Politics is a dirty word

The furore over Australian cricketers tampering with a cricket ball in South Africa should take no-one by suprise. Certainly it was cheating, unethical and just plain wrong. No question that everyone involved should never play cricket again. But the incident was a reflection of the dire state of Australia’s culture and values.It seems that almost everyone here thinks they have a right to have "more". Corruption and disrespect is rife in our financial systems, politics and bureaucracy. Just listen to parliamentary question time and hear the lack of respect our politicians have for each other - why should we have any for them!Politicians rort the system without a second thought. Cricketers are just rich bullies and thugs with an overwhelming sense of self-importance and entitlement (just like many others in our society).The fundamental probledm is that cricket was designed as a game for gentlemen and since game was monetized by people like Kerry Packer, there are no gentlemen ...

I agree with Paul Mason in his book 'Post capitalism' that our current economic system is unable to adapt.The digital revolution is ripping up the 'business as usual' rule book. The history of Western industrial development, economic theory, the labour movement and the evolution of technology serve as the foundation for Mason’s principal thesis: that capitalism itself is breaking up on the rocks of technological innovation, giving way to new political and economic movements. As he says, “capitalism has reached the limits of its capacity to adapt”.

The Royal Commission enquiring into the actions of banks, the financial services sector and superannuation funds is now underway and may help to solve some problems.Compulsory Superannuation has been a crock for baby-boomers. It's OK for the high flying GenYers and subsequent generations with its generous tax breaks. But for those about to retire it has been useless. After a lifetime working and paying taxes those around 65 and 70 get little except the prudent savings accumulated over the years. One 70 year old recently cashed- out his super – the princely sum of $18,500. For most of the working life of people that age, superannuation contributions from employers were not available. Following the introduction of compulsory super, many only had limited part time employment and may have been largely self-employed - taking meager living expenses out of business income. With a low level of disposable income, there was no opportunity to take advantage of tax breaks and shovel thousands ...

The Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews appears to be doing his best to lose the next State election, due in November. He is facing pressure over an enterprise bargaining agreement with the United Firefighters Union (UFU) containing clauses allowing for a combined total of 196 days leave for some staff, which includes sick, personal and recreation leave It also provides cash allowances. All Opposition leader Matthew Guy has to do to win is keep his mouth shut and not create any public scandals.