The Party's Over, Interviews with newDemocracy founders
Do you agree with the interviewees? Use this area to discuss your views.
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
fullobeans Comment 1 13 Nov 2007, 6:23 PM
(re my comment under the song) Now I understand what you are on about!! Well I agree with the problem but think htat the solution might be less say for people not more
greenade Comment 2 21 Nov 2007, 10:58 PM
this is the best group of statements on Australian politics I have ever seen. some of the root of this problem is the commercialisation of universities. back in my youth, i hung around with people who were going to Uni who were so fired up and happy to talk about political ideas and the betterment of society as a whole.. the thinkers. as a late starter to a tertiary education, one of my greatest disappointments is the lack of interest in the university community about these issues these days. the stifling of free speech, demonstrations and "sense of community" is a root cause of the current state of apathy, in my opinion. people seem more interested in talking about celebrities!! eek!! and by default, real issues go by the way-side. i wish nDF the very best in this huge challenge to wake up the population from this sleepy apathy that seems to be all consuming.
this is the best group of statements on Australian politics I have ever seen. some of the root of this problem is the commercialisation of universities. back in my youth, i hung around with people who were going to Uni who were so fired up and happy to talk about political ideas and the betterment of
more…
fullobeans Comment 2.1 22 Nov 2007, 10:09 AM
I must stop doing this, but I find myself agreeing with you again Greenade. Whilst I am no radical I find it sad that our young people dont go through a phase of political activism any more. It was an important part of growing up for most of us before we become more realistic (and perhaps cynical)
greenade Comment 2.1.1 22 Nov 2007, 10:19 AM
he he... well, debate is an important part of forming one's ideas and thinking through one's stance on things. nothing more boring and mind-numbing than sitting down in a room full of people who agree on everything. ;)
blakey Comment 2.1.1.1 22 Nov 2007, 4:40 PM
Yes so would you two please stop it! However, I agree with this too. It is tragic not to be a radical idealist at the age of 18 and even more tragic to befocused on a career. The youth of today............
monty123 Comment 2.1.1.1.1 25 Nov 2007, 5:25 PM
Ok me too! Isnt this lovely - consensus blogging
ballotsmith Comment 2.1.1.2 3 Dec 2007, 10:48 AM
Yes greenade, the quickest way to upgrade your thinking is to talk with someone who doesn't agree with you. It's not so tempting but I must try to get around to it! more!
Peter Cunningham Comment 2.2 10 Feb 2008, 8:59 AM
Greenade - Sadly you are correct.
Too many people ARE concerned with petty issues.
Examine the maturity and ability to accept responsibility by the majority of youth at say 18 to 25 (yes - 25!), and compare to the poor sods who had to fight a war, supposedly to buy us everlasting freedom.
There is no comparison.
One group faced reality, but subsequent generations who did not don't know true reality, simply because they first of all sit on the efforts of those who did fight for freedom, and secondly are constantly protected from most everything.
In our increasingly urban societies, people naturally develop their values and perspecteivs from the society in which they live.
They are bombarded by populist media that capitalises on violence and distorts minds by conditioning them to accept violence as the norm, but on the other hand decrys it by (for example) promoting to simple minds, simple notions. They and politicians and the omnipresent doogooders, create demons and fear. That is why simplistic one liners "Because criminals have guns, then those who have guns must be criminals" are so successful.
I once took my sons and their little mate out on a Land Rover Owners Club trip, well out in the bush (now closed off to preserve the "rare and endangered [insert name] "). That poor kid of 15 years old, had NEVER been out in the country - never seen a cow, never seen a creek, never skipped a stone. His world was urban, and this insight into reality I hope has helped him in his life's direction.
We live in a nanny state, and any thinking person who dares speak out is seen as a social outcast.
Juvenal (roman satarist) once said "Panim et Circenses" = Give them Bread and Circuses.
That was as true then as it is now.
It is prudent to consider this quotation:
"Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty, when the government's purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty, lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal. Well meaning, but without understanding." Justice Louis Brandeis - Olmstead v U.S. 479 (1928)
Peter Cunningham
Greenade - Sadly you are correct.Too many people ARE concerned with petty issues.Examine the maturity and ability to accept responsibility by the majority of youth at say 18 to 25 (yes - 25!), and compare to the poor sods who had to fight a war, supposedly to buy us everlasting freedom.There is no comparison.One
more…