We have been amply supplied with material from politicians of all political shades and it makes preparation for the classes easy! As one of our members recently suggested, we could do with a bit of a laugh, apart from the cartoons it’s been a sorry tale.
In our latest class we ranged over many issues, from the scourge of drugs in our community to the Greek financial crisis. We contemplated the disgrace of politicians misusing allowances, whilst the public is told “the age of entitlement is over”. The politicians must have forgotten to tell that to the multi-national companies that pay little or no tax in Australia.
We continue to see major differences between politics and media in Victorian and New South Wales. It is interesting to compare the differing views of people in our two biggest states. In addition to discussing political issues the last class looked at the problems and costs of hospitals servicing the needs of grossly obese patients. Bendigo Hospital recently completed a new wing to house such patients. Chairs, beds, shower areas, all have to be bigger and stronger and the costs are often three times that of normal (already costly) hospital equipment. We discussed and reflected on how our local hospital will fund and cope with the expected surge in such patients and how preventative action is stymied by the constant advertising of junk foods.
We returned to the issue of food labelling, which seems to be used to disguise rather than inform about the amount of salt and sugar contained in many of our purchases. We also talked about income and education perhaps helping people to follow a healthier lifestyle. U3A tries to stress healthy minds and bodies in its offerings. At our first meeting in May, just prior to the new Budget being announced, I showed an episode of “The Hollowmen”. This spoof on politics is getting a little old, but the class found some of the lines still appropriate. The scenario had the PM worried his soon to be announced budget lacks excitement. Back in the real world our PM told us he wanted the new budget to be boring, having had too much excitement in the Senate with the previous one!
Our class remains concerned with the ravages alcohol and other drugs have on communities. Remote Aboriginal Communities featured on 4 Corners the previous night, but we could relate the issues featured to problems we know exist in Benalla and surrounding towns. I would like to farewell Joe Solomon who joined us this year. Joe is going to move to Melbourne. We will miss your contributions Joe, all the best from the Politics class. Tax seems to be the domestic theme this month as members of a Senate Committee expressed shock at the Multi Nationals shifting profits off-shore and leaving the Australian tax payer to cushion their debts. Much wailing and grinding of teeth will probably be of no use as these companies armed with their battalions of lawyers and accountants will ease their way round any new tax laws. So are the “Lifters” to be charged with an increased GST? Will “brave” politicians change Pensions and Super? The Politics group might need our Investment classes to give us a bit of advice on these issues.
I don’t think there has been finer comedy produced this year than that developed in Canberra. This latest comedy festival features the Palmer Disunited Party. Come on folks get serious! Who knows what new comedy sketches will take to the stage before we next meet?
Terry Case Our first politics class for the year was held the day after the leadership spill: we had plenty to discuss!
Forthcoming topics include the supermarket duopoly and its impact on suppliers and consumers. A survey of topics carried out during the first class resulted in quite a list! The list is available by clicking on this link (PDF) and on the side menu.
U3A Politics and Current Affairs - suggested topics and issues - 2015 One of my favourite illustrations from 2014 was the Monthly’s portrayal of the Abbot Government as a club for old conservative white men. The Monthly (available at the newsagent and at the Benalla Library) is a good source of current affairs material. I strongly suggest you obtain a copy of the August 2014 edition that tackled the issue of the supermarket duopoly and how suppliers are squeezed and competition stifled.
Following our summer break I am sure class members will be roaring to get back and share their angst at the state of the political scene. We have a new mayor, a new local member of parliament and a new state government, with an upper house controlled by independents; just like federal politics!
Overseas news will continue to be an important part of our agenda and we will choose a new focus for the year ahead. We welcome new members who enjoy debating and sharing their ideas on current events. Terry I want to thank my co-tutor for the year, Laurence Neal for stepping in and saving my sanity in my first year as president. I have found it refreshing to watch how Laurence runs the class and this is what U3A is all about, learning and sharing. Laurence will continue to visit Benalla U3A next year in his new role as tutor for Comparative Religion.
Politics this year was at times a course in religion as we dissected the different factions in Sunni, Shia and Kurdish political forces and even the politics of the Vatican. Our last class for the year is just before the state election so I guess that will dominate proceedings, but in a year of political turmoil I have learnt to be flexible in my planning! Terry Case Source: November Newsletter |
Politics and Current AffairsJoin our discussions as we dissect local, state, federal and world affairs. Meeting times2nd and 4th Tuesday 10.00 am to 12 midday
U3A Meeting Room 1 Convenors and contact detailsBrian Harker
0478 606 398 Neville Gibb
0428 858 688 Thank you, Terry!Terry Case
Politics & Current Affairs Convenor, c 2013 - 2022. Archives
February 2024
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