Pericles's children

[Tamrin]

Pericles's children

[Overview - National Interest, Radio National (ABC) - Linked Above]

If the name Thomas Muir doesn't ring many bells, you may be the perfect candidate for a trip to the brand-new Museum of Australian Democracy, set to open soon in Canberra. It's true that Australians score well on democratic participation surveys - but then again, compulsory voting means that we have to. But how much do we know about the traditions and ideas which started in Mesopotamia and ancient Greece and, through British democracy, weaved their way Down Under? How willing are we to sign petitions, to lobby, to take to the streets and protest, to write a letter of complaint? Do we take for granted the democratic freedoms awarded to us through Australian democracy? Today, the National Interest takes a tour through the new museum and reflects on the changing nature of our democracy. And, of course, we'll find out what Scottish radical Thomas Muir has to do with Australia.

[Tamrin]

McInnes thrilled with democracy museum

[Excerpt - Article by Melissa Jenkins, ninemsn.com, 19 February 2009, - Linked Above]

The museum, to include objects such as George Washington's writing set and lamp, will have a multi-media focus and document how democracy evolved both internationally and in Australia.

"It will be a place, I think, where Australians can come and renew their knowledge of our history and be inspired and indeed challenged," McInnes said.

"It's a museum which won't lecture people, it won't talk down to people ... it's not a finger wagging exercise."

Australians should not take democracy for granted, the father of two said.

"You've got to look after it, like a garden, you've got to cherish it. Because if you don't look after it weeds will grow and it won't be able to function."

[Tamrin]

Our Democracy

[Excerpt - Article Old Parliament House - Linked above]

On 9 May 2009 Old Parliament House will become The Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House. It will be the only museum in Australia dedicated to telling the story of our democracy.

The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House will trace democracy from its earliest origins and will captivate visitors’ imagination through the stories of real people using their voice to do extraordinary things. What’s more, visitors will discover how democratic principles connect all facets of their life, from their own personal values to the way they interact with their family and local community.

Democracy isn’t just a word for the political system we have—it is something we live day to day, in contrast to some other societies around the world. Democracy is an evolving concept that has been shaped by the struggles of countless everyday people who have fought for justice and change in their lifetimes, which in turn has impacted on the style of democracy we enjoy today.

Although our word ‘democracy’ comes from the Greek demokratia—‘demos’ meaning people and ‘krato’ meaning power—Ancient Greece is just one source of our ideas about democracy. The democratic idea traces its origins to the experiences of many societies, and to the ideals of many people. The Magna Carta written in the 13th century; the 17th century civil war in England; the American and French Revolutions of the 18th century; the conflicts of the 20th century—all these and more have had an impact on our political democracy today.