Our academics look to Trump in fight against leftist ideology

Greg Sheridan is right about Australian universities (“The crisis of civilisation ruining our campuses”, 4/2). For too long, the people purportedly running them have allowed leftist indoctrination to take precedence over the objective pursuit of knowledge.

Many good academics who have been too scared to raise objections to this are now looking hopefully towards the US, to see if and how the Trump administration will address the same problem, and stop the far left taking over our seats of learning.

Simon Collins, Kirribilli, NSW

There are already existing laws against hate speech and terrorist symbols but they are not being enforced.

This is because the government isn’t too upset by anti-Semitism as it isn’t bothered by losing the Jewish vote.

It is chasing pro-Palestinian votes and appeasing its own anti-Israeli group. It has demonstrated a total lack of morals.

If the government ordered a crackdown with arrests and charges, and closed down the weekly protests disrupting our cities, this would effect an immediate change. It could then go ahead and conduct a royal commission into anti-Semitism, including within the universities.

Marian Hinwood, Elsternwick, Vic

Trade war hits home

As Australian exports are likely to suffer from the flow-on effects of a trade war between the US and China, the need to diversify becomes more obvious (“We need to craft our own response to Trump tariffs”, 4/2).

It is an irony that Labor’s proud boast of repairing the relationship with our largest trading partner, largely by diplomatic fawning and meeting China’s arrogant demands, seems to have removed the urgency of finding other markets.

As Michael Brennan explains, the favourable balance of trade the US enjoys with Australia removes any direct threat from Trump’s tariff wars, but China’s demand for our exports would dry up in the event of any economic downturn that eventuates.

However, his remedies for this threat – reduced regulation, labour market flexibility and making hard decisions about fiscal stimulus – are unlikely to appeal to the Albanese government.

They might seem sensible to a former member of the Productivity Commission, but to this Labor government they would be anathema.

John Morrissey, Hawthorn, Vic

Some of us might have a modicum of sympathy for Trump following his four years of relentless persecution by the Democrats, allegedly on trumped-up charges.

While we can understand the pent-up rage this has created, I am not sure so many of us now deserve punishment. We can hope Trump’s rage, once dissipated, may lead to any injustices being righted in a more civilised and responsible way.

Nick Palethorpe, Turramurra, NSW

Tests of optimism

In reply to Angela Shanahan’s article, I beg to differ (“Our values give us cause for optimism amid the terror, fear,” 1-2/2). If she were the direct target of hostility, I suspect she might not feel so optimistic.

As for freedom of association, Jews cannot enter The Great Synagogue on Sabbath through the main Elizabeth St entrance because of the hundreds of loud, hate-filled protesters in Hyde Park opposite. The Jewish worshippers are told to enter through the back door in Castlereagh St “for our own safety”. Where is the freedom of association in that, except for the demonstrators?

The only people who have been moved on from all these loud, nasty demonstrations over the past 15 months are Jews, “for their own safety”. I hear silence all around from the majority of politicians and the public. So, no, I am not optimistic for the future of Australia’s previously successful multicultural society.

Robyn Manoy, Darling Point, NSW

Angela Shanahan is correct to remain optimistic about Australia.

I am not surprised she was bruised by negative reaction to her optimism for Australia – pessimists and doomsayers get more media attention than purveyors of the truth that our nation and our world are, in many ways, in a good state.

Evidence shows most Australians remain optimistic for themselves and their families, yet feel bleak about the future of Australia and the world. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 has identified “declining optimism” as a global risk.

In this climate of negativity, Australians need leaders at every level in every institution who embody our traditional relentless optimism and can inspire confidence. Leaders must demonstrate the values the people cherish – egalitarianism (leading by example), self-effacing humour, and no BS. Leaders who embody these values can build trust and shape a future as bright as our inherent optimism by holding fast to our Australian values and refusing to give in to fear.

Victor Perton, Garden City, Vic