I startled our pets this morning with my shriek as I read the Herald headline (“From yum cha to a mosque: Dutton sells himself as a multicultural champion”, March 31). Is this the same Peter Dutton who relishes warning us of imminent dangers from China – our major trading partner? Who regards an openly racist, authoritarian Trump as a “big thinker”? Who accuses all who protest against genocide of being antisemitic? Who got mighty exercised about non-existent “African gangs”? Who successfully trashed the Voice? Who is warning that the nation’s housing problems are due to “migrants”, rather than overly generous subsidies to investors? Is it the Dutton who allowed Senator Michaelia Cash to attack Senator Penny Wong in the Senate for refusing to say she would welcome Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu to these shores, despite the ICC arrest warrant, ignored only by the likes of Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban? A champion, perhaps, but surely not at what creates the cohesion and respect that genuine multiculturalism promises. Stephanie Dowrick, Pyrmont

Peter Dutton exposes his hypocrisy by acting like a modern-day messiah of multiculturalism, eating yum cha and visiting a mosque as he kicks off his federal election campaign. Ever since the birth of multiculturalism under the Whitlam Labor government, the Coalition has set out to oppose migrant groups. But despite its brazen attempt at racially dividing us, Australians will not be fooled, and certainly not by Dutton’s latest attempt to win votes from those migrants he once publicly scorned. Rev. Vincent Zankin, Rivett (ACT)

The definition of a “hard sell”: Peter Dutton trying to convince us he’s a multicultural champion. Irene Buckler, Glenwood

Gaslighting on nuclear

Like gas experts, I’m dubious about the Coalition’s latest energy thought bubble (“Gas experts doubtful of audacious Dutton plan”, March 29). Ramping up expensive and polluting gas is unlikely to lower our power bills. Arguably it simply offers the Coalition an opportunity to deflect from talking about nuclear. Such nuclear folly is polling badly, and Dutton has no answers to questions such as where the water will come from to cool the reactors. Where and how will waste be stored? What happens in the unlikely event of a meltdown? Renewable energy is so much more straightforward. It’s cheaper, it’s cleaner, it’s abundant – and it has public support. I long for politicians to support this positive energy story. Amy Hiller, Kew (Vic)

In 1975, voters had the chance to return Gough Whitlam to office with a plan to publicly own our gas and oil reserves. To thereby fund public health, education and other essential services for our country; to be in the black each year; to guarantee energy supply at low domestic prices for all Australians and their businesses; and to – by now – have a sovereign fund even the envy of Norway. But Rupert Murdoch was having none of it. Ably assisted by the then Coalition toadies, his propaganda machine swung into action to prey on the ill-informed and disillusioned. Nothing’s changed. Howard Charles, Glebe

What chance does the Coalition’s nuclear plan have when we have been unable for over 25 years to find somewhere to store the low- and medium-level radioactive waste produced by hospitals and industry, which is insignificant compared to the long-lived high levels of radioactive waste from spent power-generating nuclear fuel rods? Dale Bailey, St Leonards

Silly-billi

Peter Dutton’s declaration that, if elected, he would live in Sydney’s Kirribilli House rather than the Lodge in Canberra is quite revealing on several fronts (“‘Everyone likes the harbour’: PM on Dutton’s Kirribilli comments”, March 31). First, it shows he is unconcerned about wasteful government expenditure when it comes to the comfort of his own family. For the taxpayer, having a PM live about a kilometre from Parliament House is a lot cheaper than flying them back to Sydney each weekend – but who cares if Pete gets the harbour views? This will not impress the voters in western Sydney, whose votes he is trying to attract. They are lucky to have one residence let alone two luxury pads to choose from. Second, it shows remarkable hubris for an opposition leader. When asked where he would like to live when he became PM, a more cautious response would have been: “I am not taking the result of this election for granted”. Finally, it shows that the Liberal Party has given up on winning back any seats in the ACT. Saying “I’ll take Sydney any day over living in Canberra” is the sort of remark Canberra voters will remember. And hang on: isn’t he a proud Queenslander? Mike Reddy, Vincentia

Dutton wants to “work from home” by living at Kirribilli House in Sydney, but will require all public servants to attend their workplaces in Canberra? A perfect example of “do as I say, not as I do”. Robert Niven, Aranda (ACT)

End of the bromance?

Finally, I agree with something Donald Trump says (“Trump ‘very angry’ with Putin, threatens secondary tariffs on Russian oil”, March 31). If we are serious about supporting Ukraine and Europe, then we need to sanction countries that support Russia by buying its oil and gas. Limit their imports. Deny investment. Don’t share intelligence with them. Make it harder for their citizens to visit. China and India won’t be pleased, but Europe will be. And Ukraine. David Neilson, Araluen (NT)

We are expected to believe the US president is “pissed off” with Putin. We should naturally treat this stance with scepticism, following such a flourishing bromance over the years. It is more likely a scheme to validate the “threat from Russia and China” to Greenland, as expressed by Vice President J.D. Vance during his visit there. John Baird, Corrimal

Signalgate gives us some insight into the current US administration. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth purportedly wrote “Godspeed to our warriors”, while J.D. Vance responded: “I will say a prayer for victory”. It is more than 60 years since Bob Dylan’s anti-war song With God on Our Side. How can such people still think some omnipotent being would favour one group of humans brutally fighting another? Neil Browne, Gymea

Trump for dummies

Hillary’s brilliant assessment and takedown of the Trump administration reminded me of hearing her speak here in Sydney in 2018 after losing the presidential election, despite winning the popular vote (“Trump’s dumb power is making America friendless and feeble”, March 31). It was obvious to me that America was not ready to accept a woman president, even if they’re of superior intellect and capability. Trump profits from soundbites and name-calling in a media landscape where people prefer to get their news in short sentences and whatever the algorithms feed them on the internet. By dumbing down education in the US, Trump wants to continue this trend to protect the idiocy of his administration and thrive on America’s preference to be entertained instead of educated. Larry Woldenberg, Forest Lodge

I am impressed with Hillary Clinton’s restraint in describing Trump and his administration as “just dumb”. Being “just dumb” suggests a bumbling foolishness, but Trump’s actions show malign intent. His administration is stripping government bodies of the independence and agency given to them under the US constitution and the law. The destruction of “soft power”, alliances, military readiness, economic strength, individual rights and more requires far more motivation than being “just dumb”. As the US rapidly destabilises itself, what is the Australian government’s thinking? At what point is the US no longer recognisable as a power with whom we share values or any trust? Marie Del Monte, Ashfield

Well said, Hillary. Trump is destroying everything America stood for. Friends mean nothing, and the diplomatic service is in disarray when it’s needed more than ever. Essential defence and intelligence personnel have been sacked, and Congress has been nearly made redundant by daily executive orders. Hillary sums it up perfectly by declaring Trump’s way is “reckless, dangerous and stupid”. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach

Bob Woodward’s book Fear, Trump in the White House, should have been required reading for all Americans before their last election. Quoting from “The Big Problem” as seen by former Trump advisers Jim Mattis and Gary Cohn: “The president did not understand the importance of allies overseas, the value of diplomacy or the relationship between the military, the economy and intelligence partnerships with foreign governments.” Don’t say we weren’t warned. Jeannette Tsoulos, West Pymble

Risk assessment

Mick Ryan’s frequent opinion pieces on the perilous state of our country’s defence forces often make for intriguing reading (“Whoever wins this election, please stop the rot in Defence”, March 31). His analyses chime with the tone of an informed, now-retired insider, and are possibly on the money. However, for all of Ryan’s wisdom I cannot for the life of me figure out from whom we are supposed to be defending ourselves. Are we really to believe that China, Russia, Iran or North Korea would bother with us Antipodean types? It’s such a long drive home from here for them. Perchance were the orange-hued leader of the “free world” to fail in his annexation of Greenland, Canada or an occasional canal, he may turn his mind to Australia as the 51st state. Or has it already happened? I’m so looking forward to Liberation Day. Russ Couch, Woonona

Protect the planet

The mind boggles at the atmospheric pollution generated by northern hemisphere salmon being caught or farmed, frozen and shipped or flown to Australia (Letters, March 31). Good on readers for trying to buy ethically, but unfortunately, farmed salmon in the northern hemisphere is no less of an environmental disaster than that in Australia – just like farmed beef. Even wild-caught salmon is a high-emissions industry. The premise is: find the least harmful option. But what if all options are bad? I love meat, but choose not to buy it. I love fish, but choose not to buy it. This is not a natural diet for humans, but it’s doable and can support a very healthy life. We live in unnatural times and unnatural choices need to be made. There is a whole, simmering planet up for grabs here, folks. Of course, there is another option – take a deep breath and see if you can face day-to-day life in Australia without salmon. It’s not the end of the world – but keeping on doing what we are doing might well be. Dave Goldberg, Wrights Beach

Chosen few

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Adelaide. Walking through the CBD on Saturday evening, every restaurant and bar was filled with people enjoying a night out. There were hundreds of people who had paid to attend a light show at the botanic garden. On Sunday, the Adelaide Oval was packed for an AFL match and the Festival Theatre had a full house to watch Sister Act, with ticket prices over $100. I would be embarrassed to walk a person from a poverty-stricken country through this city and try to explain to them that our country is in the midst of a cost-of-living “crisis” which occupies the minds of our citizens, the media and politicians every waking moment. Phil Peak, Dubbo

Game is afoot

Pickleball is definitely not “a passing fad”, as some disgruntled Mosman residents claim (“Bowlo’s members, neighbours split over whole new ball game”, March 29). The rate which courts are springing up is exponential (both indoors and outdoors) and it is now rated the fastest-growing sport globally. I have tried to get a game in my local area, but the wait list is long. Even former tennis champions are taking it up, the likes of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Angie Miller, Bondi Junction

Greedy grab

The story about the lawyer attempting to take possession of an inner west property under squatter’s rules only highlights the degree of greed permeating our society (“Court ends squatter’s bid to claim Rozelle house”, March 31). It seems people who will look for any loophole to gain financial advantage, even if they are not in financial need. Where will it all end? Fay Semple, Bateau Bay

Agony Aunty

CBD took a cheap shot about repeats of Antiques Roadshow and Hard Quiz on the ABC (“A very ABC farewell for departing boss, not so much for star”, March 31). The public needs to be clear that it is the ongoing starving of funding for the ABC that leads to repeats and cheap local productions. Oh, and farewell and thanks to Simon Marnie. Susan Tregeagle, Yarralumla

What a disgraceful and churlish act. After 40 years of dedicated work at the ABC, veteran broadcaster Simon Marnie was unceremoniously dismissed at the end of last year (“ABC Radio veteran sprays management on his way out the door”, March 29). And to add salt to the wound there has been no formal or informal farewell for one of radio’s truly good blokes, who was highly respected by the majority of his colleagues and guests on his programs. Go well Simon, I sincerely hope that, like Sarah Macdonald, you resurface on the airwaves in a place where you and your talent will be appreciated. It’s the ABC’s loss. Donna Wiemann, Balmain

Local celebrity

As one of the editors of the Rydal News (circulation about 200 if we’re lucky) I can confidently state that the real star of the acclaimed short film A Steam Train Passes is not locomotive 3801, or the film’s acclaimed cameraman Dean Semler (“The classic Australian railway film that took its cameraman to a Hollywood career”, March 29) The star of the show is, in fact, our own little pub in Rydal, which features prominently in the film. Anyone who has not seen this film should. Noel Cargill, Rydal

Cruellest cuts

Who else pays when public servants lose their jobs? My friend who lost her home in the LA fires applied for social welfare. Ten weeks later and she is still waiting. The explanation? Staff cuts. Louise Pinson, Coniston

Popular vote

While I applaud Sally Spurr’s suggestion regarding the eating of chips in the cinema (Letters, March 28) the candidate who secures my vote will be the one to introduce harsh penalties for using phones on speaker in public places. Tim Parker, Balmain

Lumbar crunching

Correspondent Nick Andrews’ birthday card read: “Remember when you went out more than the bins?” In my case, my back goes out more than I do these days. Alan Eason, Miami (Qld)

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