A lot of people have asked me why I’ve stopped blogging.
It’s not because the government and opposition have improved. If anything, they’re worse now than ever.
And it’s not because I care less.
It’s simply because I don’t have the time or money to continue.
I have 3 young kids, a wife, a business and a mortgage. Every minute I spend researching and blogging is a minute away from them. And at the moment, they need me more than Australia does.
I’ve made a commitment to my family and to myself: no more researching and blogging during work hours or while the kids are awake. There’s not much time left in the day after that, and I do like to spend some of it with my wife!
Of course, I still scan my social media feeds throughout the day, looking for enlightening posts to share. Usually with some comment from me. If you’d like to receive them, you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. But I’m afraid I don’t have time to write my own detailed posts.
If I were a cynical person, I’d say this is exactly the outcome our government wants. Keep the people too poor, busy and tired to focus on dissent. But we all know that’s not true, right. RIGHT?! ;-\
Hopefully I’ll see you in my various social media stomping grounds. But if not, I’ll be back here, sooner or later. And I’ll see you then.
Hi. I so understand where you’re coming from. It’s difficult juggling priorities when you have a family and business. I’m sure your wife appreciates this commitment, and quality time with children is paramount to their emotional growth. Good on you!
Hi Fran. Yeah, definitely difficult. And yes, the whole family likes having more of my attention. 🙂
I hear you, Glenn. My activism has had to be put on hold while I set up myself and my partner in our very first owned home together. I, like you, am still paying attention but life is currently very much in the way of politics.
I’ll be back. Count on it.
Hi Wendy. Yep, sometimes you’ve just gotta let it go. At least for a little while…
I’ll be back too, in one way or another. 🙂
As an older bloke who’s been through what you are experiencing I congratulate and commend your decision. I’ve said often when it comes time for our loved ones to speak at our funerals (hopefully decades in the future) they will talk about your humanity rather than whether or not your blogging (or whatever occupation you held) was effective. Even if it is mention it will in terms of how it touched our hearts. Enjoy your family and remember to listen.
Hey Bruce. Yes, I agree. They certainly won’t be saying they wish I’d spent more time blogging! 🙂
Thanks, Glenn. Your work has been fantastic; going to miss it too. Of course, you will be back. Hard to walk away when one knows the truth….
Hi Brett. Thanks for your kind words. Very nice of you. And yeah, I’ll be back, one way or another. As you say, you can’t really ever turn your back…
A bit sad I will be no longer able to read your reasonable evaluations of several issues. All the best with the kids and your future.
Thanks Glenn. They are at that. 🙂
Thanks Glenn for your contribution to fairness and justice through your blogs. You’ll be missed, but I fully support and understand your reasons for winding down.
All the best,
Ross
Hi Ross. Fairness and justice are in very short supply at the moment, in Australia. It’s very sad. Thanks for your support too. Nice to hear. But let’s call it a hiatus, not a winding down. 😉
Thank you. I always found your blog interesting and informative. I hope that sometimes in the future you will find time to continue. Best wishes.
Thanks Jarmila. I’m glad you like it. I’m sure I’ll get back to it eventually. Maybe just not at the same intensity… 😉
Could have been one of their plans, make everyone spend more time working so they can’t speak up.
Yeah, if you look at the trend towards austerity and ‘trickle-down’ economics worldwide, all driven by corporate forces, it’s hard to believe it’s NOT part of their agenda.
Glen….Be proud of yourself for two reasons..1..You have put your family first.You are genuine and I am sure your family must love and respect you…2 You care deeply about your country,which is also so important….Best of Luck to you.
Thanks Jacqueline. That’s very kind. I’m also very grateful to my family, particularly my wife, who took up a lot of slack while I was busy losing money! ;-\
All the best Glenn family comes first , one day we will read again
Thanks mate. 🙂
goddamit glenn
I’ve only just discovered you and your sage words & wisdom.
But I totally get it.
While legends like you share your knowledge & passionate observations of society (+politics + economics +etc) the reality is, you are still making change happen by being a better dad and husband.
And even if you don’t have the time to share what you know and learn with the rest of us here on your blog, your legacy is that you made the effort to speak against what was wrong and it is only when citizens take this action, that effective change happens.
So thank you for all the words, links, data and information that you have shared.
Good luck with all that you have at home, the most important stuff in the world – Love!
<3
Pia
Hi Pia. Thanks so much. I agree with all of that. It sometimes feel like I’m not doing enough, but I know I’m making a difference by teaching my kids to think and view media/politicians critically. And obviously by raising kids with empathy and compassion. 🙂
Hi Glenn,
And raising your 3 kids with a sense of compassion and social justice outlook – what a gift! I am really horrified that a whole generation of kids in Australia have been raised over the last 15-20 years thinking locking up “illegal boat people” is the right thing to do etc etc. So thank you for being a real Aussie parent! Best wishes to you and your bean sprouts, Katie
Hi Glen
I too will miss your well-argued and supported views/opinions etc.
Was about to suggest you out-source your service but realised you’ve got several more potential bloggers in your care!
Looking forward to their opinions – down the track of course!
cheers
Mike
I don’t agree with you politically but wish you all the best with your family.
Thanks guys. Much appreciated. 🙂
Hi Glenn,
I have undergone a semi-odyssey of my own to track down information on asylum seekers. I can see it pricked your sense of justice as it did mine. Good on you for doing your best to sort out the facts and publicising them.
I have recently re-trawled gov websites, and quite a few in the parliamentary website are missing – many now divert directly to the current gov’s Sovereign Border’s home page, including from your main page on asylum seekers facts/myths.
There once was a page that listed refugee grant rates per annum through the Howard years. I can only find reference now from 2008. All that’s left of the Howard-era grant rate is a sentence on one parliamentary library (online) page (70% successful grants to IMAs overall), but the table is gone. It’s a longer version of the one on your page – from 2001, if I remember correctly.
Have never seen so many web page moves in the parliamentary library in a year.
I know you’ve left off blogging, and for very good reasons, but if you happen to know where I could find that specific bit of information – IMA refugee grant approval rates per annum through the Howard years – I’d be very grateful.
Otherwise, all the best,
Ragards,
Barry.
Hey Barry. Thanks for your comment. Sorry, I don’t think I’ve seen anything about rates during Howard’s term. 🙁
Good choice comrade. I’m leaving the ALP behind. Look forward to tweets.
Thanks Julie. Appreciate your support. And yes, I think a lot of people have left the ALP behind…
Good on you, Glenn. I understand and I think it is great for you and your family to have that stated commitment from you. I never had that when I was looking after my two (now grown-up) sons, so I understand how important and valuable paternal involvement and commitment could be. It’s so important for your kids, and those precious childhood years are soon over. See you on Facebook too.
Cheers from Susan
Thanks Susan. It’s a tough balance, but I’m slowly getting better at it! 🙂
I understand but…nooooo! I just found you! Thank you for the blog entries that you have made.
Thanks Chris. I’m sure I’ll be back soon. Every now and then, at least. 🙂