Thoughts from a Bulldozer Driver

I've changed my mind. About a great many things. Mainly thanks to Covid and the stupid response to it.  I came to realise my shift in opinions last time that I completed a "political compass" quiz. Over the last (probably) 10 years or so, I check in with an online "political compass" which not only gives you a graphic indication of where you sit politically, it's a good device to get you thinking about your own principles and prejudices rather than just policy of the day. (There are a few available online. Try this one yourself HERE .) When I last checked in, I found that a lot of my answers were different from previous tests. This got me thinking about what has changed for me and how I might be thinking about some things a bit differently. Following is a list of those things. It is by no means complete and not in any particular order.  United Nations. From the most noble of beginnings, the United Nations was born out of WWII with the intent to prevent war...

Last year (2022) I attended my first CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) event in Sydney. The weekend was very enjoyable thanks to the interesting and varied speakers that offered a range of ideas and perspectives on many varied topics. During the weekend I met many people in the audience, all of who had a story and opinions to share, and varied in their background, lifestyle, location and jobs. I also was pleased to meet several media personalities, politicians and what you might call "business heavyweights" during the weekend. I wrote about last year's event  here . So this year I attended with high expectations. And yes, I did enjoy the conference weekend, but this year's event was quite different to last year's. One of the main differences was the presence and approachability of politicians and media personalities... or lack thereof. At the '22 event I met and spoke with some of these people and was amazed at just how approachable they were. Th...

The Albanese Government, while everyone is distracted by the "Voice" debate and upwardly-spiraling cost of living , is attempting to silence the voices and quash the opinions of everyday Australians like you and me. Their plan is to create an Orwellian-style "Ministry Of Truth" within the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA). This new legislation will enable ACMA to force the removal of posts (such as those on FaceBook, Twitter etc) Youtube video posts, Podcasts, or even personal blogs (like this one) if the post/article opposes or questions the established Government narrative. Basically, this bill gives government the power to sensor information that it doesn't want online.  It sounds like I'm being hyperbolic, but bear with me, because I regard this to be the greatest threat to our nation right now. This legislation will give the government, federal or state, the power to silence dissent, disagreement, or even those questioning the nar...

I really don't know what to make of  "The Voice".  I wanted to know more about what the actual proposal is, but factual information is distinctly lacking. "The Voice" is a measure proposed by the "Uluru Statement from the Heart", but an investigation of the statement  web page reveals nothing in the way of mechanicals, schematics, or indeed any any information on what The Voice might look like or how it will work. Some vague information has been offered by Prime Minister Albanese, but again, this information has been unclear on concept, yet alone details.  I have no doubt that Mr Albanese and his Government are well-intentioned, and I truly believe that all Australians despair at the plight of our remote Aboriginal Communities in particular. Mr Albanese and a plethora of talking heads have indicated that The Voice is a step towards true reconciliation, justice, and improved life outcomes for those in the communities. So, naturally, the old heartstrings...

On the 29th of April I published here a post about a friend who's life was destroyed partly due to an uncaring and sensationalising media. As I wrote more and as the story developed, the post became more about the friend, who's recent passing was (and is) still fresh in my mind, rather than the media itself. Recently, I was contacted by a mutual friend who asked me to take the post down, for several personal reasons that are poignant and sincere. If you have come to this page to read the article in question, I apologise that it is no longer available. However the respect that I have for my small group of friends is important to me and I fully respect their wishes.  Thank you for your understanding. H