Twelve years ago, I embarked on a journey to craft an article about Donald Trump, unaware of the intricate tapestry that such a task would weave. The process of thinking deeply, revising with care, researching exhaustively, and meticulously proofreading a 1500-word piece proved to be an absorbing endeavour that demanded significant time and mental energy.
Before my foray into writing for The AIMN, I filled my days with the vibrant world of poetry, poignant quotations, whimsical short stories, and the lyrical rhythm of song lyrics – all as cherished hobbies. Writing for The AIMN has granted me a powerful platform to share my perspectives on a diverse array of topics, from the tumultuous realm of politics to the broader intricacies of society.
As I approach my 85th birthday early next year, I find myself contemplating retirement, a bittersweet decision driven by health considerations. The thought of stepping back fills me with reflection and gratitude.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Editor Michael Taylor, who has patiently navigated my quirks and idiosyncrasies throughout our journey together.
My deepest appreciation goes to The AIMN for the opportunity to contribute to what has evolved into a celebrated online publication, a true honour that I will carry with me.
What is your sort of Society? This is mine
My vision of a Society is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of diverse human expression, where each individual is free to explore their passions across the vast landscapes of creativity and intellect. Picture a community fuelled by the fervent desire to engage in every endeavour of life – from the artistry of paint on canvas to the profound depths of philosophical inquiry, from the playfulness of laughter and games to the soulful exploration of spirituality. At the heart of this Society lies a deep-seated empathy, a guiding principle that shapes learning and nurtures the shared aspirations of its members.
At the centre of our collective ethos is the concept of the common good, a beacon that illuminates our political landscape, transcending ideological divides. Here, equality of opportunity stands as a fundamental tenet enshrined in our constitution, ensuring that every person has the chance to flourish. In this Society, no one is defined by their sexual orientation or gender; these aspects of identity are merely facets of the rich tapestry of human experience, not measures of one’s worth.
In our world, the colour of one’s skin speaks only of their geographical origins – and nothing more. Each individual is met with unwavering respect and dignity, a testament to our shared humanity. Together, we create a realm where diversity is celebrated and every voice is valued, contributing to a harmonious and flourishing society.
My Society would champion the individual’s right to pursue their aspirations, including the pursuit of economic success, guided by the principles of the collective common good and consideration of everyone’s entitlement to an equitable share of Society’s wealth.
In the vibrant tapestry of my enlightened Society, individuals would be assured the invaluable freedom of expression, a sacred right that encompasses even the courage to disagree. Yet, amidst the fervour of debate, one would be gently reminded that discourse is not merely a battleground for victory. Instead, it is a rich exchange – a harmonious symphony of facts, ideas, and principles, each deserving of its place in the dialogue. When stripped to its essence, dissension reveals itself as the art of persuasion, a dance where conviction and understanding intertwine in their purest form.
In this community, the very idea of legislating against one’s right to harbour hatred would be regarded as a profound intellectual void, a notion wholly at odds with our deep-rooted values of empathy and the pursuit of the common good. We would stand united in the belief that fostering understanding and compassion is far more potent than the shackles of animosity.
In my envisioned Society, access to health and welfare would be not merely a promise but a steadfast guarantee, ensuring that every individual receives the treatment and care they deserve.
“At the heart of this community lies a profound societal principle: the Golden Rule, urging us to treat others s we would like to be treated ourselves.”
This notion would resonate deeply within the consciousness of every citizen, shaping interactions and fostering a spirit of empathy and kindness.
We would cultivate a robust appreciation for the wonders of science, elevating knowledge over myth and mysticism. Yet, we would, as a society, have the sacred right of each person to express their spirituality freely and authentically, as long as these expressions uplift rather than detract from the ideals of ‘commongoodism.’ This term encapsulates the collective pursuit of the greater good, serving as the moral compass for our Society. It would guide us to ensure that individual spiritual journeys harmonise with and enhance the well-being of the community, ultimately weaving a rich tapestry of diverse beliefs that contribute to our shared aspirations.
A society’s accurate measure lies in how it embraces and cares for its most vulnerable members – those who are aged and fragile, the homeless navigating the harshness of life without shelter, the impoverished struggling to make ends meet, and those who seek refuge from turmoil and danger. In this vision, the law would be an open door for all, a beacon of hope accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status or wealth.
The transformation would pulse at the heart of our existence. We would be a forward-thinking society, one that eagerly embraces change rather than clinging to outdated comforts under the misguided belief that we can preserve a fragile sense of security. Each shift and adaptation would be seen not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth, fostering a vibrant community ready to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing world.
A society’s accurate measure lies in how it embraces and cares for its most vulnerable members—those who are aged and fragile, the homeless navigating the harshness of life without shelter, the impoverished struggling to make ends meet, and those who seek refuge from turmoil and danger. Society’s vision is that the law would be an open door for all, a beacon of hope accessible to everyone, regardless of their rank or wealth.
Transforming Society would be at the heart of our existence. We would be a forward-thinking society, one that eagerly embraces change rather than clinging to outdated comforts under the misguided belief that we can preserve a fragile sense of security. Each shift and adaptation would be seen not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth, fostering a vibrant community ready to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing world.
This Society would ensure that those who hold positions of power in our Society are not only competent but also committed to serving the best interests of the community, thereby enhancing the quality of governance and the Society as a whole.
Individual or collective ambition could only happen within a social structure built and controlled by a sympathetic government. A ‘sympathetic government’ is responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizens and actively works to create an environment where individual and collective ambition can thrive. If we live in a democracy, then it must be the elected officials who decide and regulate Society’s advancement and who provide the environment in which it can occur. They must be compassionate to the needs of the people they serve and work to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to pursue their ambitions.
Decisions within our communities are made through a collaborative process that embraces the varied viewpoints and unique requirements of all members. This inclusive approach, rooted in empathy and understanding, ensures that every individual has the opportunity to voice their opinions and express their concerns. By doing so, we create an environment where everyone feels recognized and appreciated, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
In the context of democratic societies, our natural tendencies to follow collective guidance become apparent when we elect capable leaders to govern on our behalf. To enhance this process, a proposed “fitness to serve” clause in our constitution would aim to ensure that we select the most qualified individuals to represent us in Parliament. This would not only elevate the standard of leadership but also attract experts whose knowledge and experience can greatly contribute to informed decision-making – ultimately working towards the betterment of society as a whole. Such measures would strive to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions and promote a government that is both competent and responsive to the needs of its constituents.
My thought for the day
Will we ever grow intellectually to the point where we are able to discern and understand the potential for the good within us?
Also by John Lord:
Always look on the bright side of life, or how to manage death in its many guises
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What a great piece,John Lord.As for your thought for the day..I’d like to believe it, but right now, it’s a battle to be optimistic.Happy birthday for next time, I’m not quite that old, but we would qualify for God’s waiting room,but I think I’d be waiting a long,long time.
Thanks John
“The [US] Supreme Court on Friday limited the ability of lower-court judges to block executive branch policies nationwide, opening the door for a majority of states to at least temporarily enforce President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship.”
This judgement was not unexpected, but the jubilance of the Trump administration may be premature. What Trump wants is to rule unchallenged and to be able to issue his executive Orders (Imperial Decrees ?) without challenge from any source be it the Congress (the national parliament) or the judiciary : he wants to do away with the checks and balances afforded to democratic societies by way of the doctrine of the ‘separation of powers’ and thus enable him to bypass the Congress and the Courts when it suits him. He has already demonstrated that he can wage war without reference to the United Nations or, indeed, his own Congress
This, as I read it, is not what the Supreme Court is saying, this judgement confines itself to the ability of lower regional courts in the US to impose nationwide injunctions on Presidential Executive Orders. We still have to await further deliberations of the Court on the absolute nature of Presidential power.
It’s quite a novelty, in the twenty first century, to find that we have a man with aspirations to be a global potentate elected to political office – takes us back some would say, wistfully, to 1930’s Europe.
But will he invade Poland (a reference to Basil Fawlty that occasionally gets me into trouble) or leave it at Greenland, Panama and Canada ?
PS: By way of explanation, I once attended a local community meeting at our Bowls Club where the convenor announced that he had a ‘Master Plan’ for our local area – I asked with tongue in cheek ‘does that include invading Poland?’.
I was encouraged to leave the meeting if I couldn’t be more constructive – so I retired to the bar wondering if I should have allowed Monty Python to have so influenced my youth. But having made that observation it is appropriate, when discussing Trump, to consider the wise words from the Life of Brian…….He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy !
Thank you Harry and Terry for your contributions. I realise that in the writing of this piece that l allowed my imagination to run wild in a field of dreams.
Terry, that’s both intriguing and alarming. This morning, Bondi revealed that rogue judges can no longer overturn Trump’s policies, which raises serious concerns.
Carol, a constitutional law enthusiast, has me hooked on MSNBC podcasts every morning. They dive into the chaotic legal landscape unfolding in America – something our local media fails to cover comprehensively. It’s the only source giving us the unfiltered truth.
A great article John. The ideas and ideals it outlines are what we should be working towards. And John, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming about the future, but boy o boy, we have some tough decisions to make.
For example, take this section of the article — “This Society would ensure that those who hold positions of power in our Society are not only competent but also committed to serving the best interests of the community, thereby enhancing the quality of governance and the Society as a whole. Individual or collective ambition could only happen within a social structure built and controlled by a sympathetic government. …If we live in a democracy, then it must be the elected officials who decide and regulate Society’s advancement and who provide the environment in which it can occur. They must be compassionate to the needs of the people they serve and work to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to pursue their ambitions.”
That’s certainly a worthwhile aim, but it seems to be contradicted by what immediately followed — “Decisions within our communities are made through a collaborative process that embraces the varied viewpoints and unique requirements of all members.”
How on earth would we reconcile those positions? On the one hand competent officials deciding and regulating, and on the other hand decisions made through a collaborative process involving all members.
It just so happens that such a system is already in operation and working.
This is the system that has been adopted by China.
The Chinese realised that the creative potential of the people had to be given freedom and flexibility to allow that creativity to flourish.
And to keep society stable.
The problem they had was how to arrange that in a country with a huge population, ethnic differences, areas of extreme poverty, and relentless interference from outside forces.
The government had control at the top, no problem there, but how to give the people a say without the process bogging down?
Well, modern technology came into play.
The Chinese became the most surveyed people on earth.
In China, citizen participation and representation are actively sought, and channels have been set up for this purpose.
China’s “Message Board for Leaders” platform connects the general population to local and ministry-level government officials. From its launch in 2006 to 2021, the “major’s mailbox” had already handled more than 2.3 million demands, concerns, and complaints. Another nationwide Chinese government initiative, the 12345 hotline, fields more than 50,000 contacts a day in Beijing alone via telephone and internet, addressing issues of everyday life.
These are just two measures that have been taken to ensure bottom-up democracy. There are others dealing with local representation.
We could quite easily adopt this approach without putting in place a communist bureaucracy. But one thing is certain.
The ideal society envisaged by John Lord is indeed an impossible dream without the existence of a central government that has total control over the oligarch class.
My ideal society would be devoid of Collingwood and Crows supporters. They wandered down a less-primitive evolutionary path to Homo sapiens. Paleo anthropologists need only come to Australia to observe that Neanderthals can cohabitate with Homo sapiens, however interspecies breeding can be a lottery.
Thanks John, an inspiring piece!
Thank you John. Yes, such a society is worth fighting for. Fighting is probably the wrong word since it implies a use force, striving may be better. The words of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ come to mind.
And yes, Michael, but add to that duo of supporters West Coast Eagles.
Do you have a link Michael? Apologies for not mentioning the great game.
I haven’t, John. I was just being cheeky.
Yeah, I’d go along with that. Excellent article, John.
John, I have taken pleasure in reading your work over the years. We are both of a similar age. Through your articles, I have gained more faith in my own beliefs and memories.
I have a dream …
Could we add a genuine and effective care for the environmnent, nurturing and improving its condition? Custodianship rather than exploitation.
Michael referred above to the unreliability of news sources.
A great example came up today in The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/27/russia-ukrainian-children-abduction-war-crime
“As many as 35,000 Ukrainian children are still missing and thought to be held in Russia or Russian-occupied territories, according to an American team of experts, with families saying they are being forced to take desperate and risky measures to try to rescue them. As Russian forces began their invasion in February 2022, children were abducted from care homes, from the battlefield after the death of their parents, or under coercion directly from their families… So far just 1,366 children have been returned or escaped back to Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian organisation Bring Kids Back. A team of experts at Yale University has estimated that as many as 35,000 children may be held in Russia and its occupied territories.”
“It is feared that many have been taken by Russian forces and sent to military camps or foster care, or have even been adopted by Russian families.”
“Through extensive examination of Russian databases, official documents, family connections and even satellite images of Russian sites, official buildings and other sources, the Yale team has been able to establish the identities of thousands of children.”
“Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab, which has been investigating the abductions, says: “This is likely the largest child abduction in war since world war two – comparable to the Germanification of Polish children by the Nazis.”
As evidence for these claims, The Guardian gave links to a Yale article that is doing no more than asking for donations. It refers to 35000 children to engender sympathy, but gives no evidence, nor does it give a link to evidence.
When I did a search for “Nathanial Raymond missing children” this came up from 17 March 2025 — https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/fact-sheet-russias-kidnapping-and-re-education-of-ukraines-children/
A fact sheet indeed. A different set of facts. It was another donation request.
No mention of 35000 children. That number suddenly dropped to 19000. Even that was quite a jump from the 6000 in the original report.
And the evidence for this? A link to earlier Yale reports. I followed the link in case a recent report existed. The page came up, but was blank.
So I did a search for all of Raymond’s publications at the Yale site. The list of his published papers did not contain the original Yale Report that I had luckily downloaded months ago.
A search of publications by the co-authors of the first report showed everything except the original report. It has been discarded. Deleted. Expunged. Canceled. (What was Winston Smith’s occupation in Orwell’s 1984?)
Why would that report be expunged?
Possibly because the original report proved that the child abduction story was a beat-up and the charges against Putin in the ICC just a piece of political theatre.
But also, because Trump has cut funding to the Yale project.
Every cloud…
So that’s why this old lie was revived.
To save a propaganda outlet.
They have no shame.
But I did find one report of the 35000 children, from Ukraine Pravda.
And its source?
The Guardian article. You couldn’t make this up.
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/06/27/7519129/
Detective Davis chases well. We must all be ready, alert, open, in an age of gross lying, everywhere, as agonies mount and unscrupulous indifference swells. Arseholes.
well said, lord,
At my 4th try at 21, it is so encouraging to see you going to the pen at 85.
Sadly such a society is impossible with biblical religions ruling the roost.
As for ‘society’ itself, an effective pommie ex-pollie, is famously half-quoted by almost all contributors like you, but her words, on the subject, are worth a full inquiry.
ps
Dance of the cuckpps, born in Aust prior to 86 was automatically a citizen a la the septics but hawke, without the hindrance of a constitution, changed the law. However the septics have the birthright in the constitution and that needs 2 thirds of both houses to change.
pps
Michael, I admire collingwood supporters for their ability to support a shithouse club angst from the supporters of every other club in Australia. But you are spot on with the crows and their lack of life skills. in not supporting the real magpies, is legion.
Your thought is flawed by ‘intellectually’ there is a clear majority who, either do not have the ‘intellect’ to understand complicated ideas or who don’t care, to involve themselves in anything but themselves.
John Lord you are an amazing writer. I would love to live in your society. I have always thought I am paid well as a registered nurse but the cleaners, etc not so well but everyone is needed to make the system function. Noone is more important than another. We all have our contributions to make. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone had safe shelter. If money was spent on learning and past times Instead of unnecessary material goods. If learning was more than a commodity and done just to expand our thinking and ideas. Enjoying the outdoors, instead of destruction. Regenerative farming on smaller farms instead of corporations. Connecting with other people painting, gardening, sharing food. If our taxes were used to fund services properly instead of user pays and run publicly instead of private. I am a mere 54 and have alot to learn from writers like yourself. The AIM network provides food for thought and action. So thank you for your citizen journalism.
Before anyone searches for an ideal society, you need to be awake to the present one!
heather, that’s the best comment so far.
I doubt that we’ll see a better one.
Contrary to other commenters, I’m inclined to offer the well-known quote from the Aussie movie The Castle, … “tell him he’s dreaming”, without wishing to be unnecessarily offensive or pessimistic, but societal ideality has never been achieved and is unlikely to ever gain that hallowed status.
Why? The simple answer is ‘human nature.’ Ideality is only conferred when there exists a consensual degree of consciousness that is sensitive to and structured around the bundle of positive facets within the spectrum of behaviour. Accentuate the positive, and abolish the negative, as it were.
Has that ever happened? No, again, is the short answer. Have wars ever been abolished? Or any of the seven deadly sins… anger, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, or sloth?
Do humans elevate to a prime position their relationship with the natural world… of which they are irrevocably a part, or do they, in the majority, mindlessly exploit the environment for their own benefit and to the utter detriment of the surrounding ecosystems?
Utopian ideals are all well and good, but with humanity currently existing at such a low, vulgar, mechanical & unconscious level, ideal societies are simply an unachievable fantasy.
We wish you every happiness in your retirement, John, but I am hoping that your oncoming retirement does not mean we won’t be reading your valid, intelligent views on this site any more? Our nation DESPERATELY needs MORE people to rage against the irrational hate, intolerance, white-supremacist racism, long-term misogyny and undemocratic born-to-rule entitlement so inherent within the black hearts of every callously inhumane, elitist political psychopath who is a member of the LNP (or who is short-sighted, racist or hateful enough to support them). Your foresightful condemnation of the LNP and their dark “heroes” in the appalling Trump cabinet of like-minded racists, Murdoch-manipulated intellectual midgets, chest-beating alpha male recidivist misogynistic predators and racist right-wing lunatics as well as your understandable criticism and contempt for the condescending elitists in the UK Tories – and other corrupt dangerously undemocratic (fascist) right-wing regimes around the world – has been PROVEN to be astute and totally justified.
John, thank you for everything you have said, published and achieved to help maintain compassion, fairness and societal egalitarianism in our wonderful country – admirable intelligent virtues that the like-minded elitists, misogynists and Trump-supporting intellectual midgets in the LNP hate, fear and continue to so desperately undermine.
Has everyone forgot just what made America great and an example to all?
The Ballad Of Waterhole #3 (Code Of The West). Part lyric below:
It’s the code of the west you must honour your neighbour
The code of the west to your own self be true
The code of the west you must do unto others
Do unto others before them others do it unto you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu_I7aVwKQc
I’m with Kathryn.
Thank you Florence for your kind words. It is most gratifying to know that ones words are a help to someone.
Kathryn. I shall continue for as long as l can.
Pleased to hear that, John. You’ve been an icon of the site for twelve years.
To expand on Heather’s beautifully succinct comment above, — when children are born into a society that venerates consumerism, encourages narcissism, impedes cooperation, sanctifies militarism, tolerates intolerance and justifies exploitation, then we have a whole generation that, from birth, is forced to adjust to circumstances that are in conflict with the innate feelings and urges of humanity.
Is it any wonder that mental health issues and anti-social behaviour are becoming commonplace in society today?
The longer we tolerate an economic /financial system that weakens society by normalising these negatives, the bigger the problems will become.