Sanity prevails after voters reject Trump

Did I hear that Donald Trump is replacing his orange ’do with a blue rinse (“Democrats win control of Senate and House as staggering swings topple Republicans”, smh.com.au, November 4)? John Christie, Oatley

Seems America has finally woken up! Margaret McCabe, Bawley Point

Trump tells voters ahead of midterms: “Pretend I’m on the ballot”. Voters say: “OK”. Nick Andrews, Bellevue Hill

Oh say, can’t you see, by the dawn’s early light, Go Democrats!!! Jen Lynch, Camperdown

Great news in the US. But I can’t get excited about the restitution of sanity or morality in our trans-Pacific allies knowing that Americans have voted out Republicans because of the cost of “gasoline” rather than Congressional enabling of a grifting, lying, hateful two-term president, Donald Trump. Good grief, as Charlie Brown might have said. Ian Hoskins, Chippendale

Republicans may have lost the Vote, but Trump still has, and has threatened to use, its anagram – the Presidential Veto. Beware the wounded tiger. Eric Scott, Bondi Junction

I’m not a betting gal, but I reckon the odds are on my side by asserting President Trump will proclaim that “the midterm elections were rigged” once the results are finalised. Here’s betting, and here’s hoping. Rose Lysnar, Windsor (Qld)

Hallelujah! Maybe there is a God after all. Donna Wiemann, Balmain

Liberation Day! Robert Pearce, Katoomba

The US has now overthrown two mad kings. George III in the revolution that began in 1776, and Donald Trump with a voting revolution 250 years later.
Malcolm Patch, North Bondi

Loser! Barry Lamb, Eastwood

In previous years I have been glued all day to the TV for coverage of the Cup. The horses, the fashions, the flowers, the odds and, yes, the race itself. This year? Didn’t see a second of it. But I was glued all day to the TV for coverage of the midterms. The candidates, the trends, the flags, the weirdos and, yes, the race. Didn’t see that coming. Jenni Stapleton, Kiama

When I see the dogs’ dinner of an election process in the so-called 50 “United” States of America, I thank all who created our Australian Electoral Commission with uniform rules across the country: one person, one vote – and secure from fraud. Frederika Steen, Chapel Hill (Qld)

Elon Musk donated the greater part of $US450 million towards Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign in Texas. At our elections in 2028, how much will Gina Rinehart be donating towards Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party? Peng Ee, Castle Cove

The US election results have dealt a serious blow, possibly fatal, to Gina Rinehart and Pauline Hanson’s TEMU MAGA and its part in the globalist authoritarian network. The midterms showed that culture wars and hate campaigns are so yesterday. Hopefully, the One Nation/Gina “coalt” is on the way out. Barry Welch, Bridgeman Downs (Qld)

The last time I was this interested in a midterm result was when my wife was having her 18-week ultrasound. Michael Deeth, Como West

Rate hikes create a vicious cycle

Michele Bullock, jacking up interest rates again, will not get inflation in this country under control (“Chalmers vows to tackle inflation with budget cuts”, November 4). All experts that I’ve read, excluding Bullock, suggest that all or most of the inflationary trend is down to Donald Trump’s ill-considered war against Iran. Good luck turning that catastrophe around! Martyn Yeomans, Sapphire Beach

Globally we are becoming an ungovernable, unreasonable society. The present problem of the cost of living is the same problem across the whole world. We are all aware of the cause and choose to ignore it and cast the blame solely on our politicians. Come on, Australians! We are more intelligent than this! Franca Bopf, Curl Curl

The federal government needs to make spending cuts, i.e. stop giving people money to spend. There is, however, another measure it can use to slow demand and that is to increase the GST. It should be at least 15 per cent, if not 20 per cent. And if people understand how the GST “works”, they will approve. Jenny Greenwood, Bowral

So, let me get this straight. We all want world-class healthcare, education and social security, and defence and more and more infrastructure. And we want, simultaneously, lower and lower taxes. No wonder the government, responsible for all of this, is in trouble (“There are no good choices for Albanese and his team”, November 4). If the opposition truly cared about the Australian people, it wouldn’t take advantage of this for some illusory political advantage. But here we are. One heck of a mess and the prospect of the adults in the room being rolled by pedlars of chaos. Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls

The pressure is building on Jim Chalmers to do his part to cut inflation (“Treasurer has to play his part and cut spending”, November 4). Since the Reserve Bank’s only tool adversely affects mortgage holders, I hope there are no screams of protest if Jim aims changes at non-mortgage holders. If there is going to be pain, let’s spread it evenly. Neville Turbit, Russell Lea

The politics of vitriol

The prime minister’s presence at the CHOGM meeting in the Caribbean is a no-brainer (“Albanese hits back at travel critics”, November 4). Yes, he and his government face distressingly urgent matters at home, but Australia also has an obligation on the world stage, especially with a macabre disruptor in the White House and the need to maintain rational and civil global dialogue more pressing than ever. That Angus Taylor should use the heads-of-government meeting as a stick with which to prod the absent PM is yet another facile attempt by the opposition leader to play the role so favoured by his predecessors: belly-ache about simply everything, regardless of significance or moment. In the circumstances, such criticism is embarrassing and, although we have learnt not to expect too much of Taylor, unstatesmanlike. Once again, Albanese has shown dignity in his response and arguably unwarranted respect for his critics on this matter. While he’s out there representing us abroad, we should have his back. Bradley Wynne, Croydon

A bet each way

Oh, the irony. Most news outlets led yesterday’s nightly news with the impact of the RBA interest rate rise and the impact on Australians during a “cost-of-living crisis”, juxtaposed with an article on record attendances at the Melbourne Cup with Australians outlaying upwards of a quarter of a billion dollars in wagers. Bob Cameron, Coffs Harbour

Clear secular leadership needed

Jenna Price is spot on (“What I should have told the doorknocker about Minns”, November 4). In NSW, we have a committed Catholic in charge of the state and also head of education. The country is also run by a committed Catholic politician. This would probably be seen as a problem if committed Muslims were allowed to also voice their religious commitment while making policy decisions that affect the public sphere. It’s time to bring back clear secular leadership in a diverse religious environment. No public institution ought to be run by, or bought by, a religious group. At the very least, public education should be overseen by somebody with their children in public education and also by someone who has experienced it themselves. Carol Reid, Tuross Head

I’m a huge fan of Jenna Price, and never thought I’d find myself disagreeing with, let alone gently reprimanding, her. But Jenna, could you please tone down the rhetoric? As a Victorian, I know only a little about Chris Minns’ government’s policies, but maybe you could just dislike, instead of hating, “ten*” things about him. Words matter. Jo Bond, South Melbourne (Vic)

I largely agree with Jenna Price about Chris Minns. However, she neglects to include the appalling relationship that his government has with the gambling lobby, and the continued failure to help reduce the harm caused in many communities from problem gambling. The evidence of gambling harm is clear, as are the steps that need to be put in place with respect to pokies, in particular. Greg McKay, Warrawee

Tick, tick, tick, well actually, 10 ticks, Jenna Price. Catholic health in more hospitals – no, they don’t cater for everyone’s needs. More doctors and nurses? It’s a no-brainer, as are the ties to the mining lobby in these times of climate crisis. And yes, more permanent staff in our public schools – teachers are ready, but staffing is not. Schools are at the centre of community, professionals with skin in the game are necessary and ready. Give them a job, let them own it, help them belong. It changes everything. When anyone cares to doorknock at my place, I’ll be ready. Lisa Williams, Dulwich Hill

If Calvary Health Care is going to follow its mission of bringing the healing ministry of Jesus to the sick, then people should be enabled to follow their conscience with trust and compassion. Mark Porter, New Lambton

I am very disappointed with Chris Minns’ leadership. I was delighted when he won the election. On that occasion, he announced he would never bad-mouth an opponent. I saw this as a refreshing statement. Great! No slings and arrows. However, along the way, he has lost my support. I’d welcome the occasional dig at an opponent if only he wasn’t so passive about demonstrations. If only he could see the other side of the coin when it comes to women’s rights and reproduction. If only he could offer some compassion towards a dying person with a terminal illness, and their families. Mary Dunne, Ballina

Prescription for error

I have no problem with pharmacists supplying repeat prescriptions in the absence of access to the GP, but your correspondent (Letters, November 4) is naive to think that professional rivalry is the reason that doctors are against it. The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (May 2021), in a research study conducted in Sydney examining the cause of medication errors, found that many medication errors occurred at the prescription stage in primary care. If doctors who are closely acquainted with their patients’ health history are found to have prescribed inappropriately, either through drug or dosage, then it is unrealistic to believe that medication errors will not increase in the hands of less informed secondary caregivers. The systemic antibacterial drugs necessary for the so-called “common conditions” listed by your correspondent as being safe for pharmacist prescription account in the study for the majority of the medication errors (12 per cent), followed by analgesics at 11 per cent. According to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, there are over 250,000 hospital admissions and 400,000 emergency admissions in Australia each year due to medication errors and at least half are preventable. Multidisciplinary healthcare is a desirable goal, but until the disconnected nature of our healthcare systems is addressed with efficient information and communication systems, adding another layer is a prescription for error. Elizabeth Maher, Gordon

Guns and sunglasses

Why do members of the new police unit who carry long-arm rifles invariably wear dark glasses (Letters, November 4)? It masks half of their face and makes them appear more intimidating and certainly less approachable. Or is this the purpose? Toni Lorentzen, Fennell Bay

Teaching in west was best

What an inspiring article (“Classroom experience shifts view of the west”, November 4). Back in the ’80s, on returning to teaching after having my children, I was offered a place in a disadvantaged school in the “west” of Sydney. It was the best decision I ever made. The collegiality and leadership was exceptional, and my time there was a very positive experience. Mary Lawson, Marrickville

China masks discontent

Your correspondent (Letters, November 4) feels there is some good in China’s stable political system that we should emulate. Media reveals Western democracies’ corruption and frailties while their peoples are rioting and protesting. But that’s the difference. Unlike China, we have the right to protest and a free and intrusive press. We can elect our popular choice of leader. Who knows what it’s really like to live in China, especially as a minority. All we know is the sterilised, censored state view. This is not something to be admired or envied. Rowan Godwin, Rozelle

Hair apparent

While I cannot compete against these superlative husbands (Letters, November 4), my partner of near 30 years can be consoled by my good looks, charm, sense of humour and a few vestiges of hair. Vijay Randev, Stanwell Park

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