Raphael Lee Cass, Byron Bay
Echo-nacea is not a new therapy. It’s been around since 1986 and is a subjective therapy. When taken weekly it can provide relief from modern Byron Shire life, inform the mind or occasionally, inflame the senses. It depends on what extract the user imbibes. One part has space for discussion, called, ‘Echo letters’. It’s at the newspaper’s discretion as to what ingredients are used here. When a Fairfax editor has enough, they simply say, ‘This is now closed.’
To acknowledge a writer from Byron Friends of Palestine’s (BFoP) complaints about not having their letters published (December 4), is to me a generous act. I mean, if you banged on and on about potholes, sooner or later the editor will reject those letters because a different action is needed for change. The same goes for the Israel/Palestine conflict.
When I was concerned about the lack of grass-root issues published in a local right wing paper in Sydney, I started my own paper, ending up with 42,000 copies monthly. The BFoP could do this, take out more paid ads in The Echo, or continue using social media.
Raphael Lee Cass compares letters written about potholes with those written by Byron Friends of Palestine about Israel’s colonisation of Palestine. Apartheid Israel commits appalling acts of theft, murder, dispossession, daily abuse and intimidation, incarceration without charge and, uniquely, the arrest of Palestinian children and their arraignment before military courts. He implies that all we do is write letters and suggests that “the editor will reject those letters because a different action is needed for change. The same goes for the Israel/Palestine conflict” (Echo-nacea, December 11). It’s not surprising he thinks this way because the Echo ignores our press releases. For example: our annual participation in the Mullum2Bruns Paddle Event as the Gaza Aid Flotilla. The Big Ride for Palestine, where cyclists from Brisbane ride to Byron to raise money for humanitarian projects. “Free Felafels: Free Palestine street stalls. Our colourful Palestinemobile car advertising Jewish Voice for Peace, the Israeli human rights group, B’Tselem and Breaking the Silence (an organisation of IDF veterans who have dared tell the truth about the crimes they were order to do) has been ignored by the Echo, but photographed by visitors from many countries. We welcome any creative ideas you may have, Raphael!,
I have to say Raphael that comparing, minimising & trivialising pot holes to the very sad situation between Israel & Palestine is insensitive, thoughtless & unkind. It also suggests to me that perhaps you may have lived in an area of relative peace for so long that it seems outrageous for anyone to relate to, unless it is happening to them. This often motivates people.. when it starts happening inside their own ‘world’. I hope that we all feel less likely to condemn & shame people for their passion for helping, bringing light to issues of all kind in need of peaceful, long term reform & resolution.
Blessings & merry vegan blissmass to everyone. Peace & love to all beings