It is heartening that as well as judicial decisions aimed at curbing the worst of Donald Trump's excesses, some foreign leaders are stating their views on his dangerous decisions and appalling directives. No terrorist attack has been carried out by anyone from his list of banned countries. Regarding the wall, Mexico and the United States have many mutual interests which far outweigh the illegal border crossings. Also, overturning Barack Obama's climate change initiatives, and reinstating two massive pipelines which were halted under the Obama administration, send a message that Mr Trump does not care about Earth's future.
The rich in the US have always had access to the best health care. An example of Mr Trump's preference for the strong and rich over the poor is his determination to put many of his own countrymen at risk of serious health complications and even death. If too many governments turn a blind eye to his agenda, the world will be at greater risk than it is now, politically, environmentally and humanely. Please, Mr Turnbull, take a stand against these revolting actions and ensure that Australia will give help where it can.
Shirley Bethune, Mitcham
A call for a new 'American revolution'
America's founding fathers must be turning in their Arlington graves. It was in response to the perceived tyranny of English King George III, more than any other factor, which drove the American colonists to declare their independence in 1776. That is why the founding fathers of the much celebrated US constitution (especially the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson) were so insistent that there be in-built checks and balances on the powers of the executive president and federal government. They did not want another despotic executive like King George running things. I wonder what they think about Mr Trump's wave of executive orders.
Nick Toovey, Beaumaris
Bans are cruel and unconstitutional
Since Donald Trump signed his immigration ban, up to 200 people have been detained at American airports. These include Hameed Khalid Darweesh, who worked as an interpreter and engineer for the US military for 10 years. Twice he was targeted for this work. He was fleeing Iraq to join his wife and family. They all hold valid immigration visas. Haider Sameer Abdulkhaleq Alshawi, an accountant, was joining his wife and son who arrived in the US in 2014. They fled Iraq when members of her family were murdered. This family also holds valid immigration visas. The people detained across the US also hold valid immigration visas. Doubtless some have stories of fear, slaughter and escape. They have done nothing illegal. It is time the world's leaders, including ours, stood up to Mr Trump and expressed how appalled we are at his cruel, unconstitutional and inhumane acts.
Alison Davies, Surrey Hills
No TPP better for local manufacturing
Donald Trump both horrifies and fascinates the world. On the issue of trade and local manufacturing, I find myself agreeing with him and his supporters. We have been seduced by the allure of cheap goods, but it comes at a cost to our society and the environment. We have lost the skills, dignity and quality of making things ourselves. I enjoy the reliable service of many items that were purchased 30years ago , such as my Australian-made Westinghouse fridge. I feel lucky to get five years out of the goods that I purchase now. I am also glad the TPP may not go ahead as it would have benefited multinational companies, not the citizens of the countries involved.
Linda Brownstein, Tyntynder South
THE FORUM
IS's new poster boy
Contrary to Donald Trump's protestation that he has made America safer by banning Muslim visitation, he has done the opposite. Radical Islamic organisations must be rubbing their hands with glee, thinking: "What else will this guy do to make our job easier?" Mr Trump has become the poster boy for terrorists' marketing managers. They will shout: "We told you that they hate Muslims and Islam". The Australian government's feeble kowtowing response has also put us at risk of terrorist acts. When, not if, the next mindless slaughter occurs, we should remember who poked a stick into the hornet's nest and who was cheering him on.
Philip West, Jan Juc
The world will say: No
Donald Trump's far right agenda is reminiscent of the agenda in pre-war Germany. There is a difference though. Hopefully, the world of 2017 is more enlightened and more attuned to a government that singles out certain ethnic groups and adopts racist strategies. The world is smarter, more aware than the Germany of the 1930s.
The Donald Trump of today is the loser of tomorrow. He and his ilk are unfortunate leftovers from the past. Fortunately, Australia will never bow down to such racist policies as those he is trying to bring into the US. We will never accept such narrow-minded ideology. Be wary, Mr Trump. The world is not with you.
Gloria Meltzer, Chewton
Quid pro quo?
Donald Trump makes an exception in Australia's case regarding the US's acceptance of refugees from Nauru and Manus Island (The Age, 30/1). What is the payback? Malcolm Turnbull kowtowing to Mr Trump when push comes to shove against China in the South China Sea?
Serge Bobbera, Curlewis
We'll pay a high price
Where is Malcolm Turnbull's response to Donald Trump's ban? No words of outrage or integrity? Oh, that is right, he is still rubbing tummies trying to finalise his own grubby deal to palm off "the unwanted" from our shores. I shudder to think what promises were made to ensure that deal went ahead.
Ginny West, Jan Juc
Selling Australia's soul
Malcolm Turnbull has traded these refugees from Manus Island and Nauru to the US for some spurious deal that gets him off the hook and gives the US an even better foothold in Australia's north. This, of course, is to assist Mr Trump with his sabre rattling with China. Malcolm, you will be long remembered as the prime minister who sold Australia's soul to save your hide. Shame on you.
Chris Morgan, Northcote
The alt-right rules
As a result of plummeting Congress approval, the hope is that the pouting, paranoid, posturing President Trump will be a short-term leader. Alas, his rump is not so easily routed. His appointees are a far more chilling group of power brokers. The President might go, but his reactionary alt-right will remain, as will the irreparable damage that has has already been done to the United States' common good.
Jill Mazzotta, Balaclava
A double standard
Those people who are horrified by Donald Trump's ban on citizens from seven Middle Eastern nations can now put their efforts into encouraging the mainly Muslim nations, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, to take many more genuine refugees with similar belief sets and needs.
David Bishop, Brighton East
Stand up to trucks
The headline I would like to see is "Government warns trucking companies: heavy fines for using suburban roads" instead of "Trucks tipped to use suburbs as drivers dodge tolls" (The Age, 30/1). Why do governments kowtow to the transport industry? Yes, I know, I've read the bumper stickers – "without transport we wouldn't have food, clothing, medicine etc". However, it is possible to regulate transport and have secure supply of goods. Tolls are a cost of doing business and must be treated as such. Trucks and suburbs do not mix.
Janice Simpson, Yarraville
Yet one more test ...
In the first two weeks of the school year, all teachers of six-year-olds will have an accurate distribution curve graph of their classes' abilities. That is what teachers do. No one needs to invent a test "to show their skills at counting, naming shapes and sounding out words", as federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham wants (The Age, 30/1). NAPLAN, for what it is worth, does the work that his tests sets out to do. What to do with those students who are struggling? Provide them with one-on-one tuition. But that needs funding. Do not hold your breath.
Graeme Lee, Fitzroy
Take a bow, gentlemen
What a classic match with the winner, Roger Federer, saying: "There are no draws, but if there was, I would have been happy to have one tonight and share it with Rafa, really." Any up and coming tennis players (no names), please take heed what true sportsmanship is.
John Hart, Bright
Business as usual
I work on a permanent, part-time basis for a national retailer. We have an active but tame union, and conditions are OK. Last week I was required to sign a new contract that cut my official hours, per week, by 15minutes. The official reason was that there was not enough work. And that night, I worked an unpaid, additional 35minutes. Usually it is just 15 to 20 extra minutes. Then, with a smile at the arithmetical irony, I went home, tired. Nothing unusual to report. All quiet on the workers' front.
Name withheld, Carisbrook
Think outside square
Government-owned houses in Melbourne's inner north stand vacant, yet people are sleeping rough on the streets. This makes no sense. Meanwhile, Treasurer Scott Morrison visited Britain to look for clues on housing affordability. He would do well to visit the community featured on Kevin McCloud's Grand Designs (ABC TV) recently. People who could not afford to buy a house were brought together by a co-operative to help them to build timber-framed homes. Not only did they build houses, they built a community, with massive social benefits. Perhaps Mr Morrison should visit Denmark, where this idea originated in the 1960s, and bring back some useful and practical ideas from this taxpayer-funded trip.
Joy Hayman, Blackburn North
The German lesson
Scott Morrison should have examined how the Germans have achieved housing stable prices for more than 40years, encouraging a majority of Germans to rent rather than buy. Decades ago, German governments agreed that affordable housing was a right, so owning houses or apartments, or investing in them, did not attract tax advantages. Rents were strictly controlled and leases regulated, making 20-year leases viable.
Care was taken to ensure supply met demand, with the result that houses remained affordable and rents were not exorbitant. In the last few years, low interest rates, combined with resettling many refugees, has seen a modest increase in house prices.
The lessons are obvious for Australia. However, when so many of our politicians own investment properties, there will never be meaningful changes to negative gearing and capital gains that would benefit many Australians and free up capital for productive investment.
John Naylor, Napoleons
A change in direction?
I suppose it had to happen eventually. Amanda Vanstone has finally contributed something I can agree with ("Premier lacks delusions of grandeur", Comment, 30/1). About a third of the page and nothing of the normal "big L" nonsense. Very well done, Ms Vanstone. I look forward to the next episode.
Greg Moss, Gladstone Park
Third World health
How wonderful that Belgium is joining the Netherlands in funding access to contraception and safe abortion in developing countries (World, 27/1). Australia should be next. The Netherlands announced the fund the day after Donald Trump revived the usual ban by Republican administrations which forbids the funding of aid organisations that perform or mention abortions. Reproductive health is one of the most neglected aspects of healthcare in the world's poorest countries.
Our Prime Minister might feel hamstrung by his right-wing colleagues, but this is a chance to assert what I hope are his and our values. I believe the great majority of Australians would be proud to be among the first to help fix this sudden gap in women's healthcare.
Dr Tim Read, Brunswick East
Our precious pets
Oh, Danny Katz (Forum, 28/1), you enrich my weekend. I too use the names of my pets, past and present, as my passwords. It is a lovely way to remember every dog, cat, horse, lamb, hen and goldfish that have enriched our family life. However, I have been caught so many times trying to remember which pet belongs to which password.
Carolyn Reynolds, Lake Boga
AND ANOTHER THING
Trump
The banned countries had better do a business deal with Donald ASAP.
Mel Green, Glen Waverley
Is this Korea in 1945? No, it's the United States in 2017.
Shwu Fun Lam, Wheelers Hill
Trump has united us. We're all free-trading economic liberals now.
Michael Angwin, Surrey Hills
Which nation has a spoilt toddler as its president?
Denise Deerson, Bulleen
Authoritarianism, despotism and nepotism have taken up residence in Washington.
Rod Williams, Surrey Hills
Trump is unwittingly helping Americans and the world find their moral compass.
Bill Burns, Bendigo
Just like Germany in the 1930s, pick out a religion that you don't like and then persecute its followers.
Linda Reynolds, Croydon Hills
The new rules aren't the wisest way to stop terrorism and there may be retribution. Oh, for leaders with wisdom and less cruelty.
Anne Flanagan, Box Hill North
Mr President, don't build that wall.
Luise Mock, Tawonga South
Trump and Putin are playing a game of risk. With real bombs.
Bill Trestrail, St Kilda
Australian Open
What a pleasure and honour to watch the sportsmanship of Federer and Nadal. Could young Australian players take note, please.
Claire Foley, Fitzroy
Take two great players, add three expert commentators and the winner is the mute button.
Ivan Gaal, Fitzroy North
The Williams sisters, Federer and Nadal have made tennis great again.
Phil Lipshut, Elsternwick
What a fabulous two weeks of evening entertainment with a cup of tea.
Debora Mendelson, Toorak