Views on the news from Canberra’s top columnists
"Unfortunately, the human mind is a precision instrument of self-delusion. Its most fearsome power is its capacity to provide self-sustaining fables that support its natural desire to escape its own demise," writes columnist ROBERT MACKLIN.
Letter writer JACK KERSHAW says it's in the national interest to get the light rail route to Woden right – and it's not too late to make the change.
Book reviewer COLIN STEELE recently came across a secondhand copy of a book published in pre-internet 1975 in which 15 "leading Australians" forecast how the country would look in 2025. How close did they get?
Star Wars can teach us about the economy or as Yoda might say, ‘about economics, it can teach’, writes JOHN HAWKINS.
"This article is about some sus stuff... the the way in which we taxpayers fork out to keep undeserving people enjoying a lifestyle that they have forfeited," writes legal columnist HUGH SELBY.
From the Big Bogan to Larry the Lobster, why do towns build Big Things, asks AMY CLARKE.
Fifty years ago, Cyclone Tracy flattened Darwin – and Australia’s attitude to disasters changed forever, say MILAD HAGHANI & ARTHUR STUKAS.
"The unnecessary assault upon a defenceless, compliant prisoner, knowing there are three colleagues to back you up if the prisoner retaliates, should be called out as gutless bullying." HUGH SELBY reveals another shameful case at the AMC.
Fifty years ago, Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin. The lessons from it have still not been learnt, says STEVEN FARRAM.
Flying this holiday season? MILAD HAGHANI explains why air travel makes us so cranky – and what to do about it
"A therapeutic, whole-of-life approach to recovering a young life, must have as its focus interventions managed by well-trained, passionate staff and paid enough to want to stay," writes HUGH SELBY.
"Dr Hughes should have chosen his words more carefully as it gives the impression our elected representatives in 'backbencher' positions are in a job that's very easy and pleasant, requiring little effort," says letter writer TONY FALLA.
Columnist HUGH SELBY takes to poetry with a seasonal message of hope.
"Inadequate funding leads to inadequate preparation and piss-poor performance. That’s a disaster for the accused." HUGH SELBY puts the case for why the ACT needs a Public Defenders Office or increased Legal Aid funding, or both.
Big data has revolutionised research, honing sharper results across far greater fields of exploration, but it isn’t a fail-safe guarantor of accuracy, writes ANDREW LEIGH.
"This Christmas, I hope everybody who feels different or excluded, by dumb rules or social mores, gets a lifetime of joy and belonging," writes Kindness columnist ANTONIO DI DIO.
"The tableau became unhinged. Blue angels, sprawling shepherds, wise men and even the doll’s doting parents panicked. Theatrical chaos threatened," Gadfly columnist ROBERT MACKLIN fondly remembers when the school nativity play goes awry.
Rupert Murdoch has lost his legal battle, leaving the future of his media empire in the balance, says MATTHEW RICKETSON and ANDREW DODD.
ANDREW HUGHES explains why sports teams and leagues aren’t just competing on the field.
