Surely, there is a better path for our country

To send a letter AgeEmail letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and phone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here for our rules and tips for getting your letter published.

Surely a better way awaits
Deep thanks to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his focused commitment to national cohesion in the wake of last Sunday’s horrific anti-Semitic Bondi massacre. Underneath her first public statements, I heard the deeply personal sadness that I, as the daughter of a Jewish mother, felt and cannot be put into words. The human central nervous system is built to process incoming information. Waiting to hear the many detailed complex reasons that emerge after this incident, in a patient, self-disciplined manner, rather than immediate simple accusations, will certainly enable us to produce and implement more creative, constructive policies to both prevent the recurrence of such a scenario and to build a stronger, more harmonious Australia.
Jennifer Gerrand, Carlton North

listen to each other
As the eighth day of Hanukkah (12/22) approaches and Christmas Day approaches, I wish we could recognize that the messages of both celebrations are intertwined. Although I am an agnostic (still waiting for proof!), I enjoy this time of year for the opportunity to reflect on what is truly important in life.
My fellow Age reporters have made some valid points throughout the year, but mostly in the wake of the Bondi tragedy. Some reminded us how we need to develop more empathy and compassion to understand why people react the way they do and “celebrate differences.” A reporter (12/20) expressed anger at name-calling and politicians using the acronym “NIMBY” to describe what is perceived as a selfish and entitled descriptor.
But in my view, with recent events, “Not in my backyard” defines how most of us want to live our lives: in peace and harmony – enjoying what we have for the sake of the health and well-being of our family. Whether it’s living in our suburbs or wanting to preserve our Australian lifestyle, we must remember to listen to each other and think carefully before speaking our words.
Sally Davis, Malvern East

distorted reality
No one can doubt the sincerity of Josh Frydenberg’s speech, but the lack of bipartisan response to the shooting is regrettable and demonstrates the diminishing political relevance of the Liberal Party. If Anthony Albanese has not appeared to do more to combat antisemitism, it is because he is also instinctively alert and attentive to the plight of the people of Gaza.
Religious and political representation of a nation are two different things, but to pretend that the rise of antisemitic sentiment around the world, even in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s atrocity, is not rooted in the Israeli government’s defense agenda is an act of envy. Blaming the Australian prime minister for the consequences of Benjamin Netanyahu’s political extremism is an opportunistic distortion.
Oliver Dennis, Armadale

merger failure
Comment by Shaun Carney (18/12) was a smart model of analysis. I don’t want to see the Conservatives trying to demonize the prime minister because that doesn’t do us any social good. They chose revenge and it will backfire in the next election. They need to be united in ensuring that the government guides the country in a positive way during this devastating event, but as always they choose to determine party policy reactively. They have never learned to master the art of dissent, of compounding situations and widening the scope of complaint and accusation.
Moreover, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not an elected official in Australia, he manages to introduce a pro-Israel political agenda into our politics. It is unbelievable that Australians would seriously listen to him about antisemitism in our country.
Pauline Brandon, Beechworth

wrong approach
The Bondi attack was horrific. I feel deep sorrow for the Jewish community. This is a moment that should call for unity, reflection and collective determination as a society. Instead, a number of Liberal figures attacked the prime minister in the days that followed. Regardless of legitimate policy arguments, this response was opportunistic and ill-timed, using a national trauma to score political points.
Australians expect better. Tragedy should not become a partisan weapon, especially at a time when communities are grieving and fearful. Leadership sometimes means restraint.
If the Coalition believes that this approach will gain public respect or trust, I think they are mistaken.
Bryce Peach, Brunswick East

should work together
Josh Frydenberg has every right to be upset and angry about the murder of Australian Jews exercising their right to publicly celebrate a Jewish holiday.
Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses and institutions are probably the only institutions in Australia that are forced to station armed guards to protect their citizens from hate crimes based solely on their religion.
However, I was disappointed that Frydenberg took the opportunity to hold a political score against Anthony Albanese and the government; perhaps this was a reflection of the sieges of Port Arthur and the Lindt Cafe, both of which took place under Liberal Party auspices; He secured bipartisan support condemning the attacks and sought a path forward to prevent such events from happening again, in both cases with unfortunately little success. As Mark Dreyfus said on ABC Radio, Albanians need to bear some responsibility for the increasing number of attacks on Jewish communities, but blame is not a useful emotion; What is needed is to work together.
Nathan Feld, Glen Iris

Annual weapons tests
Every complex problem has a simple solution, and that solution is almost always fallible. I recommend that any gun license holder undertake an annual test (before renewal) which may include the reasons for retaining the licence, and details of the firearms and ammunition they currently hold. This test will include all social media posts since the previous refresh.
This testing will have a cost borne by the permit holder; I recommend $1000 per firearm per year.
Exemptions may be available for eligible gun owners; Excludes sport shooters.
A permit holder wishing to purchase an additional firearm will be required to complete a survey inquiring about his/her need for an additional firearm and his or her posts on social media accounts since the last firearm purchase.
Owning a gun is not a right, it is a privilege, and we have to pay for the privileges we have.
Disclaimer: Previous gun owner who surrendered an unused shotgun as part of John Howard’s gun buyback plan.
David Brush, Heathmont

Go virtual
In this age of virtual reality, why would a lethal weapon be needed for a non-lethal sport?
Of course, “virtual” rifle ranges could be developed to accurately simulate those requiring lethal weapons.
Michael LangfordFlinders