Letters: With Trump glued to TV, a Netflix special is the only way to get through to him

Irish Independent

3 days ago

After months of dismissing reports of famine in Gaza, he suddenly ­declared himself convinced because he saw it on television ('14 more dead of starvation in Gaza as Trump vows food aid', Irish Independent, July 29). Not from a briefing, not from a humanitarian report, but from a news clip.
There is a grimly useful lesson here, particularly for Ireland.
If reasoned argument and moral appeals do not penetrate, perhaps ­television will. Forget position ­papers and impassioned speeches: if we want to influence the most ­powerful man in the world, we may need to pitch a series to Netflix or buy air time during the golf coverage.
In the age of Trump 2.0, propaganda may not be the enemy of truth, but it may be its last remaining delivery system.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh
Awful devastation goes on in Gaza as most powerful man plays golf in Scotland
While Donald Trump opens another golf course, in the name of his ­emigrant mother (ah, the irony), the reality for the population in Gaza is that children and babies are ­starving to death while young boys are being used as target practice by US contractors and the IDF while seeking food.
The deliberate whitewashing by spokespersons for the Israeli ­government and Benjamin Netanyahu, who blame Hamas and others for the problems that have culminated in this famine, must be laid firmly at the feet of those who govern and those who execute this war.
Hamas is not a bystander in this – it is the reason that the people it was elected to protect are dying.
They are dying from starvation, from preventable diseases, have no access to running water, are unable to access hospitals for emergency ­treatments and face the possibility of cholera and other diseases because there is no proper sanitation.
While there is ample ­condemnation, urgent action is needed to force the Israelis and IDF and Hamas to call a ceasefire to allow the UN and other aid organisations into Gaza to help distribute food and water where it is needed.
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While we need to properly hold to account those who order, or have ordered, the killings and starvation that have been carried out against the Palestinian and Israeli people, the dying goes on.
While a UN resolution was boycotted by Israel and the US with regards to a two-state solution for the Palestinians and Israelis, words of condemnation will not feed the starving, nor will the stop-start pretence of negotiations stop the killings.
Starvation is real, and no one in Gaza 'is faking it', while Trump and his entourage enjoy another round of golf and a slap-up meal at Scottish taxpayers' expense.
Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
All religious leaders in Ireland must join together in calling for a ceasefire
The leaders of the main religious congregations on this small island should come together now as a matter of extreme urgency – including Jewish and Islamic leaders – and call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safe provision of emergency medical and food supplies.
There are no valid reasons why a statement to this effect should not or cannot be made; there is, however, an indisputable moral argument to do such.
Irish religious leaders need to lead by example. Please stand up and be counted.
Chris Fitzpatrick, Terenure, Dublin 6
Will Dustin the Turkey be the next celeb to throw his hat in the ring for Áras?
We now have a song and dance regarding people hoping to succeed President Michael D Higgins, as Michael Flatley throws his hat in the ring. Where is Dustin the Turkey? Go on ya good thing.
Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont Dublin 9
Kerry's All-Ireland stats are not accurate when it comes to famous trophy
Not wishing to be too pedantic, but Kerry's great win in Sunday's All-Ireland final wasn't the Kingdom's 39th Sam Maguire success.
They had already annexed seven All-Irelands by the time the ­celebrated trophy was first­ ­presented, the recipient being the Kildare captain, Bill 'Squires' Gannon, in 1928. Kerry followed with four in a row. Amazingly, Kerry won a hurling All-Ireland before a football one.
Noel Kelly, Doonbeg, Co Clare
How can watchdog say there is no price-gouging with food prices soaring
According to a recent study compiled by the Central Statistics Office, Irish food prices are the second-most expensive in the eurozone.
Figures show that food prices last year were 12pc higher in Ireland compared with our European counterparts.
I believe that people are feeling the pinch, and this seems to be ­affecting how they are going about their ­shopping.
There is no doubt that the cost-of-living crisis is being felt painfully in the weekly shop, yet the consumer protection watchdog has found no evidence of price-gouging. I have to ask, why are Ireland's grocery prices still soaring?
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Perhaps a county switch for Kerrygold butter could help it avoid the new tariff
Now that the EU-US trade deal is completed, we must ensure our golden butter continues to go west.
With Northern Ireland having a 10pc tariff imposed by the US as against 15pc in the Republic as part of the EU, perhaps 'Derry Gold' could become the bestseller.
Many members of the older gener­ation would have great experience regarding the movement of butter for tariff advantage.
Paddy Murray, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath
We must all raise a glass to the EU-US trade deal, even if it is without the alcohol
I hear that in order to celebrate the ­wonderful 15pc trade tariff that the US will impose on European goods, the EU has commissioned the production of an exclusive alcoholic beverage for the US market.
Named European Courage, the ­beverage will have 0pc strength.