old man emu

As the 4th July 2026 approaches, I feel sorry for the average American. That will be the day they celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which they hold as being the date of the creation of their nation. Actually, independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain was gained on 3rd September, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, whereby the British monarchy acknowledged the independence of the Thirteen Colonies, leading to the establishment of the United States as an independent and sovereign nation. Be that as it may, sometime in 2026 the American people get to celebrate the creation of their nation. From 1775 to 1781 battles were fought by the residents of the Thirteen Colonies to gain independence from Great Britain. From 1783 those residents and millions of migrants who arrived as free persons or slaves built a nation that by the 20th Century became the most powerful amongst nations, held in awe by all others. That was until the begining of 2025 when a freely elected government set about destroying it through avarice which led to the engaging in all sorts of activities considered to be corrupt and/or authoritarian. As a result of those activities, the shining light that was American Democracy has been dulled. I well remember how in 1976 the American people celebrated the 200th anniversary of their Nation's founding. It was a time of great happiness. I am so sad that in 2026, the American people cannot celebrate this further milestone with the same degree of happiness, all due the the actions of a narcissist who never possessed the abilities required of the leader of a Nation. One can only hope that by the 275th anniversary, the American nation has recovered from its present situation.

A Moderator has issued a warning to Brendan, mainly for abusive posts. As a Moderator myself, I was wondering to myself if, due to the deterioration of the standard of debate we have come to expect, that this thread should be closed. The question has lead to inflammatory remarks, which are actually well off topic since the remarks have been personal attacks. However, closing a thread, no matter what the topic, could be seen as censorous, a denial of a freedom to express an opinion ON THE SENTIMENT OF THE TOPIC. Therefore, I have reached the conclusion that the thread should remain open. The point is, let's get back on topic. Perhaps we should move on to discussing the question, "Is a two-party system the most efficient way to provide governance to a Nation?" We have good examples of governments comprised of representatives of all political philosopies coming together to work for the good of a Nation. Consider teh British governmetn in WWII, and even the Australian Government in the same period. Let's have no more personal attacks. Let's raise ourselves out of the ralm of gutter politics. Say your piece on the topic, and back your statements on sources that can be examined.

You've hit my objection right on the head with that. The driver should have all relevant information within the forward field of vision. not in a position where that field needs to be turned to the side by a turn of the head.

It's a joke, Joyce.

(Oops. Sorry, That last sentence should have been posted in "What has Trump done now?"

The late 20th Century scifi impressions of future wars look like they have become reality. Battles fought by machines controlled by a few soldiers located far from the actual field of battle. It has come to the point where one person, sitting at a desk with a communication device can destroy whole countries.

I wonder how many of us know who the local candidates are when we vote in State or Federal Elections. How many of us simply vote for the Party we have always voted for? Here, when I say "we" I mean the unwashed masses, not the politically astute members here.

Regarding cabin temperature control, wouldn't one simply set a desired temperature before starting a journey as one would to set the temperature in a house?

Does that mean that ON can quickly adapt its policies to changing circumstances?

Rule No. 1 for safe driving: Keep your eyes outside the vehicle. That doesn't simply mean looking a car length ahead. It means looking as far as the eye can see In that 120 degree arc in front of you. You should not divert your eyes from that view ino the vehicle for more than a split second. That's why it is safer design to place controls where muscle memory lets us find them. A driver should not have to seek visual clues to locate and operate controls while operating the vehicle.

OK. The Party Abbott was fighting was the Labor Party. Just ignore that for a moment as I concentrate on what I want to say. It seems Abbott's sole aim was to gain power. He was elected to provide good governance to the Nation. That was more important than going for Power for Power's sake. He might have got the top job if he had won, but where would that leave the Common people? No better off.

How many of us are right-handed? Cars are designed for countries which drive on the left right side. That means that dashboard layouts are suited to a driver who has controls accessible by the right hand. Here, that same dashboard layout is on most people's left hand side. Those people aren't used to doing accurate things with their left hand.

The problem with fitting all sorts of electronic whizz-bags to cars is that when the whizz goess bang, the car stops working. I can see the benefit of a GPS, but with a small screel, not a dash-wide screen that could be used to watch a Cinemascope epic. I remember when portable DVD players arrived. It was illegal to have one in a vehicle within the view of the driver.

So. The LNP has intimted that it is willing to form a coalition with ON. Not in an atempt to provide good governance, but for the stated aim of "getting Albo out of The Lodge". I bet that would Make Australia Great Again.

Perhaps it is becasue people think that the system is out of control. There are so many thngs impacting on us that cannot be controlled by ourselves, or by politicians. People must be thinking that since the place is going to Hell in a handbasket, it must be the fault of our traditional leaders from both sides. Therefore they decide to give the non-traditional a go.