Lexi

So, let me get this right, the 'national interest' is 'the mean' is it?

What, where ACA and Melonkoshie are the high intellectual points of TV, and Alan Jones and Laws shape public opinion?

Where 'education' is spelled 'edumacation'?

Where sport is more important that anything else?

Where The Australian is allowed to pass as a 'thinking' newspaper?

Where we have a Governor General to represent gods and monarchs, as the majority deeply desire?

Thank you no, not for me.

Try reading "The Idea of The National Interest', Charles Beard, about 1934, arguably the first use of the phrase, which has overtaken the idea of the 'public interest'.

By all means, lets us build a civilised society, but we have to accept there are many 'nations' within a nation-state, not one, so creating 'a' national interest is not possible.

Many 'national interests' may be, of course.

1- Introduce Citizens Initiated REferenda and change the constitution to require other policies to need referendums to pass (including joining in wars)

2- Nationalize all formerly public assets whose services have deteriorated, or prices increased for no good reason.

3- Expand access of Australian markets- both our exports, imports, and also our access to renewables (particularly cars)

Can Lexie tell me how becoming a Rebublic will improve the position of citizens in Australia? How will it reduce prices or increase opportunities for employment and create greater wealth?

Can Pelican tell me how the removal of GST will improve opportunity and improve business?

Can The Blue Cross tell us how much will be raised by taxing charities, non profit church organisations and private schools, churches, the plymout Brethren etc.

Can Houellebecq tell us how having less doctors will improve public health, when more Docters means competition.

Well.....ban all religion, except in your own home.

New world laws that will have you jailed for not living sustainably.

Commit all who thinks we humans are having no effect on this planet.

Tax the rich, so the poor don't have to rob them.

Darren Lockyer, the Pope, John Howard and a school boy were all on the same airplane when the engine failed and they realised there was four of them but only three parachutes. Darren Lockyer got up and said, I am a sporting superstar and must live so that I can continue my career to beat the Kiwis and the Poms in the tri-nations series. He grabbed a parachute and jumped off the plane. John Howard got up and said I am the smartest Prime Minister Australia has ever had and I have to live to continue to govern the country. Then the Pope said to the school boy, well I am old and have lived my life so you should take the last parachute. The school boy replied, “No, it's ok, the world’s smartest Prime Minister just took my school bag so there’s one for each of us!”

And yes.....if anything like Mr Howard comes again, have it shoT:)

Reduce human impact on all systems that are clearly affected.

All AWG denialers are to be banned from posting anywhere in the world.

And runner to call on God to save all of mankind, rollies eyes.

All convicted Catholic priests to do community service work at child minding centers for the purposes of mental torture:)

The rich to beg for our forgiveness.

Bring back vinyl albums.

Stop sell out Australia.

Bring the greens into power as soon as possible.

and more funding for environmental causes.

BLUE:

Hey LEXI.. did you ever think I'd agree with you ? :)

I rather like your idea about electing people on merit...

BUT... much as I like it... reality unfortunatly is that we would end up with 100 people in parliament moving in 100 different directions.

Getting legislation up takes a lot of work..and I suspect it would boil down to those how had 'resources' to make it happen..and they (and their backers) would rise to the top... in effect.. being a 'party'.

My preferred approach would be that the major parties exist..but a small band of independants can keep them honest.

TBC:

As you well know the Australian National Interest is osmething that's defined by the Australian Government and the Australian people. It's not static and it depends in part on prior strategic choices we have made and is informed by the view we have of ourselves as a country, and by what we want to stand for. I trust that this clarifies things for you.

Philo:

The people will decide whether they want this country to be a Republic or not. That's why I suggested a Referendum. The people have to decide whether a monarchy is an appropriate symbol for an egalitarian and independent nation. Whether the Queen of England represents the average Australian. Whether an Australian should have the right to aspire to be Australia's Head of State? When the Queen travels overseas she promotes British companies and British trade - not Australian interests - perhaps we need a Head of State who promotes the interests of Australia? Perhaps our Head of State should be a position awarded based on merit - not birthright? These are just some of the questions that Australians will need to consider.
Basically - it's how we see ourselves in the 21st Century - I was merely suggesting the right of the people to be heard. Ultimately - it's their decision to make.