It is dangerous to make too much of historical parallels. At first glance, however, the similarities between the 70-year-old Donald Trump, as he accepts the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, and the 69-year-old Ronald Reagan back in July 1980 appear uncanny. That year, with America racked by socio-economic unrest at home and diminished credibility…
The United States union movement is quite unlike that of Australia. In fact, their part in American politics is unique. The Democrat Donkey is the recipient of most of the union movement’s considerable muscle, but at times influential unions, such as the Teamsters (truck drivers), have allied themselves with the Republican Elephant. The Democratic Party…
THE DAMAGE DONE Edited by Andrew Denton Go Gentle Australia Paperback, ebook What can be said about a collection of stories of family members, friends and patients who have died with difficulty and the wishes of people living with significant health challenges that are collectively and squarely aimed at furthering the debate on euthanasia…
Kirby’s ‘alien’ claim Former High Court Justice Michael Kirby tells us (ABC online, August 23) that a plebiscite on same-sex marriage is “alien” to our constitution. How unusual for a former judge to scorn a people’s vote. It is well known that those promoting same-sex marriage fear a plebiscite or referendum on the subject. They consider it unwinnable. The public and media comment on same-sex marriage is one sided. There are forced limitations on the discussions of marriage between a man and a woman, as such discussions are deemed to be discriminatory. Archbishop Julian Porteous of Hobart found that out…
