Joe Hockey’s defence of Donald Trump reflects poorly on his own judgment and values (“Trump never cheats … at golf”, July 28). He claims that Trump has strong principles, even though he fails the character test and is a convicted felon. Hockey appears supportive of Trump, despite his policies being regressive and punitive. He even claims that Trump doesn’t cheat at golf, despite the testimony of eyewitnesses. Graham Lum, North Rocks
Joe Hockey with former president Donald Trump.
So much information to digest. The former US ambassador’s comments and observations regarding the private Donald Trump reveal more about his political predilections, and shed new light on a well-aired media figurehead.While the former president’s golfing etiquette may well be beyond reproach, his political propriety, certainly is not. His political record of self-interested divisionism in order to attract the vote of those disenfranchised, is well documented. Beyond his tawdry private affairs and questionable businesses deals, inciting violence against the US Capitol building when the election results weren’t favourable was a step in a dictatorial direction. Five lives were lost, hundreds injured and America’s self-image as “home to modern democracy” was shamelessly shattered. While it’s understandable for any government representative not to publicly denigrate a current presidential aspirant, kowtowing to Trump isn’t just embarrassing, it’s dangerous. Cleveland Rose, Dee Why
What annoys about the commentary on US politics is that almost everybody uses their own judgment of Trump as the only barometer of Trump-reaction allowed. The ever-dogmatic Peter FitzSimons likes this approach. FitzSimons suggests he has no clue how anyone in America could look at Trump’s record, and still vote for him. But Trump supporters exist, and their opinions have equal validity to Fitzy’s. The comment that religious faith is “embarrassing twaddle” is also condescending. Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield
Almost done
Thank you, Parnell Palme McGuiness, for giving us hope at last that lying philandering felon Donald Trump will be swept away by decent capable ex-prosecutor Vice President Kamala Harris (“TikTok ... time’s up for Trump?”, July 28). Andrew Macintosh, Cromer
Strata lagresse
Great article on strata owners corporations being grossly overcharged for building and trade work (“Strata residents warned of price gouging”, July 28).
A self-employed plumber living in a strata unit once said with a snigger at our annual general meeting “Strata work; it’s a licence to print money.” The son of a friend who’d just started work with a strata manager told his father he couldn’t believe the largesse heaped upon them (not just turkeys and scotch at Christmas) and the undocumented commissions and kickbacks.
Jimmy Thompson, in his book Apartment Living, mentions the adage, “You’re only as good as your strata committee”. Every function might be signed over to a strata manager, but your strata committee must oversee everything and be held accountable by owners. Tim Egan, Mosman
Good advice
In her excellent article on options for retirees to dip into their home equity, Bec Wilson suggests considering reverse mortgages (“Should retirees have to use their homes to fund their retirements?”, July 27). Certainly, this is an option for many. However, such mortgages require an interest rate about two per cent per annum higher than for normal home mortgages. It would have been useful for Wilson to have drawn attention to this to stop some readers getting too excited and having to note her qualification that the reader “does not have to like it”. Geoff Dunsford, Wahroonga
Good things
Undoubtedly, many of the negative effects of the global pandemic will be felt for years to come (“COVID left us sicker, poorer, inquiry told”, July 28). But while we honour those who lost lives, loved ones, health and income, or were robbed of opportunities, farewells and the celebration of significant milestones, let’s not forget the positive aspects that emerged through the hardships. Pandemic isolation impressed upon us the importance of connection and community. It highlighted the impact our actions can and do have on others. It surprised us how adaptable and creative we are when we need to be. Many of us learnt new skills or reconnected with forgotten ones. And COVID restrictions taught us that there are other ways of doing things. Above all, we were reminded of the value of close relationships, the importance of being considerate of others, and the magic in random acts of kindness. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills
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