It is now clear that a score or more of hardened killers have been living freely for years in the community.

The indications are that many more years will pass before they can finally be locked up.

Funny isn't it. The whistleblowers who bravely brought the alleged war crimes in Afghanistan to public attention are praised by the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, who said: "Today the Australian Defence Force is rightly held to account for allegations of grave misconduct by some members of our special forces community on operations in Afghanistan".

At the same time our government continues, disgracefully, to prosecute and persecute the whistleblowers who bravely brought to public attention the criminal and grave misconduct of the government itself in respect of the attempted massive theft of resources from our poorest neighbour, East Timor.

The Australian Defence Force and its investigators seem to have taken a dim view of officers who deliberately avoided acquainting themselves with what was going on all around them in Afghanistan.

It's a pity that Gladys Berejiklian isn't employed by the ADF.

It will be a very, very long time before Australia has the moral authority to wag a disapproving finger at any country's humanitarian record.

I am disgusted and ashamed. I hope that, as well as prosecuting anyone involved in the (so far only alleged) ADF murders, everyone (right to ADF headquarters who covered up) is charged with being an accessory after the fact.

I was pleased to read that even the former foe of renewable energy, Energy Minister Angus Taylor supports the use of the lightweight, flexible solar panels developed by Dr Zhengrong Shi ("Net-zero possible by 2050: solar inventor", November 15, p2). The Sunman solar panels offer exciting possibilities for rooftop solar energy beyond houses and other buildings.

For example, Canberra could follow Byron Bay's example and fit flexible solar panels to the roofs of the light rail carriages. Electric train networks in other Australian cities, and electric vehicles used predominantly within cities, could also use Sunman (or similar) solar panels to replace some of the electricity from the south-eastern Australia grid. Both options would save money and reduce emissions.

With the continued development of flats on Challis Street, Dickson, I wonder what steps are being taken to protect the Jackie Chan mural? Jackie Chan, an ex-resident of Canberra, worked in construction for some time. It would be a horrible irony if the mural was obscured or damaged. The mural is a vibrant addition to Dickson's streetscape, celebrating the achievements of the best known former student of Dickson College.

Thursday's editorial "Japan defence agreement carries risks" claims that "the worst war of all time" began in 1914, ie: World War I. While undeniably horrific at 20 million dead, World War I was surpassed only 20 years later by World War II which cost the lives of 75 million. Unless you subscribe to the view both wars were one gigantic catastrophe the worst war in history began in 1939, not 1914. Let's hope our species doesn't try for a new record.

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