With such a provocative title, many people on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate shall likely be upset, but there should be no apologies for stating the facts, writes Michael Smyth People have made the comment that Marriage is not exclusively a religious institution, but while this may be technically correct, it is a highly disingenuous statement. A friend of mine has pointed out that in the old Roman Republic, the State presided over ceremonies, but what he failed to point out - possibly out of genuine ignorance of history and the institution of the Cursus Honorum - is... Continue reading

This is an interesting read Read More Continue reading

Julie Novak on the true costs of national debt Read More Continue reading

Is Shorten serious? Read More Continue reading

Further to Andy's comments about the climate protestors; the following was an exchange on social media this afternoon: With media reports speculating about a double dissolution, this issue has a long way to go yet! Continue reading

The Carbon Sense blog touches on "Why and how to Repeal the Carbon Tax". Read More Continue reading

Quadrant says "That the Greens’ fanciful economic prescriptions are taken seriously by many voters and sections of the commentariat testifies to a lack of reflection on how economies really work. A huge container ship makes a splendid classroom". Read More Continue reading

Quadrant says "The UTS academic's 222-page study of Australian newspapers' treatment of climate change is far worse than silly. It is more than a bit sinister". Read More Continue reading

One of the most under reported stories of recent months must surely be the troubling developments at the United Nations Human Rights Council (the UNHRC – not to be confused with the UN High Commissioner of Refugees) writes Elle Hardy Formed in 2006 from the ashes of the hamstrung and ineffective Commission on Human Rights, the body’s watery but noble aim is to “help member states meet their human rights obligations through dialogue, capacity building, and technical assistance.” The UNHRC is the lead body within the UN for human rights. Its reports and recommendations can ultimately only be enforced by... Continue reading

CNN reports on the security issues around the Obamacare website. Read More Continue reading

Interesting view of Direct Action. Read More Continue reading

Interesting Development? Read More Continue reading

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After what can be aptly described as the most self-destructive episode in the history of the Australian Labor Party – and yes, I say this even considering the splits of 1917, the 1930s, and 1950s – Labor is now electing its new parliamentary leader writes Michael Smyth However for the first time in its history it is allowing its rank-and-file members a direct vote. 50% of the vote will be comprised of the caucus, and the other 50% will be comprised of rank-and-file members. The reforms that led to this may be referred to as a parting shot at the... Continue reading

Robert Candelori astutely examines the parliamentary expenses issue in his latest post. Check it out below. Read More Continue reading

Greg Sheridan reviews Tony Abbott's first trip to Indonesia as Prime Minister. Read More Continue reading

Chris Berg investigates the Freedom of Speech implications of Freedom to Boycott Read More: via The Drum Continue reading

“In a true democracy voting is not compulsory." writes Peter Barry Read More Continue reading

A tribute to the life and work of Kenneth Minogue from David Martin Jones at Quadrant.org.au Read More Continue reading

The media analysis of Labor's defeat was very surprising. Like Rudd's bizarre speech acknowledging his party’s defeat, much of the coverage might have been mistaken for a victory celebration, writes Rudolf Vyborny at Quadrant.org.au Read More Continue reading

While Labor seems to be sailing to a fate similar to the original Titanic come September 7, a swirling maelstrom of murky Senate preference deals could provide life jackets to a very mixed bag of Senate hopefuls including Pauline Hanson, writes John Mikkelsen Read More Continue reading

Temporary deficits have a tendency to become entrenched - just ask the US. If Tony Abbott fails to return the budget to surplus quickly, Australia could face the same fate, writes Chris Berg at The Drum. Read More http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-03/berg-on-track-for-a-surplus/4931502 Continue reading

AWU Scandal article by Andrew Bolt Here Continue reading

Thanks to Joe Owen for this awesome article about Beattie and Rudd's "economic excellence". Read More Continue reading