Flowers grow in the pavement cracks

On Oct 31, 1944 Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons in the UK with these words. “At the bottom of all the tributes paid to democracy is the little man, walking into the little booth, with a little pencil, making a little cross on a little bit of paper—no amount of rhetoric or voluminous discussion can possibly diminish the overwhelming importance of that point.”

In the same decade, in another country, on the opposite side of the world, Menzies spoke of the “Forgotten People”, those who aspired to make a contribution, whose motto was “If it’s to be it’s up to me” (not his words, but certainly his sentiment). Later these same people were called “Howard’s Battlers” - Is it just coincidence that they are the two longest serving Australian Prime Ministers in living memory?

Acknowledging both the above helps create a healthy democracy that benefits the whole community. Taking short cuts just to win an argument, rather than fully understand the truth, can look like democracy, but never delivers the best results. Once the voters spot that, they start saying “The country is heading in the wrong direction”. Sadly, this is now happening in democracies around the world. As Neville Wran used to say “The mob will always get you.”

Watching the wo rld before the Great War Churchill said “If I had to sum up the immediate future of democratic politics in a single word I should say “insurance.” That is the future - insurance against dangers from abroad, insurance against dangers scarcely less grave and much more near and constant which threaten us here at home in our own island.”

Democracy ori gin ated in Athens about 2,500 years ago and, despite attacks, both from within and outside it has survived until today. Democracy has played a vital role in the story of civilization, helping transform the world from power structures of monarchy, empire, and conquest into popular rule, selfdetermination, and peaceful co-existence. When in good health democracies deliver harmony, individual freedom, increased productivity and resilience. When in poor

Southeast Voice

health these things break down. Causes can be external threats, or governments ignoring the voice of the people leading to events like the signing of Magna Carta in 1215. Signs that things are now less than right can be seen in the 61% No vote in the Voice referendum and an increase in antisemitism similar to that which occurred before both the WWI and WWII. Societies in good health tolerate all sorts of diverging views, but sadly our new “Cancel Culture” and “Critical Race Theory” world has Net Zero Tolerance and seeks to set people against each other.

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Bondi BUZZ

All this is not to be dismal, but to remind us to be grateful that we live in a democracy and to celebrate our blessings as one, and, in the words of the 1650s carol, bring you “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” and say “Let Nothing You Dismay – Or as Tadeja Tasmin reminds us “Flowers Grow In The Pavement Cracks.”

In line with that senti ment this edition brings you “Christmas Greetings” from all sections of the Double Bay community including the Mayor of Woollahra, the local Uniting Church in Transvaal Ave, and broad range of Local Businesses - P5.

We have also incl uded Christmas and charitable articles including St Canice “Blessing Bags’” P7; Ways to help Prince of Wales Hospital on P15; Ways to give sick kids the brightest Christmas possible on P19. You can also read about the importance of the “Power of Play” for Children P20.

On P18, you can read ESL exclusive interview with Melbourne residents, Gary and Miranda who were holidaying in Israel at the same time war broke out, and read how they finally found their way home to Australia.

As always, we ex tend a big thank you to our readers, as well as our advertisers who help bring you the paper, and all those who design, write articles, print and deliver the papers.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Festive Season and a warm welcome to 2024

Kind regards

BLUE PLAQUE TO HONOUR BONDI SURF BATHERS LIFE SAVING CLUB P16 WHAT'S ON BONDI P17

COUNCILS NEWS & MARJORIE O'NEILL, MP Member for Coogee P21

BIZ FINDER AND LOCATOR MAP P22

EASTERN SUBURBS COLLABORATIVE DIRECTORY P23

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