Credit: Matt Golding
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MENTAL GYMNASTICS
It takes impressive mental gymnastics to describe an Australian spy plane flying near China as lawful and within international norms while describing a Chinese naval ship near Australia as provocative and threatening regional stability (“Planes diverted as Chinese ships warn of live fire”, 22/2).
Let’s be realistic here, it’s all provocative. The more relevant matter is why Australia and China are both drawn into such pointless folly. Could it possibly be due to the undue influence of a belligerent third party?
A smarter, more independently minded Australia would abjure provocative flights, and a pragmatic China would respond in kind.
Mark Freeman, Macleod
Over-cooked
There has been a fuss about Chinese warships operating in international waters adjacent to Australia. Australian warships regularly operate in international waters adjacent to the Chinese coast. So, what is the big deal?
Reg Murray, Glen Iris
Bullies on world stage
China would be screaming blue murder if any of our ships did what they are doing.
Lots of perks to being a bully. No wonder US President Donald Trump is envious. He hasn’t quite gotten to that stage. But give him time, maybe another four years.
Marie Nash, Balwyn
Different responses
Some of your correspondents (Letters, 22/2) appear confused as to the motivations behind the respective responses of the prime minister and opposition leader as to Donald Trump’s apparent siding with Russia over Ukraine.
The prime minister, as leader of our country, is hamstrung by diplomatic and trade restraints and needs to weigh up the benefits and disadvantages of his responses as regards our national interests.
The opposition leader is not so hamstrung. Peter Dutton has been accused of imitating Trump and, not surprisingly, might take any opportunity to distance himself from Trumpian extremist views while condemning Anthony Albanese for his more measured, diplomatic stance.
Simply put, another tactic for the opposition to exploit for political gain.
Edward Combes, Wheelers Hill
Show of solidarity
Your correspondent (Letters, 22/2) suggests Prime Minister Anthony Albanese increase aid to Ukraine. When I read of Donald Trump denigrating Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, I made a donation to help war victims in Ukraine. It’s one small way we can show our solidarity.
Joan Reilly, Surrey Hills
A wide gulf
The Gulf of Mexico is now, apparently, the Gulf of America. Likewise, the leader of the free world is no longer the US president, but is now Volodymyr Zelensky.
Those media outlets that refuse to adapt should be cancelled.
Pam Cupper, Dimboola
Hit Trump’s hip-pocket
Canadians have the right idea in not buying US-made goods (“Trump’s tariffs already backfiring in Canada”, 22/2).
Hopefully, the rest of the world will follow suit. The best way to deal with Donald Trump is hurt him in the hip-pocket and buy only locally made goods.
Paul Chivers, Box Hill North
In name of patriotism
Peter Dutton has been so proactive in encouraging consumers to reject “wokeism” by boycotting Australian companies like Woolworths because they stopped stocking cheap Chinese-made Australian flags in the lead-up to Australia Day. If Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Australian imports into the United States, will Dutton also be passionately encouraging patriotic consumers to boycott all US-made products?
Don’t wait for Dutton to tell you to do it, as I suspect he won’t – boycott them yourselves.
Chris Green, Venus Bay.
Moving on from Don
Could we have a designated “Trump-Free Day”? Perhaps every Friday? So we can go into the weekend with some joy and give some oxygen to other more pressing matters.
Fred Colla, Ivanhoe
Exemplary student
Yes, rowing is tough (“Inside the tough, elite world of school rowing”, 22/2). But it also teaches important life skills: organisation, time management, commitment to the group, dedication, and the ability to overcome setbacks and accept defeat.
Edward Millear’s death was tragic, but it sounds like he exemplified all these characteristics and more.
Peta Colebatch, Hawthorn
Taxing numbers
I find it interesting the number of letters that suggest governments provide or increase the funding and/or provision of various services. No mention of where these funds should come from.
Clearly, to me, those who can afford it, should pay more tax. However, those very people (and that includes politicians) actually employ people to minimise the tax they pay. Too simplistic?
What am I missing?
Michael Hendrickson, Kew East
List of transgressions
This state government is the absolute epitome of arrogance and incompetence. Firstly, John Sylvester (“Dedicated trio deserved much better”, 22/2), nails it referring to the dismissal of three top police officials.
Secondly, your correspondent’s reference (Letters, 22/2) to the demolition of housing towers is a blatant disregard for architectural and economic advice from experts not to take the renovation option.
Thirdly, the auditor-general’s report (“Cost of Victoria’s major projects jumps $11.6 billion in a year”, 19/2) ... the list goes on.
You’re the one that needs a vote of no confidence, Premier Jacinta Allan.
Ian Anderson, Surrey Hills
On the buses
We will have a bus shortage because of all the senior police officers being thrown under them by the Labor Party (“Dedicated trio deserved much better”, 22/2).
David Carr, Templestowe
Backyard trees axed
There is no doubt humanity is facing the greatest challenge since Noah rode out the flood, but this time we’re battling intolerable heat as well as rising sea levels (“Councils want trees to fight deadly heatwaves”, 22/2).
It’s all very well for councils to care for their own trees, but what about the tree cover on the housing blocks they allow to be cleared to make way for fenceline-to-fenceline construction? I grew up on a quarter-acre block with a liquid amber shading the house and fruit trees in the backyard.
The council allowed the block to be cleared and covered by a brick heat-bank with a dark roof. Where’s the logic in that?
John Mosig, Kew
Tram safety off rails
For more than 25 years, I have been using the No. 19 tram to travel from Coburg to the CBD and back.
In that time, the frequency of passengers with mental health challenges has increased significantly.
Having endured yet another journey with an aggressive and intimidating passenger shouting, I wonder where to from here?
The tram driver must hear the commotion but, in my experience, never takes any action. To ensure passenger safety, tram equivalents of Protective Services Officers (PSOs) are urgently required.
David Eastwood, Coburg
Turning the page
Jane Sullivan doesn’t recommend reading in bed late at night (“Are we a nation of people who read?”, 22/2) What then do we habitual dark-worriers do with our stretches of wide-awake time?
Immersion in a fast-paced murder mystery diverts us from our real-world stresses. Hung over the next day from late reading feels better than any sleeping pills.
Glenda Johnston, Queenscliff
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To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number below your letter. No attachments. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published.