Political commentators tell us that
"We've known for a long time that the traditional
Left-Right political divide, dating from the
French Revolution has reached its use by date ...
Society in Australia is not longer divided between
Left and Right, but is split between Reformists
and Regressives."

"Certainly Left and Right no longer have the meaning
they once had, and neither does the Socialist-Conservative
division. Most people are sick and tired of the old
divisions and expect a more positive approach in
public life. Part and parcel of this is wanting truth
versus falsehood to replace the old dichotomies."

What a positive move that would be in public life.
(And also on this forum).

Foxy.

With respect, it was an outrageously offensive, elitist thing to say about Australia. You may not intend it, but it comes across as the crass arrogance of the archetypal European toff dismissing Australians. That is if any Europeans actually know that Australia exists, or cares.

A cultural cringe,
"It's important to remember Australia before the
waves of migration. It was dull, self-satisfied
and joylessly conformist. Not sinply(sic) null and boring,
but nullarboring. Not merely mindless, but lobotomised".

It didn't help that after the cruelty and deprivation of the Great Depression, Australian were off in their thousands to fight for Europe's freedom. The bloom of new industries and culture were destroyed as Australia converted to war production for Europe.

Post-WW2 Australia was in a desperate plight as the small population struggled to pay a war debt - guns and bullets expended in Europe's war - and the fledgling industry pre-war totally lost to war production and war economy, had to be cranked up from the ground again.

OTB,
We did not go to war simply to aid the UK and Europe. Do not forget we were under direct threat ourselves. But you are right about the depression and the dire straits of our industry post war. We were very generous to the UK and Europe during that period.

I can clearly recall butter still being rationed here in the late 1940s as we were sending lots of food assistance to others and depriving ourselves. I knew a bloke who was a cook in a migrant camp and he told me that the new migrants could not believe the food we had. For example, the sugar would completely disappear from the tables at the first sitting of new arrivals. Took them a while to realize it would be there at every meal.

I am aware that there is no hope of the likes of Foxy and Paul to change their views, but I will correct them whenever I see the need because I know there are many that read these posts without commenting themselves. These people deserve facts instead of warped ideology.

Dear Banjo,

I can see that you've found a kindred spirit
with whom you obviously have much in common.
You can continue to share in demonstrating your
positive, broad-sighted aspirations and vision
for Australia.

I'll leave you to it!

Banjo,
Agreed.

Foxy,
You must have some evidence to support your jaundiced opinion of Australians. You have after all posted the same words repeatedly over many years. This is your opportunity to detail the basis of your prejudice. So by all means put your supporting evidence and argument forward.