Hi Indivydual,

I think you make a big contribution to discussions here but I think it a shame that so many discussions degenerate to the exchange of personal insults. Ideas should be the focus here, not the motivation or character of the people making them. I believe that such a view follows from the idea that civilisation develops from a free discussion of ideas by anyone interested enough to take part. I believe that the stifling of free speech to be a significant reason of the failure of many authoritarian regimes.

The consolation to take from the current government is its failure to curtail free speech and equality, that despite significant damage being done to energy supply, the environment and resource development, as well as reckless control of expenditure and immigration.

Hi Fester,

Things certainly are difficult at the moment.

There are so many false narratives being advanced
by our mainstream media. And failed fact-checks
don't help. With a coming federal election this
year Australians can expect even more of the same.

When political party's purposefully foster
division within Australian society. When they
promote misleading media content, make false
accusations, stir up moral outrage
wherever they can regardless of whether they
are dealing with genuine issues and with no care
of who it damages along the way.

Whether it's gender, race, religion, sexual
orientation, place of birth, wealth, or lack of it,
Indigenous issues, imigration.
When a party is eager to weaponise issues to
appeal to the worst in human nature to try to garner
a few votes. When unity, forward planning, and
addressing community needs and good governance seem
to mean nothing and politicians are willing to sink
so low.

We need things to change.

It is time for voters to make their voices heard and to
clean out the government benches.

On a more positive side of things.

I watched the TV program "Travel Guides", last night.
It was on my city - Melbourne. A great program and
brought in the New Year on a positive note.

Yes, there are problems. But there's also so much
to be grateful for. The same goes with this country
of ours. We may muddle through at times - but we
usually get it right in the end.

Happy New Year to one and all!

That is a good sentiment, Foxy. There will always be problems and challenges, but they can only be solved by people being aware and thinking about them. Discussion is the key.

We live in a great nation, and that is compelling reason for optimism. When everyone agrees I think that we will all be doomed.

A Happy 2025 to you too Foxy.

Hi Fester,

No culture or way of life even one as strong and good
as Australia's is set in stone. Countries are
constantly adapting to a changing world and changing
demographics. Adaptations can be positive or
destructive. We can't take it for granted.
We must stand up for it.

As you pointed out - there will always be problems and
challenges and they can only be solved by people
being aware, and trying to overcome them, as well
as having a vision and plan for the future.

We shouldn't judge a nation at the worst of its history
but by how it overcomes that history.

Discussion is key. As is forward planning and good governance.

Happy New Year To All Who Are True.

Well said Fester, "but they can only be solved by people being aware and thinking about them." That is what we call activism. There are times for conservatism and there are times for activism. Most people are concerned about "self" and give little thought to issues which don't greatly concern themselves.