AT last I have read an article that in part speaks well of Pauline Hanson ("Katter no chip off Hanson block", 31/12).
I have always publicly supported Hanson and her right to speak freely in support of her constituents in Ipswich, particularly at a time when the social and political disease called "political correctness" was ruling Canberra.
Both the Labor and Liberal parties realised that she was popular because she was saying publicly what was worrying Queensland's (and other states') voters.
Terrified of her effect on the coming elections, both parties decided to destroy her. They succeeded.
Anyone who spoke in support of her right to speak freely was dismissed as either racist or a red-neck Queenslander.
Though I would never have voted for Hanson or actively supported her, like many other Australians I passively watched her political demise when I should have supported that vital principle of free speech, at the time the only weapon available to calm down the "religious" hysteria of "political correctness" festering away in Canberra.
However, in The Australian, Cassandra Wilkinson, a self-confessed Labor Party disciple, has in a brief but noble manner written on her behalf. At last, a small but brave public display of principle. Well done!
Leonard Johnson, Brisbane, Qld
CASSANDRA Wilkinson is mistaken in her attack on Bob Katter, based entirely on his support for an ethanol industry in Australia. It is true that ethanol has depleted cheap grain stocks overseas and in NSW, but it is Queensland's sugarcane growers, as well as Australia's need to be self-sufficient in fuel, that Katter is supporting by championing biofuels.
Australia faces importing 80 per cent of its oil by 2020, unless biofuels take up the slack, so the Queenslander-in-the-hat's policy is in the national as well as state interest.
He unashamedly supports farmers, whom Wilkinson dismisses as "rent-seekers of the old economy".
As for the fuel efficiency of E10 petrol, its higher octane enables me to run my old Renault without paying extra for Super grade, which is unleaded petrol with extra alcohol, usually ethanol.
J. Morrissey, Hawthorn, Vic
THE rancid attitude politicians have displayed to their constituencies and the parliament recently in Australia is disturbing to say the least. As I continue to follow the rough and tumble of today's political environment it has occurred to me that none of the major players possesses the most important quality for effective government.
Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Wayne Swan and company are clearly more passionate about their own future and that of their respective parties than they are of the future of Australia.
It's sad that only politicians such as Bob Katter and Barnaby Joyce emanate a true love of the country.
I miss the days when parliament was civil, the wishes of the public were listened to and parliament was a civil place. Bob Hawke and John Howard should hold their heads high.
Andrew Buchanan, Holloways Beach, Qld
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