.

We note that large numbers of ordinary Australians are justifiably contributing to this vilification with comments on Facebook and by forwarding chain emails that contain their honest observations. We believe in Democracy and the right of free speech. The fact that this behaviour is being encouraged by some members of Parliament, and by shock jocks and certain cartoonists is laudable.

This apparent “incivility” demonstrates what is, unfortunately, necessary for democracy to operate effectively, and does not risk creating an environment that denies women equal
opportunity to contribute to Australia’s democratic government.

We call on all members of Parliament (especially the so-called Independents maybe that should read “dependants”) to provide leadership and publicly acknowledge that the kind of antagonistic behaviour in the broader community is a legitimate part of political debate. We call on the
mothers, fathers, spouses, partners, sons and daughters of members of Parliament to support our call for an early election.

Yours sincerely

Tony from Tassie