Clooney’s late warning
Rather than offering a solution, George Clooney’s comments could be part of the problem plaguing US politics (Comment, July 12). By any definition, Clooney belongs to an elite section of society. His suggestion that Biden should now quit the US presidential race comes from someone whose fame and reputation give him an instant platform. His thoughts appeared on the pages of The New York Times. Meanwhile, millions of Americans rage in anonymous frustration about the state of their country.
A significant reason for the rise of political populism is widespread cynicism about people who try to tell other people what to think. Clooney’s advice would have meant much more if it had been offered a year or more ago when Biden’s decline was obvious to anyone paying attention.
Rod Wise, Surrey Hills
Cognitive signs
One of the symptoms of cognitive decline is the failure to recognise cognitive decline. Therefore, it is to be expected that Biden is not aware that his faculties are failing. He needs an assessment by independent geriatricians.
Di Cousens, Upwey
Trump impact
Re: ″Brace for impact, we’re about to be Trumped″, by David Crowe, 12/7). Trump, like Churchill in World War II will abandon us in a time of conflict. Why are we not more self-sufficient? With the youth crime spree at the moment, I suggest that there be a compulsory conscription of 18-year-olds to be trained for defence duties for one year; that way if the worst happens at least, we have an army prepared to face whatever challenges that may arise.
Maria Liew, Woodend
Plan B: Panic
If, perhaps when, Donald Trump is elected as US president, he can thank in no small part the incompetence of his main rivals, the Democrats.
That party has known for years that one of the greatest liabilities of its incumbent, Joe Biden, is the public perception of him as being just too old.
The party’s failure to have a Plan B and to have prepared a clear alternative candidate, now to be scrambling about with only a few months to go before the election, shows an appalling lack of foresight which could likely hand the presidency to Trump on a plate.
Colin James, Toolamba
Voters’ right
In response to your correspondent, (Letters, 12/7) democracies in the West are not threatened by the possibility of far-right wing parties getting voted in by a dissatisfied (or misinformed) electorate, but because it might be the last vote they ever get.
Simon McInnes, Boolarra
Lobbyist bubble
In 2023 Australia rejected a Voice to parliament for Indigenous people. Today, we have hundreds of voices to parliament through lobbyists, representatives of big business, ex-politicians in the guise of lobbyists and/or representing companies they now represent. One has to ask, whether this is in the best interests of the Australian people who have only their vote or as a pressure group to counteract this insidious influence. This intermingling of business and politics engenders suspicion and distrust of both parties.
When policy decisions are subject to such influences, it is little wonder that urgent, sensible policy decisions on a range of issues, from housing, education, the environment, aged care, energy, and defence are not being made, but appear to be merely tinkering which does little to make a difference in ordinary people’s lives.
The major parties may wonder why so many voters are disillusioned, cynical, and giving rise to independents. While they continue to keep the Canberra bubble alive and well, surrounded by influential and powerful interests this fracturing of society will continue.
Geraldine Lakha, Balwyn North
Orban no peacenik
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has just taken over the rotating presidency of the EU, has arrived in Russia to discuss his supposed “peace” proposal with Vladimir Putin in relation to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
EU leaders say that he has no authority from the EU or NATO to do so. He has made a fool of himself and doesn’t have the courage to tell us what his peace proposal involves.
Doesn’t he know that Putin is an indicted war criminal? Has he forgotten that the Soviet Union under Russian leadership led an invasion of his country, Hungary, in 1956?
He has, ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, repeatedly refused to engage in imposed sanctions against Russia and has also refused to support military aid to Ukraine to defend itself. One has to wonder why he is supporting this former Soviet-era KGB thug.
Coke Tomyn, Camberwell
No protests for Ukraine
Russia bombed a children’s hospital in Ukraine this week. Where are the street protesters, the traffic blockers, the tent city at universities, the disruptors to show their feelings at this atrocity? Do they approve or disapprove?
Geoff Lipton, Caulfield North
ALP and religion
Let’s put an end to Albanese’s warnings that faith-based political parties advocating for Muslim Australians in the next federal election would undermine social cohesion. Religious division has been part of the furniture for years. We can look back at the DLP in the ’50s, the Fred Nile Party in NSW Parliament and a rich history of independent candidates running on Christian values.
The fact is these are all Christian-based and are deemed acceptable. Suddenly we take exception to Muslims for getting involved in our politics. Whilst on the issue of religious divisiveness, the Labor Party has for the past four or five years been wanting Christian institutions to end their own divisive policies towards non-heterosexual and non-binary gender people. The religious institutions want to stick to them. I think the whole episode about Muslims is a case of Islamophobia. Are we really that scared of a minority group having a say? Labor was all for our Indigenous people having a say.
John Rome, Mount Lawley, WA
AND ANOTHER THING
Joe Biden
Speaking with considerably more experience than President Biden, I can assure him nothing, absolutely nothing, escapes the one-way march of time. The trick is avoiding situations where this becomes obvious and to enjoy the rest. It’s called retirement.
Gordon Thurlow, Mooloolah Valley, Qld
Whatever you think of Biden’s abilities as president, it’s sad in this youth-obsessed age, he is forced to continually explain or apologise for his age-related hesitancies rather than emphasise his wisdom and experience.
Cheryl Day, Beaumaris
I can’t enthuse about Biden’s view that NATO’s commitment to lift defence spending represents remarkable progress. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.
Norman Huon, Port Melbourne
President Biden said he wouldn’t resign his candidacy unless God told him to. Well, Mr President, on St Benedict’s Day you received your celestial instruction loud and clear. Bye Joe, and thanks for everything.
Barry Thompson, Torquay
I’d remind your correspondent (12/7) that any Democrats watching Hawthorn coach John Kennedy’s “Don’t think, do” speech that the Hawks lost that grand final (in 1975) by 55 points. I would prefer my team to think first!
Anthony Petkovic, Manifold Heights
Joe must go – US deserves more than an aged ego.
Margaret Skeen, Pt Lonsdale
I agree with your correspondent (11/7). It would be wonderful for the US to have an honest president such as Biden. Make America great again!
Susan Munday, Bentleigh East
Is Biden attempting to persuade us that with enough rehearsals he can be his real self?
Joan Segrave, Healesville
Bob Menzies coined a phrase ″Writhing in the very ecstasy of political suicide”. That might well be applied to Biden, the Democratic Party or maybe the US.
Jamie Pearce, Port Melbourne
Letting Joe Biden contest the presidential election is elder abuse on the grandest scale.
Matt Dunn, Leongatha
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