It's ANZAC Day—a solemn occasion to honour and remember the Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in conflicts across the globe. Whenever someone asks me why we lost the Vietnam War, I often deflect with a light-hearted remark: "We were winning when I left." It’s a way to avoid diving into a long and complex conversation. Another sentiment I frequently hear is, "We should never have been there." But there’s more to the story—our involvement in Vietnam was part of a larger narrative that remains relevant today. Back then, wars were fought on the ground. Tomorrow’s wars will likely involve submarines, drones, missiles, and advanced stealth technology like the F-35 fighter jet.

A few years ago I tuned into Radio National. Patricia Karvelas, who claims to be a journalist, was hosting the show. She interviewed an author about his latest book—a fictional whodunit with a climate change back theme. I could already picture Karvelas, ever enthusiastic about the climate change narrative, rubbing her hands with excitement. Here's a paraphrased snippet of their exchange:

Our planet is undeniably getting warmer, and it’s crucial that we take meaningful steps to address the consequences. While left-wing governments advocate for 100% reliance on renewable energy as the ultimate solution, this approach alone will not secure a sustainable future for our grandchildren. On the other hand, our right-wing governments seem hesitant to champion modern solutions such as advanced coal-fired power plants or nuclear energy, both of which will provide reliable baseload.