Surely, Australia cannot join Donald Trump’s so-called board of peace. The board seems intended to subvert the role of the United Nations (“Trump’s peace board plan doesn’t mention Gaza, raising fears of UN rival”, January 20). What of the more than 100 nations who are members of the UN but would be excluded from the board’s operations? It is difficult to see the huge governance issues will be resolved, given Trump has a right of veto on decisions by the board. He would also be permitted to enact “resolutions or other directives” in relation to the board’s work, and to “create, modify or dissolve subsidiary entities”. Given his apparent lack of regard for the US Constitution and associated conventions and his disregard for international law, it is naive to think Trump would not use the board as he sees fit. To apply a term that has been in common use in the past week, the proposed board is “unsalvageable”. Australians should not have their taxes contributing to such an outfit. The exorbitant fees could be much more wisely spent on providing Australians with the services and infrastructure they need. Stephen Alchin, Paddington

The Kremlin has announced that Vladimir Putin has been invited to join Chairman Trump’s board of peace. He is set to join luminaries such as US property developer Steve Witkoff, President Lukashenko of Belarus and colourful characters from Egypt, Turkey and Vietnam. Haven’t the people of Gaza suffered enough? Mark Paskal, Austinmer

Three correspondents urge caution regarding our possible involvement in the Gaza board of peace (Letters, January 20). The Herald and its correspondents have spent the past two years or more expressing their views about the conflict in the Middle East, but perish the thought that we might be part of an attempted solution. Robert Buist, Randwick

As I understand, Donald Trump is tapping various countries for a more than a billion dollars to help with the reconstruction of Gaza. Many shops that sell fragile things have signs that say “If you break something, you pay for it”. Perhaps that is the sign that should go up in Gaza. Israel has reduced Gaza to rubble; perhaps they would like to kick the tin relative to the damage they have caused. Joe Weller, Mittagong

Trump requests Australian taxpayers contribute to the rebuilding of Gaza after the US and other arms supplying countries contributed largely to supplying the bombs that obliterated it. If we were to help out, it should be under the control and oversight of the UN and not the likes of well-known profiteers, whose interests could be suggested as less than philanthropic. Chris Gresham, Upper Lansdowne

POTUS grows unhinged

The message is clear (“Trump links Greenland to Nobel Prize”, January 20). We are dealing with an increasingly deranged POTUS. We also read that Donald Trump is preparing, with the assistance of rusted-on sidekicks, to contest the 2028 presidential election, in clear contravention of the US Constitution. We have no way of predicting what he will do next, but there is little hope it will end well. Greenland is the current focus but, as Trump continues to alienate allies and threaten further tariff imposts to bully his way to dominance, nations that once looked to the US for coherent behaviour now fear the consequences of Trump’s irrationality. With mid-term election polling pointing to a Democrat resurgence, I fear that open conflict over Greenland will bring a declaration of a “national emergency” in the US and postponement of those elections. Why? Because Trump, his cabinet and his advisers know they could face retribution for their actions if they lose to the Democrats. Given this situation, it is time for this nation to urgently review its relationship with America, in particular its naive adherence to AUKUS. It is increasingly obvious that neither the UK nor the US is likely to fulfil the terms of the agreement. Meanwhile, Australia continues to throw away vast sums of desperately needed dollars on it. George Williams, North Balgowlah

Tuesday’s editorial is a frightening reminder that Donald Trump may well ignore the 22nd Amendment and try to seek a third term as president (“Third Trump term would be perilous for all”, January 20). Unfortunately, I have little faith in Americans standing up for their constitution. As the editorial reminds us, “Trump’s trampling of political norms and his battering of institutional checks” should be a warning to all US states and voters. A third term would be the end of US democracy as we know it (“MAGA loyalist Steve Bannon on Trump’s long-term agenda”, January 20). Denis Suttling, Newport Beach

“Getting around the 22nd Amendment is a big ask.” Not for Trump and his MAGA followers: if they can’t nullify the 22nd Amendment, they’ll simply bypass it — and the best way to do that is to declare martial law, whereby the constitution is suspended. Easy-peasy. David Gordon, Cranebrook

Trump is creating an argument about Greenland over access he already has. The Europeans are obliging by carrying on like chooks with their heads cut off. The end game is probably to provide Trump with an excuse to walk away from NATO. Not that he needs an excuse. Chris Hennessy, East Ballina

Michael Koziol’s conclusion that Trump’s first year has installed the law of the jungle is no surprise (“Trump 2.0 is all about power. His biggest move may be just days away”, January 19). His behaviour long term and his reaction when Joe Biden defeated him predicted that. Despite the warnings, the US re-elected him. His signal to ICE agents that they can shoot people without consequences, and his increasing threats to other countries is reminiscent of Germany in the 1930s. History is basically a record of mankind’s attempt to find a better solution to how we live our lives. It’s called civilisation. Trump is determined to end it. His main weapon, apart from threats, is the war on truth with his “alternate facts”, his defunding of US science agencies, aided by the tsunami of misinformation that social media has let loose. Australia needs to stand firm on its principles while being aware of Trump’s friends here. In that regard, Pauline Hanson’s rise in the polls is a warning. Gary Barnes, Mosman

Divisive accusations

It is very clear who Sussan Ley was targeting when she laid blame for the dissemination of antisemitic hate in her condolence speech to parliament (“Amid condolences, the Bondi blame game continues”, January 20). By stating that “It walked our streets, it marched over our bridges, it took over our landmarks, it camped in university quadrangles”, she labels good Australians who rallied out of concern for humanity to protest against the loss of lives in Gaza as antisemites and spreaders of hate. She used a solemn occasion to equate compassion for people who were suffering in Gaza with promotion of hatred against Jewish people. Her accusation was damaging, divisive and despicable. It was political and out of place in a condolence speech. At a time when we need leaders who bring us together, the opposition leader chose the cheap, partisan attack to drive us apart. It was unworthy of a politician who aspires to lead Australia. Tony Judge, Woolgoolga

In this time of anxiety, fear and social upheaval, a fertile ground for radical bigotry and hate, it is a travesty that the opposition seeks cynical political advantage rather than bipartisanship and unity of purpose. Even during the commemoration for the victims of the Bondi atrocity at the opening of parliament, Sussan Ley took the opportunity to again attack and blame the government. Anthony Albanese is, conversely showing respect, calmness and willingness to consult and change policy in addressing this very complex but important social and legislative dilemma. It is a time when all Australians and especially our leaders need to show a unified, tolerant and constructive approach to healing our nation, and not increasing disharmony. Rowan Godwin, Rozelle

One Nation no solution

I was bemused by Pauline Hanson’s comment that she is now ready to govern after the recent showing of One Nation in the latest opinion poll (“Support for Albanese plummets after muddled response to Bondi attack”, January 20). Its delusion is breathtaking. There will always be a slice of the electorate, about 20 per cent, drawn to grievance politics. It feeds on anger, fear and performance, not policy or proof. What it does not feed on is mathematics. Australia is not the United States. Governments are not won with outrage, rallies or social media theatrics. They are won with 76 seats, national reach, urban support and functioning preference flows – all the things One Nation lacks. Yet we are now expected to take seriously the sight of Hanson touring the country with Barnaby Joyce, my One Nation local MP, as her political hype man – a former deputy prime minister reduced to sidekick in a travelling grievance circus. Joyce once warned Australians about Hanson’s divisive politics. Now he embraces it, not out of principle, but out of desperation – because grievance is the last refuge of politicians who have run out of ideas and relevance. A 20-plus per cent primary vote scattered across the map delivers noise, not government. Believing this alliance could govern Australia isn’t rebellious or brave. It’s politically illiterate, and dangerously unserious. Denise McHugh, Tamworth

It’s the guns, stupid

To hold back gun reform, David Littleproud asserts that radical Islam is the only problem that needs attention, but conveniently forgets the Porepunkah and Weiambilla shootings by gun-toting conspiracy theorists who killed police officers (“Coalition opposes gun control changes as laws pass House”, January 20). The guns are the real problem, and gun reform is essential for a safer Australia. David Littleproud and other gun lovers might find living in the gun-infested USA more to their liking. John Cotterill, Kingsford

I’ve heard a lot of talk recently about the obvious evils of radical Islam. Funny, I didn’t hear much from the same public figures when the police were shot and killed in Queensland and Victoria by radical Christians and conspiracy theorists. Please explain the difference. Philip Dowle, Wickham

Memo to federal politicians of all stripes: a gun buyback scheme is a waste of time and money. John Howard’s iteration gained him plenty of kudos, but has ultimately proven a failure. Registered gun ownership has increased relentlessly since the Port Arthur massacre. Gun-related crime is rampant. Criminals don’t have licences for their guns. Only law-abiding citizens are likely to surrender a weapon to cash in on a buyback. Contract killers, armed robbers, terrorists and sovereign citizens will not. Self-entitled farmers, hunters and “recreational” shooters pitching dubious arguments for remaining armed to the teeth will resist a buyback to the bitter end. The 2026 proposal, unlike that of 1996, does not have bipartisan support. Any version allowed to pass by the naysayers of the federal opposition will be so watered down as to have only a token effect. Peter Craig, Dulwich Hill

E-bikes are the future

We are looking at a transport revolution that will make profound improvements to our lives, yet the instinct of many is to ban the technology and punish people who use it (‘E-bike cowboys’ out of bounds on golf joyride, January 20). We must create circumstances for safe legal use before we make outlaws of the young and many people in the gig economy. E-bikes and e-scooters will allow Sydney to at least double its population without drowning in motor vehicles. Sydney is too hilly for pushbikes to have much impact on the use of motor vehicles. Peter Egan, Adelaide (SA)

As a long-suffering parent of five, I find it difficult to read the repeated calls for parents to be punished for the e-bike sins of the child. These misdemeanours are almost certainly occurring after said child has ignored firm parental instructions. Would it not be better for these offenders to learn the consequences of their actions with some community service instead? They can get there on their bikes. Hugh Wolfenden, Bellevue Hill

Too many sharks

For goodness’ sake, the only way to reduce the incidence of shark attacks is culling (“Inside the operation to save Manly shark victim’s life”, January 20). Three shark attacks in Sydney and another on the Mid North Coast in two days is unacceptable. I have lived in Bondi more than 60 years and the crowds are the same. It’s just the shark numbers that have increased. Sharks are not an endangered species. We cull brumbies and kangaroos. When will the do-gooders start placing human life ahead of animals? It makes no sense. Riley Brown, Bondi Beach

Value science

The Herald interview with Professor Andrew Coats struck a personal note for me (“We’re losing careers’: Leading cardiologist warns Australian medical research is in crisis′ January 17). As a medical researcher of 11 years, having left a teaching career, I find myself and colleagues constantly talking about what our next career will be. We constantly struggle with one-year contracts, endless grant applications that take months and come to nothing, that take time from our families and year after year require more hoops to jump through. There is no leeway for the knocks of life such as a sick parent, a sudden illness, even the choice of when or if to have kids, as women know it will impact their currency in a competitive research world. I find myself asking “am I actually stupid for choosing an ‘intellectual’ career only to find job insecurity, disappointment and barriers to moving up?” I have to work two jobs to be employed full time. My daughter just finished school, she is smart and has a love of science. I told her not to become an academic. Her reply? “I have seen your life and I don’t want it.” Prime minister, please release more funds so we can stop wasting time on worrying about the next pay cheque and instead use our brains to do what we are best at – innovative science. Bronwyn Haasdyk, Kotara South

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