Hmm, well, seeing as we are currently in a happy happy joy joy phase of discussion, I'd also be up for OLO shenanigans, either in Canberra or Melbourne. For the record, I'm 23 & female. As many of you will have guessed from my ranting in the feministy areas of the site :)

Just to age me, I am dropping in my Zacs worth of comment.

I am an expatriate returned home after almost 30 years away from this Nirvana to find what? Politics are as corrupt here as they are overseas – we have a prime minister who will not even lie straight in his coffin, an opposition leader? (sic) who has all the intelligence, form and appeal of a fresh cow pat on a hot day – and the general populace, with the exception of the majority of the posters here (I know which side of the butter to put my bread on) who swallow without question the lies, lies and damned lies of all politicians, thus showing that they have, collectively, somewhat less intelligence than a dead amoeba.

Here was poor naive me, a poor and what ill educated man actually despising the yanks for voting a coward and deserter as president – when in actuality we as Australians have now abridged our duty to our children and our children's children, by allowing this strutting little minded fascist unfettered power over us.

Why have you all, so obsequiously, allowed this little man to gratuitously tread you all into the dirt? Are you all mindless – without courage – or have you all had your spirits broken?

Hello Graham

Thank you very much for the feedback. Very interesting reading.

SHONGA - you stole my thunder. Great post. I too, am trying to alter my posting style and be more considerate of others.

Thank you Graham and all OLO posters
Seasons Greetings to All
Cheers
Kay

Well said Kekedinka (hope I spelled that correctly) as for my zacs worth, I agree with you wholeheartledly, and I was only away 3 1/2 years! I cannot believe the apathy, and worse, the change in the political landscape, the lack of media attention on the Government,. Very few journalists question and hold the Governments feet to the fire, so to speak. Even the IR reforms barely created a noise until the last couple of months, and yet these reforms will affect everyone. Hopefully, with people posting on sites such as this, they may also be speaking out.

Great analysis Graham,
Well it is Christmas the season of good will! Count me in for the online party. But it sounds like we do not need one, as the sweet wine is already flowing as all are exchanging confessions on their bitchiness. Characteristic of too much wine.

May the spirit of good will still prevail when we realise we have exposed ourselves. May all of ill will lay down their arms, and bring alms for the dispossed.

May all persons of good will have a great Christmas. If you are bringing presents I'm a 65 semi-retired male.

Have just been enlightened by jennifers post-- I now know why,being an older woman, i have time to enjoy OLO.. I spend minimum time on the domestics listed, have no grandchildren and have no particular Xmas shopping to occupy me. Actually, its my spouse (still in the workforce) who doesnt have the time (or much inclination) for political blogs,newspapers and the like.I did note I slotted into a mere 5% bracket of the responders..Anyway, i also appreciate the OLO links to the other blogsites: their divergent views are far more instructive than revisiting one sided positions only favouring my personal opinions..I prefer the pseudonym system for these OLO contacts, as it's too easy to form incorrect personal impressions etc from a few words, which can't be rebutted as easily or instantly as in a face to face or telephone situation.. Also, i like the originality of some of the nicknames and the visions they conjure..thks to all..