At the moment, the main issue is the need to raise the level of income support to the unemployed. The present government is adamant that having an economy which is likely to create more jobs is all that is required, while those of us living in the bush know that some towns have no job vacancies at all and most jobs these days are likely to be part-time and temporary.

A person looking for work needs a mobile phone, and usually a car, (especially in rural areas), accommodation, food etc. Even if the person is unemployed for a short time, these things are essential. It is impossible to get our local representative to take our voice to Parliament because she has to toe the party line.

Perhaps the term "democracy" needs redefining and also the term "job". A job used to mean an award wage, holiday pay, sick leave and superannuation. Many of those at the bottom of the employment pile these days get a few hours casual work, if they are lucky. And many will work for years under such inferior conditions.

Thank you for your story on Newstart. The Border Mail is one newspaper I always buy. You do try to remain neutral.

Unemployment is a problem and will remain so with automation and world population. Newstart needs to help people, not put them down.

I don't have any quick and easy answers for the future but people do need to be gainfully employed in some way, and even if they have a "living wage" or "subsistence wage", surely that would be better than living on the streets.

A "purpose" in life to help others would be a wonderful thing, and would give a lift to people who have nothing.

Please keep up the good work in being spokespeople for this area.

As Spike Milligan used to say "Love, light and peace".

The Border Mail is to be congratulated for keeping its readers aware of the schizophrenic thinking in today's world.

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In the July 17 edition, featured columnist Iris Curties argued for "human rights" for water. Apparently the Wanganui, Ganges and Yanuma rivers have been granted "human rights". But in the same edition, local sexual health nurse Lauren Coelli , under the heading Women 'need choices' , calls for one choice only, more abortions. Pregnancy support doesn't get a mention.

Where were the "human rights" for unborn babies? What about their "choices"?

Now in The Border Mail 's July 29 edition, abortion lobbyist Liz Marmo is reported as calling on Albury's MP Justin Clancy to leave his religious beliefs outside Parliament when he votes on the proposed Reproductive Health Reform bill. That's like asking all those MP members of the abortion lobby to leave their ideology outside Parliament when they too vote. Abortion may no longer be a crime was The Border Mail's subheading. What? Not a crime to kill an innocent baby? How low can we sink?