2017 has arrived, and it is a prime number, so I'm hoping it will be a prime year. But first, thanks to all of you who make this forum work. By and large it runs itself, and that is a credit to all of you. And I frequently take away more than I bring to a lot of threads.

2017 certainly shows potential as being one of those pivot points in history. With the forces of nationalism reasserting themselves around the world there is a good chance that the tide of PC, minority rights culture has hit a peak, and might now recede.

But politics isn't the only thing that will be interesting. I'm agnostic on driverless cars, for example, but plenty of people expect automation to accelerate and for these sorts of things to be common within a few years.

I'm not sure sure, but the future of work is something I think we'll be discussing as well as what the growth in nationalist movements means, and how they should be accommodated in government.

Just a couple of conversation starters for me. Hope you're all enjoying yourselves, and it is cool and less humid where you are, than were I am. Might hit the shopping centre to stock up on Christmas presents for those who I haven't seen yet, and to spend that gift voucher I was given...as well as taking in the aircon :)

Dear Graham,

It certainly looks like being a very interesting
year ahead. I am optimistic about the future -
especially in this country. Somehow we always
manage to keep our heads above water - possibly
due to the political and cultural institutions
that govern this country within an institutional
framework that preserves tolerance and protects
order. We expect people living in this country
to subscribe to them. Democracy, tolerance, the
rule of law, values worth promoting, values
worth defending.

Congratulations to you for OLO. It's awesome - as
are you in allowing such diverse views to be presented.
My life certainly would be much less enjoyable
without OLO. So Thank You Graham!

Wishing you and everyone on this Forum - Peace on earth,
Good Health, Love in your hearts and Joy in all of your
days!

I'm now going to visit my mum, and tomorrow I'll go
the the movies - to use up the Gold Class vouchers
we were given for Christmas. Great treat!

Of all the 'festivals', I find New Year the most pointless. People seem to think that each new year could bring something better. It never happens, of course, but they go on hoping, even as things get more complicated, more expensive, more threatening and just plain sillier. My greatest regret for 2016 is the all-time low in political standards, and the totally unsuitable people acting as politicians. Most of my ire is directed towards those supposedly representing my views - the particularly disgraceful Coalition and its abominable leaders who, having criticised the Socialist for doing what socialists do, have stabbed us all in the back by out-spending, out 'socialisticing' the socialists. I can forgive the socialists for merely sticking to their well-known, well publicised agenda and idealogy; I cannot forgive the Coalition, under Abbott and Turnbull for aping them, and denying Australian voters a real choice. I can go onto a private 'huff', vote for Pauline or Family First, but that is not going to help Australia out of the nothingness it has descended into. Until recently, two very different parties had the chance to attain government, be judged, to be kept or kicked out, enough to retain sanity in the land. Not any more! And, there is not a politician in the country who can do a thing about it. Abbott had his chance, and blew it. If you have heard him interviewed by his greatest fan, Andrew Bolt, you could have been forgiven for thinking that Abbott is now retarded, dragging out responses, with several seconds between each word. Bernardi? What has Bernardi actually said or done that makes him a potential leader? Nought! It's other people yabbering about Bernardi, not the man himself. As one commentator said, Bernardi needs to piss or get of the pot. Pesonally, I think he is wedged in the pot, and will never rise. Labor? Well, they have had a couple good leaders who, like old flames, are gone for good. 2017 will see the depressing sink to the bottom continue for Australia.

Graham,

Have a good one yourself!!

Thanks Graham, & the same to you, & all the other contributors.

At least with Brexit, & Trump to watch, it should be an interesting one. Lets hope that Chinese curse about living in interesting times doesn't catch up with us. With just a bit of luck, it could be a happy one, with more to follow.

Good on you, Graham.

While in my cups on Saturday night (or was it Friday ?), it struck me that OLO is one of the few serious, impartial blog-sites available, which allows a contributor - forces them really - to tease out what their assumptions and beliefs are and put them into words, often for the first time, without the fear (intimidation?) of somebody violently and abusively disagreeing, who in turn, has to tease out THEIR assumptions to defend their point of view. Well, I suppose it should work that way.

I've learnt so much from contributions on OLO and I look forward to many more years of learning. Thanks, you fellas.

Joe