Lefties, snowflakes and patriots

Bari Weiss sounds a warning to conservative voters throughout the democratic world when she says that Twitter has become the ultimate editor of The New York Times (“Cultural battle more than a matter of opinion”, 16/7). Social media has increasingly influenced young voters since Barack Obama harnessed it for his 2008 election campaign.

The overwhelming left-wing bias of social media has shown with the Black Lives Matter movement that it has the power to destabilise traditional democratic institutions such as the police force.

Weiss is sending a clarion call to the conservative electorate.

The all-powerful left has now shown how a harnessed media can shake the very foundation of civilised Western society.

John Bell, Heidelberg Heights, Vic

I have a hard time finding sympathies for conservatives like Bari Weiss who complain about the left being mean to them. Aren’t they the same writers who constantly belittle the millennials for being coddled snowflakes who desperately avoid contact with people who disagree with them?

Where does Weiss stand on the “cancel culture” of the right, cloaked in the disguise of patriotism? Renaming French fries “freedom fries”? Boycotting the Dixie Chicks for daring to oppose president George W. Bush? Firing Scott McIntyre from SBS for raising questions about Anzac history? Does she agree with President Trump’s targeting of Colin Kaepernick for taking the knee to protest about police brutality?

Han Yang, North Turramurra, NSW

The extract from a discussion with John Roskam illustrates once again the simple ability of former prime minister Tony Abbott to get to the gist of a never-ending discussion in society (“Now is a good time to reassess what it means for us to be Australian”, 16/7). The Australia my ancestors helped to develop, to defend and to enjoy is gone, but what has evolved is a magnificent nation, free, democratic and good natured. A nation every man and his dog wants to share, with millions of new migrants from all corners of the world keen to be part of it.

Abbott has answered his statement explicitly, but has a warning in his last sentence: “But that has been part of our recent problem: an unwillingness to argue about the things that really matter lest someone, somewhere, be upset.” We must never allow the fomenting left to take from us our ideals, values and our larrikin sense of humour.

Lesley Beckhouse, Queanbeyan, NSW

When it comes to Australian values Tony Abbott demonstrated clearly while PM that he doesn’t have a clue. When he awarded Prince Philip top honours, Australians were aghast. Abbott needs to face reality — his time has come and gone.

Alan Muller, Heathridge, Vic

Before, during and after his prime ministership, Tony Abbott has talked values. Whether the hat he’s worn is Liberal, conservative, patriot or volunteer, Abbott’s beliefs are shared by many. For example, smaller government and lower, simpler, fairer taxes.

Beliefs that include being our best selves and respect for Western civilisation, which is “now emulated the world-over (and) remains the highest and the best manifestation of the universal dream of justice, freedom and prosperity”. His latest contribution is good too, particularly the observation about our growing “talking class” and our shrinking “doing class”. Ongoing conversations and reflections we have to have for a better, more resilient nation.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

Commentators criticising Black Lives Matter and cancel culture don’t want to acknowledge that activists are raging against the ideological conformity that entrenched conservative forces have imposed on our people.

Australian society has changed over the decades into a very different place with a wider diversity of opinions. Yet we have the same right-wing mostly old white men and women in positions of power who have often silenced free debate.

Although we live in a relatively democratic society some people are definitely more equal than others, with the rich having a disproportionate influence in our society.

We don’t want to destroy liberal democracy; the marginalised, minorities, indigenous and other voiceless want more fully to participate in it and share equally in its benefits.

Steven Katsineris, Hurstbridge, Vic