I am sure the majority of people feel the genuine anguish expressed by your correspondent regarding the current conflict in the Middle East (Letters, October 7). There seems to be no genuine desire to reach a solution to this pointless, violent killing and maiming of innocent people on both sides, and to the destruction of vital infrastructure by increasingly lethal and polluting weapons. Surely in 2024 it is time for the parties involved to try to negotiate a solution and in the meantime to cease all warfare. There are no winners in war. Start talking now. Kath Maher, Lidcombe
I am, as I’m sure are many others, in despair at the stream of politicians of all stripes spouting about “the right of Israel to defend itself”. However, what of the rights of Palestinians? As far back as 1967 Israeli governments encouraged these illegal settlements, in defiance of international law, and settlers have been armed and encouraged by them to terrorise and kill Palestinians. No decent human being could endorse the terrorism unleashed by Hamas one year ago, but nor could any decent human being endorse the actions of successive Israeli governments in deliberately killing Palestinian civilians, women and children. If we are to condemn terrorism, as we should, let us be even-handed. The Israeli government is but the latest and most violent practitioner of terrorism in the Middle East, yet condemnation of this is regarded as antisemitism. Come on Australia, we can do better than this. Let us condemn terrorism and racism in all of its forms, and regardless of the religion or ethnic grouping of its perpetrators. Ian Usman Lewis, Armidale
What happened on October 7 in Israel was horrific. However, Israel’s response to this attack has also been horrific. Two wrongs do not make a right. The world must draw a line in the sand before this conflict causes further tragedy. Providing a viable future for the Palestinian people where they are free to achieve their potential in a country they can call their own must be our goal. At the same time, we must also ensure an environment where Israel can live in peace without the constant threat of terrorism. Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy is now clear. Reshape Middle East geopolitics more to his liking while the ability of the US to respond to escalating tensions is frozen by their imminent election. As part of this, he seeks to achieve his long-held ambition of neutralising the Iran threat by creating a catalyst for a war between Iran and the US. Mark Ronsisvalle, Cremorne
Let me express my gratitude to David Leser for baring his “ripped and shredded soul” and providing perspective to this tragic conflict (“I’m terrified and torn on this dark anniversary, and by what’s yet to come”, October 7). But I must disagree with his contention that there are no solutions. Firstly, it is up to the people of Israel to elect a government that respects the rights of others to exist. Then the nations of the world, including Australia, must create a Palestinian state – just as they created the state of Israel. But the killing must stop now. Mark Paskal, Austinmer
Thank you, David Leser, for once again hitting a perfect note in grappling with the simultaneous responses of despair and terror that fill my Jewish heart. Leslie Solar, Balmain
Thank you, David Leser, for summing up the horror of October 7 and the horror of what has been done since in the name of Israel. Rhyan Andrews, Faulconbridge
Today, I made a trellis for my tomatoes, chatted with the missus and grandkids, drank some tea in the sunshine and later, a couple of beers. Not once did I, as a militant atheist, feel the need to chop up anybody with differing views on the meaning of life or to make a grab for any of my neighbours’ resources or land. If the psychopathic political, military and religious leaders of this world would take themselves off to some place of no influence, we, the important ones, could peacefully live out the one life we were gifted by our ancestors. Dave Watts, Avalon
Bad company
What is it about the conservatives that sees them idolise their failed past leaders (CBD: Lettuce Liz goes to Canberra, courtesy of superfan Dutton”, October 7)? Both Liz Truss and Tony Abbott feature high up the list as their country’s shortest-serving and least successful PMs, and both were voted out by their electorates, losing once safe conservative seats. It’s hard to remember a single positive achievement of either while holding the top job. Abbott seems to be lauded for being a speed bump on climate mitigation and for his negativity, (a tactic emulated by Peter Dutton), but will be remembered for eating raw onions, being the suppository of all wisdom, and primarily for being the subject of Julia Gillard’s brilliant misogyny speech. It does seriously call into question the priorities and values of the Liberal Party. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl
Former prime minister Liz Truss was Britain’s shortest-serving leader.Credit: AP
In one way, I can understand why Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would invite Liz Truss to attend federal parliament. To Dutton (and to Tony Abbott), Ms Truss may represent the pinnacle of free-market capitalism. However, by associating with the person responsible for probably the UK’s most disastrous budget, Mr Dutton may be seriously damaging his case to displace the Albanese government in the 2025 election. Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin (ACT)
Recently it was reported that Dutton was consulting with former PMs Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison, and now he is having talks with former UK PM Liz Truss. What is the thrust of these consultations – what not to do? Or is it just Dutton telling them where they went wrong? Brian Collins, Cronulla
Peter Dutton invites Liz Truss to Parliament House. Let’s hope he doesn’t take any advice from the former British PM who crashed the UK economy in 44 days, proving that tax cuts for the richest people on borrowed money does not work. David Boyd, Bondi Beach
Hidden history
Clinton Cole’s restoration of the old Surry Hills newsagent is such a wonderful example of just what’s possible with “vision” (“Hidden treasure behind Surry Hills walls”, October 7). It’s no wonder he calls it a highlight in his career. Let’s hope that a similar visionary will one day resurrect and breathe life into the old Metro/Minerva and Plaza theatres in Sydney. So much of the fabric of Sydney’s history has been lost to the bulldozers. This old gem of a sensitively restored inner-city shopfront is a perfect example of recognising and celebrating what we have left. Greg Vale, Kiama
As I sit missing the light, green space and trees that are gone due to the huge new house built next door, Clinton Cole’s story makes me smile. All power to architects like Cole who find treasures, preserve and restore, rather than destroy. Lisa Williams, Dulwich Hill
Labor is failing on nature
Caitlin Fitzsimmon’s article should be brought to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s attention (“Nature positive? First, let’s stop being negative”, October 7). It is a concise and informative article that would remind the minister all the words she glowingly speaks about the Global Nature Positive Summit and its outcomes will only make environmentally aware Australians roll their eyes in frustration, if Labor continues to negatively affect nature with its ineffective nature protection policies. For the sake of the health and the wellbeing of Australians, let alone the world population, Plibersek should get to work fixing the laws that are allowing nature to be destroyed. Margot Vaccari, Berowra
It’s a great shame that the nature positive movement is attempting to use “the language of economics and the structures of markets” to further its cause. Though this is often the language of politics, the moral case for action is a strong one and it is one which, with the right leadership, would enthuse Australians to get behind it. Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls
A win for women
After winning a fierce legal battle in the Tasmania Supreme Court (where she was flanked by women in matching suits) to exclude men from the Ladies Lounge at MONA, artist Kirsha Kaechele announces a month-long victory party (“Ladies Lounge to travel, says artist”, October 7). There will also be “a few special opportunities for men as well [laundry folding lessons etc]“. Hehe. I like this wicked woman and her coven. I like them very much. Alicia Dawson, Balmain
Kirsha Kaechele (centre) and supporters celebrate the Ladies Lounge Supreme Court verdict. Credit: Jesse Hunniford
Onslow ousting
This article highlighted the unseemly pursuit of profit by developers creating luxury homes for a minute proportion of this city’s most comfortably off (“‘Now selling’? Court fight over eastern suburbs development”, October 6). As a neighbour, during the past week I have witnessed the tenants of 10 Onslow Avenue drag their belongings out of their homes and into trucks, knowing they were unlikely to find an affordable new rental home anywhere in this or adjacent suburbs. Who are we as a society that we are content to sit by while our inner city suburbs are effectively socially cleansed? And why is it acceptable to pursue this outcome when a Land and Environment court decision on the development application is still pending? Maryanne Dever, Elizabeth Bay
An act of dog
Dog owners have more responsibility than just a lifelong commitment to the animal (“No bones about it: dogs outnumber kids citywide”, October 7). They also have to abide by the Companion Animal Act, of which many dog owners seem oblivious or deliberately ignorant. Simple things like dogs on leash in public areas (including beaches), not being fed from the table and being kept on the ground while in an outdoor dining area. And dog prohibited area means just that, no exemptions, no excuses. Too many dog owners seem to think they and their dogs are above the law designed for human and wildlife health and safety. Karen Joynes, Bermagui
Free speech failure
Sorry George, but the right to free speech has nothing to do with left v right ideology (“Protests create a Voltairean moment for our democracy”, October 7). It is a fundamental tenet of our democracy that our elected leaders are expected to uphold. On that score, the recent Liberal government failed miserably. The raids on the ABC, banning public servants talking about immigration detention centres and pressuring scientists not to disclose their research on climate change shows the opposite. Back to the writing desk for Brandis.
Michael Blissenden, Dural
Pro-Palestinian supporters Credit: Nick Moir
George Brandis does it again. His blind loyalty to the Liberal Party claims that it “has won a hard-earned reputation as the champion of free speech”, conveniently overlooking the fact that Peter Dutton has demanded that the government prevent any pro-Palestinian protests from going ahead. Sounds like classic doublethink. Rob Phillips, North Epping
I assume George Brandis has his tongue firmly in his cheek when he says the Liberal Party is unique in its support of the rights of its enemies to free speech. Has he not been paying attention to the utterances of Peter Dutton imploring the Labor government to ban pro-Palestine demonstrations and cancel the visas of protesters? The indiscriminate labelling of people who are critical of Israel’s slaughter of citizens in Gaza as “antisemitic” is yet another example of this intolerance by the Liberal Party. Dennis Metcalf, Drummoyne
Fountain (pen) of youth
Our editor’s call for younger epistolers came just a few days prior to Ageism Awareness Day on October 9 (Letters, October 7). Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
What are the telling signs that the contributor to Letters is not young? Is it the grammar, spelling, knowledge of world events, choice of subject or just good old forbearance?
Mary Julian, Glebe
Does the Letters team know my age or do I just sound old? Maybe I had better start throwing in a couple of LOLs, FOMOs and other Millennial and Gen Z speak. Cool beans. Mark Nugent, Lugarno
For today’s young readers, lots of cents for their eloquence would be more acceptable than pennies for their thoughts. Joy Cooksey, Harrington
Strike for peace
Perhaps it’s time the women of the world, following the example of Lysistrata, denied their husbands conjugal rights until peace is restored (Letters, October 7)? John Christie, Oatley
League’s grand finale
Well done to the Herald on the post-match reflections on the NRL grand final by all of its league writers. Malcolm Knox’s article, including references to Inspector Clouseau, is the pièce de résistance (“Panthership a fitting end, but never a sure thing”, October 7). He only needed a reference to it being “all part of life’s rich pageant”. Paul Casey, Callala Bay
The footy’s finished and now the tricky time with no sport to watch till the cricket starts. Might have to read a book or something. Michael Deeth, Como West
A cross word
While I accept that looming nuclear conflagration in the Middle East, catastrophic global heating and growing Chinese hegemony in the Pacific are all items of particular news interest and thus possibly distracting some from their necessary focus, can we please establish some priorities? Sunday’s cryptic crossword, (at 1a), was clearly intended to be an anagram of “Same birds”. Which does not equate with the only possible answer – “rabidness”. “Sane birds” would have been correct. Please, in a world unravelling before our eyes, can we at least get the crossword right? Gary Stowe, Springwood
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