Last Post, March 18

It is correct to describe the Christchurch terrorists as a coward.

Congratulations to David Kilcullen for describing the actions of the shooter in Christchurch as cowardly. If this word was used more often, others contemplating similar acts might realise there is nothing heroic about killing unarmed civilians.

Richard Tainsh, Potts Point, NSW

The radicalisation of that terrorist began with the demonisation of refugees and asylum-seekers on the Tampa. It is hypocritical of the Prime Minister to urge Australians to “stand up to hatred and intolerance”. It will be our pleasure at the election.

Dennis Murray, Warragul South, Vic

The sad events in New Zealand will live in the annals of villainy so that the perpetrator will never hear the end of it. This abhorrent act will boost NZ’s resolve to safeguard values truly worth defending.

Arthur Giannopoulos, Mitcham, SA

Whatever evils the Christchurch gunman has done, he has provided a pretext for extremists in Muslim-majority countries to take revenge on Christians in their midst.

Alasdair Livingston, Pasadena, SA

What a tragedy that mongrel didn’t take his guns to fight alongside the Kurds against Islamic State rather than exact his delusions on innocent citizens in Christchurch.

Michael Howitt, Tewantin, Qld

Fraser Anning should be widely condemned, not only for his insensitivity, but the timing of his delivery of his comments on the New Zealand massacre. The young fool who attacked Anning fully deserved a good smack in the ear — not only for being stupid but for boosting Anning’s hero status in the eyes of some extremist elements.

Howard Hutchins, Chirnside Park, Vic

Far from criticising children for wagging school to prevent the climate from changing, I would encourage childrens’ crusades against volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. What future do these children have unless governments can prevent these things?

Art Raiche, Killara, NSW

From the coverage of the kids’ climate rally, there was a notable absence of Asian faces. That might be evidence that such students, who often top education rankings, made the judgment that their future depended on every day of learning.

Wilson Tuckey, Ascot, WA

When I hear the earnest and zealous speeches coming from the striking schoolchildren about global warming, it is just a matter of time before we hear how socialism delivers the best outcomes for the greatest number of people. This is frightening. Who is teaching them about failed socialist states? Stalin and Hitler both co-opted children as useful idiots in their propaganda.

Gabrielle Lord, Randwick, NSW