Patriot Realm

Today I learned that an old family friend passed a few days ago. His passing marks the end of a friendship lasting over 50 years.

He was 85 years old. To have him leave us is, in many respects, the coming to the end of an era that I will miss enormously. The heady days of normality and laughter; joy and down to earth values. So vale John and let me say your life was a life WORTH having been lived.

A life when hard work and a solid marriage and having children and a home were all that one aspired to.

A normal life.

Trump has been all over China since at least 2018 and gave a warning to them to pull their head in or risk consequences. Well, they didn’t pull their head in and they are about to face the consequences of their arrogance.

He offered every opportunity to save face. He gave them every chance to stop breathing fire on the world and let things cool down. Instead, China has upped the ante, increased its arrogance and challenged America to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

President Trump has risen to that challenge and is not about to back down.

In the story about St George and the dragon, St George slew the dragon by finding its weak point – the soft under belly.

Trump has found China’s underbelly – trade. Money.

The image here is probably one of the most recognised in the world today.  It needs no words to explain it and no article written about it…. Yet, today, it took on a whole new meaning for me.

I saw it as an image that works two ways- both ways. You can be silent and turn a blind eye and apparently hear nothing if you are paid enough or frightened enough.

Let’s face it, there are plenty of people who have grown rich and powerful from having “ turned a blind eye. “

It can also mean, as it has traditionally been represented, as keeping a veil over unpleasant or hurtful things that could damage you or someone else.

What an amazing image, when you think about it. And one that has never been more relevant in today’s uncertain times.

The Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton defended a Melbourne police station’s decision to fly the Chinese flag on the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic, saying it was merely a way of engaging the local Chinese Australian Community.

On Tuesday, Box Hill police station flew the flag, alongside an Australian flag, during a ceremony which also featured the Chinese national anthem.

It is interesting to consider what the anniversary “ celebrates. “

Neighbours when you get a bad one move into the street  it     effects everyone.  

A bit like neighbouring countries, really.

Doesn't it make you realize how much we depend on our good neighbours.   The call for help, I am going away for the weekend can you bring in the bins.   I am going to be gone for the school holidays can you water my pot plants and a few special things in the garden.   Oh and my mail , can you collect my mail .  We are only too happy to oblige our good, helpful, friendly neighbour because they do the same for us  or their neighbour .