Based on suspicion alone, we could be limited not to take any flight for 24 hours ... to leave the airport premises ... and not enter the premises of any specified major airport, for a specified period of no more than 24 hours.

Reasonable suspicion requires some factual basis ... may be based on hearsay material or materials inadmissible in evidence and must have some probative value. 

The law wouldn't require providing the "factual basis" behind the "reasonable suspicion."

Fanning fears, waving the threats and security flag.  Today, at airports; tomorrow, at sporting venues?  In a few years, on our streets?  

I don't always carry ID, and I won't provide information without learning the "factual basis" behind the demand.  

Fine me; imprison me; whatever.  

I'm not guilty.  No matter what the suspicions. 

Dear Editor

For more than 70 years, Australian peacekeepers have played an important role in providing support and assistance to the international community.

On September 14 each year, National Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Day, we honour the courage and professionalism of Australian service and police personnel who have served in more than 50 multi-national peacekeeping operations since 1947.

While the first Australian Peacekeepers worked as unarmed military observers, bringing violations to the attention of the international community, over time the nature of peacekeeping has evolved to include the management of more complex and multi-dimensional issues.

These have ranged from operations as military observers, providing logistical support, and monitoring ceasefires to landmine clearance operations, supporting democratic elections, providing policing support functions, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Tragically, 16 Australians have died serving as peacekeepers. This National Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Day, I encourage Australians to respect and honour their sacrifice.

It is also important to remember and reflect on all those who have served in peacekeeping missions, and those who are currently serving in the Middle East UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), and the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).

Thank you for your service.

LIKE most people, I try to fully repay my monthly credit card debt so that I don't have to pay a high rate of interest. Why then isn't something similar being done by our Federal government?

The opening paragraph of a lengthy comment by Jessica Irvine (economics writer with the Sydney Morning Herald), stated “these are the tax cuts we don't deserve and can't afford. They are not part of a wider tax reform package, leave the budget too vulnerable to future economic shocks, and they're unfair, to boot”.

I strongly believe that with a net national debt of $346 billion, and monthly interest payments of $1 billion, we should be repaying this huge debt, instead of having tax cuts.

It's also worth pointing out that Australians have the dubious honour of having the highest household debt in the world.

It makes you wonder, doesn't it?

There has been much said recently about bullying in work places, schools and parliaments. I believe it has been around since people first inhabited earth. There is no question that in its severest forms, bullying should be stamped out. 

Intimidation comes in many forms, physical, mental, political, financial, religious, etc. Then there are wars, extortion, bribery and terrorism and more.

It is most important that the milder forms of bullying such as name calling, friendly banter, jostling in the schoolyard and a bit of bossiness and bribery must definitely be retained. 

If this does not happen, then an important tool, indeed a building block of education, would be lost.

Young children who do not have exposure to some form of bullying would lack the inner strength, mental prowess and experience to handle the buffeting and rough and tumble they will almost certainly encounter later in life.

There is as much chance of eradicating bullying as there is of banning prostitution and alcohol use.

So we must teach our young to hold their heads up high, square their shoulders and face their oppressors. 

We must teach them not to cave in to bullies, nor cry for mummy for she will not always be there. 

If they don’t learn this, they only embolden their oppressors and weaken their own position.

Law enforcement agencies follow and recommend these very same principles.

If you would like to have your say letters can be sent to andrew.fisher@fairfaxmedia.com.au