Diplomacy is more cost-effective than preparing for war

Many commentators still beat the drums of war about China. However, many former defence personnel say China is no threat to Australia unless the US drags us into a war over Taiwan when we would become a nuclear target.

Defence is not just the amount of money given to the US. Diplomacy with China and, more important, our regional partners such as Indonesia and the South Pacific in a non-aligned, non-nuclear armed neutrality is a far more cost-effective solution. It is better to address the real threats to security of the climate crisis through regional trade and a policy for peace in our region. What parent wants their child to sign up for war?

Colin Hughes, Cottesloe, WA

Ben Packham’s article highlights one of the disgraces in the ADF hierarchy (“Top brass at risk in ADF overhaul”, 9/7).

Currently, the army has more star officers than infantry rifle sections (nine-10 men), the navy has more star officers than ships, and the air force has more star officers than aircraft.

The culling should be more like 80-90 per cent rather than the 10 per cent intimated in the article. Only then would we be on a par with most Western defence forces and the much-needed funds would flow to the sharp end.

Gwynn Boyd, Mosman, NSW

Anti-terrorism rally

I attended the United Against Terror rally on the steps of the Victorian Parliament House last weekend. I joined Jews, Hindus, Christians, Iranians and many others, all united by a belief in democracy and the determination that terrorism must never succeed.

No one was abused or threatened. No restaurant patrons and staff were intimidated. No places of worship were set ablaze. In fact, not one pro-Israeli protest has been anything other than completely peaceful.

Jeremy C. Browne, Ripponlea, Vic

The fact demonstrators chanted “Death to the IDF” on the streets of Melbourne last weekend deserves more thought.

During the rallies against the Vietnam War, no one chanted “Death to the American forces”. I know, I was there. When demonstrators marched against the war in Iraq, this did not happen either.

No one has marched and chanted for the deaths of Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad, the generals of Myanmar or the leaders in the Sudanese war, or any of the recent terrible conflicts.

Where could this come from? Surely this is more than anger at the IDF? Iran has regularly been calling for “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” for more than 40 years. Is Australia becoming an Iranian outpost?

Pia Brous, Armadale, Vic

Rather than simply stating that racism has no place in Australia, I have four suggestions for the prime minister/premiers that could put a brake on anti-Semitism: ban face masks during public protests; ban the display of flags of terrorist organisations; protests must apply for permission and they are not allowed to obstruct public streets or walkways; and attacks on people or property for racial reasons results in a custodial sentence.

Hilary Mercer, Rockhampton, Qld

Why activism is failing

The massive growth in oil and gas production across the Americas (“ ‘Drill baby, drill’ inspires Americas’ fossil-fuel boom”, 9/7) makes one thing clear: restricting supply in Australia won’t curb global emissions. Activist efforts to block local development may feel righteous but achieve nothing. If we want real progress on climate, the focus must shift to reducing demand – through energy efficiency, alternative technologies and perhaps even rethinking consumption habits.

That’s a harder sell for activists who rely on simple slogans, social media traction and donations that may dry up if they turn the spotlight on personal responsibility. Australia must reassess whether opposing local gas development is helping or harming. The current approach damages our energy security and economy while delivering no meaningful environmental benefit.

Don McMillan, Paddington, Qld

Perils of quotas

Before discussion on female quotas goes any further, it may be wise to consider just what quota-ism signals about Australian women and their abilities.

Is a handicapping system – in public life, in business, in education – really in women’s long-term interests? We may also ask: Can genderism ever sit comfortably with democracy? Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an able spokesperson for female equality, was critical of quotas, arguing they undermined merit-based selection. and led to tokenism. She preferred women to be judged on their merits. In their race to establish themselves in the public psyche as modernist thinkers, the political parties of this country may be doing the image of women considerable disservice.

Marina Hamilton-Craig, Encounter Bay, SA