What does it say about the current state of America, that with a population of more than 340 million people who have already been willing to spend over $4 billion supporting their presidential candidates, it can only come up with Joe Biden and Donald Trump as its two best candidates (“Panic strikes after Biden nightmare”, June 29)? It might be time for Australians to seriously think about cutting the Pacific cord and let them drift away. Laurie Dicker, Forest Glen
Matt GoldingCredit:
As an octogenarian myself, I sympathised with President Joe Biden as he struggled through his confrontation with an oafish and ignorant opponent in the so-called debate. What I would wish the US voters to consider is the extent to which the skills and aptitudes required in that contrived context are related to the tasks associated with being the nation’s president, where decisions need to be coolly taken after careful deliberation and dispassionate consideration of the evidence or arguments and in the company of informed colleagues. In this context, characteristics such as sagacity, integrity, humanity and commitment to truth take primacy. The debating performances, though mismatched in terms of theatricality, showed that only one candidate possesses these traits. Don Squires, Lake Cathie
Biden’s car-crash debate highlighted yet again the innate human reluctance to recognise the distinction between our best-before and use-by dates. The food standard test is pertinent – consuming products after the best-before date might be OK, but to be on the market after the use-by date is illegal. From presidents and politicians to a myriad other professions, if you want to quit while you’re ahead, accepting you’ve reached your use-by date is key. Joy Nason, Mona Vale
Biden and his advisers over-prepared him for a debate on policies. That was never going to happen to Trump because he has no policies other than what pays and what helps him. Elaine Hoyle, Avalon Beach
Given the Democrats have been able to deceive the world for so long about the mental acuity of Biden, it makes one wonder what else have they been lying about so successfully? Peter Fleming, Northmead
What is worse: a sequence of stumbles or a litany of lies? Herman Beyersdorf, Bangalee
Pass the baton Joe, for all our sakes. Gregory Don, Galston
Who should replace Joe Biden? How about the most respected woman in the US: Michelle Obama. She doesn’t want it, but even that’s a recommendation.
Max Fossey, Oakville
The current Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is their man. He’s a polished diplomat and appears to be a man of integrity. And who could not want another President Blinken?
Hugh O’Keefe, Elizabeth Bay
How quickly can the Democratic Party get Caroline Kennedy on a plane back to America?
Dawn Hope, Wahroonga
Biden’s refusal to step aside is clear evidence that he should.
Tony Re, Georges Hall
Tell them you love them: Last times really matter
Julia Baird has written many powerful articles, but for me, her admonition to savour the memories of the simple and taken for granted things of the past, and to appreciate those in the present, is the most moving, wistful and memorable one of them all (“So much love in ‘last times’. Treasure them”, June 29). I’ll definitely be sending it to my three daughters, who are having preciously exasperating moments with their young children, and I challenge anyone to be able to read it without tears clouding their eyes when it comes to the last moments recounted by Maura and Susan. I will hang an abbreviation of the quote from Baird’s mother on my wall, reminding those who are embedded in my heart that “Just in case, if anything ever happens to me, I want you to know that I love you.” Anne Ring, Coogee
Julia Baird once again has gone to the core of life and relationships. I was reminded of Khalil Gibran’s reflection on friendship: “For in the dew of little things, the heart finds its morning and is refreshed”. Paul Casey, Callala Bay
DionneCredit:
Thank you, Julia Baird. May I also reference Harry Belafonte’s Turn Around: “Turn around and you’re a young wife with babes of your own”.
Graeme Morriss, Balgowlah
It’s November 30, 1961, and I am a young student teacher preparing lessons for the next day. My dad, an airline pilot, comes to my door, says goodbye and see you tomorrow. I barely acknowledge him. Off he goes to fly to Canberra but a fierce electrical storm forms and the plane is struck by lightning and plunges into Botany Bay. All on board are killed. Even after more than 60 years, I regret not saying my last goodbye. Pamela Williamson, Ryde
Another lovely article from Julia Baird. My beloved wife, Carol, died suddenly alone at home while I was out and I will forever regret not having the chance to say goodbye. Still, I console myself with the memories of 65 wonderful years together. Andrew Macintosh, Cromer
A few years ago, Ed Sheeran wrote a beautiful song entitled First Times. This song came to mind as I was reading Baird’s exquisitely written column about last times. Both deal with the magical personal moments of life we need to cherish in a world dominated by trouble and distress. Thank you, Julia, for again reminding us of the things that really matter. Phil Peak, Dubbo
Scotland the gold standard for new coercive control laws
Our family is greatly encouraged that NSW’s coercive control laws will come into effect today (“New law says violence more than physical”, June 29). Finally, mostly women and children, who are living with every aspect of their lives minutely controlled by their partner, in some cases for decades, will be supported by these new laws. Sadly, it will be too late for my relative and her children as the legalisation will not be retrospective, but what a start to changing the landscape around this unseen type of domestic violence. However, I am perplexed as to why NSW chose not to copy the 2018 Scottish laws. They are considered by everyone working in this space as the “gold standard”. A two year wait to review this law to consider if the threshold of intent should be lowered will enable more perpetrators to go about their evil ways. Rhonda Seymour, Castle Hill
Difficult whistleblowers
Whistleblowers are often “difficult” people (“Difficult, paranoid and polarising”, June 29). They may be stubborn, abrasive, have problematic interpersonal relationships and defy all authority. But it is precisely these qualities that give them the strength and determination they need to perform their essential democratic role. We should judge them by their achievements rather than by their personalities. George Skowronski, Darlinghurst
John ShakespeareCredit:
Reading Peter Hartcher’s article was a sobering reminder of how easy it is to make a cult of someone who has become a controversial figure in our increasingly conflicting world of politics and media “Free, but on probation at home”, June 29). It was a reminder of the necessity for probity in journalism more than ever in our time of fake news. His comment that “Assange’s clenched fist pumping the air was not a gesture of a contrition or humility; it was a statement of triumphal defiance” made me stop and think. Will Assange become the scorpion in the folk fable Hartcher quotes? I, as do many, certainly hope for the best, that the frog will be able to carry the scorpion to the other side. Maureen Casey, Breakfast Point
New blood
Indu Balachandran rightly points to the dysfunction of opposition for opposition’s sake (“How to add density to a ‘NIMBY’ suburb”, June 29). Here in Ku-ring-gai, many of us deplore the council’s failure to liaise with the state government regarding new housing. We want more constructive engagement that can produce excellent outcomes we can be proud of. Simple opposition to change keeps us stuck in the past. Where can new energy, new architecture, and new community facilities emerge if we are simply determined to resist change? I wish Indu Balachandran well in her campaign for the coming elections. She sounds like a breath of fresh air. Gillian King, Roseville
Sydney, we have been here before. I grew up in an inner suburb in the midst of the baby boom. The back lane was our playground and many migrant families enriched our community. Those streets have long since been razed but I can’t mourn their passing. Fond memories - but “community” consists of people, and kids are the glue. Leafiness is good, but in all the push to build it is absolutely vital to prioritise young people, especially families. That means the mix of apartments must include three bedroom homes and open spaces for unstructured play and, of course, preschools and schools. Basic, really, but planners and developers need to be reminded. Build it right and whole new communities will emerge. Margaret Johnston, Paddington
Having just moved into our downsizer I strongly endorse the need to not wait too long (Letters, June 30). But downsizing does not necessarily equate with down pricing. Seniors are not all downsizing from multimillion dollar homes. So the funds available after moving can be modest, with the cost of stamp duty biting off a significant slice of the pie. But stamp duty is not the only cost that can eat away at whatever “profit” one has made from the downsizing process. Essential costs extend well beyond stamp duty. While the emotional upheaval of bidding farewell to a long held family home is enormous and to be expected, the sheer physical demands of the move are exhausting and need support. Essential costs extend well beyond removalists. Without fit young relatives to assist, there are costs of getting help to sift and recycle one’s excess possessions, pack and unpack, renovate/repair/refresh the new home, not to mention agents, legal and banking fees all adding up. Downsizing should not be considered a profit making venture. It’s a lifestyle investment and it costs money. Sue Ellyard, Epping
Not needed
Even if Peter Dutton gets his way on nuclear energy, it will make up only a small percentage of our grid capacity in 2050. So why are we even considering it (“Nuclear not enough to avoid rush to renewables”, June 29)? South Australia is showing the way. It now gets 75 per cent of its electricity from wind and solar, and is set to reach 100 per cent by 2027. As backup, it’s relying on battery storage and peaking gas. No one there fears that the lights will go out when “the sun don’t shine and the wind don’t blow”. We shouldn’t either. Nuclear may be viable in nations that lack our endowment of renewables, but not here. We just don’t need it. Ken Enderby, Concord
For Pete’s sake.Credit: Matt Golding
Not enough
I agree wholeheartedly that “we should all be taking more time off work” (“Why we should all be taking more time off work”, June 29). Indeed, many large employers, including the Australian Public Service, had and maybe still have this written into their terms of employment. It is known as long service leave. But with the current cult of contract employment I gather few employees now remain with the same employer long enough to qualify. Alister Sharp, Hunters Hill
State of indecision
I always enjoy participating in the readers’ panel each week. The unsure option is often interesting and often logical. This week, I have been amused by the 4 per cent who were unsure if they watched the State of Origin NRL match on Wednesday night. I can only guess they were all Queensland supporters (The Readers’ Panel, June 29). Robyn Lewis, Raglan
A bro blow
The cleverest on-field sledge happened in an AFL game between brothers Michael and Brett Voss, who were playing on opposing sides (“The art of gnaw: Niggling opponents is a dark art, but does it work?”, June 29). One brother was lining up a kick for goal, while the other stood on the mark trying to distract him. As the kicker arrived at the top of his run-up, the marker screamed “my father had sex with your mother!” Julian Neylan, Dulwich Hill
The word has turned
Why is it a tragedy when swear words lose their comedic or shock value and are integrated into common usage (Letters, June 29)? Why not accept that language is dynamic, and what used to be profanity is now just another form of emphasis? Hardly the demise of society’s values. Rob Baxter, Naremburn
Russian list
I feel a bit ripped off here, not being included on Vladimir Putin’s list of Australians sanctioned for supporting the rebuilding of Ukraine with frozen Russian assets (“Tony Abbott, John Howard earn Putin’s ire, hit with sanctions by Kremlin”, June 29). Hey, Putin, what about me? Dick Clarke, Elanora Heights
- To submit a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald, email letters@smh.com.au. Click here for tips on how to submit letters.
- The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform. Sign up here.