We are about to install the least qualified, most dangerous president in our history. Combined with climate change denialists, borderline white supremacists and captains of industry who will serve as cabinet members and advisers, America is entering a very scary period.
The office of the president, like the monarchy, is largely ceremonial and the figurehead is under strict control from the "establishment". Trump will need permission to pass wind or blow his nose.
In my experience as an English teacher, some good, old fashioned principles – such as reading, writing on paper and sitting in rows – is really appreciated by students who are often overwhelmed by information overload and screens.
Blurring between MPs' official and private business must end.
Readers continue to express anger at the Centrelink autmoated debt recovery system.
Readers debate the need for a sharper focus on the underlying causes of criminality.
Readers react to the 'anti-hipster' movement, and to the city being stuck with old high-rises.
Readers demand action on the culture of entitlement that pervades all sectors of the economy.
Here in Victoria, the left lane is never consent; it is always appearing and then disappearing. If you want to keep left, you need to continually change lanes, which increases the danger.
Readers express amazement at the continued abuse of MPs' travel entitlements
It is time politicians stopped saying "it was within the rules", and instead asked themselves: "Would I do this if I were paying for it myself?" It is unacceptable that they spend our tax dollars without careful consideration.
Readers query the business case of the planned upmarket hiking trail in the Alpine National Park.
We are one of the world's wealthiest nations yet we cannot afford to fund proper social welfare, education and health systems, finance economy-boosting infrastructure projects.
Readers take the government to task over the debt recovery debacle.
Cross-bench senator David Leyonhjelm's thought bubbles anger readers.
Controversy continues over the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.
The tragedy of another life lost in offshore detention due to neglect on the part of people whose job it was to look after him is another verse in Australia's shameful chapter of refugee abuse.
Many out-of-control teenagers go through the revolving door of the courts and continue to commit home invasions, car-jackings and theft whilst they are on bail.
Readers offer mixed views on plans to develop the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.
Readers discuss pension changes and the lack of trust in the opposition.
The plan for the Falls Creek to Hotham walking track focuses on a wealthier clientele.
Some readers are concerned about development plans for the High Country while others welcome the increased accessibility.
Readers wonder if Peter Dutton enjoyed his Christmas Day.
Readers comment on the lack of sophistication of the latest threats.
Readers continue to attack the government over its support for the Adani mine.
Readers reflect on what Christmas means to them.
Readers ponder how we would choose a head of state if we ever become a republic.
I loved it when Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the planned move out of deficit by 2021 was "only a projection, not a promise".
To fair dinkum Australians, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is a disappointment and the alternative, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, is full of blather. So what is left? The old chestnut, the republic.
Meanwhile, without a North East Link, drivers have to put up with the clogged roads of Bulleen, Montmorency and Eltham in the morning and evening peak periods. Gridlock is the norm in Bulleen Road and Fitzsimons Lane.
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