Reading between the lines
Prior to Trump the US-led efforts to topple Assad were not so much aimed at protecting the Syrian people but more in tune with a government proxy war against Iran and Russia, in which Syria happened to be the battleground.
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Post election Donald Trump has shifted sides; Trump considers Vladimir Putin, despite ideological differences, as a new found ally in the fight against terrorism and has put forward a non-aggression agreement, in which the United States and Russia pledge “to desist from any act of violence, any aggressive action and any attack on each other, either individually or jointly with other powers”.
If a non-aggression pact between America and Russia becomes a reality; America has no option other to abandon NATO and leave Europe and her allies in a weakened state.
Reading between the lines a US-Russia non-aggression pact gives Russia the green light to stop the West’s expansion into eastern Europe; by military means, without political or military interference by America. Could these actions lead to war?
John Macleod, Berry
Response to the letter by Barry Swan, "COMMENTARY OR COMEDY?" January 4. Apparently, D J Preece is not entitled to think and express his opinion without being mocked, ridiculed and insulted by the urban Bolshevik and "cafe latte" 5th Columnist, Barry Swan. In previous commentary on those who dare think and hold conservative views, Mr Swan has demonstrated his total lack of ability to show respect and balance to any person who holds a opposing position.
Adrian Devlin, Fairy Meadow
Upsetting the locals
Once again we see local residents demonised because they have, through the support of Wollongong City Council and existing laws and regulations, secured their right to live in peace and quiet. And once again the arguments used to demonise these people are transparent and spurious.
The Mercury’s published comments made by Coal Cliff Surf Club’s Captain, Rob Deacon, about the objectors and his criticisms of them (“Bombie Bar bands bared”, Illawarra Mercury 30/12/15), along with Jennie Morris’s letter (“Coalcliff Wowsers”, 4/1/17) are both quite hysterical.
It’s very unfortunate that the club is losing a source of funding, however, this is no justification for the totally unwarranted and dishonest attempts to shame those who objected to these concerts.
As a past Surf Club captain I would suggest to the Coal Cliff club captain that bagging members of the local community, especially in the media, because they successfully stopped excessive noise-generation from the surf club is a very dangerous tactic.
Funding strategies come and go, but the locals and their memories live on for a long time. I would hate for the day to come when he had to test whether or not he could truly rely on the overwhelming support of the majority of the Coal Cliff residents. He just might find out he was wrong.
Richard Burnett, Wollongong
Plea to letter writers
I found Letters to the Mercury in 2016 ranged from Political wannabees, to humorous and occasionally interesting views.
Now in 2017 we have someone complaining about cab drivers in Darwin - hope this is not a trend- cab drivers in Darwin - ARE YOU SERIOUS?
(By the way I have been to Darwin the last 5 years and the cab drivers are great - try being polite to them!)
Concentrate on issues such as the NSW Government deferring talks on the Albion Park Bi-pass to election year 2019. Concentrate on the closures of TAFE especially in the Illawarra. Concentrate on Housing and Rental affordability issues.
After that I just want to wish mister photo shoot - Gareth Ward a happy New Year - and hope to hear more positives than negatives from you in 2017.
Mick Chamberlain, Dapto