I have been enjoying writing a short opinion each week. It can get some friendly debate going and helps me think more deeply about the assumptions I carry around in life.

But this weekend I wrote an opinion then decided to censor myself. So instead you're getting this paragraph. Why? Because it was about another country. My opinion on that country isn't unusual and should not be controversial, but it is a country which punishes people who call attention to problems rather than deal with the problem itself. At best I would add only a tiny voice to the cacophony who already say what I would, at worst I could be refused a visa and never be able to visit again. So self-interest wins, I say nothing.

That makes me appreciate Australia even more. We have our problems here and I like to complain about them, but I'm never scared of expressing an opinion about Australia.