Why I’ve changed my mind…
Growing up in a privileged environment, in a small country that owed a great debt of gratitude to America, I held values and ideals consistent with my background and the times. Today I see the world quite differently.
Churchill and Orwell – The Fight for Freedom
At first glance they may seem like an odd couple, but their influence on the seminal events and the thinking of the 20th century are equally profound. Winston Churchill defined and led the resistance against the tyranny of Adolf Hitler, George Orwell understood and explained the nature of totalitarian regimes. They were both men who were prepared to change themselves in order to change the world.
Home
Home “Home is peace Home is family and friends Home is in a sentence, buried in a book, or landing on a page Home is birdsong, the rustle of the leaves, the sound of a wave Home is sailing with the wind, or gliding down a slope Home is walking on the beach, under the...
Political Donations Must End!
Political donations are a scourge on democracy. No business, corporation, organisation or individual gives without the expectation or hope of an outcome, and it fundamentally undermines the democratic decision making process. Banning all donations to political candidates, representatives and political parties is the simple solution.
Farewell to Arms
If we are to ever eradicate war from the human existence, we must first stop celebrating it and start seeing warfare for what it is – the ultimate folly of man. For the sake of our children and to truly honour those who sacrificed their lives, let Armistice Day become the Day of Disarmament.
Today I Weep
Today I Weep “Today I weep for a world of sadness drowning in the madness; Today I weep for a life well lived yet to be fulfilled; Today I weep for those who love in silence and despair; Today I weep for lovers spurned and passions lost; Today I weep for people...
The dearth of Brunswick (roadworks)
Men in hi-viz clothing standing around a roadworks site doing very little is an all too common sight. This is the story of a small roadworks project in idyllic Brunswick in northern New South Wales and the apparent wastage that explains why the country is going broke.
Politics is devoid of leadership
It is easy to criticise Malcolm Turnbull for his lack of leadership. I do it often. Even more so because he is the indirect reason I decided to become an Australian citizen.
But what the debacle of same sex marriage has demonstrated more than anything, is that to be a leader of a political party is not just difficult, but almost impossible.
The mere notion of leadership in politics has become a contradiction in terms.
Four year fixed terms is just the start!
Bill Shorten’s suggestion of a fixed term of four years for parliament is music to my ears. But it is just one of many changes required to restore faith in democracy. Limited tenure is another, equally important reform.
Constitutional Ethics
The resignation of two senators because they found themselves not to be qualified for election, raises (at least) two very interesting issues. The need for constitutional reform, and the paucity of defined standards to which we hold our politicians accountable.
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