In relation to anti-assocation laws in WA and other states: if the proposed clauses are made into law, then maybe the Catholic Church could be considered for the first case – doesn't the criminal activity of some of their clergy potentially put the church in the class of organization as defined in the proposed legislation?

Or is this proposed legislation only for people/organizations the government or police want to act against for their own reasons, or for political advantage?

Who is brave enough to promote such an alternate view, and propose that the state take action against the church (now I know how the Jews felt, and understand what Niemoller said).
– John Black, Melbourne

Editor, The Age: The key role of the individual in history is highlighted in 'Escape From Shandong' (The Age, 3 May 12) as Chen Guangcheng`s actions for human rights are documented.
The world is watching as this brave, 40-year-old, blind lawyer is being persecuted for defending women who were subjected to late-term abortions and sterilisations under strict family-planning policies.

Chen`s actions in fanning the winds of change in China by appealing to the nation`s leaders, at the same time as his country`s economic progress provides the foundation for democratic rights for its hard-working citizens, deserves world-wide support
– Keith McEwan, CLA member, Castlemaine, Vic

Dear Editor: your report (Bikie laws blow to club freedom) by Natasha Boddy. I support the veteran motorcycle club of WA joining a campaign against the proposed anti-bikie laws currently being debated in State Parliament. The laws go against the spirit of the Australian Constitution, which gives us all right of association.

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Editor, The West Australian: I respond to your report “Extradition appeal fails” by Belle Taylor. Since 2004 Mr Vincent T. O’Donoghue has fought being sent back to Ireland over an alleged $100,000 cheque scam (TWA Apr 3.) According to Mr O’Donoghue in a letter to me dated 4 Sept 2011, he is a 60-year-old retired lawyer from Dublin. He arrived in Australia in 2002 with his wife and one child, and now has three more children. Mr O’Donoghue has been fighting extradition back to Ireland since 2004, and was on bail for over five years without breach. In April 2009 he was found eligible for extradition, his bail was cancelled and no consideration was given to his wife and four children, and has been in custody in Hakea prison ever since.

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Noel McLaughlin (Letters 3 April 2012 Canberra Times) misrepresents (columnist) Jack Waterford’s position on the AFP. Jack was not criticising the personal bravery of individuals. Rather, what I understood him to be saying is that the AFP have been encouraged, both by sweeping anti-terrorism legislation, and the enthusiastic and uncritical support of a previous Attorney-General, to use their authority and resources inappropriately in a ‘win at all costs’ way. Little consideration seems to have been given to ensuring that those charged with enforcing the law, do so in accordance with what the law actually says, and not what they think it says.

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The see-through body scanners announced for Australia have already been proven to not work in cases like the "underpants bomber" – the supposed reason for their introduction – writes John P Harvey. As well there are major scientific concerns about radiation emitted by the scanners, he says, providing extensive references you can check out.

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A good percentage of the opposition to see-through airport body scanners highlights the possible dangers of radiation. Here's an opinion piece which lists some references...plus a video at the end which pokes fun at the American Transport Safety Authority, the TSA.

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The wearing of bike helmets and car seat belts engages the classic liberty v public good argument. Bill Curnow, a CLA member, gives his opinion that there has been little evidence-based analysis of the public good. It's time for some independent and open inquiries, he says.

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The Editor, The Age: Your editorial “It`s time to cut racism from the constitution” (20 Jan 2012) contains a very telling point when it asks us to consider what message would be sent to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (and to the world) if they are not acknowledged as Australia`s first peoples and racially discriminatory measures in the constitution are not eradicated .

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I see that persistent apologist Jim Unkles is pushing new Attorney-General Nicola Roxon to act on pardoning the Boer War multiple murderers Harry Morant and Peter Handcock. He is offering to "brief her – that is, present his version of the 1901 court martial – claiming a miscarriage of justice took place in 1901.

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