THIS column is all about what seniors are thinking and what’s happening in our big world.
Often, we go through life without giving much thought to what goes on outside our own sphere of influence.
In Australia, we are indeed a lucky country. Sure, there are times when things don’t go the way we’d like – when something should have been done but wasn’t, or when we think a new bridge, stadium, or rail line should have been given priority over another project.
But then comes the question: would we really want to pay more tax? Or give up some of the legitimate “perks” of owning another house? Or reduce spending on education or health?
Finding the money in Australia – with only 26 million people, many of whom aren’t working – isn’t easy. Many of us rely on that fortnightly payment from the government to help fund our lifestyle, meagre though it may be.
Think of the children, those on welfare, seniors, and mums at home – all not contributing directly to the tax system, and many spending less to save money. That means less revenue for governments through the many forms of taxation.
There are so many things we can’t do much about. There have been many protests lately, many quite legitimate, but I often wonder – apart from showing large numbers – how much difference they really make in the grand scheme of things.
Looking at all the wars – both large and small – happening across the globe, I often fear for the future.
We don’t have conflict at our doorstep. It may be in the next suburb metaphorically, but we still feel somewhat insulated. Maybe, as the old saying goes, our heads are in the sand.
This column is different from my usual musings. How many of us really know much about world affairs? How many even bother to watch international news each night? Maybe we’d take more notice if 19 drones invaded our airspace for no apparent reason – as happened recently in Poland.
Be informed! I truly fear where the world is heading in the next few years. I fear that our grandchildren may be drawn into something they don’t yet understand.
