True conservatism will outlast the Trump era of global disruption

In a most insightful and informative article, Paul Kelly writes that Donald Trump “is unique” and “transcends any philosophical brand” (“Trump can dismantle but he cannot rebuild”, 22-23/3). Consequently, his actions “preside over the death of the old conservatism” And because it does Kelly wonders: “What will be left of the conservative remnant when he finishes?”

However, given the past I imagine that traditional conservatives have nothing to fear. Trump is unusual but he is not unique. Trump will come and Trump will go. And after he departs, traditional conservatism influenced by Edmund Burke and other such luminaries will continue to dominate much as it always has.

Michael Schwartz, Caulfield North, Vic

The problem that Paul Kelly and other commentators face in defining what Donald Trump is really about is the President’s obvious and inherent unpredictability and lack of consistency. The belief that his actions are based on any form of logical process is almost certainly far-fetched. This was amply demonstrated by his recent, public humiliation of Volodymyr Zelensky, following his private negotiations with Ukraine’s invader, Vladimir Putin.

The current “leader of the free world” is obviously something of an enigma. Whether the US will sustain its position of leadership in the face of Trump’s revolutionary campaign remains an open question.

Bill Pannell, Dalkeith, WA

NRL’s moral obligation

Much praise to Sandra Crow for the powerful and loving account of her life with Trevor Crow, rugby league footballer, former first grader with St George and Newcastle Rugby League chairman (“The End Game. Football family’s unbearable reality of living with head-knock dementia”, 22-23/3). Crow seems to be showing the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy dementia; in plain English, the after-effect of too many head-jolting tackles and physical contacts in the game of rugby league. This is a multimillion-dollar business that now flies teams to play in Las Vegas, and pays million-dollar salaries to its brightest stars, yet one wonders whether it is facing its responsibilities to its players. Peter V’landys, the ball is in your court.

Terence Jessop, Killcare Heights, NSW

Places of intolerance

Macquarie University has determined that a law student may only pass a subject if they learn and deliver a compulsory Indigenous welcome to country that has nothing to do with the subject they’re studying (“Degrees depend on woke ideology”, 22-23/3). This latest example of ideological lunacy demonstrates that universities have become places of intolerance and bigotry, where only a certain proscribed knowledge is sanctioned, where one is discouraged with real intimidation from putting forward alternative opinions, where debate and free speech are clearly not allowed. In addition, perceived “privilege” has become a stick to beat the students with. Vice-chancellor Bruce Dowton either isn’t familiar with what’s going on or doesn’t have a problem with it. It’s instead been left to certain courageous students who, at real risk to their degree, have written of their concerns in this newspaper.

Caroline Thomson, Kew, Vic

Hamas’s resurgence

Hamas has no intention of relinquishing control over Gaza and is refusing to disarm. It demands a full Israeli pullout from Gaza. Last week it fired rockets at Tel Aviv. Israel’s military struck a rocket launcher in the northern Gaza Strip used to fire projectiles at the coastal town of Ashkelon. Foreign Minister Penny Wong responded to Israel resuming military action in Gaza by urging restraint. She said both sides should honour the ceasefire and obey international humanitarian law. But as Gemma Tognini correctly points out on the ceasefire, that requires Hamas to release more hostages, “only one side broke it, Minister, and it wasn’t Israel” (“Let’s not pretend anyone but Hamas is to blame for Israel’s renewed attacks” 22-23/3). None of the 59 hostages are now being released. Our Foreign Minister should acknowledge Israel’s right to prevent Hamas’s resurgence and that it’s only Israel that has the resources and will to achieve that through targeted strikes.

Anthony Bergin, Reid, ACT

Nuclear deterrent

Paul Dibb and Richard Brabin-Smith call for Australia to better its ability “to manage military contingencies in our strategic approaches without depending on the US” (“Rocket up our security without budget craters”, 22-23/3). While Dibb and Brabin-Smith concede the US is still Australia’s chief guarantor against a nuclear attack, they say Trump’s refusal to challenge this present arrangement is a “curious exception”. But there’s nothing curious about Trump making an exception with respect to the US providing Australia with a nuclear deterrent.

Vincent Zankin, Rivett, ACT