Why the Ukraine crisis should be a wake-up call to the West

How is it that Tony Abbott can clearly see what so many others cannot (“Putin gambles that the West is weak”, 1/3)? Right across the West we have embarked on a crusade of folly, proudly and energetically committing economic and cultural suicide. As tragic as it is that we are shooting own goals economically, all while enriching a potential aggressor, poor decisions can be reversed and an economy recover.

What may not recover is pride in our nation and its achievements, belief in our system of government and an understanding of the fragility of liberty. Our history as a nation is being sullied, both flag and anthem are contentious, and it is fashionable to consider our national day as shameful. There is a reported decline in belief in liberal democracy and civic process among the young. Facts are out of fashion and history is rewritten or even completely fabricated.

What is happening in Ukraine could happen here. Australia needs to be economically and culturally strong or Australians will flounder when put under pressure.

Our leaders have one task; to govern in the interests of us and our nation. We need politicians willing to stand up to the clamouring few to rescue our flailing economy and to reclaim our national story for the majority. Ukraine is a ringing alarm. Will they wake up?

Jane Bieger, Gooseberry Hill, WA

Unlike Malcolm Turnbull and Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott has used his post political time not only on the front line of regional disasters but, more important, on the world stage. He has completed a first-class training in global affairs through his negotiations on trade and communicating with a plethora of the world’s top players in business, academe, security and energy.

He is possibly the best resource the Liberal Party could snap up to make an indispensable contribution on national security. I would feel far safer with Abbott, Peter Dutton, Scott Morrison, Andrew Hastie and James Patterson than entrusting the future to those who have prepared for office by having a makeover or the ones who have been convinced to stay in for a last try.

Sarah Childs, Gooloogong, NSW

It is heartening to see the Ukrainian people banding together to fight for their country. It shows a deep love and commitment to protect something so precious and the democracy they live under. Their actions are a reminder to the rest of us how far we have drifted from the simple idea of fighting for something worth saving. The power of their unity and the world’s support will repel the aggressor and give others with the idea of doing the same pause for thought.

Lynda Morrison, Bicton, WA

Living with Covid

Having 5171 Australian deaths “with” Covid-19 and a proportion of these “from” the virus, we need clarity around these vital statistics. From the outset we were told it was the fragile elderly most at risk, with our young being those least at risk. So it has proved to be and the earliest defence tactics were wholly justified. Now, two years on, it’s time for a far more rational and informed approach. For most of the affected, the impact of Covid now seems no worse than a nasty case of the seasonal flu that causes deaths every year.

Into a third year, with over-the-top and draconian dictates still being forced on the community by maniacal premiers, the hysteria is taking a toll on our nation’s children. It’s time for Australians to be free of Covid tyranny and given the right to protect themselves as they see fit. We are accustomed to protecting ourselves from seasonal flu outbreaks, and we can do it now with our individual approach to Covid-19.

Rob Davies, Drysdale, Vic

Follow the leader

As Troy Bramston points out, Bob Hawke knew how to lead. However, he was greatly assisted by having a particularly talented cabinet. While Paul Keating receives justifiable credit as a reforming treasurer, too little credit has been given to Hawke’s finance minister Peter Walsh. A tough-minded ex-farmer from the West Australian wheatbelt, Walsh was the perfect antidote to the Whitlam era view that incumbency meant spending with little restraint. Walsh admirably practised what he preached and was known, after a Canberra sitting, to eschew the trappings of office and catch a public bus from Perth airport to home.

Bob Miller, Wembley, WA

No one will argue with Troy Bramston that Bob Hawke was flawed but he knew how to lead. Hawke was blessed that during his days as ACTU president and subsequently as prime minister there was no internet or social media and journalists were not as judgmental as today.

If the current media pile-on against Scott Morrison had occurred in Hawke’s day, he would have been booted out in a nanosecond.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic