Let's march for Gaza, and don't forget the hostages

Sydney Morning Herald

6 days ago

The right to protest is a democratic freedom we must protect (' MPs slam Minns over march fight ', July 30) while the starvation of Gazans is a crime against humanity. These two issues come together in the proposed controversial march across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Perhaps this march might be less divisive if the protest organisers also demanded that Hamas release the remaining Israeli hostages, whose continued detention is also a crime against humanity. Rob Phillips, North Epping
Last week, aged over 60, I took part in my first protest march, as I could not sit at home any longer preparing dinner and listening to the dreadful reports about the situation in Gaza and the starving children. I wanted to do something. I was slightly nervous, as I wasn't sure what to expect, but found everyone very gracious and welcoming, not in a politically motivated way, just thankful. The demographic was very mixed across races and ages, as we all feel the same as members of the human race and cannot stand by while others are suffering so appallingly. There were far too many police, who had nothing to do but guide us around and it was extremely peaceful. I was pleased to have taken part; there was a great feeling of camaraderie among like-minded people. This whole Minns v Josh Lees controversy is just a distraction and creating anxiety, inventing an idea of there being a threat of violence while this is a peaceful collection of people who want the violence to stop. I am not an extremist, just a mother who could not stand by watching other mothers holding their dying, starving children. Sometimes, as Greens MP Sue Higginson describes Lees, a justice warrior is what is required to motivate others. I am not anti-anyone or particularly pro-anyone; I just feel very saddened by this situation and hope to march across the bridge this Sunday. Sarah Gatliff, Avalon
Premier Chris Minns says he won't let Sydney 'descend into chaos' by allowing a protest on the Harbour Bridge. But chaos is not thousands of people marching peacefully to stop a genocide. Chaos is Gaza – where children are starving, hospitals are bombed, while the world keeps watching. The bridge has been closed before. For World Pride. For reconciliation. Even for a Ryan Gosling movie shoot. But not, apparently, for a mass demonstration against one of the most horrific humanitarian crises of our time. What does that say about our priorities? If there's no room for protest on the bridge, is there room anywhere? Or are Palestinians to be starved into silence while Australians are policed into passivity? A march for humanity is not a threat to safety. It's democracy in motion – imperfect, urgent, necessary – insisting that law serves life. Let them march. Fernanda Trecenti, Fitzroy (Vic)
In 2000, 250,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge supporting reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous Australians. Unfortunately, not much has changed for the better since, but at least disruption of traffic was not considered a reason to prohibit that historic march. One can only wonder why it's a major stumbling block in 2025. Ross Duncan, Potts Point
I've never marched in a political rally in my life, but I am seriously considering marching this weekend. Please don't call me antisemitic – it's been overused and doesn't work any more. I do not want to take sides, but the violence and inhumanity in Gaza has to stop. Dick Barker, Epping
These people wishing to disrupt traffic on Sydney Harbour Bridge do not help the situation in any way, and their protests and demonstrations will not be heard at the location of the actions. Hold a gathering in a park but don't close down busy thoroughfares. If they chartered a couple of 747s and went to the location, their voices would be heard. Australia cannot do anything from here. Ron Field, Bermagui
Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna says the march will block firefighters, police and ambulances from crossing the bridge for six hours. Has he not heard of the Harbour Tunnel? This is what Sydney traffic will be using at the end of August when the bridge is closed for eight hours to accommodate the Sydney marathon. Mike Kenneally, Manly
I walked to protest against the Vietnam War and I will protest again because it is the right thing to do when children are starving to death. Take note, Premier Minns. Zuzu Burford, Heathcote
I am an 83-year-old woman still grieving the loss of my beloved husband little more than a year ago. My grief has been a turbulent journey, but I cannot even begin to comprehend the communal weight of grief felt by the Palestinian people. I can hardly bring myself to read or watch the images coming out of Gaza today. The world cannot continue to ignore the plight of these starving people, and although there is little that I personally can do, I will be marching on Sunday in protest. Premier Minns says we cannot inconvenience people, but I am prepared to do just that to try to help highlight the fact that our government needs to recognise a state of Palestine. Surely it is time for actions rather than simply words. Jan Bohan, Eastwood
While the concern about creating chaos by holding a march across the Harbour Bridge has merit, of overwhelming and overriding concern is the situation in Gaza. Granted, one march over our beloved Coathanger won't stop Israel's persecution of the Palestinians in Gaza, but it's sure to draw greater worldwide attention to the plight of a people whose lands were dispossessed, whose culture is being destroyed, and whose existence is being threatened by what has now been agreed is nothing short of genocide. Frederick Jansohn, Rose Bay
Recognise renters
The federal opposition doesn't seem to realise that there is a housing crisis in their desire to disallow regulations for the proposed government build-to-rent program (' Coalition to attack Labor on housing ', July 30). For many people who are priced out of the housing market, renting is the only option, most likely for the rest of their lives, and so it makes sense for the government to increase the supply of rental properties with this scheme, where 8000 of these dwellings will be allocated as affordable. Leo Sorbello, Leichhardt
Opposite of trust
David Crowe asks if the world can trust Donald Trump (' Can we trust president's bluster on anything?' , July 30). Well, let's see – he is a cheat, a compulsive liar, a convicted felon, and he exhibits the characteristics of a malignant narcissist and a sociopath. He has no respect for law and order and is arguably the most corrupt US president ever. Of course the world can't well trust him. Graham Lum, North Rocks
Can the world trust Trump? In a word, no. Paul Fergus, Croydon
Productivity has pros and cons
Ross Gittins (' We don't work just for more stuff ', July 30) has provided another insightful and helpful demystification of the world of economics, this time around productivity. However, while I agree that work is about much more than material wealth, the problem for today's workers is that their income is not seen to be keeping up with living standards, let alone providing the wherewithal for aspiration. For the government, the problem is productivity equals taxes. Without an increase in GDP, the government will need to raise taxes to continue providing the services that support dignity and social cohesion. Like Gittins, I would like to see Australians living in contentment rather than chasing the mirage of materialism. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls
Ross Gittins has hit on the weak point in the government's obsession with higher productivity. This higher productivity will, in theory, improve the standard of living for all, as well as, no doubt, increase tax earnings. In this lucky country, is this higher standard necessary? A high standard of living is environmentally destructive as people consume more carbon-intensive goods and fly more frequently. The poorest people in the world have the lowest carbon footprints. However, if one considers the average standard of living in Australia, there is certainly one way it can be increased. It is unacceptable that a significant number of Australians live in relative poverty, some with food insecurity. Far more needs to be done to improve their welfare – without this unconscionable stain, our average standard of living will increase, and we will be better off. Geoff Harding, Chatswood
Thank you, Ross Gittins. I've been wondering what this 'productivity' thing was, but have been afraid to ask for fear of trolling. I have the luxury of being retired but agree that a satisfying job with reasonable and fair employers is what I wanted, and agree that most people would too. The lack of this pushed me to retire earlier rather than later. Fiona Hainepettet, Pullenvale (Qld)
One factor Gittins misses is 'envy'. Most of us will be happy with our productivity and lifestyle but unfortunately we are envious of others' earning and possessions, something that the economic structure capitalises upon through glitzy marketing and the constant upgrading of products. We can satisfy our envy by constantly feeding it, and more and more growth in productivity lubricates the endless spiral that can only lead our lives and planet into a sinkhole. Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy
Degree costs are a scandal
As someone who did an arts degree by correspondence many years ago when it was free, I was shocked to read that there is not just one fee for such a degree but rather it is determined by the subjects that you choose within that degree (' Fee schedule for arts degrees is all ancient Greek to me ', July 30). What type of government interfering is this? It's just another stuff-up by the then Morrison government – the current government should bring university degrees back to ones that are earned at a reasonable cost, and not try to engineer what choices you have within that degree. Ken Pares, Forster
Thank you, Saria Ratham, for explaining in dollars and cents the workings of Scott Morrison's Job Ready policy, manipulating our next generation of leaders to learn what to think, not how to think. Richard Holliday, Cremorne
Beauty of e-bikes
E-bikes make undeniable sense (' E-bike-to-work incentive makes perfect sense ', July 30), not just for reducing traffic congestion, cutting emissions and improving health but for convenience. I ride my e-bike for errands and appreciate being able to park outside the shop or business I'm visiting. The proposal to financially support cycling to work is the kind of forward-thinking policy NSW needs. With more than a million e-bike and e-scooter owners in the state, and a third of central Sydney residents already onboard, the uptake is clear. Paying commuters to switch to e-bikes, through per-kilometre allowances or one-off purchase rebates, would not only ease pressure on our public transport system but also support a broader shift towards sustainable commuting. Of course, challenges remain. More dedicated bike paths and enforcement of basic safety rules - especially helmet use - are essential. Riders who flout traffic laws should be fined. All it takes is political will and a commitment to a cleaner, healthier and more productive future. John Kempler, Rose Bay
Food for thought
I couldn't help laughing at the notion that making food into medicine was something new and a breakthrough (' Fries that work like Ozempic in push for medicines you can eat ', July 30) when all along unadulterated foods have been that – healing and medicinal – until bastardised by processing and additives. It was Hippocrates who said, 'Our food should be our medicine and our medicine be our food.' It is not rocket science. Gordana Martinovich, Dulwich Hill
Just breathe
Your correspondent is correct in saying nose-breathing is a good thing and should be explained to all children and adults alike (Letters, July 30). As a physio, I understand why and advise my clients to use 'in through the nose, out through the mouth' breathing, especially when out and about. It cuts down the likelihood of picking up the products of those coughing and sneezing nearby, as the nose has fine 'filters' in its lining which the mouth doesn't. Nose breathing deeply also benefits the lungs. Dorothy Gliksman, Cedar Brush Creek
We need good news
I fully support your correspondents' calls (Letters, July 30) for more good news. Perhaps the first four, even six pages should contain stories about achievements, discoveries, kindliness, the niceness of the national and international world. Readers could start their day in good humour, then skip over the nasties and go straight to the Letters and Column 8, and then on to the puzzles for some mental stimulation, perhaps first checking that they do not appear in the funeral notices. Graham Carter, Eglinton (WA)