Bannon speaks how it is in realpolitik world
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Despite Steve Bannon’s record of volatile rhetoric, he remains an extremely sharp analyst on world affairs (″Why Australia is in Trump’s good books″, 21/1). As a Trump mentor and confidant, he needs to be listened to. Coming from an insider, his comment that ″Australia is absolutely strategically central to what happens in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific″ is both unremarkable and compelling. He states the realpolitik truth. For decades now, the Joint US-Australia Defence Facility near Alice Springs, Pine Gap, has attested to our nation’s crucial role within America’s ″sphere of influence″. It has long been viewed as the US’s most important technical intelligence collection station in the world. US marines do regular rotations and joint military exercises based out of Darwin. Those who call for Australia to have a more independent defence and foreign policy stance are being quixotic, especially in the light of the disturbing fraternal relationship now entrenched between China and Russia. Galling as it might be, the fraught nature of the world in 2026 leaves our Antipodean sub-imperial outpost exposed without ″a powerful friend″, as prime ministers from Menzies to Curtin to Fraser and Hawke were wont to say. Sad but true.
Jon McMillan, Mornington
On the other hand, he is delusional
Steve Bannon is utterly delusional when describing Donald Trump’s supposed superiority as the current occupant of the White House. Glossing over his many weaknesses and unlawful actions, he is definitely not in the league of George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, as Bannon states. Trump is more akin to a megalomaniac only too ready to apportion blame and behave without any sense of personal responsibility for extrajudicial killings and much more (Venezuelan boat bombings of suspected drug traffickers, sending ICE agents to terrify and arrest people for appearing to be ″different″, without proof of any of the above). That Bannon even believes all that he says, especially his parting shot about there never being another Democrat elected as president in the future, just proves how wrong is his very limited view of reality.
Joyce Butcher, Williamstown
World, wake up, say No
Donald Trump’s so-called Board of Peace should be a line in the sand for those world leaders who have been invited to sign up. The charter positions Donald Trump as chairman and provides him with absolute right of veto over decisions by and membership of the board. How can this be in any country’s interests other than possibly the US? It’s time to say no to the world’s leading narcissist.
David Brophy, Beaumaris
The bizarreness just keeps growing
Watching the evermore bizarre behaviour emanating from the White House one cannot help but wonder where it will all end. Donald Trump governs by rat instinct, has no moral compass and never considers the future. His sycophants though are different. Some are probably thinking people who must recognise the madness they see but choose to do nothing because of the power it gives them. However, as Liz Cheney put it, ″Trump will be gone in a few years but your shame will live forever.″
Ross Hudson, Mount Martha
The oxymoron at work
A man who in order to feel big has to make others feel small is a very, very small man indeed. The time is now to stop pretending that things will get better by and by. The time is now to say out loud that not one ounce of trust can be granted to a man who always puts himself first no matter the cost. Donald Trump’s Peace Board is an oxymoron. How many times do we have to learn that diplomacy simply does not work with a megalomaniac? Tony Newport, Hillwood, Tas
THE FORUM
Begin with education
Your correspondent (Letters, 21/1) observes that ″all religions claim that they have the truth″ and that this is the cause of ″hatred between some religious people″; so the question for legislators is how to stop these hatreds being demonstrated, or worse.
Too true, however the solution lies not in legislation but rather in education. For a start, fanatical believers need to learn that their supposed religious truths are not incontrovertible; so they have no right demonising those who do not share their particular take on life.
Peter Drum, Coburg
There is a problem . . .
During the gun debate in federal parliament, Nationals leader David Littleproud said Australia did not have a gun problem. Yet one of the Bondi gunmen had six rifles.
So Australia clearly does have a gun problem – the availability of guns, the easy access to guns and the lack of rigorous checks and balances.
Tim Douglas, Blairgowrie
. . . Fewer guns will help
It is remarkable that Nationals leader David Littleproud can continue to claim that a further restriction on guns will not lead to an improvement in safety.
That is completely inconsistent with the result achieved after the John Howard legislation. Deaths from gun crime were reduced dramatically. The evidence cannot even be questioned. Fewer guns leads to reduced shootings.
Many of the mass shootings in the US have involved a shooter with multiple weapons; instead of taking time to reload the first weapon, the shooter turns to the next gun. The new legislation will reduce that possibility. And the legislation will have no effect whatever on farmers who obviously do need some guns — but not five or more.
Ian Dunn, North Fitzroy
Qualified OK on coal
The Eraring coal generator is being kept open for two more years (“Extending the life of coal-fired plant is an insurance policy”, 21/1). It goes against the grain to extend and subsidise coal. But if this genuinely covers only short-term peak loads during heatwaves, and does not involve burning coal continuously for two extra years, then maybe OK.
The move clearly is not “support for coal as a future energy alternative”.
The Origin chief executive who says “we have not let [anyone] down” may be right. But the weather gods will not be suspending the worsening of storms and bushfires for two years.
John Hughes, Mentone
Thank you for letter . . .
I would like to thank your correspondent (″One voice does not speak for all or represent all″, 21/1) for having the courage to speak up, and to The Age for publishing it. Those of us in the community who hold views similar to the correspondent and who have been hearing these views from people of diverse backgrounds, including Jewish people, and who are not themselves of the Jewish faith, dare not speak for risk of being labelled antisemitic.
Jenny Callaghan, Hawthorn
. . . and thanks for comment
Thank you, Melissa Singer (Comment, 21/1). Many words have been written about what is happening in Australia. However, Singer’s – and like you I am descended from those who fled Europe searching for a better, more hopeful place – touched my heart.
Singer pointed out, in the framework of Dorothea Mackellar’s poem, the hopelessness which can overcome us, the feelings of vulnerability and sadness. Even so, I like the way she is now wearing her Chai and speaking up, not worrying about ″rocking the boat″. Because that is what we have to do.
Our country is too precious for us not to speak up for all those who suffer from hatred and marginalisation.
And so I, like her, will continue to choose hope.
Miriam Gould, Malvern
Beautifully balanced
Melissa singer’s article is so balanced and beautifully written in its inclusivity of all people who have suffered abuse at the hands of others, not excluding any one group, be it creed, colour or sexuality, to all be able to live safely. If everyone can learn to respect difference, the royal commission could really make a difference.
Joan Johnson, Camberwell
Warping the language
Maher Mughrabi’s article (Comment, 21/1) is exactly the kind of analysis we need. It exposes how the language of diplomacy is being repurposed to sanitise domination, with “peace” invoked not to end violence but to manage its aftermath on terms set by the powerful. Far from an aberration, Donald Trump’s so-called Board of Peace is a logical extension of long-standing US hostility to binding multilateralism: it mimics international governance while quietly bypassing international law.
Crucially, Mughrabi stresses what this means for Palestinians. As Israel’s destruction of Gaza is reframed as a real-estate opportunity, talk of reconstruction, prosperity, and development is being used to evade questions of justice, sovereignty, and legal rights. Gaza’s devastation is treated as a technical problem to be managed, rather than a grave injustice demanding accountability. Palestinian rights, self-determination, and even the dead buried under the rubble are reduced to obstacles, not central facts.
The piece also speaks directly to Australia. It asks whether our leaders will still defend international law, even when it is inconvenient, or acquiesce to a pay-to-play order dressed up as peacebuilding.
Fernanda Trecenti, Fitzroy
Repeating of history
The reprint in yesterday’s Age of the freeing of American hostages from Iran is interesting. Even more interesting would be an account of why they were there, due to an earlier version of Trump destroying Iran’s democracy and putting in the dictator shah who would sell cheaper oil.
It horrifies me that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will consider Trump’s Board of Peace when it may mean sitting down next to Vladimir Putin.
Loch Wilson, Northcote
Ominous signs
It is a bit concerning that Steve Bannon says Australia’s geo-strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region is well understood by the Trump administration. Is that a sign that he might want to make Australia the 52nd US state? After Canada of course.
Marie Nash, Balwyn
Decline offer, PM
Let’s hope Anthony Albanese declines Trump’s invitation to join his Board of Peace which is being set up in Gaza simply to compete with United Nations and give more feathers to Trump.
John Walsh, Watsonia
Go for Mabo date
Your correspondent’s ideas on Australia Day (Letters, 20/1) seem like a workable and sensible strategy for managing the January 26 issue. It would surely satisfy those who are monarchists if it became “The King’s Birthday” holiday and would keep the date as a precious holiday, which is probably the key issue at stake for most people.
I like the idea put of celebrating Australia Day on June 8, when the Mabo decision was handed down. A number of us tried to change the meaning of January 26, by renaming it “Invasion Day”. Rallies were popular among many but didn’t get widespread support.
What is clear is that celebrating a brutal invasion of an occupied country is nothing to celebrate.
Jennifer Martin, Northcote
Melting-pot nation
The Australian community is a melting pot of diversity. We are a multicultural nation of people with different religions, skin colours, languages, countries, sexual orientation, gender multiplicity and so on. We also have the oldest living Indigenous community in the world and should respect their culture because of its longevity. It is all about that diversity in the community and everyone no matter what their situation has a right to feel safe in their own life and own country without any fear of persecution or violence.
Alan Leitch, Austins Ferry, Tas
Kindness recalled
The article “On the road to adulthood, I got lost on the way to Myer” (21/1) reminded me of my first day at work in January 1960, aged 16. Mum had taken me into the city the week before as a practice in catching the red rattler from Glenhuntly to Flinders St station to then walk to AMP Society at 425 Collins Street
What could possibly go wrong? This was a big day – I was meant to act like a grown up. Once on the train, I anxiously watched as each station passed getting ready to exit after Richmond.
However a strange dimly lit station ended this journey being something named “10 East and 11 East” and everyone scrambled to leave the train.
I was panic stricken – where was I? – my face obviously gave me away. A kind lady asked me where I was going. I blurted out “Flinders Street” so she offered to walk me to that exit. Therefore instead of me asking for help, someone offered to help me. Thank you to that person for her kindness – still gratefully remembered 66 years later.
Helen Clements, Mt Waverley
Who is that guy?
TV ads are confusing when they use the same actor for different products.Did the BYD guy forget the eggs because he was planning a Dubai holiday for two?
Angus McLeod, Cremorne
Welcome to Trumpland
Isn’t it obvious? When Greenland is acquired by Donald Trump, it will become the 51st state of the United States, renamed and re-styled Trumpland.
Graham Devries, Camberwell
AND ANOTHER THING
World affairs
The Ig Nobel Prize for 2026 must go to Donald Trump for his relentless attacks on free speech and his despicable attempt to control Greenland.
Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn
The Board of Peace and the Ministry of War sound very Orwellian.
Jane Desailly, Brunswick
When will the Australian government and other world leaders tell Donald Trump exactly what they think of him. This man is an economic disaster and a threat to world peace.
Barry Revill, Moorabbin
Surely Donald Trump is channelling Groucho Marx: ″I want the Nobel prize for peace and I’m willing to start a war to get it.″
Colin Nicholson, West Brunswick
Consequent to the United States’ contribution to the Second World War and international involvement ever since, that nation gained immense kudos as the leader of the Western political scenario. And then came Trump.
Brian Roach, Whitebridge, NSW
No Nobel, no NATO?
Tim Durbridge, Brunswick
It is hard to imagine our PM or any other world leader sitting at a table with Vladimir Putin calmly discussing the future of Gaza.
Michael Brinkman, Ventnor
Furthermore
Your headline reads ″Kyle and Jackie O hit rock bottom″ (21/1 ). Funny, I thought they had hit rock bottom years ago.
David Cayzer, Clifton Hill
Sad to see that Fletcher Jones, having suited so many for so long, will no longer make the cut. The alternatives just don’t measure up.
Jenifer Nicholls, Windsor
Finally
I bloody love the Golding cartoon (21/1). As ″Ten Pound Poms″, our darling Aussie friend Ray would greet us with a hearty, ″Good day you Pommie bastards″. That’s when we knew we were really loved.
Myra Fisher, Brighton East
