iv'a worn smith

Great reports guys. Thank you. Seems the cultural evolution continues unabated. Regardless of what happens this season, I get the feeling watching the Dees will be far more enjoyable than in recent years. ............ Wouldn't be hard to surpass recent years though.

Al-Hayat

He did play an integral role in a couple of flags

WTF? Short answer is yes, the GOP which supports Trump, is probably the most dangerous thing that has happened in the world in more recent history. Not trolling at all

Yep, like the GOP and those who refer to themselves a the 'silent majority' = Trump

It was previously locked

Extremism of any kind should not be tolerated, but to suggest radicalisation of Muslims is endemic is simply wrong. As with any religion/sect/cult there will always be extreme views, but much of that emanates from other personal choices, over and above any religious text, such as a feeling of disenfranchisement, where the misguided believe radicalism somehow empowers them, when otherwise they would feel emasculated.

Oh yeah, he's a serial publicity seeker, isn't he. He is just doing what most Fathers would do, who are fed up with their son being put through the wringer, whether you think it is his fault or not. As for your hypothesis as to what may be causing James Hird's mental health problems, neither you, nor anybody on DL or in the media can know. Let's hope you never know personally. Just leave the guy alone. Think of him what you will, but it is poor form to continually speculate.

The "family". Alan Hird is interstate. Has Alan Hird been quoted as saying that? All I am saying is, it is certainly not fair game. Leave the guy alone.

So that's James' fault is it?

I'm not racist, but .............. Perhaps the erudite among us might like to re-visit history and see what the Crusades did to the Moors, in the name of a Christian God.

I thought this was locked. Leave the guy alone. To me it is the height of arrogance for anyone to suggest what is the current state of mind of James Hird or what may have caused it. Just let it be for now. Keyboard warriors should think about just how squeaky clean they may be in their anonymous world - or perhaps their closets are also bursting with skeletons.

More like imperialism. Perhaps even closer to home, it is worth considering the opium wars and boxer rebellion. People who, rightly or wrongly, feel disenfranchised over centuries, will at some point rise up against what they perceive to be injustice. That said, misguided retribution is no answer.

I suspect you are right Choke, but I was trying to be conservative on that one

I have not stated that anywhere in any of my posts mate. Unfortunate that you need a definition of what a global humanity might be. As I have previously stated, I have never advocated open borders. We already have Laws in this country that protect our borders, known as the Migration Act and Regulations of Australia. But to demonise people who seek to come here is an entirely different issue. I think it might be you who needs to get grip on the facts. You have missed the point entirely. Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.

Mate, why are you being so antagonistic? What is wishy washy about the fact that the majority of superannuants, other than those with self managed funds, will have at least a portion of their super invested in overseas markets and cash. Pure fact. So the point is, while we may be happy to reap the benefits which flow from a global economy, not many are happy to accept the sometimes harsh reality of a global humanity. Rather ironic.

"A boy cries out for his mama, before he dies for his home"

Not at all. I have the utmost respect for those who fought a war foisted upon them by the government of the time. I admire those who fought for what they believed in, even if I did not. On one trip to the 'G this year, there was a fella selling 50 year Vietnam anniversary badges in Yarra Park. I made a point of buying a $20 badge and I wore it with pride. The period of the Vietnam War was part of me; it helped form what I am today. But you highlight a point I have been trying to make. Just because you may not agree with something, does not mean you have to trash talk those that do. I go to Vietnam a lot for my work and when I do, I try to go to the places where the Aussies fought and sadly died.

What I mean is, while we are happy to reap the dividends of the cash in our super funds swilling around the world, it would be nice to also have some global humanity which recognises that commonly used cliches, urban myths and labels do not apply to all and sundry. We have border control. It is called the Migration Act and Regulations of Australia, with a recurring subclause regulation contained within the various Schedules of the Regulations that; the Minister must be satisfied. By this clause alone, herein lies the unfettered power of the Minister. But, rather, we choose to believe the tabloid media, rather than codified Law. I find it pretty ironic that most people who wish to tarnish those seeking to come to Australia, also call themselves Christians. Perhaps those same people might like to read the Beatitudes. Anyway, that comes from a 'leftie', so feel free to dismiss it out of hand.

I am not a protesting Uni student, though I was during the Vietnam war days. That said, standing up for what you truly believe in is not something that should automatically be trashed, simply because others disagree with a particular stance. Name calling is the last bastion of scoundrels, much the same as jingoistic patriotism nationalism. We live in a global economy. That's fine, as it underwrites your superannuation. But a global humanity? No way.

It's OK Choke. When bereft of calm and rationale debate, people resort to epithets such as 'leftie'. If 'leftie' means questioning the status quo then so be it. I am a leftie and proud of it

not all of them

Perhaps I am naive, but until now, I did not realise that the medal had not been physically handed back. I agree with the above and more so, that the AFL has basically neutered itself through years of inaction on integrity matters. In other words, grow some gonads AFL.

Umm yes. The only option with your membership is a scarf.

Yep, I have witnessed that in the past. I have often given up waiting in the queue for a scarf, given the time it takes. My personal preference is anything but a scarf.