If the Pope acts on the advice of the PM, would that mean Malcolm is God? - Max Frew, Newcastle

Trump making strange bedfellows

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has said that Donald Trump ‘‘has a view of diplomatic relations that involves building close one-on-one personal ties’’ (‘‘A bigger threat than the Cold War’’, July 20). Very true – President Vladimir Putin now appears to be Donald Trump’s new best friend. - Carolyn Wills, Cremorne

The US President has publicly questioned the need to defend Montenegro, a NATO ally, because it is some ‘‘5000 miles away’’. What does this attitude tell us about his willingness to abide by any agreement to defend Australia?

I am an Australian/US citizen, who lived in the US for 14 years, and I can tell you the US has way more affiliation to Europe than Australia. Given the unpredictable nature of Trump and apparently, the American voter, the Australian government needs to seriously take steps to find out how committed Trump is to the physical security of Australia, should it be called upon. Secondly, the US President, when saying he has been tough on Russia, pointed to the fact that the US has sent no ambassador to that nation. What does that mean for Australia since no ambassador for the US has been appointed here? Are we actually being punished? Do we need to bring our troops back from Afghanistan? - Elise Coroneos, Willoughby

I remember visiting Hong Kong in 2004 and being able to watch an ABC Asia Pacific news broadcast on TV. That service was ceased in 2014. Now that we are so concerned about the security in that region, should we be regretting the loss of a valuable voice for democracy?  - Meredith Anderson,
Macmasters Beach

I have enormous admiration, respect and liking for my hard-working Chinese students, friends and colleagues. Most now wish to stay in Australia for the democratic freedoms they can enjoy here. They also love their country, its culture and visiting their families and friends there. They miss much that they can only find in China.

Many of these are also, however, wary of the current Chinese government’s push for power into the Pacific and other parts of the globe and influence-peddling in Australian politics, universities and business. In response to the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s challenge for Australian officials to ‘‘name one example ... where China caused unsustainable debt’’ (‘‘China defends investments in Pacific nations’’, July 20), we can point to the port developed by China in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Let’s work closely with China and appreciate the many advantages of a strong relationship with their country and people, but let’s also not remain naive. - Sue Lubbers, Killara

Blaming MP does not address the real issue

There seems often two overall unhelpful reactions to yet more revelations of politicians working for foreign ‘‘investors’’ and their personal interests, and this rank abuse of public office (‘‘Disgraced MP’s travel subsidised by China’’, July 20).

While it’s unacceptable MP behaviour, we must welcome and encourage foreign investment. If we were truly a ‘‘clever country’’ we’d be concerned with the preselection processes that deliver us the perennial conga line of lowest common denominator, visionless politicians; the fiction that foreign ‘‘investment’’ in property, development of yet more appalling empty apartments, energy and other important assets is good investment. We might demand conditional foreign investment in only dynamic projects and interests that will seal a better fate for our national future. It’s futile to call this out as just yet another ‘‘disgraced MP’’. - Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville

Time for a second opinion

So grateful that Trade Minister Steve Ciobo and top public servant Martin Parkinson have the answers to rising social and economic inequality and ensuing social and economic tensions in Britain and Australia (‘‘Inequality breeds risk: top bureaucrat’’, July 20). However, their prescription of more military hardware, greater powers of surveillance, and more liberal doses of economic rationalism is plain wrong. If this is the best advice that these leaders can deliver, then I suggest it’s time for a second opinion. - Richard Bryce, Shellharbour

Rebalancing investments

Two letters yesterday are premised on misunderstandings of the proposal to discontinue paying tax refunds for excess franking credits. The reality is that the policy intends to terminate cash refunds of excess franking credits, once the individual’s taxable income reaches zero. So instead of having a negative tax bill (the current refund), the punters actually affected by this will have zero taxable income, and a zero tax bill. The appropriate response would be to rebalance your investments so they’re less focused on chasing franked dividend income (a fraught exercise at the best of times), and more balanced towards other income, growth and value-driven investments. - Peter Buckle, Manly

It doesn’t much matter what you announce to the National Press Club about budget surpluses, Chris Bowen (Letters, July 20). It is the final budget outcome (FBO) in September that provides the true measure of credibility. The FBOs for the last two years of Mr Bowen’s Labor government confirm its May predictions came up short by a collective $50.2billion. By comparison, the FBOs for the last two years of the Coalition government confirm its May predictions came up short by $0.6 billion. Be it a deficit or surplus, the ability to credibly project what’s happening just a year down the track is a clear point of difference between the parties. - Mitch Geddes, Palm Beach

Missing in action

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy states: ‘‘We have a highly visible presence in NSW’’ (‘‘Three dead after fiery crash’’, July 20). Um ... where? These days the flashers on the roof are so low profile as to be unnoticeable except when flashing and the only signage that can be seen is from the side. How is this current minimalistic police car design increasing visibility in any way or is it designed to increase revenue? Might I suggest Mr Corboy engage the services of competent design consultants who can again make police vehicles visible, a sight that used to slow me down in my youth. - Richard Lees, Bondi Beach

Bondi fine-tuning

I wish to assure all users of Bondi Beach that there is no plan to ban soft boards from the north end (Letters, July 20). Council is conducting its annual review of beach safety and seeking feedback from the community about boards, fins, beach use and other safety issues. The needs of kids learning to surf and surf club training are front of my mind in this safety review.  - John Wakefield, Waverley mayor

Health records catch

The great strength and weakness of the My Health Record is that it puts the onus of responsibility on to the patient, the majority of whom are least willing or able to dictate its nuanced use (Letters, July 20). - David Beins, Cooks Hill

I was about to tell my GP that I was now hooked on Coke No Sugar. But I realised that would be a waste of his precious time – no doubt My Health Record already has that on file. - James Deli, Oatley

Supporting our ABC

I participated in a demonstration in Taree in support of the ABC outside the electoral office of Nationals MP David Gillespie yesterday morning and standing beside me were two 93-year-olds and their son who had driven them to town to protest about the government’s cuts to the ABC. These long-time viewers were distressed enough to make simple cardboard signs and stand with 50 others from around the district. I think this demonstrates how really important the ABC is to regional and country viewers. Both sides of Parliament criticise the ABC when in power. More reason to support it and insist that its funding is kept independent from politicians and their thin skins. - Sherry Stumm, Rainbow Flat

Forever waiting

There is now not a single bus that travels into the city between Kogarah and Newtown station. In reference to yesterday’s letter from a fellow St Peters resident, we can now enjoy two performances of Waiting For Godot as we change our ‘‘mode of transport’’. And two more on the way home. - Cathie Hughes, St Peters

No fuss, no muss

Even better than Danny Katz’ text-message method of sending birthday greetings is the ease with which the recipient can respond (‘‘The olden days when a birthday card was analogue’’, July 20).

No need for individual messages of thanks. Just post one gooey Facebook message thanking all well-wishers simultaneously. How good is that? - Adrian Connelly, Springwood

Grateful to McBride

Vale, William McBride and thank you (‘‘Doctor warned world of thalidomide’’, July 20). In 1963, pregnant with our fourth child, I asked our doctor about a marvellous new drug for morning sickness.

That excellent man told me not to take any such substance during pregnancy; from all reports, it was far too dangerous. Our family, including our Linda, thank you Dr McBride. - Nola Tucker, Kiama

Shrouded in mystery

The direction of blood stains may raise forensic questions (‘‘Shroud of Turin a medieval fake’’, July 20). But science has not yet demonstrated how the image of a man was produced on the cloth by the ‘forger’. - Ian Ferrier, Paddington

Cereal stage

For many years, we’ve enjoyed pop-up theatre in the morning at our place (Letters, July 20). They’re called Rice Bubbles. - Kent Mayo, Uralla

Bag ban a good start

The worst thing about this single-use plastic bag ban is those of us who’ve taken our faithful calico bags to the shops for nigh on 20 years no longer have a regular opportunity for virtue signalling and moral superiority, leaving us no choice but to start composting our kitchen waste just to stay ahead. - Peter Fyfe, Enmore

I just purchased my first packets of bin liners and doggy poo bags from my local supermarket. It was never about their corporate environmental image or landfill. It was always about profits. In Australia, it always will be. - Mark Smith, Bulli

The move by supermarkets to stop supplying single-use plastic bags, and for some fast food chains and pubs to stop issuing plastic straws, is good to see. Now we need to see the same approach from those chains that put each pastry item in a plastic bag and that sell flavoured teas in plastic cups, each with a plastic straw and each drink slung in a plastic bag. I can barely imagine the number of bags issued for these single-serve items. - David Fisher, Randwick

At the Coles checkout, you provide your own cloth bags so that the cashier can give you small plastic toys to create your own ‘Little Shop’ in its latest campaign. -Anthea Macpherson, Walcha

Postscript

‘‘This week we have at least four public figures not deserving, and must be removed immediately, from their positions: Philip Wilson, Daryl Maguire, Craig Kelly and of course Donald Trump,’’ declared Craig Boyle, of Lane Cove. ‘‘What does Maguire think he is? An archbishop? What does Wilson think he is? A backbencher? The hide of them!’’ added John Greenway, of Wentworth Falls. ‘‘If the Pope won’t sack Wilson, could he at least have a word in Maguire’s ear?’’ asked Richard Mason, of Newtown.

It’s diverting when writers pull together the threads. However, Sue Casiglia, of North Ryde, may have been a little overgenerous when crediting your correspondent with a ‘‘delicate yet noticeable’’ juxtaposition last Saturday: ‘‘Within the Letters pages, the editor has discreetly shown us a possible solution to a problem that the community of Bega has faced since 2004 when its community and cultural centre was almost burnt down. Sadly, they have been unable to raise all the money required [for restoration]. But wait! [A letter] about the annual RSL poker machine profits reaching $7 billion. Given one of the purposes of RSL clubs is community, surely [they] can rally around and help Bega restore this community hub?’’

Meanwhile, we fear for any mooted Poet’s Corner in light of these appalling efforts (names withheld):

The US President’s UK visit was marred / During an inspection of the guard / When that dastardly, thoughtless Donald Trump / Wantonly showed the Queen his ample rump. And: Donald, when back from Helsinki / found out he’d caused a big stinky / by lauding Vlad Putin / his mouth had his foot in / so now he’s had a re-thinkie.

Mark Sawyer, Letters co-editor