David Pope
Cartoons from The Canberra Times editorial artist.
Latest commentary and opinion
Why I turned off my son's Xbox
If I had known what I was getting myself and my son into when I bought him an X-Box and the Minecraft game for his 8th birthday, I would have put it right back on the shelf.
Brussels: I wait by the phone hoping my family does not become a statistic in a world gone mad
Belgium has always been stubbornly obtuse when it comes to dealing with security threats and aggression.
Tiahleigh Palmer: The countdown to justice
Comment: Last night, I pray, sleep eluded Tia Palmer's killer.
Belgium's agony is all of Europe's
The Islamic State-inspired bombings in Brussels on Tuesday appear to presage a frightening new reality for Europe – that of semi-regular terrorist attacks against vulnerable soft targets.
What Brussels terrorist attacks will mean for Australian airports
Plans to make airports appealing places to spend time and money are in conflict with the need to keep travellers safe.
The middle-age surge
Midlife offers people the chance to take the big risks precisely because their foundation is already secure.
How do we find joy at a funeral?
As the roll call of those departing gets longer people these days are neither fearing nor denying but are accepting death.
Path ahead for Turnbull paved with uncertainty
A lot of circumstances are beyond the Prime Minister's control as he bets on a double-dissolution election.
Our most deadly sin
I've never been strong on belief. Sin, virtue, damnation, eternity; none of it has had me altogether persuaded. But one question I can't walk round. Is climate change proof of sin? Not punishment; evidence. Is it final, irreducible proof (for us diehard boneheads) that that the Seven Deadly Sins are exactly that?
Brussels: Why we don't need harsher anti-terror laws
A knee-jerk reaction to the Brussels bombings is not the answer. We need a calmer, more nuanced approach.
European governments are confronted by a perfect storm
In the fight against terrorism, Australia is fully committed to playing a leading role.
Taking the terror out of terrorism
There are no easy answers in Europe, but Australia is heading in the right direction: raid early and raid often.
Seek parents' consent
Shane Rattenbury is ignoring the potentially contentious nature of the Safe Schools program.
Nation states providing false sense of security
Rationally considered we should do everything possible to overcome the nation state.
View from the Street: More funding to search for wind turbine ghosts!
And it's always a good idea to check whether a new slogan isn't already being used as a vacuous politi-speak punchline. Your news of the day, reduced to a snarky rant.
Is Australia still The Lucky Country?
Donald Horne's warning are "even more urgent''.
We must fight the ideology behind political Islamism
Understanding the challenge as a transnational ideological movement rather than focusing on each individual terrorist event can help us better respond to the threat.
In the Herald: March 24, 1931
Killing at fruit shop
ABCC a poor base to build an election on
The Prime Minister uses discredited analysis to exaggerate reasons to reinstate the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
View from the LNP: Lessons learnt from the weekend's Brisbane election
Saturday's stunning election result in Australia's largest council was testament to holding one's nerve, and a further repudiation of negative politics without evidence.
Why smaller towns should matter to city dwellers
With tax reform debate falling further down the rabbit hole, discussion is shifting to areas less prone to brute partisanship: our cities.
Prepare for Islamic terrorism to endure for years to come
Liberal societies must continue to function with the degree of openness and freedom that defines them.
We must stop ignoring the climate change warning signs
In the shallow waters off Cape York Peninsula's east coast, the Great Barrier Reef is in the midst of a severe bleaching event, the worst in 15 years. Meanwhile, Tasmania still reels from fires of unprecedented severity that reduced ancient forests to charcoal. Tragically, we knew both events were highly likely, yet we failed to act.
Bullies don't deserve Safe Schools exceptions
The Turnbull government gives succour to the notion that LGBTI children are the problem, not the school environment.
Brussels: EU "state" fails to protect its citizens
Allowing free movement of people across Europe helps terrorists and puts innocent lives in danger.
How the Tiwi AFL grand final strengthened my bond with my son
It was meant to be a trip to watch the Tiwi AFL grand final, it ended up being a lesson in father and son relationships.
Why Belgium has a serious problem with terrorism
The attacks of March 22 in Brussels were shocking, but not surprising. They reinforced what many have known for years: Belgium has a serious problem with terrorism.
Can you cut journalists and still keep quality?
A commitment to quality journalism does not mesh with a ruthless drive to keep cutting the workforce.
Uni groups shouldn't have to give up their faith
Here is the new rule for student groups on campus at one of our leading universities: you can have any faith you like, as long as it's not any faith in particular.
Parties won't learn from council elections
Unlike other areas of endeavour, politicians do a poor job of learning from success or failure. That's because winners think they are perfect, and losers usually try to blame someone else.
Highlights
Responsibility for ACT election comment
Responsibility for ACT election comment is taken by The Canberra Times editor Grant Newton, of 9 Pirie Street, Fyshwick.
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