G'day readers,
Those of you who have received this newsletter for a while know I am a confessed political nerd.
I know by the emails I've received many of you are in the nerd club with me.
I also know many of you are more casual observers.
I am interested to know what you felt watching Joe Biden's inauguration?
Nerds and casual observers alike.
I have hope our biggest ally can pull itself out of a quagmire of division and anger brought about by four years of dog-whistling to the lowest common denominator.
Listening to President Biden speak about striving for unity amid racial, economic and social division, I felt relief and a sense of positivity for America and of course, by extension, for Australia.
Biden's a decent man, that is well documented, his decency and long-established valuing of bipartisanship give him a chance to unite a divided country.
Decency, and unity, they are interesting words.
Regardless of what you think of Australia Day and its date I'd say when most Indigenous Australians say the date of the day brings them hurt and causes them angst we all should listen.
It's not like the date has always been January 26.
The first official Australia Day was on July 30 in 1915, the next year it was held on July 28. We could change the date to be more inclusive of our Indigenous people.
I believe his comments were neither decent nor promoted unity, judging by the comments on our Facebook page many disagree.
But that's what I like about Australia, and where I believe we are a better nation than most. We can disagree and no-one is carrying an assault rifle over their shoulder, ready to shoot you. We mostly agree to disagree, and I'll defend your right to disagree with me (non violently) until my last breath, but we should never shy away from a robust debate.
I don't understand the Liberal government's push for people to trash their Super. Conservatives are all about small government, people looking after themselves and only relying on government for basic needs.
If we all retire with little or no super surely that means more people on the elderly pension. Is that something the champions of small government want?
Merryn Porter tells us Sutherland Shire Council is bracing for big crowds at its beaches, parks, waterways and leisure centres over the weekend and into Australia Day. It is warning beaches and car parks will close if they get too busy.
Murray Trembath tells us a woman who nearly drowned when she was caught in a rip at Elouera beach at nightfall, owes her life to a couple who pulled her from the water and gave treatment on the beach. That's a good news story if I've ever heard one.
Enjoy your Sunday read, have a great Australia Day, and be careful in the water and slip, slop, and slap if you are going to the beach.
Thanks for reading the Leader, the team and I appreciate it.
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
