For several decades, the Guardian Weekly has been the only newspaper I depend on for quality news reporting, book reviews and assorted delights such as Nature watch.
However, it is the international news that I have relied on when Australian newspapers have failed to provide me with detail that I seek. In 2001 I went to Woomera with a group of human rights activists. A desert gulag had been established where asylum seekers were placed as far as possible out of sight of ordinary Australians. I started a group of activists at work to lobby for the rights of these people.
That same year the courageous captain of the Tampa stood against the government of Australia. And then there was 9/11, and the invasion of Iraq.
I remember a colleague at this time who could not cope with all of the horror and decided to avoid all media mentions of what was happening. I made a decision to do just the opposite: to read and listen to as much as I could possibly find. It was then that I began the habit of getting the Weekly. And I have continued to do so ever since.
I am now retired, but as an elder I reserve the right to speak out, especially regarding equality and human rights. I think that I owe this trait to my lovely mother – a Lancashire lass – who always advised me to help others whenever I was able.
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