Last Post, February 13

Tributes to Hakeem’s homecoming heartwarming

It's a huge relief that Hakeem al-Araibi has been released and has returned to Australia. But it is heartwarming and a tribute to this country that all news reports speak of him as “an Australian footballer” and “coming home”. So he is.

Julia Archer, Broadview, SA

Survivor Bangkok. It is not called the Land of Wiles for nothing. I admire the Thai government for its deft handling of a political football. Thailand was unfairly penalised by own-goals from two foreign teams yet it was the one red-carded by the international community.

Mike Fogarty, Weston, ACT

Imagine all boat people were footballers. We’d be without immigration problems. Manus Island and Nauru would never have become the cross that Australia insists on carrying.

Ron Willis, Mount Lawley, WA

Two doctors required to approve whether asylum-seekers should be evacuated from Nauru or Manus? With two of Australia’s most eminent doctors already sitting in Parliament awaiting their new career paths, Richard Di Natale and Kerryn Phelps, what could possibly go wrong?

I an Kent, Renmark, SA

The level of hysteria being whipped up by Jordan Peterson’s fans over his Q&A appearance reminds me of Beatlemania. I’m looking forward to The Australian putting out a “limited edition” commemorative magazine and perhaps the government will favour us with a commemorative stamp, or even a coin.

Brian Colton, Piccadilly, SA

ABC’s Tony Jones is leaving Q&A to go to China? No doubt any lack of Mandarin can be overcome by simply interrupting the inhabitants whenever they try to speak.

Michael Doyle, Ashburton, Vic

Such is the lack of integrity and leadership in public life we risk being governed by a series of royal commissions, panels of experts in various areas and so-called independent MPs.

Roseanne Schneider, Toowoomba, Qld

So in the interests of interracial harmony, Australia is introducing apartheid in Mintabie (“Besieged residents to challenge APY ruling”, 12/2). I opposed it in South Africa and I oppose it in Australia.

Michael Cunningham, West End, Qld

Ray Carman (Letters, 12/2), King Canute was not hoping to hold back the tide. He was demonstrating that, even as king, he couldn't control the tide.

Paul Connelly, Gawler South, SA

What a wonderful legacy Bill Leak has left us with Johannes’s incisive wit and artistic talent.

Jillian Thomas, Tamborine Mtn, Qld