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Dear AL TRAV,

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I am pleased to learn that you have managed to arrive at an informed opinion on the complex subject of homosexuality.

What stands out for me from these discussions and investigations is that :

1. there is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons why an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation, but it is clear that there is no “gay gene”.

2. most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation

Personally, I shall regard any opinion that takes these two factors into account with the utmost respect, provided, of course, it is not expressed in disparaging terms.

As I see it, no sexual orientation is superior or inferior to any other. They are all equal and are to be treated with exactly the same respect.

I consider that anybody who does not treat them all with the same respect, only belittles himself.

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Banjo, I will not question your comment about there being or not, a gene which directs a person one way or another.

I do how insist that there is something. I don't know what it is but it is something they are born with.

I use the term chemical imbalance, because it has been used over the years. And certain treatments, I'm not sure what, have been used to re-align queers, at least those who respond to treatment.

I can also agree with you on your respect comments, BUT I will not respect someone who does not respect me.

I have witnessed, read and seen some very dis-respectful attitudes and actions on the part of the YES camp.

So with respect to you I will retain my well earned disdain for this group of mis-fits more commonly referred to as (the more subtle name) queers.

This they have earned of their own doing. Where things were quite harmonious for as long as I can remember, they were tolerated. When this SSM rubbish began they demonstrated their true colors.

I think the NO camp is incensed because of the absolute insistence on the use of the word marriage and the push for equality.

There is not one thing about a queer that is equal to straight people. For God's sake, even their appearance is different.

We were never explained why it was so important to be equal. And I don't mean the feeble fabrications and lies we were told.

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Dear AL TRAV,

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My heart goes out to you, my friend. I fully understand what you mean and commiserate with you.

I was born in Cairns two days after Pearl Harbour and the day after Australia declared war on Japan. My father immediately enlisted in the army and my mother, my brother and I were evacuated by the army back south to my mother’s old family home in the bush on the Darling Downs, 200 km west of Brisbane, where I grew up.

I felt the fear in the air as a kid and my favourite game was running around the house shooting Japs. When I was twelve years-old, I bought an old 303 from army disposals, took off the bayonet, cut the wood back and spent most of my youth roaming around in the bush shooting anything that moved. I grew up never knowing my father.

For most of my life, whenever I crossed a Japanese in the street, I instinctively felt a twitch in the stomach and the image of my childhood game of shooting Japs flashed through my mind’s eye. I never allowed it to show in my professional life during which I had many business dealings with the Japanese and often visited Tokyo.

It’s only since I grew much older and became a grandfather that it calmed down and no longer occurred.

Who am I to blame you for taking offence at the way other people conduct themselves ? It probably happens to the best of us, but, I guess, we just don’t let it show. Out of modesty, perhaps ? Because we try to be more tolerant ? Or are we just hypocrites ?

Quite frankly, apart from my problem with the Japanese due to the war, which had a direct impact on my life, I really couldn’t care how other people live. If they are happy doing what they do and cause no harm to anybody, they can do what they like, so far as I’m concerned. It’s none of my business.

Live and let live, that’s my motto.

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Banjo, I am no different re. your live let live. My only beef, and it is a big one is with Australia and all the scum within.

Being born the son of Italian immigrants, in 1950 I had to suffer through all the usual taunts and put downs thanks to the war.

I survived but the prejudices live on to this day and they have stolen what was to be a very successful business future.

Having designed and built some new products in the automotive industry. I was invited to create a new company with the Malaysian govt as partners. I did very well and after a two odd year stint sold my share to the partners and returned back to this mud pit.

I had to, it was where my family and I lived. Over the years I have been to most countries like the middle East, some even like Saudi where one needs a letter of admission signed by the ruler on his official and personal letter/document.

I have been fortunate to have engaged with so many people in so many countries. All of them good decent people, and yes even Muslims. Believe it or not they conduct themselves just like other people do.

Unfortunately Australia is a stand out country of patronising, deceit and opportunism. Not opportunity, no that is a privilege granted the elite, the govt and their scum mates.

Always good to hear your input, keep it up.

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Dear AL TRAV,

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You wrote :

« Unfortunately Australia is a stand out country of patronising, deceit and opportunism. Not opportunity, no that is a privilege granted the elite, the govt and their scum mates »

That comes as a surprise to me, AL TRAV, but I’m sure you have your reasons. Most of my friends in Sydney have had vastly different experiences from yours. They tell totally different stories, stories of personal achievements that have nothing to do with the so-called elite, nor with any government of any sort.

Most of my working life has been spent outside Australia, but I still consider it as home. I know of no better country anywhere else in the world. All countries are different and some are probably just as good as Australia, depending on one’s personal tastes, values and lifestyle.

In fact, I have been living most of my life in France now but have never taken French nationality. I have a wife, children and grandchildren. All are French. I happen to be the only foreigner in the family.

Though I am not entirely happy with the track record of our successive governments, particularly as regards Aboriginal affairs and the way we treat illegal migrants, I am not convinced that other governments are any better than ours - obviously, for other reasons.

Perhaps you might feel more comfortable living in the land of your forefathers. I quite like Italy. It is a country I think I would enjoy living in myself. But I’m sure you have already given that some serious thought.

When all is said and done, perhaps you will finally manage to become reconciled with the country of your birth. It’s not a bad place. Anyway, whatever life has in store for you, AL TRAV, I wish you all the best,

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Banjo, thank you for your kind words. I'm sorry if my attitude towards this country offends you, but you see I have good reason.

To explain; from birth my lifestyle has been contrary to the Aussie one.

For example, having spent most of my life focused on my hobby/work/career 'locked up' in a workshop designing/building all things automotive and engineering, I found I had NOTHING in common with these people.

I don't drink or smoke and absolutely loath sports, (of all persuasions). As I believe sports is for children. If you are not a sports freak in this country YOU are the freak and so are on the outer.

Because I don't share this childish mentality and attitudes of the Aussies, I have never been able to engage with them at their level.

This did not concern me as I felt I could not have a sustainable and long term interaction with, well basically, children. I have friends of course but all measured and mature of mind and attitude.

My lifestyle was 'I live to work' not 'I work to live'.

Briefly, the main reason for my negativity about Australia, goes back to one particular incident where I spent three years, on and off, designing and building, creating a new vehicle concept. All with the knowledge and inclusiveness of the most senior of the RTA.

I apply for registration. Only to be told he would not, not could not.

It's no wonder I am incensed by these time wasting follies like SSM.

Legalising SSM achieved nothing for the greater good of Australia, but just appeased a very precocious and petulant minority.

I previously had no opinion about queers, they were just there and not 'in your face'.

Banjo, as for living abroad. I have been considering it for many years but only on the basis of buying something as a temporary accommodation to be used a few months of the year, not permanently. This actually and coincidentally one of my current distractions.