Hodge in trouble over comments on Trump’s golfing

Joe Hockey’s defense of Donald Trump reflects poor judgment and values ​​on his own (“Trump never cheats at golf”, July 28). He claims that Trump is a man of strong principles, despite the fact that he has failed a personality test and is a convicted felon. Hawkey appears to support Trump despite his regressive and punitive policies. He even claims that Trump does not cheat at golf, despite eyewitness testimony. Graham Lum, Northern Rock

There is so much information to digest. The former U.S. ambassador’s comments and observations about Donald Trump in private reveal more about his political preferences and reveal a new side of this widely known media leader. While the former president’s golf etiquette may be impeccable, his political etiquette is not. His political record of selfish divisiveness in order to attract votes from the disenfranchised is well documented. In addition to his shady personal affairs and questionable business dealings, inciting violence against the U.S. Capitol when the election results were unfavorable was a step in the direction of dictatorship. Five people were killed, hundreds were injured, and the United States’ self-image as the “home of modern democracy” was shamelessly shattered. While it is understandable that no government representative would publicly disparage a sitting presidential candidate, to give in to Trump is not only embarrassing, but dangerous. The Rose of Cleveland, Dee White

What is annoying about commentary on American politics is that almost everyone uses their own judgment of Trump as the only criterion for measuring Trump’s response. The ever-dogmatic Peter Fitzsimmons likes this approach. Fitzsimmons said he didn’t know why Americans could vote for Trump after seeing his record. But Trump supporters exist, and their views are just as valid as Fitzsimmons’. Comments that religious beliefs are “embarrassing nonsense” also seem condescending. Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield

almost finished

Thank you, Parnell Palm McGuinness, for finally giving us hope that lying, playboy, felon Donald Trump will be defeated by the decent, competent former prosecutor, Vice President Kamala Harris.“TikTok… Is Trump’s time up?”July 28). Andrew Mackintosh, Cromer

Lagertha Formation

Excellent article about strata owners corporations being grossly overcharged for building and trade work (‘Strata residents warned of price gouging’July 28).
A self-employed plumber who lives in a strata unit once snickered at our AGM: “Strata work; it’s a licence to print money.” A friend’s son, who has just started working for a strata manager, told his father he couldn’t believe they were paid so well (not just turkey and Scotch at Christmas) and with unrecorded commissions and kickbacks.
Jimmy Thompson in his book Apartment LivingThe adage is mentioned: “You are only as good as your strata committee”. Every function may be under the responsibility of the strata manager, but your strata committee must oversee everything and be accountable to the owners. Tim Egan, Mosman

good suggestion

In an excellent article about how retirees can tap into their home equity, Bec Wilson suggests considering a reverse mortgage (“SDo retirees have to use their own properties to support their retirement life?”, July 27). Of course, this is an option for many people. However, the interest rate on this mortgage is about 2% higher than the average home mortgage. Wilson should have called this out to prevent some readers from getting too excited and having to point out her qualification that readers “don’t have to like it.” Jeff Dunsford (Wahroonga)

nice one

There is no doubt that many of the negative effects of the global pandemic will be felt in the coming years (“Coronavirus is making us sicker, poorer, survey shows”, July 28). But as we honour those who have lost lives, loved ones, health and income, or been deprived of opportunities to say goodbye and celebrate important milestones, let us not forget the positives that have emerged from hardship. Isolation has taught us the importance of connection and community. It has highlighted the impact our actions can and do have on others. We have surprised ourselves with our adaptability and creativity in times of need. Many of us have learned new skills or relearned forgotten ones. Covid restrictions have taught us that there are other ways of doing things. Most of all, we have been reminded of the value of close relationships, the importance of empathy, and the magic of random acts of kindness. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills

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