Last Post: Tariff war is a defensive move

Are the US tariffs the act of a friend or foe? Or a faux friend?

Walter W. Brett, Howard, Qld

What’s wrong with tariffs? They just protect a nation. Look what free trade with China has done to our manufacturing base – it’s ceased to exist, as we can’t compete with cheap labour.

Paul Haege, Darling Point, NSW

In the light of the tariff wars, I am already saving to pay for my treatment of early onset PTSD (Post Trump Stress Disorder).

Jim Taylor, Brisbane, Qld

If Peter Dutton is Australia’s Donald Trump, as Anthony Albanese would like us to believe, then that makes Albo Australia’s Kamala Harris? I know which I would prefer.

Frank Pulsford, Aspley, Qld

Albo with an iceberg lettuce in one hand for China and a nulla nulla in the other for the US, the contrast could not be greater.

John Field, Coolum Beach, Qld

Presumably we can now set taxes for all US companies, including Microsoft, et al.

Lawrence Shaw, Morningside, Qld

Peter Dutton should get on the front foot now. Gas for as long as it’s needed. Coal for as long as it’s needed. The seven nuclear plants ASAP. Encourage small modular reactors for big business.

Peter Wynd, Burwood, Vic

If Trump thinks he deserves Greenland, then Putin’s case for grabbing Svalbard is far stronger (“Frontline in the new cold war: why Putin is eyeing the Arctic’s tiny and remote Svalbard”, 3/4). Russia has had centuries of strong historic connection with the archipelago, and still has coalmines there.

Paul Prociv, Mount Mellum, Qld

People confronting a python are told not to allow the snake to encircle you. While our politicians bicker and hand out electoral dollars, the Chinese python is encircling us making ready to constrict.

Geoff Abbott, Hampton, Qld

The two major political parties seem to be going to the election on a “business as usual” basis, ignoring the huge uncertainties arising from events overseas. Many Australians may feel it is time to drastically reduce our immigration levels for the next six to 12 months, or until we can evaluate the adverse effects of the current economic turmoil.

Adrian Hassett, Vermont, Vic

After a long career in teaching I find it laughable that Peter Dutton thinks teachers have the time or interest in teaching a so-called “woke” agenda. Classrooms can be a battleground, but not for reasons that Dutton infers.

Mark Chapman, Buderim, Qld