Fear is a weapon used for pushing voters to the right

As a communications consultant, Parnell Palme McGuinness is well-schooled in the leverage that fear can play in any campaign (“Take heed from a fractured Germany”, February 16). To simply equate the significant societal issues facing Germany to be the same as those facing Australia is just nonsensical. Many societies are confronted by deep divisions, from the US, Britain, France and Germany to name a few. To suggest that the frankly stupid social media clip by two nurses in Bankstown proves a fractured Australia is utterly absurd. But let’s press the fear button and see if that gives me prominence. Bill Johnstone, Blackheath

A sign marks the entrance to Germany at the German-Polish border in Frankfurt an der Oder.Credit: Getty Images

Parnell Palme McGuinness writes that failed multiculturalism and especially the refugee policies of (centre-right Christian Democrat) Angela Merkel in Germany has led to extreme divisiveness and the rise of anti-immigrant conservatives as a backlash. We should remember there was considerable divisiveness (especially antisemitism) in Germany long before Frau Merkel. Extrapolating to Australia, Port Arthur, Hoddle Street, Bondi Junction and the great majority of murders and violent assaults have nothing to do with “multiculturalism” (unless we count the massacres of Indigenous Australians by the white “immigrants”). This (childhood) immigrant, brought up mainly in the industrial suburbs of Newcastle, lived in Redfern well before its gentrification, and for the past 40 years has resided happily in western Sydney, with a Bosnian Muslim federal member, an Egyptian state member, a council including people from the subcontinent and the Pacific, and local businesses run by Muslim Turks, Christian and Muslim Lebanese et cetera. Al Svirskis, Mount Druitt

Housing fix is a miss

It is curious that both parties grab headlines with bans on foreign investors (“Labor mirrors Dutton’s two-year ban on foreign housing investors”, February 16). If a foreign investor is really serious, is a ban going to stop them? I am sure there are ways around it, maybe through setting up an Australian company to own the property, or via a trust or some other legal structure. For a total of 5360 homes across Australia, it seems like a lot of smoke and mirrors. Neville Turbit, Russell Lea

Curtain call

The continuing demise of cinemas loses yet another meeting place for patrons to enjoy film as a communal experience (“Cinemas face curtain call as streaming rises”, February 16). Our local U3A film group continues to enjoy films together across time and space and later discuss. Film opens our world and on the big screen allows us to be enveloped by it. It is the camaraderie that develops that makes the viewing even more special. Future generations will have limited opportunities to feel the joy of common laughter, sadness and back row teenage revolt. The often beautiful buildings will too be lost forever for future ubiquitous development. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer

Cher turns back time

Cher is a supremely talented performer and a supporter of women’s rights (“Turn Back Time”, February 16), so it’s ironic that she undergoes so much cosmetic surgery. How interesting it would be, if, instead, she chose to honestly portray her 78 years and inspire people to ignore their wrinkles and instead capitalise on them (think Judi Dench). Cher can characterise any emotion – humour, sadness, sarcasm, kindness – and she can sing – so imagine the boundless opportunities to star as an old broad. Wendy Crew, Lane Cove North

Decluttering Boomers

Lisa Martin’s encouragement is necessary (“Boomers, it’s time to let go: Sort out your clutter”, February 16). Many of us Boomers need every assistance to begin the radical process of decluttering. The well-known books on downsizing may have provided some incentive, but the most potent encouragement must come from one’s children, who will suffer the consequences of parental laziness or unwillingness to do away with a lifetime’s clutter. My high school and university notes and textbooks, untouched for 50 years, occupy shelves and filing cabinets; corroding bicycle parts and tools occupy boxes in the shed; and ancient work clothes occupy bedroom drawers. But I do need that extra encouragement to dump it all. It is clear I just don’t have sufficient willpower myself. Geoff Harding, Chatswood

What a mean-spirited person is Lisa Martin. Sorting through the collection of a life should be an interesting and somewhat humbling experience. She tells oldies to get rid of their memories and special belongings accumulated over a lifetime, and to downsize. Excuse me, but where are we meant to go? All to save her the hassle. Instead, perhaps, she could view this detritus as a special insight into a person’s life, especially if it’s a parent. Pamela Shepherd, Balgowlah