Pat Conroy said there is a “huge global demand” for missiles and the fuel crisis demonstrated the importance of being “first in line” (Newcastle poised to become missile manufacturing powerhouse”, Herald, 19/5). The fuel “crisis” – isn’t the illegal action by two powers armed to the teeth with the world’s most advanced weaponry causing that? That unholy duo have crossed every human red line. They kill at will. They label as Hamas or terrorists or drug runners the health workers, journalists, babies, unarmed civilians they kill. They reign supreme because there are no political or economic consequences. The promise of unmatched lethality is an absolute power. It has left the orbit of humanity, and serves only itself. It doesn’t need peace. Mr Conroy claims making rockets will “replace the automotive sector … we lost a decade ago as the bedrock of Aussie manufacturing”. A bedrock is stable. Unlike weapons, industries based on renewables are not riddled with dirty secrets. They are premised on a liveable future. As Doug Hewitt argues (Letters, 27/5), peace is achieved through diplomacy and dialogue. Not weapons.
