Harris closer to the presidential job than your average VP

Greg Sheridan’s approval of socialist-leaning Indian-Jamaican-American as Joe Biden’s VP candidate is pleasing (“From a weak field, Kamala Harris the right choice”, 13/8). Harris may even sip chardonnay — though we cannot be sure she swallows it. But I find it difficult to recollect even a single VP who made a significant contribution to American politics other than Dan Quayle, who gave us plenty about which to laugh.

A VP’s primary function is to shadow the president in case he or she dies in office. But Harris gives the impression that she can play a big part in making the world a better place for all and she has the brains and the wisdom to do it without upsetting the apple cart.

Bill Mathew, Parkville, Vic

John Nance Garner, US vice-president from 1933 to 1941, is credited with the observation that the vice-presidency was “not worth a bucket of warm spit” — though it is possible that Garner, once described as “a labour-baiting, poker-playing, whiskey-drinking, evil old man”, may not have used the word “spit” but something a little more crude.

In normal times, this assessment is no doubt correct, but the 2020 US presidential election is one of unwonted significance. If the polls are correct, and if fears regarding Joe Biden’s mental acuity are well founded, the next VP may stand closer than usual to the presidency. Let us all hope that Kamala Harris is up to the job.

Terry Birchley, Bundaberg, Qld

Honour our brave

Tomorrow marks the 75th commemoration of victory over Japan in the Pacific theatre of World War II. It is a time to reflect on the deep courage and sacrifice of those who served. Many Australians endured a hideous captivity in Changi, working on the Thai-Burma railway and in hellish prison camps in Japanese-occupied territory. Beatings, torture, overwork and starvation were the lot of our prisoners of war.

Australian soldiers, mostly national servicemen, also delivered the Japanese land army’s first defeat, at Kokoda. Incredible stories of extreme bravery emerged after the war such as that of Sister Vivian Bullwinkel, survivor of the Banka Island massacre in 1942. Bullwinkel and all who served our nation in this time of great national peril will always retain the honour and thanks of a grateful nation.

Peter Curtis, Werribee South, Vic

Baby-care policy

I am surprised by the economic take on the importance of childcare by Fiona Stanley and Richard Denniss (“Quality childcare can help rebuild our economy”, 13/8). As a child advocate I would have thought their focus would be on the emotional wellbeing of children.

Is the best public policy for a six-month-old baby to be separated from his or her primary attachment figure to cope with what the industry itself describes as inadequate staff numbers and training? What about the guilt and pain of primary carers leaving their toddlers with strangers?

I am all for a rich, child-focused educational experience for children over the age of three, when social skills are important, but before that age children need consistent care within the family. Why not replace expensive public baby-care with family leave — equally shared between both partners to stop one parent taking the economic hit. This model may not suit every situation, but as a parent and grandparent I understand most parents would prefer this option.

Susan Burt, Yarralumla, ACT

Fiona Stanley and Richard Denniss report Australian Bureau of Statistics calculations that spending $1 million on childcare creates 9.2 jobs while in construction just one job. Five short years ago Tony Abbott championed paid childcare but was shouted down by all and sundry.

Craig Walker, Darling Point, NSW