Sorry Lexi, but that is the sort of article that hides reality, Aust's easy days are over.

I mean Aust once had the highest level of per capita wealth in world in 19th century, but many people then could not afford shoes. Australia needs much more than silly articles.

"Outside academia, virtually everyone i ask around Albury Wodonga is very worried indeed."

LOL. To what do you attribute this exemption from worry of the denizens of the scented groves?
a) ignorance is bliss?
b) the getting of wisdom?
c) immunity from any need to engage in productive activity?

What politician doesn't aspire to become PM? Has no-one here ever watched the BBC's Yes, (Prime)Minister?

Labor actually has this minister in the frame as a 'possible':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFELLK8htKM

The feckless Greens Earthians have Bob Brown for President of the One World Government and High Priest of Gaiaism:

Here are Bob Brown and Greens conducting their affairs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0FmFOGnf10

It wouldn't be hard for Clive Palmer or Bob Katter to manage better than that. LOL

Good evening LEXI...

Thank you sincerely for your kind words of support, I really appreciate them immensely. I always seem to get a pretty savage attack from the 'black dog' around ANZAC Day. I feel as the years pass the true intent of the day seems to evade many of us more and more. And I feel more and more isolated from it ?

I heard a bloke on the radio, just after the Dawn service, interview a couple of younger people. He asked them what they thought of the Service and the solemnity of the occasion ?

They all said they're were 'enjoying' themselves, and they were going to remain in the city for the 'walk past' of all the veterans ? After which they were going to seek out a two-up game, and have a thoroughly good time...? The Radio bloke concurred with them, saying he was going for a drink himself, and then he's off to the 'footy' after he went off air ?

Perhaps I'm being too 'sensitive' about it all ? I just feel more and more alienated from ANZAC Day, as the years go by ?

o sung wu,

Re the black dog, never doubt that you have people who care to listen without judgement. Here too on this board, just do it.

ANZAC Day, like some other occasions can remind us that ultimately we stand alone. But know this, there are people who are thinking of you anyhow and some of them may not even know you.

Well said onthebeach.
O Sung Wu, I believe more and more people understand the real meaning of Anzac Day as the years go on....not less.

If that were not the case, we would have less people getting out of bed at dawn, and going to participate in or watch the Marches, instead of more every year.

As we watch the troubles experienced in other countries, we can only thank people like you for fighting for what we have here today.

We certainly wouldn't be arguing over who we should have for PM if we had been taken over by a foreign power years ago.

Hang around here on this forum a while longer O Sung Wu, because you have plenty more wisdom to give us all yet :)