May I begin with admitting to not being the most tolerant toward many subjects, but in particular bigotry.
I have read two letters of late to the Echo on the subject of the burqa. I fear Mr Tony may be having an effect in his blatant peddling of racist fear-mongering, and I worry for the sanity of my fellow human beings as they get dragged along without questioning the absurdity of where Australia is heading.
More women are in danger from domestic violence than terroism, and more people are in danger of sounding downright cruel, such as the words of Lester Brien.
I am not a religious person – quite frankly I find it baffling – however, never have I met nicer people than Muslims. Their faith, just like any other, has been exploited by extremists to peddle their own agenda. It is not religion itself we should be scared of, but the sort of judgemental bullshit spouted by the many who use the colour of someone’s skin or the dress they choose to demonstrate their beliefs as weapons against humanity.
Many women choose to wear the burqa or hiyab; they are not all dragged around tied to their husband’s will. Some of these women are actually very powerful women, just like you and me.
Many of us wear a uniform. Go to the market and you will see the uniform of the hippie: layers and layers of hemp and dark brown in abundance with beads and a flower or feather in the hair. Quite frankly, I don’t see the difference.
I will make a point of talking to fellow Muslims, especially those in a burqa should I see one, because I will see the beautiful woman within
Dawn Blackwell, Mullumbimby
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
