Politics is a dirty word

 Rather than spending billions of dollars supporting US industries, Australia should consider cancelling the Aukus submarine deal. If it is felt that long range submarines are needed to defend Australia, better and less costly options are available Swedish C71 Expeditionary submarines are long-range, high-endurance vessels, with the accommodation and storage capacity to keep  crews comfortable, fully equipped and operational for long periods underwater. Crews will need little additional training to fully integrate the vessels with Australia's naval resources. Protecting underwater infrastructure and shipping routes is vital and Sweden’s Kockums submarines have capability in seabed operations, and can protect critical underwater infrastructure, as well as shipping routes. The submarines are powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion machinery and equipped with the Kockums Stirling AIP (air-independent propulsion) system. The silent Stirling system contributes to the s...

 One of the great quotes from nuclear campaigner Dr Helen Caldicott is "Politics is not really politics anymore, it is run, for the most part, by advertising firms who sell politicians to the public the way they sell bars of soap or cans of beer."

 The tariffs introduced by President Trump are a clear indication that the United States cannot be relied on as a friendly power. Far from retaliating with our own tariffs on US products, Australia should take action which Americans will understand. Immediately cancelling the Aukus submarine deal will gain their attention as will refusing to order more US aircraft, such as the F35 and charging billions of dollars in ground rent for US bases such as Pine GAP and North West Cape.