What is of more value than trust?

People worry that computers will eventually control mankind but we should be worried about ourselves, not computers.  We have created systems that no one seems to be able to control and these systems give no value to the things that really matter, such as trust and community.

You used to be able to trust banks; now they need controls which we seem unable to enact. Will we survive them?   We used to trust research organisations. Now the CSIRO is mired in scandal and its money-minded managers will find out just how valuable trust actually was. Can they survive the damage? 

The Australian Government is withdrawing funding for art schools and opera Australia has taken to putting on musicals. Are we headed for another dark ages? Do we care?

It is time to start caring about things again, and fighting for the things we care about. Culture for example.The Australian Chamber Orchestra has a wonderful outreach program in schools ... but they are having to defend music from attacks by people who should know better). A small theater has opened in Newtown, putting on wonderful stuff but they are struggling.

Lets get on our hind legs and support them and other local organisations who care.Forget the Olympics, lets bring back sport and music programs to schools. Find ways to keep small and medium firms in family ownership to protect them from merger-manics who stop making the products we like because they don't make enough profit. Support our local farmers.

Maribor, Cultural City 2012

Maribor 2012

The only outward sign that Maribor is the 2012 European City of Culture are a series of large balloons around the city. This may be the only outward sign but a lot of the city has been rejuvenated in the lead up to 2012. Another large square has been created ... finished this year at last. There is a music event taking place there as I write - the music is floating over the city, quite unusual haunting music.

Newly finished city square.
Behind the spot where the photo was taken is a very large tented podium with loud speakers etc.

All of the inner city is closed to traffic and it has a wonderful effect. People walk or ride bikes and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. When will Australia take a leaf out of the European book? Perhaps Sydney, Melbourne (or Umina!) could apply to be the next City of Culture?