*Why do you think we have to give you solutions?*

Because solutions Jennifer, is what it's all about. Anyone
can claim the high moral ground and pontificate. It does not
solve the problem. It does not give them credibility.

Reality dominates.

*Don't put your childish need to have everything solved for you on me because I wrote an article. Take responsibility for yourself*

I did that Jennifer. I wrote what I thought should happen.
I have no objection to people pointing out the flaws in my thinking
and proposing something better, something that works.

But a solution is what its all about, not more fiasco.

* I "wear my heart on my sleeve" so you'll do your best to give me a good kicking?*

No good kicking Jennifer. Simply pointing out that in my opinion
you wear your heart on your sleeve. Reason versus emotion is one
of my pet hobbies in neuroscience.

Come up with a solution that will solve the problems that I have
mentioned, in this real world, and you will earn my respect.

If you can't, well then its just more pontificating, but you have
nothing better to offer, then anyone else.

Fair enough.

What kind of discourse

Is abuse of an author

Who dares to respond?

That's cool, Yabby - apply that to all opinion pieces everywhere and there'll be nothing left for you to read.

And nobody left for you to criticise

Then you can sit in a corner alone and talk to yourself.

Your reality isn't necessarily everybody else's.

Earning your respect isn't up there on my list of ambitions.

It's not about providing you with instant solutions - it's about comprehensive debate about difficult issues conducted with good will and honesty, not abuse and fear. It's about working our way towards solutions the best we can. It's about individuals bringing their own individual perspectives to issues. Its about the richness of diverse opinion.

It's not about you hearing what you want to hear, how you want to hear it.

Nobody forced you to read my work.
You chose to do it, and to engage with me about it.

How silly are you, if you've been spending all this time doing something you didn't really want to do, had no interest in and thought was pontificating rubbish.

Simple really Yabby. If you think it's rubbish and it doesn't give you what you want don't waste your time on it. That's your choice and your responsibility.

Writers aren't going to write only what you want to read.

Thanks for one more piece of gratuitous rudeness.
You OLO people are very accomplished at that.

I won't be writing for OLO again.

Thank you for the interest shown in my work over the last couple of years.

Abuse but wherefrom

Muse needs to read more

And play the fool less

……………………

Only popes expect

discourse without check

Reason trumps self esteem

Jennifer,

We'd be sorry to lose you....one thing you should know about Yabby is that he's like one of those weighted inflatable things that you try and knock down with a response - and he bounces straight back up (every time!).
I've never had the last word in a debate with him...but, of course, I've never been arguing with him over the merits of an article that I've written - which I think changes the dynamics somewhat.

Hope you keep writing for OLO - your articles are always thought provoking and usually elicit a spirited response.

I have seen this published,

BENEFIT - AUS AGED PENSIONER - REFUGEE
weekly allowance - $253.00 - $472.50
Weekly Spouse all - $56.00 - $472.50
weekly hardship all - $0.00 - $145.00
YEARLY BENEFIT - $16,068.00 - $56,680.00

Where do our priorities lie?