Australians must not follow Trump's road to ruin
It would appear as through Parnell McGuinness (' JD Vance chastised Europeans on free speech. He wasn't wrong ', June 8) and similar-minded conservative commentators such as Sky News After Dark, are continuing on their ideologically driven warpaths oblivious to the voice of the Australian people as expressed in the May 3 election. While these media darlings of the right still want to rant and rave and feed each other's egos with negativity, doom and gloom, the great mass of Australians are getting on with life, comfortable with their government which is safe, stable, secure and focused on traditional Australian positive values of a fair go, kindness and friendliness. To become relevant again and play a meaningful role in modern Australia, the right-wing media needs to jettison these antagonistic Trump-like approaches which were clearly rejected by the Australian people.
Warren Marks, Richmond (Tas)
Parnell Palme McGuinness warns against the suppression of ideas, quoting the US vice president's controversial advice to the Munich Security Conference in February that 'governments must listen to and respect their citizens'. However, she, like JD Vance, can't resist cherry-picking just which ideas and citizen groups are worthy of respect. She uses the case of the phrase 'identified as' being currently questioned and 'no longer [deemed] acceptable' by some activists, as an example of 'groups trying to control public conversation'. But is this really a 'kind of slippery censorship', or just the progression of an idea so it more accurately conveys the lived experience of a group? Wasn't JD Vance's speech realistically more of an attempt to control? It's a shame Palme McGuinness sabotages her own argument, adopts the culture war cover, and portrays progressive ideas as threats. Everyone counts, Parnell.
Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown
EVs not for me
After 60 years of driving, I recently explored the hybrid option (' The sweet spot: How to get the most out of your super and the pension', June 8). I currently drive a diesel SUV, and being a self-funded retiree, I receive no government pension. I spend about $100 per fortnight on fuel. The hybrid currently comes with no spare wheel and no tow-bar, which I need to tow my boat. The changeover figure is $12,000 in the dealer's favour. The cost of a one-off tow-bar is an extra $2000, and a spare wheel costs a couple of hundred more. That equates to about six years' driving if I continue to use diesel. There is no government incentive for me to change. Free rego for all EV-driving retirees might sway me. I think I will stay with my diesel as I am not that green.
David Sayers, Gwandalan
Undeserved reward
This just brings discredit to the whole honours system (' Politicians, scientists and costume designer feature in King's awards ', June 8). The highest honours go to those who have already achieved a higher role in society, often just for doing what that job requires. Isn't achieving that position (and the salary that goes with it) reward enough? Meanwhile, those who make a real sacrifice and give true service to others might receive a lower honour (when nominated), if any at all. In the case of the honour given to Scott Morrison, one hopes that it is primarily because most ex-PMs have historically received a similar award. Otherwise, it wouldn't seem to be merited. The citation says it's for 'his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his key role in the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal'. Doesn't that come with the job of being PM? His role in the pandemic overlooks the refusal to require those already wealthy to pay back JobKeeper payments for which they were ultimately found to be ineligible, the 'stroll-out' of vaccines, and the needless antagonism of China over the pandemic's origins (which damaged Australia's trade). And the value of the AUKUS deal remains questionable. And then there are the multiple ministries, robo-debt, claims to not hold a hose, and statements that women protesters were lucky not to be shot. I predict that this will prompt many other letters to the editor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
34 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
Iran and Israel trade fresh missile strikes amid rising tensions in Middle East, as Donald Trump calls for end to conflict
Iran and Israel have traded a fresh round of rocket fire, as United States President Donald Trump declares the deadly conflict "should end". Tensions have been growing between Tehran and Jerusalem after Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Friday, which it claimed killed senior military officials and scientists. Iran in turn fired 100 drones towards Israel in the hours following the attack, after vowing a "harsh and decisive" response in retaliation to the strikes. The conflict has continued to escalate over the weekend, with both Israel and Iran exchanging a new wave of missiles on late Saturday night, local time. Iran has claimed Israeli strikes have pounded its major Shahran oil depot located north-west of Tehran, with reports of a fire breaking out soon after the attack on the facility. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force confirmed it is "attacking military targets in Tehran, in parallel with the activity of intercepting missiles launched from Iran". Israeli Defence Force International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani also said the military is attempting to block Iranian strikes. "While the IDF is operating to intercept missiles launched from Iran, the IAF is currently striking military targets in Tehran," he wrote on X on Saturday night. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz took to social media to declare "Tehran is burning" not long after news broke of the attack on the oil facility. The conflict has sparked concern for various world leaders, including President Trump who confirmed he discussed the Israel-Iran war during a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "The call lasted approximately one hour. He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war (with Ukraine) should also end," the President wrote on Truth Social. The Kremlin has confirmed the call took place between the two leaders, in which President Trump claims Putin wished him a happy 79th birthday. Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov said Putin condemned the Israeli military operation against Iran and expressed concern about the risks of escalation. President Trump's comments mark the first time he has explicitly called for an end to hostilities between Washington's ally Israel and its Middle East rival Iran since it began late last week. Reuters reports that several projectiles could be seen in the night sky over Jerusalem late on Saturday, while sirens could be heard in the northern Israeli city of Haifa. Iran said 78 people were killed on the first day of Israel's campaign, and scores more on the second, including 60 when a missile brought down a 14-storey apartment block in Tehran. Iran had launched its own retaliatory missile volley on Friday night, killing at least three people in Israel. Israel's ambulance service said a woman in her 20s was killed and 13 other people injured when a missile struck a two-story house in northern Israel. - with Reuters
The Age
an hour ago
- The Age
Trump celebrates birthday with grand military parade through Washington
Trump had brushed off the possibility of weather or protest disruptions. In a social media post Saturday morning, he said the 'great military parade' would be on 'rain or shine.' The protests, he said earlier, 'will be met with very big force.' Hours ahead of the parade, crowds of protesters with anti-Trump signs marched toward the White House, escorted by police vehicles and officers on bicycles. Some held a giant banner that read: 'TRUMP MUST GO NOW.' The parade was added just a few weeks ago to the planned celebration of the Army's birthday and has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $US45 million ($70 million) and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the route. About 6 in 10 Americans said the parade was 'not a good use' of government money. The vast majority of people, 78 per cent, said they neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot, travelled to Washington from Kansas City for the weekend 'to see the military and see Trump.' Stallard, who voted for Trump, said it was 'hard to believe' people are upset about the cost of the event when 'they blow that in 10 seconds on things that we don't even need.' The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use the nation's military might in ways other US presidents have typically avoided. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard without the governor's permission and dispatched the US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids, prompting a state lawsuit to stop the deployments. He similarly sought to project military strength during his first presidential term, saying in 2020 that he wanted forces to 'dominate' the streets following racial justice protests that turned violent and warning governors that he was prepared to send in active-duty fighters if they did not call out the National Guard in their states. Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up 'Make America Great Again' merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defence Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. The pageantry was designed to fulfil Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first term after seeing one in Paris on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Élysées that he wanted an even grander one in Washington. The parade included about 6600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, all of it viewed by cheering spectators in an atmosphere of heightened security. The parade wound down Constitution Avenue, lined with security fencing and barriers. A flyover of military aircraft included World War II-era planes, including a B-25 Mitchell bomber, and army helicopters flew low over the crowd, below the top of the Washington Monument. Mounted soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division made an appearance — horses once played a crucial role in warfare, but today they're mostly used in ceremonial events like today's parade. The night also was to include a concert featuring 'God Bless the USA.' singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. Trump also was expected to swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops. 'No Kings' rallies unfolded in hundreds of cities, designed to counter what organisers said were Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. Organisers said they picked the name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. Ahead of a rally and march toward the White House on Saturday afternoon, about 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington's Logan Circle and handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including This Land Is Your Land. The mood was celebratory as the group chanted 'Trump must go now' before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet. Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as 'I prefer crushed ICE,' referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages were: 'The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.' and 'Flip me off if you're a FASCIST.'
Sydney Morning Herald
an hour ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Trump celebrates birthday with grand military parade through Washington
Trump had brushed off the possibility of weather or protest disruptions. In a social media post Saturday morning, he said the 'great military parade' would be on 'rain or shine.' The protests, he said earlier, 'will be met with very big force.' Hours ahead of the parade, crowds of protesters with anti-Trump signs marched toward the White House, escorted by police vehicles and officers on bicycles. Some held a giant banner that read: 'TRUMP MUST GO NOW.' The parade was added just a few weeks ago to the planned celebration of the Army's birthday and has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $US45 million ($70 million) and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the route. About 6 in 10 Americans said the parade was 'not a good use' of government money. The vast majority of people, 78 per cent, said they neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot, travelled to Washington from Kansas City for the weekend 'to see the military and see Trump.' Stallard, who voted for Trump, said it was 'hard to believe' people are upset about the cost of the event when 'they blow that in 10 seconds on things that we don't even need.' The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use the nation's military might in ways other US presidents have typically avoided. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard without the governor's permission and dispatched the US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids, prompting a state lawsuit to stop the deployments. He similarly sought to project military strength during his first presidential term, saying in 2020 that he wanted forces to 'dominate' the streets following racial justice protests that turned violent and warning governors that he was prepared to send in active-duty fighters if they did not call out the National Guard in their states. Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up 'Make America Great Again' merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defence Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. The pageantry was designed to fulfil Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first term after seeing one in Paris on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Élysées that he wanted an even grander one in Washington. The parade included about 6600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, all of it viewed by cheering spectators in an atmosphere of heightened security. The parade wound down Constitution Avenue, lined with security fencing and barriers. A flyover of military aircraft included World War II-era planes, including a B-25 Mitchell bomber, and army helicopters flew low over the crowd, below the top of the Washington Monument. Mounted soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division made an appearance — horses once played a crucial role in warfare, but today they're mostly used in ceremonial events like today's parade. The night also was to include a concert featuring 'God Bless the USA.' singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. Trump also was expected to swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops. 'No Kings' rallies unfolded in hundreds of cities, designed to counter what organisers said were Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. Organisers said they picked the name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. Ahead of a rally and march toward the White House on Saturday afternoon, about 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington's Logan Circle and handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including This Land Is Your Land. The mood was celebratory as the group chanted 'Trump must go now' before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet. Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as 'I prefer crushed ICE,' referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages were: 'The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.' and 'Flip me off if you're a FASCIST.'
