Dementia and VAD; Labor and secularism; Siming Lan

Published: Wed, 06/14/23

RSA Daily

For atheists, rationalists and secular humanists in Australia

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Rationale, the magazine of the Rationalist Society of Australia

Good morning ,

Slim pickings this morning. What can I say that hasn't already been said about Senator Lidia Thorpe? If it's true she was sexually assaulted by a parliamentary colleague, she should formally report him. If not, she should shut up.

Lead stories

Euthanasia law review must consider the thorny issue of dementia

The Age has come out calling for VAD to be made available to dementia sufferers - or at least to be considered in the forthcoming 5 year review of the VAD legislation. This sort of public acknowledgement by a major newspaper does not happen overnight. It's the result of persistent and effective activism, and in this case, much of the praise must go to Jane Morris and Hugh Sarjeant, VP and Prez respectively of Dying With Dignity Victoria. They've moved this difficult and sensitive issue from being in the 'too hard' basket to the point where a major editorial is urging, "Voluntary assisted dying has been one of this government’s landmark achievements, but many in the community are demanding it be broadened."

Why is Labor walking away from secular education? - Rationale Magazine

Hugh Harris points out that "Australia's founding luminaries, including Henry Parkes, George Rusden, William Wilkins, William Hartley, and Charles Nicholson" fought for the principle of secularism, "while resisting the pressures of the Roman Catholic Church and Church of England leaders". And yet the Labor Party is now dumping prior reference to secular education in their policy platform. Shame on them. [If you happen to be a member of the ALP, please write to them and urge them to rethink!]

Why China Doesn't Identify with the West, Explained

I want to introduce you to Siming Lan, a young Chinese who went to university in Britain. She has a totally refreshing style but more to the point, having learned about the foundations of Western civilisation (Hobbes, Locke), she explains China for a Western audience. This 13 min video analyses why China, having opened up and seen an increasing embrace of foreign culture, still doesn't identify with the West. Intelligent, insightful, provocative. Highly recommended.