periodically the mood and attitude of those living in Australia swings between good and bad. It is probably not as evident to those who live nowhere else but here, but it is something that is readily apparent to those who share their time between here and somewhere overseas. I have compared notes with others and the 1980's was one such period where Australia was considered rather harsh and greedy. I think now is another such period with people generally rather thin skinned being quick to take offence and somewhat arrogant. This I believe reflects a feeling of insecurity which may be more a reflection of the world today, but certainly the government has done more to reinforce the sense of being under seige rather that alleviating it. Reinforcing the concept of a national identity is all well and good, but the more you define how your own society is different, or superior, to others, the harder it is for those others to find common ground with you. Sound economic management can only carry you so far, at the end of the day we are going to have to live with how well we manage our moral obligations with the rest of the world, and I think we are being let down in that department.
