// This piece is derived from a talk I gave at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts. So, it is a bit more "talky" than my other articles. I have had some appreciation about just how it captures the issues, and the US influence. Hope you find it interesting Ahoy.

My name is John August, Treasurer of Pirate Party Australia; I've stood for the last Federal election as a NSW Senate Candidate.

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A top-level look at the current tensions in politics in Australia, and a plug for the Pirate Party. (This was written around the time of Abbott, but I still think my comments hold now, at the end of Albanese's first term.)

// A look at votes in NSW on secular issues, and the influence of the religious lobby, and a gesture ...

We have had recent votes on two secular issues, which I thought I'd review for my web page. These were the vote on the 11th May 2017 on the "Abortion Law Reform (Miscellaneous Acts Amendment) Bill 2016" and on the 16th November 2017 on the "Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017".

// Trying to make sense of the controversy over development in Ryde - and the upcoming election.

Introduction

This article emerges from my attempt to make sense of both development around the Ryde area, but also development more generally and the record of the current state Liberal Government.

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I gave this presentation on the 7/2/19 at Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club.I am not presently planning to stand for the next NSW State election, butI do hope that I can nevertheless make a worthwhile contribution. If anyonewants to support me standing as an independent, let me know!

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While I'm not standing for the By-Election in Bennelong, I still feel the inclination to stick my oar in. Perhaps you'll find what I have to say of interest.

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If you can get past the emotions you might feel, the history of Abbott and Turnbull - and the lies, half-truths and distortions can be fascinating to behold. It shines a spotlight on how ideas are developed and debated ...

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The their June 15th issue, the Northern District Times were kind enough to cover my candidacy, and the image with this article is an extract.

Writing a letter to the editor in the June 22nd issue, Jason Bolster writes :

// A letter I wrote to Mr Dominello and Mr Alexander back in 2012. It is a reflection of who I was back then and the life I was living, and a genuine attempt at the time to engage with the political system. I invited them to get back to me for further discussion, and I was talking about getting in touch. The replies did not mention that suggestion and I decided against pursuing it further.

// The "rights" based debate is much confused, with much distortion of the english language and abuse by vested interests. Pointing to the spectre of a patronising intrusive Government, people forget that corporations can still play with our heads.

Setting the Scene