Great Scott I thought, have some of OLO's most tireless Leftist whingers gone through a very recent, miraculous epiphany and are finally rejecting the black armband view of Australia as promoted by Julian Burnside et al!

But no, sadly there are the give-away snipes and the usual appeal for linked-arms, lock-step tag-team reactive stuff, "I need you in my corner". Very funny, but ever so needy too.

Returning to the OP, yes people are not doing so badly at all in an egalitarian, welfare State like Australia. We should welcome each day spent on the green side of the grass and give thanks. Remembering though that there are some among us who live lonely lives, and especially so for those suffering from illness and depression.

So, find some time to volunteer please. Nothing special, just give some time to be company for someone.

My hospital experiences are that the medical staff are excellent, the health administrators are rotten to the core.

It wound seem the right camp are sweeting a little:)...Don't worry...the people that are running the show, must have an in-side No black mail policy..and your that insure?...People complain simply that their too well off....I cant see olo solving that one any time soon.

Your thoughts....if you have one.

Country people seem to be at the short end of the stick....I totally disagree with that. The people who complain the most....should gain a passport and fight overseas and root-factor some morals give notwith standing:)...

Look people...if you want my autograph...just ask:)...

Tally:)

Dear Suse,

Thanks for your kind words.
People like you, SteeleRedux, Poirot,
and many other voices of reason - keep me
coming back to this forum. The others -
are interesting as well - (as a bridge to the '50s
mentality).

Foxy,
Here's some enlightenment for you on the word Reason. Some of it might be foreign to you but you can look it up on the net.

1 a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event: she asked him to return, but didn't give a reason | I resigned for personal reasons | [ with clause ] : Giles is the reason that I am here.
• [ mass noun ] good or obvious cause to do something: we have reason to celebrate.
• Logic a premise of an argument in support of a belief, especially a minor premise when given after the conclusion.
2 [ mass noun ] the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgements logically: there is a close connection between reason and emotion.
• what is right, practical, or possible; common sense: people are willing, within reason, to pay for schooling.
• (one's reason) one's sanity: she is in danger of losing her reason.

I believe Australia has one of the best mixed societies in the developed World. Our mix of capitalism tempered with socialism has in general terms been successful for the majority. That is not to say we do not have many inequalities within society, and too many disadvantaged people, we certainly do. The fact we have been a stable and successful state has allowed us to develop a welfare system to support in part the needs of the disadvantaged. The provision of public services in heath, education etc is up there with the best of them.
I do not want Australia to stagnate or go backwards, there are some who believe there is too much provided from the public purse and that taxes, and therefore that provided by government should be reduced. I do not agree.