chainsmoker makes an interesting point.

Gibo I am not sure that we are more politicised. Possibly we are angrier due to a perception in the last twenty years that governments have lost touch with the grass roots and the 'small man-women' in the street that you mentioned. Even the pensioners are politicising.

I would argue the 60s and 70s were more politicised (if I take your meaning correctly) with the Vietnam War and the Whitlam dismissal as examples.

People do seem angrier in modern times but perhaps it is because we are constantly exposed to it - because of Forums like this one and the birth of sensationalist current affairs programs like Current Affair and Today Tonight.

I find politics quite boring. A number of years ago, when I was off work sick, I was watching a movie on VHS video tape (No DVD's in those days), and when the tape finished and was rewinding, the program was political debate live from Parliament House. I've seen more intelligent conversation and manners in pubs and clubs on Friday and Saturday nights. Needless to say, I turned the TV off.

GIBO.. we are becoming politicized because people are BULLYing us and.. I've never liked bully's :)

Dear Gibo,

It could be due to the wider diversity of
our society today. There is a greater
demand for a wider range of news and
current affair programs.

Australians today are more "outward"
looking. More interested in what goes on
globally, and not just within their own
backyard.

Australians travel more,
technology has advanced - its become
a more competitive, more advanced society.

World politics is very much a big part of it.

Theres some good points here from all.
Its good to see how people view the situation.
I guess, maybe, Im overly suspicious of the USA...and that too may have a Hollywood background (Three Days of the Condor, The Parallax View and so many others on bad "intelligence organisations").

I just get disturbed when I observe what looks like a subtle displacement of the Australian way of life by a greater power, even a friendly greater power.

Does the USA really want to own the world?
Perhaps we just have to let greater powers have their play and see what comes of it all.
Maybe I shouldnt get too upset with the USA...she's going to have her time with The Lord.

Dear Gibo,

I think you'll find you're not alone
in worrying about the future and where
we're headed. I too, worry from time to
time. Especially, when the news that's
presented to us is often bleak.

But then something good happens, and
things balance out.

As far as the Us is concerned. I'm hoping
that with a new President - things may
change for the better.

Fingers crossed.