Clear and present dangers if US stands by over the Ukraine

Adam Creighton loses perspective and historical context in his comments on the potential conflict in Ukraine (“US has more to lose than gain in a war over Ukraine”, 25/1). Asking Europe to police Russia is like asking a Grade 1 kid to take on a high school bully. Russia possesses more than 6000 nuclear warheads, 12 times that of Britain and France put together. Germany, the strongest European economic power, has no nuclear arsenal at all.

Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has taken on a confrontational posture not seen since the height of the Cold War. Putin ruminated on the fall of the Soviet Union as the greatest geopolitical disaster in modern history and now having lost the amenability of Donald Trump, is anxious to test the will of Joe Biden.

As for Russia being a valuable ally against China, I’m afraid the horse has bolted. Like Xi Jinping, Putin rules his country with an iron fist. Both leaders find democratic values anathema to their goal of ultimate power. Now they work in unison as they conduct joint military and naval exercises.

Russia invaded Finland during World War II and received a bloody nose before sheer numbers swung the war in its favour. The Finns were alone in their defence. Ukraine does not have to be alone. If the US and NATO stand with it, Putin may hesitate, especially if he thinks an invasion of Ukraine would result in a pyrrhic victory.

Frank Carroll, Moorooka, Qld

WHO knows?

Having been slow to recognise the threat, or advise on its management, the WHO is maintaining its fine tradition of leading from the rear with its future Covid forecasts (“Prepare for Omicron’s endgame”, 25/1).

The signs of increased infectiousness and reduced mortality have been apparent for many months, both with Omicron, and its predecessor Delta strain; this is what viruses have to do to survive, as herd immunity builds through vaccination and previous exposure.

The future will be more of the same, as we work through the Greek alphabet, but with progressively reduced severity and without the same hospital consequences. Our infectious disease experts project the next stage will be an annual Covid shot, to go with the flu jab, and trials of the combination are already in progress in Australia and elsewhere.

It’s a pity WHO isn’t fulfilling its intended role, and advising for the pandemic’s future as opposed to its past.

Dr Graham Pinn, Maroochydore, Qld

If Mark McGowan wishes to continue isolation from the rest of the world in pursuit of Covid-free nirvana and runs out of ideas, he could consult NZ PM Jacinda Ardern (in trouble organising a wedding) or China’s Xi Jinping (possibly preoccupied with the Winter Games), who both share his dream. Alternatively, he could call his fellow Labor Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who, late to the party, has proven surprisingly successful at letting the Covid cat out of the bag.

Richard Gorrell, Killara, NSW

Cash splash

Get set for the flood gates to open as the federal election approaches and the Labor Party demonstrates the various ways of how to spend taxpayer funds.

To get things started, Anthony Albanese is promising a $440m splurge on schools, an area which comes under state government responsibilities (“Albanese’s $440m plan to revitalise schools”. 25/1).

Perhaps if the states wasted less on subsidising renewable energy schemes they’d have funds available for more critical areas like health and education.

The problem with this feel-good, populist approach by Albanese is it doesn’t address the core issues at hand, such as a woke, green-left curriculum, dubious teaching methodologies and an over-reliance on Google. Our education standards continue to fall as education expenditure increases.

Next we can expect from Albanese promises of wage rises, not from productivity growth but from the taxpayer pool.

It’s time the Australian electorate sent a clear message to politicians that we’re over the hand-out mentality and that we prefer smart, reform-based initiatives rather than wasteful cash splurges.

Ron Hobba, Camberwell, Vic

Break point

Let’s see Anthony Albanese don a “Where is Peng Shuai” T-shirt and post an image of himself wearing it on his WeChat page.

In fact, let’s see all politicians who have a WeChat presence get behind Drew Pavlou’s campaign (“It’s Open slather on Peng T-shirts”, 25/1). Getting cancelled by WeChat should be seen as a badge of honour.

With the Winter Olympics due to start Friday week, now is an ideal time to start building the momentum in highlighting China’s human rights record by a whole range of initiatives.

Tom Smith, Bowral, NSW