This coming weekend will see me join 350 other Australians from around the country in old Parliament House, Canberra for a another epic forum under the banner of "Australia Deliberates". This will be the third such event to be held on a national basis, following on from the success of the republic and reconciliation issues.
I've given up my planned party weekend in Sydney (Mardi Gras and the amazing Toybox Luna Park *sob sob*) to attend this event and am very excited to be a participant.
I really don't know what to expect, but I'm under no illusions that I will be confronted by ignorance and arrogance, fundamentalist views, religious indoctrination, fear, and a range of emotions and reactions to some mighty important issues that will be discussed this weekend.
I'm also keeping an open mind - I don't think that I'm immune from having my views challenged, my perceptions altered or my opinion changed for the greater good.
More reports at the end of the week, or check out www.ida.org.au for details of the event.
