Its a particularly Australian trait to always think that we're incredibly hard done by - we're forever whinging that we don't get paid enough, get taxed too much, work too hard, etc.
If we shut up and had a look at the rest of the world occasionally, we'd realise that we've got very little to complain about.
Hell, Howard's decline in the polls began just after he said that "the average Aussie has never been better off" - he was right, but we didn't want to hear it.
Nathan, you are a very brave man. Haven't you learnt that telling the truth will only get you into trouble - everybody wants to blame somebody else for their perceived problems - can't have individual responsibility now can we. That would be Un-Australian.
I can see why you aren't in politics, the incumbents wouldn't know what to make of you. Probably think you were some kind of alien or something. 
VMX42
Dear Motomaniac,
I have been casually watching this thread and it seems that my opinion has ruffled your feathers and because of that I am now one of the demonised
"you 3". As for
"patting each other on the back", you confused this with Firko and I simply agreeing with the premise that Aussies like a good whinge. Now it is obvious that this is something you passionately disagree with [as is your right], but conversely, I genuinely believe that we have become a nation of whingers who prefer to demand that others solve our problems for us [ie. Lack of personal responsibility].
Just take a look at what passes for political debate in this country. We should change our national anthem to ‘What About Me’. It is our lazy, whinging, self absorbed, narrow minded electorate that has allowed the political parties to treat us like fools for their own ends. For example, sure Gillard lied and her lie should count against her, but instead it is used as THE SOLE convincing reason that climate change is a fallacy. Now I am not trying to drag up a debate on climate change, I am only trying to point out that Gillards lie and the veracity of the climate change debate are TWO SEPARATE THINGS that shouldn’t be confused. But instead of treating them as separate – one as an indicator of an individuals character – and the other as a potential threat to human life on the planet – we have allowed ourselves to be manipulated by vested interests and narrow political agendas into ‘playing the [wo]man not the ball’. There is no room for a moral stance in any debate, it only comes down to Dollars and Cents and our ability to fund our lifestyles.
We are the most educated people ever to walk the face of the planet and yet we seem determined to chart our destiny based on a willingness to accept cynical political and corporate spin, cheap 3 world policy [Big New Tax] statements and cheap, petty personality contests that masquerade as substance. We need to stand up and accept that politicians don’t always have our best interests at heart, we need to call them out to give us real detail about their policies. We also need to stop being so easily distracted by rediculous claims and counter claims, none of which actually change the facts of a given issue. We need to take some responsibility and not simply bounce from one political party to the other simply because we can’t be bothered to take the time to look at what is good for the country and not just ourselves.
Our tendency towards apathy makes for a laid back country that is great to live in, but it also allows us to be taken advantage of by those who seek power for the wrong reasons. We currently seem to act more like sheep, than humans. Changing our minds at the drop of a hat and allowing ourselves to be played as fools. We have a great country, probably the best country in the world, if we want it to be that way for our grandkids I suggest we stand up, take some personal responsibility and ask what is best for all Australians and stop squealing like stuck pigs when things don’t go perfectly.
We complain about loss of aussie manufacturing, but we won’t ‘Buy Australian’. Two bob each way… as usual.
VMX42
*Please note I never named any individual, nor am I talking about any specific individual – my comments are generalisations [offensive and challenging as that is to some] – I don’t expect to be agreed with, I have never cared about that at all. But also note, that although some of the language might have been a bit strong, I have not stooped to personal attacks. Also, by using Gillard and climate change as an example please don’t assume you know my political leaning – I have voted for both the Libs and Labour [and probably the Libs more often] but I don’t vote for the party name, I vote for what I believe is in the best interests of ALL Australians. I have never had my vote bought, nor have I ever been swayed by shallow political enticements. But is is true I think Tony Abbott is an embarrassment to himself, his party and the country and that Julia has an enormous butt. 
