Sympathy must go to all affected by this tragedy.

It’s alarming to hear this radical terrorist group we know as ISIS discouraging young men joining them in the fight in Iraq or Syria, instead going out and striking terror into the free democratic world with lone wolf attacks.

It seems ISIS may be losing their fight in the middle east and are now going to launch their ill-conceived ideology and its hatred on the free world.

National security is on high alert worldwide, but detecting these radicals is difficult and controlling their use of the internet to recruit another problem in itself. Vigilance is never ending.

The Prime Ministers of Britain and Australia said words to the effect that the people of the free world will defy these acts of terrorism and stand tall enjoying the way of living so many in our historic past have fought and died for.

                    WITS

Considering that word security, I sat down to think about what I might consider the top ten issues facing our Federal Government might be. You may not agree with my list, but in no particular order, here it is:

SECURITY – we want protection against terrorism and evil, safe borders.

HEALTH – we expect a strong, accessible, affordable system and quality research.

EDUCATION – we want our young people to have the finest opportunities available.

WELFARE – comfortable retirement and support for those unable to work.

BUDGET – keep it balanced and in the black.

DEBT – clear our debt and keep us debt free.

ECONOMY – keep it growing with plans to take us into the future.

EMPLOYMENT – be nice to have all that can working.

TRANSPORT – road, rail, air and sea transport the finest in the world.

JUDICIAL – one national fair and just system.

There you have it, ten expectations. Now give our governments of Rudd/Gillard/Rudd/Abbott/Turnbull a score out of ten for each criteria on the list, giving a possible score of 100% for the perfect government.

I ask you, of the governments Rudd to Turnbull, would any of the five achieve 50%? Sadly, I doubt it. 

Jot down your own priority list and see if you can assess their performance in a more positive light.

                    WITS

Boorowa said goodbye to Mike Coombes last week, goodbye to a true gentleman and a really great bloke.

Mike was a worthy recipient of an AOM for services to this community through his association with RSL, Rotary, Probus, M&D Society, Life Education and much much more.

For years Mike raised the flag on Australia Day as the National Anthem was sung. That image of a proud Aussie raising our flag is etched on my mind.

My thoughts go out to a saddened family. Mike may be gone, but not forgotten.

                    WITS

The Country Education Foundation of Australia provides assistance to country kids enabling them to chase their dreams and build a future that may not be achieved without such support. Proudly, this organization started here as the ‘Boorowa Education Foundation’.

Last Sunday we gave Persistence (Percy), a big pink pig, a shove, sending him on his way to Orange. Hopefully he arrives April 1 and this mobile piggy bank has a belly full of money. Consider:

“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.” (Plato)