Is the hysteria about a poor costume choice made by the now premier Dominic Perrottet 20 years ago a beat-up or was his decision to wear a Nazi costume to his 21st birthday party an insult to all those murdered by fascists? The deluge of letters from Herald readers was split into two camps: those who expressed condemnation and offence, and others who believed Perrottet should not be crucified for making a mistake as a young man. Pat Stringa, Letters editor
Immaturity and the impetuosity of youth no excuse
Premier, I understand that you and your wife have seven children (“Premier’s shame over Nazi costume”, January 13). Your children have the security of knowing who their parents are. I assume they are fed, warm, safe and loved. Perhaps one of them is between the ages of three and six.
My mother was three years old when she was sent to a concentration camp. At the age of five, she was found wandering alone at the Bergen-Belsen camp when it was liberated on April 15, 1945. Her mother and all her extended family because they were Jewish, were murdered, gassed or starved to death by the Nazis. My mother was hungry, cold, sick, unsafe and alone.
She is now 82 and lives in Sydney. Together with her husband she has raised a family of three children and nine grandchildren. Her eldest grandchild is 21 years old. Her family has been raised in an environment of respect and tolerance for all people.
There is no acceptable excuse nor apology nor explanation for your behaviour at the age of 21. None whatsoever. Naomi Daykin, Killarney Heights
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