Were you standing out the front of the Marketplace, out in the rain, catching a cold in the middle of winter, just like me?

Wagga wants to be seen as a modern city that embraces the 21^st century.

And when tourists come to our city or need to commute from the Marketplace themselves, it is not a good look.

People are forced to stand near the automatic doors as there is only one bench seat and absolutely no shelter.

Surely a bus shelter has more priority than brand new sculptures.

I WOULD like to address this letter to Adam Goodes. Adam, you are a bit of a hero of mine. I don’t really follow Aussie rules but have been on the fringes of it most of my life.

The reason I admire you is not about football, nor is it about being Australian of the Year.

It is because you stood up and said no, I won’t accept the vilification that has been put on me, nor will I accept the vilification of my people.

Now the filthy side of human nature has risen its ugly head in the form of bullying and booing, draw on the strength of the multitude of people that look up to you.

I am sure there are a lot of Aboriginal people but they are not the only ones.

My ancestry comes from the pale part of the planet – my skin burns red in the sun – but I am totally Australian, just like you.

My skin also burns red when I see injustice and bullying.

Don’t let them think they’ve won.

No matter how many boos you hear, there are a thousand cheers.

All the bystanders need to drown out the boos.

Do it for a united Australia.

I’M RESPONDING to Peter Schirmer's  letter ('Issue worth fighting for”, DA, August 19).

Once again you have used the guise of “not walking on tiptoes” to justify being unmeasured in your comments.  

Your arguments in my opinion are convoluted. “Marriage is not the issue it's just a smokescreen” you say. What does this mean?  

I think we need to get rid of the smoke and recognise what it is hiding behind it, namely issues of acceptance,  recognition, understanding and the knowledge the world as we know it will not disintegrate if gay rights are recognised and enacted into law. 

I read the article written by Kirk and Pill.  It's a pity you couldn't have found something more recent than an article written in 1987.

The only thing I will say is each side of this argument has the right to be heard so long as it isn't presented maliciously. 

In regard to the gay pride assembly I must admit I found the recognition of difference refreshing.  

I mentioned in my previous letter I have gays and lesbians in my extended family. A lesbian couple are raising two boys.

They are as well adjusted as any other children. The threat to their well being comes largely from  lack of understanding.  

I  worked as a counsellor for over 25 years. I find your comments on depressed and suicidal gays extremely disturbing.

Who are these ex-gays and what technique was used to “cure” them. It would seem this is an untruth used to advance your argument!

Gays need acceptance not threats to cure them.

Despite the fact I disagree with you strongly I appreciate the fact you are willing to discuss this important issue.