Plantagenet

I was disappointed that you did not see the relevance of the anti-logging activist bit. Here was a person who had donated the best years of his life for this land - and yet he would be the very last person who would get an AO for his sacrifice. There could be no better example of the distortion that is the honours system.

Brian

I agree with what you say about the Honours system, but the more pointed issue in your article, struggle against logging, is just not an issue I agree with by association.

I know many people, like Platypus, who (including myself) have devoted the best years of their life without recognition, with no hope or Need for Gonghood.

In fact to have a medal and to place those letters after ones name can often smack of conformity and pro-government conservatism.

Better recognition might be a fuller biography of Platypus or other people who fight for the conservation cause - as another article in this and other journals.

Regards

Pete

Brian,

I agree with your appraisal of the honours system - it merely puts icing on the cake for the well established in society and effectively takes kudos and support away from those that are putting in real effort and facing real problems in everyday life. With society's fixation on celebrity, the hard-working, ordinary person does not get a look in. I'd certainly like to see this change.