14thJune 2010
Dear Editor,
In reply to the letter from K Sharp of Australia First Riverina (Daily Advertiser, 14thJune) that questions the Greens’ position on our nation’s elderly, frail and homeless - as well as The Greens’ stance on farmers - I wish to point out fact from fallacy.
The Greens believe that our frail and elderly deserve the highest standard of care from community owned, publicly funded resources – NOT from the greed motivated private sector. It is worth noting that Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has gone into bat to save Carramar Nursing Home in Leeton from privatisation.
The Greens offer not only hope, but ideas and well thought out policy with regards to our greatest shame: homelessness. The Greens believe that publicly funded public housing is the best avenue in helping to solve the growing problem of homelessness.
The Greens are campaigning to protect our culturally and socially significant small family-owned farms from mining and agribusiness interests. The Greens are striving alongside rural communities to seek positive outcomes in managing water sustainability issues that loom large on the horizon.
While Australia First sits on the sidelines selling pre-packaged unfounded fear to the masses, Greens parliamentarians and members fight to save scarce community owned resources.
While Australia First is locked in a race with other neo-nationalist groups to the lowest common denominator of human decency and respect, Greens supporters strive for a more inclusive and fair society that places communities ahead of profit.
While Australia First carps from the shadowy darkness claiming moral righteousness on agricultural matters, Greens senators and MPs are busy working with farm-based rural communities to better equip them for the challenges of the future.
Hope will always prevail over fear.
Yours Sincerely
David Fletcher
Greens Candidate for Riverina