I was surprised at how sad I was on hearing of Gough's death. As though someone I knew personally had died. I only knew him from afar. As Prime Minister breathing life into our national system of government and moribund institutions. The American poet Mayo Angelou said "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people … [Read more...] about Thoughts on Gough
Polemics
Encounters with Keating
I only saw two of the Keating interviews - first and last. Not deliberately. Didn't get to iView in time for the two middle ones. I'm pleased he's got to give his side of things. His interpretation of the contribution he made - to Party and Country. His version of political debates and decisions, and of historic events - all so long ago. To my mind … [Read more...] about Encounters with Keating
Thoughts on ANZAC Day
What's ANZAC Day? Holiday or holy day? Interesting debate on twitter on the day itself. Opinions varied. Properly respectful? Warmongering? Nationalistic or jingoistic? A day to examine why we go to war or to protest against us going to war? Jeff Sparrow wrote a nice piece in Overland describing the evolution of the day over the years to … [Read more...] about Thoughts on ANZAC Day
A Fine Farewell
A fine farewell was held for Clyde Holding today. Appropriately in the Great Hall at the National Gallery under that majestic ceiling. Two former Governors-General, one current and two former Prime Ministers, one current and three former Premiers, multiple current and former Ministers, Federal and State. These people don't have to come to these … [Read more...] about A Fine Farewell
Slutwalk
I don't get the controversy about Slutwalk - what's not to like? And admire? Hats off to those who organized slutwalks around the world. Another example of the power of our globalised social media. A stupid remark by a policeman in Canada is called out for what it is - all around the world. "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be … [Read more...] about Slutwalk
Who’s a feminist now?
I have been mulling over the F word lately. Lots of reasons. Probably starting with the wedding. In my formative years, resisting society's expectations of women centred around marriage. An off-shoot of that was whether you should be called Mrs or Miss or, how radical, Ms. I remember pimply faced bank clerks sneering at Ms as an answer to their … [Read more...] about Who’s a feminist now?