Assault on West by Xi and Putin

We need to stand up to this ‘authoritarian alliance’

Greg Sheridan’s excellent analysis of the strategic partnership of the new “authoritarian axis” powers of China and Russia should be read by all who are responsible for defending the free world (“China and Russia deserve a robust Five Eyes response”, 20/2). Their assault on the liberal democratic international rules-based order is being felt worldwide and is destructively active in cyberspace and in space itself.

Bullies and gangsters only prosper when no one is prepared to stand up to them. Defeating China and Russia by bringing about small but visible defeats and making their economies suffer would be a bloodless way of shaking confidence in their dystopian regimes. Sadly, Donald Trump’s impact on multilateralism has rendered the West divided and unwilling to act as a united force. Presidents Xi and Putin know this, and are happy to exacerbate the divisions.

As a first attempt, I would suggest the US and its partners and allies ensure that President Nicolas Maduro is deposed and Venezuela is returned to the Western fold.

J im Wilson, Beaumont, SA

Hack central

A centralised approach to cyber security for key infrastructure and services paints a big target for hackers. Even our rural sewerage plants have mobile phone-based control systems. We should not be exposing all critical systems to a single hack. A decentralised approach has less risk. The hybrid fibre cable (HFC) NBN network is essentially a series of easily hacked neighbourhood party lines across the mainland state capitals — it is by far our biggest cyber security issue.

Peter Egan, Artarmon, NSW

Remote teachers

When I left teachers college in September 1961, we were “bonded” and obliged to teach wherever the authorities decided we should go. My appointment was to the township of Goodooga in NSW, 800km from Sydney. The reason for my trip there was the fact that at the last minute the department ruled it was remote and the accommodation too basic for a woman. Equal opportunity did not include equal hardship. My main regret was we were given no training in the cultural sensitivity needed when teaching indigenous students.

The school’s shining light was a young principal who took his job very seriously and made a great effort to reduce the educational disadvantages of the children. Properly trained and financially rewarded young teachers under bond could well be a big part of the solution of the problems faced by indigenous communities.

David Morrison, Springwood, NSW

Denying the deniers

I was dismayed to read on Wednesday (“Australia top pick for hate preachers”, 20/2) that yet another Holocaust denier, a David Icke, was due to arrive here and spread his hate and lies. I immediately contacted the office of my federal Member, Ben Morton, and registered my displeasure at the possible arrival of this individual. I later received an email detailing how my concerns had been passed “up the chain”.
So it was with great delight that I was able to read yesterday that this obnoxious individual has been denied entry to Australia (“Jewish genocide denier’s visa axed”). My thanks to the powers responsible for stopping Icke in his tracks.

Rod Steed, Booragoon, WA

Quit while ahead

Would the announcement that Julie Bishop will not contest the next election have more to do with the fact the Government will, in all probability, be in opposition when the smoke has cleared? As one of its best performers the LNP couldn’t afford to lose her, but she was wise to book her seat on one of the lifeboats.

D.J. Fraser, Currumbin, Qld