I walked out my front door on the weekend and was stopped in my tracks. I was bleary eyed, shoes barely tied and I was struggling to put one foot in front of the other. I’m not a morning person. But, looking up, I felt like I’d just been punched in the face. See I’ve kept pretty quiet about the “great V8 debate” as I mentally weigh up the pros and cons for what it really means for our city. There are definite points for both sides of the argument, something that as an opinion writer, I want to look into further before I throw my hat into the ring. But… what met my eyes on that fateful weekend morning, had absolutely nothing to do with the debate. What it was, was a display of thuggery, disrespect, and all in all, a really, really, low act. So I did what I do, and wrote you a little something.
An open letter to the United Service Club Vandals.
G’day.
It’s Friday, which I’m assuming means another pay packet has landed in your pocket and you’re so incredibly keen for the weekend. How good are weekends right? Speaking of the weekend… Let’s talk.
See my eyes were met with a pretty disgusting sight on Sunday morning, as I stepped out my front door and noticed your ‘handy’ work. And to this I say… Are you actually kidding me? I’ve thought a lot about how to approach this with you. An issue which has really left me hurt, disgusted and wondering exactly what went through your mind as you slinked away in the middle of the night, smirking, hands stained red, full and satisfied after taking a slug at the patriarchy. It was you, right? The one who decided to take their frustration and anger out on the United Service Club? (USC)
Your motives are so clearly tied to the leasing of a small office by the USC to Supercar officials. I mean, I know right… How dare the USC capitalise on the opportunity to secure much needed funds to keep their organisation afloat. How dare they fight to retain a safe space for veterans. How selfish! I mean goodness me, surely they didn’t spare a thought for the town! But see… that’s actually on you.
If your teenage act of defiance was really motivated by this financial transaction, will you then go after the residents who are openly renting out their homes over the Supercar weekend? Or is that going too far? I just wasn’t really sure because it seems you don’t actually have a moral compass to which I can accurately predict your actions. Will you spray paint their doorstep? Deface their property? Shake your fist at their kids as they leave that particular house for school? Where is the line?
[x_pullquote type=”right”]Under the cover of darkness, like the true coward you are, you may have missed the fact that the establishment you so easily and crudely defaced, was the United Service Club[/x_pullquote]See I wonder if you even know exactly what purpose the building, you so easily and ever so crudely defaced, actually serves. (The key word really here is serves). Under the cover of darkness, like the true coward you are, you may have missed the fact that the establishment you so easily and crudely defaced, was the United Service Club. Built in 1884, as the very first council chambers, the historic building has surfaced as a safe haven for our past and present military personnel since 1931. But what really baffles me, is that if you really loved the city as much as you think your actions prove you do, you would have known this… no?
Since you seem to love the word “no” oh so much, here are some ways in which I choose to direct it towards you. No, I will not celebrate your behaviour. No I will not hold back. No I will not believe that you’re a passionate Novocastrian just trying to do your bit. And no I will not apologise for labelling you a lowlife delinquent. Because like I said, this isn’t about the “V8 debate” at all. There is no method to your madness, just a blatant lack of respect for those around you.
Please don’t come back to me with the misconception that this was a crime of passion. That you’re as Novocastrian as ’97, bonafide born and bred, and your intentions were honourable and true and you’re just misunderstood… You don’t fool me. But I get it. I get that you had a message to deliver and a point to prove. But instead of formulating a calculated opinion and foundation for discussion, you simply identified yourself as a delinquent idiot. Is this the identity you wish to attach to your side of the argument, the image which you hope to associate your branch of opinion with? Because unfortunately, instead of spurring a sense of enlightenment and a passionate desire to protest the Supercars, you destroyed all hope of credibility for the “against” camp. I’m sure those of you, who know you personally, would share my view in this regard.
So to you, dear vandal I say… Wake up to yourself. Do the people of Newcastle a favour, and keep your hands, and spray cans, away from our town.
