One government department says all is well in Afghanistan, so that boat people can safely be sent home. At the very same time, another government department is issuing dire warnings about how 'extremely dangerous' the place is.

The Editor, The Australian, Sir: I respond to your report by David Nason "Lindy savages police investigation of Azaria" The Australian 18 Aug 2010, p.3.

I noted at the time, 30 years ago, that the first coroner's report by Denis Barritt had cleared Mrs Chamberlain of any wrong doing. However, because of a most unprofessional police investigation, Lindy was convicted for the death of baby Azaria.

Each political party complains about how the other parties waste billions of taxpayer dollars. Yet I've not seen or heard any party leader discuss the nearly $2billion annual spend for war in Afghanistan, "security" in Iraq, and physical and mental healthcare for those wounded, addicted, and traumatised by our military escapades.

The Government and Coalition must make clear, objective, measurable statements about Australia's commitment to Afghanistan, and precisely when - or under what measurable conditions - the Australian military commitment will cease.

'Lateline' is on the TV, and its part 1 of a two-part program regarding Mentoring Team Alpha in Afghanistan...and I think of the Australian men killed in Afghanistan since 2001.

I reflect on my five years in Iraq and the men killed there. I think of the 'superb' BCR (battle casualty rate) of 12.5% of the 22,5000 Counter Insurgency personnel we trained in Iraq; hell how good is that! Only 2,812 (point 5) men killed. Bloody proud of that I am. Damn shame about the hundreds of thousands of women and children killed in Afghanistan and Iraq, but I guess they have to pay a price.

Editor, West Australian: I respond to your report 'Frustrated DPP sees flaws in quality of police probe' 29 June 2010, p7.

I have read Coroner Alastair Hope's report on Aborigine elder Mr Ward's death in custody, in the back of a prison transfer van, which includes his recommendations. In the report the coroner found that every level of authority from the Minister for Corrective Services Margaret Quirk, right down to the two drivers, in the coroner's words "failed in their duty of care".

It's important for the public to appreciate that, unfortunately, the police investigation of the matter did upset the coroner: that is, the two drivers were not kept separate before being interviewed...but that's only one of a number of aspects the coroner was concerned about.

Christian Democrat Fred Nile, NSW MP, has introduced a bill criminalising the public wearing of face covering.

Ski masks on ski slopes become banned; marchers in Sydney's Mardi Gras parade become criminals; those wearing costumes for school plays, Halloween, Jewish Purim are subject to arrest. Wearing life-saving motorcycle helmets becomes illegal. And this law sounds the death-knell for masquerade balls.

The action of the Japanese Prime Minister in resigning caused Judy Bamberger to wonder what would cut Aussie pollies to the core.

If you're planning a trip to the USA, you might to hear this tale of how one Canadian husband and wife team, intent on a shopping trip, ran into language difficulties. Click for more »...

Police should not investigate police deaths in custody, CLA's Keith McEwan says. There needs to be an independent body set up for such cases - justice demands no less, he says.

Judy Bamberger is an Australian by choice, and she's fed up with Australian Parliamentarians from both major parties "wasting their time, our money, ...".

CLA member Keith McEwan is concerned for all creatures, including smokers. He postulates that a dedicated room, with facilities, might bring them back in from the cold in more ways than one.

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