politics

Created
Sun, 29/10/2023 - 04:53
The most pressing challenge for the Catholic Church remains addressing women’s inequality in its ranks. The current Synod on Synodality offers some hope, but there are huge roadblocks.  The likelihood of equality for women in the Church requires a leap of faith, extremely long-term thinking, and hoping against hope. I cannot see it happening in Continue reading »
Created
Sun, 29/10/2023 - 04:56
The prolonged debate about the Voice to Parliament was dominated by the question about what rights should be accorded to our First Nations communities. It was, without doubt, the most potent argument advanced by proponents of the no case. By enshrining the Voice in the constitution, it was said, Aborigines and Islanders were to be Continue reading »
Created
Sun, 29/10/2023 - 04:57
Industrial emissions, many hard-to-abate, are increasing. Norway leads the roll-out of EVs but China dominates the number purchased and the production of steel and EV batteries. 40% of amphibians are threatened with extinction. Industry’s rising GHG emissions Industrial activities – for example mining, manufacturing, construction and waste processing but not including the energy sector – Continue reading »
Created
Sun, 29/10/2023 - 04:58
Many Australians will be ashamed that our nation has failed to speak and vote unequivocally at the United Nations during this crisis. As a nation we cannot continue to pretend that Israel has “a right to defend itself” while Palestine has no such right and is being systematically destroyed. A two-day debate in support of Continue reading »
Created
Sat, 28/10/2023 - 04:51
The savage Israeli reaction to the suggestion by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, that some Hamas actions may be a response to 56 years of Israeli repression was extraordinary. We have long known about Israeli sensitivity to criticism. But this brings things to a new level. Cannot Israel accept even some of its own responsibility for Continue reading »
Created
Sat, 28/10/2023 - 04:52
If Dutton does to the next election what he did to the Voice referendum, public policy won’t stand a chance; the “Home Affairs” experiment has failed; and what the French do in their spare time. Read on for the Weekly roundup of links to articles, podcasts, reports and other media on current economic and political Continue reading »
Created
Sat, 28/10/2023 - 04:54
Unlike mainstream commentators, I don’t think there is anything the ‘Yes Campaign’ could have done to win the No voters. You can provide someone with information but can’t lead them to judgement. No voters knew what they wanted. No point questioning their choice. The claim there was not sufficient information, adequate explanation, or the Yes Continue reading »
Created
Sat, 28/10/2023 - 04:58
Born in 1938, two days after Kristallnacht, I grew up during a period of rabid American antisemitism. In response, two relatives helped found the Anti-Defamation League. Learning of the atrocities Hamas committed in southern Israel, I was aghast like everyone. But I was not surprised. Israel has been hoisted on its own propaganda, regardless of Continue reading »