Every day we will publish an excerpt of one or more emails you send us in our daily newsletter. We’d love to hear from you, you can email us at yoursay@theconversation.edu.au.
Monday June 1
Crosshairs caught in the crosshairs
It seems that One Nation wants Andrew Hastie to perjure himself if it will help Ben Roberts Smith. The courts will determine if Roberts-Smith, as he says, is innocent. Hastie’s testimony, should it be requested and provided, may only play a small role in the final outcome if not. One Nation’s open targeting of a possible witness based on what they presume he might or might not say has demonstrated that it is lacking in integrity. Hastie appears to possess this quality in abundance.
Graeme Osborne Southern River, WA
What is a crisis, exactly?
I appreciate Jon Wannberg commenting on the overuse of the term ‘trauma.’ Another word has entered the political and media spheres, as well as common usage – Crisis! What is the point at which a problem becomes a crisis?
Is it a crisis if one-third of the population has difficulty in a certain area of their lives, but two-thirds do not? A crisis to me is both objective and social. The same issue can be defined differently by two different parts of the society.
The news media, politicians and organisations that have a vested interest in causing us problems want to make it seem like we are always facing a crisis. “Bah humbug.
Paul Campbell West End QLD
On trauma
I read with interest and some disappointment your article about trauma. While I am pleased with the increased public awareness of trauma and its destigmatising effect, I worry about its increasing trivialisation. The mainstream is appropriating trauma, along with ‘psychology speak’. This flattens important distinctions while obscuring those who live with profound and lasting trauma-related distress. This may be a reflection of changing language but it is costly if people with trauma-related distress are not given the care and support they need.
Sophia Schroeder
Tuesday June 2
One Nation’s treatment to journalists
It is very concerning that so little has been said about One Nation’s decision to eject ABC journalists.
It is impossible to have a democracy without free media, so letting this slip under the radar means that we’re already on the road towards the US. One Nation relies on moral laziness and situational ethics to gain mainstream acceptance. The focus must remain on the racist and bigoted agenda of One Nation. It’s interesting that ABC’s Insiders program did not mention this issue.
Jane Davis, Melbourne VIC
Drivers who sleepy
As a driver who suffers from fatigue, this was an article I wanted to read. The article mentioned the importance of keeping snacks handy for long drives. When I was a woman in rural France, it was difficult to drive the 55 km from my home or back without getting drowsy.
An advertisement in the doctor’s office advised that drivers who are drowsy should eat something. Apples were the best choice because they are low-calorie and take some time to consume. On the first trip, I often had to consume up to seven apple slices!
Over the years, I was able to leave the house with only one apple. I was wide awake just by reaching for the fruit. “I can only guess that I somehow trained my brain to remain awake.”
Christine Stevenson, Geelong, VIC
