The Layman's Guide to Finding the Devil in the Strangest Places - Devil's Dictionary Part III

So as to prove that I am capable of finishing something which I have started ages ago, and which, for the nimble-minded among us, you might remember I have promised before and not delivered, herewith is the final installment of my abridged version of letters N-Z of 'The Devil's Dictionary'.

Might I just add that our own little devil, Tony Abbott, is likely wishing that he will be reborn as a political god next year. I wish him well. Even with all the help he could muster from a compliant and complicit media, he failed. Might I also just add, chanelling Ambrose Bierce, the man needs help.

Don't forget, some of the definitions I have no desire to add to, as they speak for themselves without any interference or addition from me.



NEPOTISM, n. Appointing your grandmother to office for the good of the party.

And who, as the 'bastard love-child of Bronwyn Bishop and John Howard', in an approximately similar way, has kept Granny Bishop safe and secure on the Shadow Front Bench of the Coalition and permanently pre-selected for her seat in federal parliament?

NOISE, n. A stench in the ear. Undomesticated music. The chief product and authenticating sign of civilisation.

Something that politicians can be bipartisan about? 'A stench in the ear'? :)

NOMINATE, v. To designate for the heaviest political assessment. To put forward a suitable person to incur the mudgobbling and deadcatting of the opposition.

Peter Slipper.

NOMINEE, n. A modest gentleman shrinking from the distinction of private life and diligently seeking the honourable obscurity of public office.

Peter Slipper?

NOTORIETY, n. The fame of one's competitor for public honours. The kind of renown most accessible and acceptable to mediocrity. A Jacob's Ladder leading to the vaudeville stage, with angels ascending and descending.

NOVEMBER, n. The eleventh twelfth of a weariness.



OATH, n. In law, a solemn appeal to the Deity, made binding upon the conscience by a penalty for perjury.

If Tony Abbott knew this when he made his 'Blood Oath' to repeal the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, will he be abashed before his deity if he fails to do so?

OBLIVION, n. The state or condition in which the wicked cease from struggling and the dreary are at rest. Fame's eternal dumping ground. Cold storage for high hopes. A place where ambitious authors meet their works without pride and their betters without envy. A dormitory without an alarm clock.

OBSESSED, pp. Vexed by an evil spirit, like the Gadarene swine and other critics. Obsession was once more common than it is now. Arasthus tells of a peasant who was occupied by a different devil for every day in the week, and on Sundays by two. They were frequently seen, always walking in his shadow, when he had one, but were finally driven away by the village notary, a holy man; but they took the peasant with them, for he vanished utterly. A devil thrown out of a woman by the Archbishop of Rheims ran through the trees, pursued by a hundred persons, until the open country was reached, where by a leap higher than a church spire he escaped into a bird. A chaplain in Cromwell's army exorcised a soldier's obsessing devil by throwing the soldier into the water, when the devil came to the surface. The soldier, unfortunately, did not.

I guess this is why Tony Abbott has a shadow at all. As he is truly obsessed. Otherwise, he would not, as he is a Hollow Man.

OBSTINATE, adj. Inaccessible to the truth as it is manifest in the splendour and stress of our advocacy. Almost every Question Time that has passed this parliamentary year has seen a display of mule-headed obstinacy and strident advocacy from Tony Abbott. And that, the more strenuous he was in his advocacy, the further away he was from the truth.

OCCIDENT, n. The part of the world lying west (or east) of the Orient. It is largely inhabited by Christians, a powerful sub-tribe of the Hypocrites, whose principal industries are murder and cheating, which they are pleased to call "war" and "commerce." These, also, are the principal industries of the Orient.

OLD, adj. In that stage of usefulness which is not inconsistent with general inefficiency, as an old man. Discredited by lapse of time and offensive to the popular taste, as an old book.



"Old books? The devil take them!" Goby said.

"Fresh every day must be my books and bread."

Nature herself approves the Goby rule

And gives us every moment a fresh fool.

—Harley Shum,


OLEAGINOUS, adj. Oily, smooth, sleek.

Disraeli once described the manner of Bishop Wilberforce as "unctuous, oleaginous, saponaceous." And the good prelate was ever afterward known as Soapy Sam. For every man there is something in the vocabulary that would stick to him like a second skin. His enemies have only to find it.

OMEN, n. A sign that something will happen if nothing happens.

The Canberra Press Gallery are very good at relaying, to a breathless public, what the political omens portend. They keep at it, I think, so that you don't remember that they have been wrong before. Often.

ONCE, adv. Enough.

Tony Abbott Censure Motions for 2012. Please!

OPPORTUNITY, n. A favourable occasion for grasping a disappointment.

Tony Abbott seizes every opportunity afforded him, it seems.

OPPOSE, v. To assist with obstructions and objections.

OPPOSITION, n. In politics the party that prevents the Government from running amuck by hamstringing it.

The King of Ghargaroo, who had been abroad to study the science of government, appointed one hundred of his fattest subjects as members of a parliament to make laws for the collection of revenue. Forty of these he named the Party of Opposition and had his Prime Minister carefully instruct them in their duty of opposing every royal measure. Nevertheless, the first one that was submitted passed unanimously. Greatly displeased, the King vetoed it, informing the Opposition that if they did that again they would pay for their obstinacy with their heads. The entire forty promptly disembowelled themselves.

"What shall we do now?" the King asked. "Liberal institutions cannot be maintained without a party of Opposition." 

"Splendour of the universe," replied the Prime Minister, "it is true these dogs of darkness have no longer their credentials, but all is not lost. Leave the matter to this worm of the dust."

 So the Minister had the bodies of his Majesty's Opposition embalmed and stuffed with straw, put back into the seats of power and nailed there. Forty votes were recorded against every bill and the nation prospered. But one day a bill imposing a tax on warts was defeated — the members of the Government party had not been nailed to their seats! This so enraged the King that the Prime Minister was put to death, the parliament was dissolved with a battery of artillery, and government of the people, by the people, for the people perished from Ghargaroo.

ORATORY, n. A conspiracy between speech and action to cheat the understanding. A tyranny tempered by stenography.

Which is why Tony Abbott is such a superior orator to the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.

OUTDO, v.t. To make an enemy.

Julia Gillard is Tony Abbott’s and Kevin Rudd's biggest enemy we keep getting told.



PAIN, n. An uncomfortable frame of mind that may have a physical basis in something that is being done to the body, or may be purely mental, caused by the good fortune of another.

I guess that means Tony Abbott was in a world of pain when he saw the last Newspoll results, even if he has been steadfastly acting as though they never happened.

PALMISTRY, n. The 947th method (according to Mimbleshaw's classification) of obtaining money by false pretences. It consists in "reading character" in the wrinkles made by closing the hand. The pretence is not altogether false; character can really be read very accurately in this way, for the wrinkles in every hand submitted plainly spell the word "dupe." The imposture consists in not reading it aloud.

There's nothing particularly political in this one except to say the word, 'Newspoll', again.

PANDEMONIUM, n. Literally, the Place of All the Demons. Most of them have escaped into politics and finance, and the place is now used as a lecture hall by the Audible Reformer. When disturbed by his voice the ancient echoes clamor appropriate responses most gratifying to his pride of distinction.

PANTHEISM, n. The doctrine that everything is God, in contradistinction to the doctrine that God is everything.

Or, Talk Turkey, should that be, 'Everything is Dog'?

PAST, n. That part of Eternity with some small fraction of which we have a slight and regrettable acquaintance. A moving line called the Present parts it from an imaginary period known as the Future. These two grand divisions of Eternity, of which the one is continually effacing the other, are entirely unlike. The one is dark with sorrow and disappointment, the other bright with prosperity and joy. The Past is the region of sobs, the Future is the realm of song. In the one crouches Memory, clad in sackcloth and ashes, mumbling penitential prayer; in the sunshine of the other Hope flies with a free wing, beckoning to temples of success and bowers of ease. Yet the Past is the Future of yesterday, the Future is the Past of to-morrow. They are one — the knowledge and the dream.

PATIENCE, n. A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.

PATRIOT, n. One to whom the interests of a part seem superior to those of the whole. The dupe of statesmen and the tool of conquerors.

The rise of the 'Patriot' in modern political nomenclature is entirely a construct of the Conservatives in every country.

PEACE, n. In international affairs, a period of cheating between two periods of fighting.



O, what's the loud uproar assailing

Mine ears without cease?

'Tis the voice of the hopeful, all-hailing

The horrors of peace.


Ah, Peace Universal; they woo it —

Would marry it, too.

If only they knew how to do it

'Twere easy to do.


I'll still keep a light burning in my soul for Peace, nevertheless.

PERORATION, n. The explosion of an oratorical rocket. It dazzles, but to an observer having the wrong kind of nose its most conspicuous peculiarity is the smell of the several kinds of powder used in preparing it.

And yes, it is said, some of us respond differently to Tony Abbott's perorations than others. Some of us can smell a rat.

PERSEVERANCE, n. A lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.

PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile.

As do I feel whenever I see and hear the ever-optimistic Mr Abbott.

PHILISTINE, n. One whose mind is the creature of its environment, following the fashion in thought, feeling and sentiment. He is sometimes learned, frequently prosperous, commonly clean and always solemn.

The devout Christian, Tony Abbott, would recoil in horror at being called a Philistine, but a Philistine I think he is. And he keeps company with other similar creatures at News Ltd.

PILLORY, n. A mechanical device for inflicting personal distinction — prototype of the modern newspaper conducted by persons of austere virtues and blameless lives.

Birds of a feather, News Ltd and Tony Abbott, pillory together.

PITIFUL, adj. The state of an enemy or opponent after an imaginary encounter with oneself.

PLAGIARIZE, v. To take the thought or style of another writer whom one has never, never read.

PLATITUDE, n. The fundamental element and special glory of popular literature. A thought that snores in words that smoke. The wisdom of a million fools in the diction of a dullard. A fossil sentiment in artificial rock. A moral without the fable. All that is mortal of a departed truth. A demi-tasse of milk-and-mortality. The Pope's-nose of a featherless peacock. A jelly-fish withering on the shore of the sea of thought. The cackle surviving the egg. A desiccated epigram.

PLEBISCITE, n. A popular vote to ascertain the will of the sovereign.

Or, in Tony Abbott's case, 'A popular vote to ascertain the will of Tony Abbott'. Now, I wonder what has happened to it? I thought the people would continue revolting until they got one? Well, let me just say, a whole 112 people turned up to an Anti Carbon Tax Rally to revolt outside the ALP National Conference the other day.

PLEONASM, n. An army of words escorting a corporal of thought.

POLITENESS, n. The most acceptable hypocrisy.

POLITICS, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

POLITICIAN, n. An eel in the fundamental mud upon which the superstructure of organised society is reared. When he wriggles he mistakes the agitation of his tail for the trembling of the edifice. As compared with the statesman, he suffers the disadvantage of being alive.

POSITIVISM, n. A philosophy that denies our knowledge of the Real and affirms our ignorance of the Apparent.

PRECEDENT, n. In Law, a previous decision, rule or practice which, in the absence of a definite statute, has whatever force and authority a Judge may choose to give it, thereby greatly simplifying his task of doing as he pleases. As there are precedents for everything, he has only to ignore those that make against his interest and accentuate those in the line of his desire. Invention of the precedent elevates the trial-at-law from the low estate of a fortuitous ordeal to the noble attitude of a dirigible arbitrament.

I include this for all who believe lawyers and judges who rely on Precedent, and note that it is an interminable web which, having been spun, is bedevilling America.

PREDICAMENT, n. The wage of consistency.

PREFERENCE, n. A sentiment, or frame of mind, induced by the erroneous belief that one thing is better than another.

An ancient philosopher, expounding his conviction that life is no better than death, was asked by a disciple why, then, he did not die. "Because," he replied, "death is no better than life."
 It is longer.

PREJUDICE, n. A vagrant opinion without visible means of support.

My favourite definition.

PRESENT, n. That part of eternity dividing the domain of disappointment from the realm of hope.

PRICE, n. Value, plus a reasonable sum for the wear and tear of conscience in demanding it.

PRISON, n. A place of punishments and rewards. The poet assures us that —

"Stone walls do not a prison make,"

but a combination of the stone wall, the political parasite and the moral instructor is no garden of sweets.

In my humble opinion Australia would become a virtual prison if the Coalition came to power again too soon, like before 2016.

PUSH, n. One of the two things mainly conducive to success, especially in politics. The other is Pull.



QUEEN, n. A woman by whom the realm is ruled when there is a king, and through whom it is ruled when there is not.

Which is why Australia cannot break her shackles and become a Republic. She rules with an iron will. Sigh.

QUILL, n. An implement of torture yielded by a goose and commonly wielded by an ass. This use of the quill is now obsolete, but its modern equivalent, the steel pen, is wielded by the same everlasting Presence.

I dedicate this one to all our erstwhile Australian journalists and editors. Which includes Tony Abbott, of course.

To be fair, it also includes me, at times.

QUIVER, n. A portable sheath in which the ancient statesman and the aboriginal lawyer carried their lighter arguments.

He extracted from his quiver,

Did the controversial Roman,

An argument well fitted

To the question as submitted,
Then addressed it to the liver,

 Of the unpersuaded foeman.

 —Oglum P. Boomp


I like to think that Julia Gillard's behaviour in Question Time equates to this scenario. It's just such a pity that not many people get to see the verbal jousting.



RADICALISM, n. The conservatism of to-morrow injected into the affairs of to-day.

RAILROAD, n. The chief of many mechanical devices enabling us to get away from where we are to where we are no better off. For this purpose the railroad is held in highest favour by the optimist, for it permits him to make the transit with great expedition.

I included this one for 2353.

RANK, n. Relative elevation in the scale of human worth.



He held at court a rank so high

That other noblemen asked why.

"Because," 'twas answered, "others lack

His skill to scratch the royal back."

—Aramis Jukes


There are still too many people of high rank in this world.

All I can hope for is that if this country is benighted with an Abbott government that he doesn't beknight himself if he decides to bring back Imperial Honours.

RAPACITY, n. Providence without industry. The thrift of power.

Seriously, this definition flashed before my eyes when watching the second last sitting day of the most recent parliamentary session, and Tony Abbott was in full rhetorical flight, bellowing repeatedly at the Prime Minister, “Take it! Take it!”. Honestly, I could not get the image of the man as a virtual verbal rapist out of my mind for days. Still can't. Maybe it'll fade. I hope so. It was truly terrifying to watch. Especially on 'White Ribbon Day'.

RASCAL, n. A fool considered under another aspect.

Tony Abbott is no fool, and he is not the harmless rascal he has people to make him out to be.

RASCALITY, n. Stupidity militant. The activity of a clouded intellect.

This, on the other hand, is Tony Abbott all over.

RATIONAL, adj. Devoid of all delusions save those of observation, experience and reflection.

I am glad our Prime Minister is entirely rational.

REALITY, n. The dream of a mad philosopher. That which would remain in the cupel if one should assay a phantom. The nucleus of a vacuum.

REALLY, adv. Apparently.

The certitudes of Tony Abbott fall into this category.

REASON, v.t. To weight probabilities in the scales of desire.

REASON, n. Propensitate of prejudice.

REASONABLE, adj. Accessible to the infection of our own opinions. Hospitable to persuasion, dissuasion and evasion.

REBEL, n. A proponent of a new misrule who has failed to establish it.

I find Tony Abbott's notion of 'Guided Democracy' a rebellious concept in the prospect.

RECOLLECT, v. To recall with additions something not previously known.

I believe that the media's recollection of Julia Gillard's 'Carbon Tax' 'promise' to fall into this category.

RECONSIDER, v. To seek a justification for a decision already made.

REFERENDUM, n. A law for submission of proposed legislation to a popular vote to learn the nonsensus of public opinion.

REFLECTION, n. An action of the mind whereby we obtain a clearer view of our relation to the things of yesterday and are able to avoid the perils that we shall not again encounter.

RELIGION, n. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.

REPARTEE, n. Prudent insult in retort. Practised by gentlemen with a constitutional aversion to violence, but a strong disposition to offend.

REPRESENTATIVE, n. In national politics, a member of the Lower House in this world, and without discernible hope of promotion in the next.

REPUBLIC, n. A nation in which the thing governing and the thing governed being the same, there is only a permitted authority to enforce an optional obedience. In a republic, the foundation of public order is the ever lessening habit of submission inherited from ancestors who, being truly governed, submitted because they had to. There are as many kinds of republics as there are graduations between the despotism whence they came and the anarchy whither they lead.

Now I get it. Australians couldn't make up their minds about a Republic because they couldn't agree where on the above spectrum they wanted us to land.

RESPONSIBILITY, n. A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one's neighbour. In the days of astrology it was customary to unload it upon a star.

I am reminded by this definition of what I consider Tony Abbott's motto to be: 'All Care and No Responsibility'.

REVERENCE, n. The spiritual attitude of a man to a god and a dog to a man.

ROSTRUM, n. In Latin, the beak of a bird or the prow of a ship. In America, a place from which a candidate for office energetically expounds the wisdom, virtue and power of the rabble.

Or, in Australia, the place where the candidate for Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, stands outside Parliament House and preaches to 'The Convoy of No Consequence'.

RUMOR, n. A favorite weapon of the assassins of character.



Sharp, irresistible by mail or shield,

By guard unparried as by flight unstayed,

O serviceable Rumor, let me wield

Against my enemy no other blade.

His be the terror of a foe unseen,

His the inutile hand upon the hilt,

And mine the deadly tongue, long, slender, keen,

Hinting a rumor of some ancient guilt.

So shall I slay the wretch without a blow,

Spare me to celebrate his overthrow,

And nurse my valor for another foe.

 —Joel Buxter


The Murdoch media's most oft-used tool of destabilisation of the federal Labor government.



SATAN, n. One of the Creator's lamentable mistakes, repented in sackcloth and ashes. Being instated as an archangel, Satan made himself multifariously objectionable and was finally expelled from Heaven. Halfway in his descent he paused, bent his head in thought a moment and at last went back. "There is one favor that I should like to ask," said he.

"Name it."

"Man, I understand, is about to be created. He will need laws."

"What, wretch! you his appointed adversary, charged from the dawn of eternity with hatred of his soul — you ask for the right to make his laws?"

"Pardon; what I have to ask is that he be permitted to make them himself."

It was so ordered.

SAW, n. A trite popular saying, or proverb. (Figurative and colloquial.) So called because it makes its way into a wooden head. Following are examples of old saws fitted with new teeth.


A penny saved is a penny to squander.


A man is known by the company that he organizes.


A bad workman quarrels with the man who calls him that.



A bird in the hand is worth what it will bring.



Better late than before anybody has invited you.



Example is better than following it.



Half a loaf is better than a whole one if there is much else.



Think twice before you speak to a friend in need.


What is worth doing is worth the trouble of asking somebody to do it.



Least said is soonest disavowed.



He laughs best who laughs least.



Speak of the Devil and he will hear about it.


Of two evils choose to be the least.



Strike while your employer has a big contract.



Where there's a will there's a won't.


SCRIBBLER, n. A professional writer whose views are antagonistic to one's own.

The 4th Estate V The 5th Estate, and vice versa.

SELF-ESTEEM, n. An erroneous appraisement.

SELF-EVIDENT, adj. Evident to one's self and to nobody else.

SELFISH, adj. Devoid of consideration for the selfishness of others.

SLANG, n. The grunt of the human hog (Pignoramus intolerabilis) with an audible memory. The speech of one who utters with his tongue what he thinks with his ear, and feels the pride of a creator in accomplishing the feat of a parrot. A means (under Providence) of setting up as a wit without a capital of sense.

I will merely add that Alan Jones' nickname is 'The Parrot'.

SOPHISTRY, n. The controversial method of an opponent, distinguished from one's own by superior insincerity and fooling. This method is that of the later Sophists, a Grecian sect of philosophers who began by teaching wisdom, prudence, science, art and, in brief, whatever men ought to know, but lost themselves in a maze of quibbles and a fog of words.


His bad opponent's "facts" he sweeps away,

And drags his sophistry to light of day;

Then swears they're pushed to madness who resort

To falsehood of so desperate a sort.

Not so; like sods upon a dead man's breast,

He lies most lightly who the least is pressed.

—Polydore Smith


SUFFRAGE, n. Expression of opinion by means of a ballot. The right of suffrage (which is held to be both a privilege and a duty) means, as commonly interpreted, the right to vote for the man of another man's choice, and is highly prized.

SYCOPHANT, n. One who approaches Greatness on his belly so that he may not be commanded to turn and be kicked. He is sometimes an editor.

He is sometimes an editor in the Murdoch media empire.



TALK, v.t. To commit an indiscretion without temptation, from an impulse without purpose.

TRUCE, n. Friendship.

TRUTH, n. An ingenious compound of desirability and appearance. Discovery of truth is the sole purpose of philosophy, which is the most ancient occupation of the human mind and has a fair prospect of existing with increasing activity to the end of time.

TRUTHFUL, adj. Dumb and illiterate.

Which is why Tony Abbott wants to keep them that way and from getting an education.



ULTIMATUM, n. In diplomacy, a last demand before resorting to concessions.



VANITY, n. The tribute of a fool to the worth of the nearest ass.



They say that hens do cackle loudest when

There's nothing vital in the eggs they've laid;

And there are hens, professing to have made

A study of mankind, who say that men

Whose business 'tis to drive the tongue or pen

Make the most clamorous fanfaronade

O'er their most worthless work; and I'm afraid

They're not entirely different from the hen.

Lo! the drum-major in his coat of gold,

His blazing breeches and high-towering cap —

Imperiously pompous, grandly bold,

Grim, resolute, an awe-inspiring chap!

Who'd think this gorgeous creature's only virtue

Is that in battle he will never hurt you?

—Hannibal Hunsiker


The only thing I can think of when I read this is Tony Abbott in his variety of costumes.

VOTE, n. The instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.



WALL STREET, n. A symbol for sin for every devil to rebuke. That Wall Street is a den of thieves is a belief that serves every unsuccessful thief in place of a hope in Heaven.

Nothing much has changed in 100 years.

WAR, n. A by-product of the arts of peace. The most menacing political condition is a period of international amity. The student of history who has not been taught to expect the unexpected may justly boast himself inaccessible to the light. "In time of peace prepare for war" has a deeper meaning than is commonly discerned; it means, not merely that all things earthly have an end — that change is the one immutable and eternal law — but that the soil of peace is thickly sown with the seeds of war and singularly suited to their germination and growth. It was when Kubla Khan had decreed his "stately pleasure dome" — when, that is to say, there were peace and fat feasting in Xanadu — that he
heard from afar
Ancestral voices prophesying war.

One of the greatest of poets, Coleridge was one of the wisest of men, and it was not for nothing that he read us this parable. Let us have a little less of "hands across the sea," and a little more of that elemental distrust that is the security of nations. War loves to come like a thief in the night; professions of eternal amity provide the night.

WEAKNESSES, n.pl. Certain primal powers of Tyrant Woman wherewith she holds dominion over the male of her species, binding him to the service of her will and paralyzing his rebellious energies.

Don't believe a word of it! (Says the self-interested stenographer of the lexicographer).

WHITE, adj. and, n. Black.

WITCH, n. (1) Any ugly and repulsive old woman, in a wicked league with the devil. (2) A beautiful and attractive young woman, in wickedness a league beyond the devil.

The Witch has become a popular theme in politics of late when it comes to negatively characterising female politicians, such as our own Prime Minister, and others. It amuses me, that as the Conservative female end of the political spectrum have adopted the tools of the plastic surgeon (they can't all be so uniformly youthful, good-looking and conforming to standardised norms of beauty, can they?), in order to appeal to the electorate on the 'political pole dancer' level, the negative characterisation of Progressive female politicians, who don't place as much store in good looks, as 'Witches', has come to the fore again and proceeded apace. It is also distastefully redolent of the Salem era of dealing with powerful women.

Which just goes to show that everything old is new again with Conservatives. As this interesting article explains well with respect to negative ad campaigns which are developed to be used against female political aspirants:

WOMAN, n. 

An animal usually living in the vicinity of Man, and having a rudimentary susceptibility to domestication. It is credited by many of the elder zoologists with a certain vestigial docility acquired in a former state of seclusion, but naturalists of the postsusananthony period, having no knowledge of the seclusion, deny the virtue and declare that such as creation's dawn beheld, it roareth now. The species is the most widely distributed of all beasts of prey, infesting all habitable parts of the globe, from Greenland's spicy mountains to India's moral strand. The popular name (wolfman) is incorrect, for the creature is of the cat kind. The woman is lithe and graceful in its movement, especially the American variety (felis pugnans), is omnivorous and can be taught not to talk.
 —Balthasar Pober



X in our alphabet being a needless letter has an added invincibility to the attacks of the spelling reformers, and like them, will doubtless last as long as the language. X is the sacred symbol of ten dollars, and in such words as Xmas, Xn, etc., stands for Christ, not, as is popular supposed, because it represents a cross, but because the corresponding letter in the Greek alphabet is the initial of his name — Xristos. If it represented a cross it would stand for St. Andrew, who "testified" upon one of that shape.

This is my Xmas inclusion.



YEAR, n. A period of three hundred and sixty-five disappointments.

YESTERDAY, n. The infancy of youth, the youth of manhood, the entire past of age.



ZANY, n. A popular character in old Italian plays, who imitated with ludicrous incompetence the buffone, or clown, and was therefore the ape of an ape; for the clown himself imitated the serious characters of the play. The zany was progenitor to the specialist in humor, as we to-day have the unhappiness to know him. In the zany we see an example of creation; in the humorist, of transmission. Another excellent specimen of the modern zany is the curate, who apes the rector, who apes the bishop, who apes the archbishop, who apes the devil.

You have to rewrite that last sentence when referring to our own local political scene to become:

'Another excellent specimen of the modern zany is the curate, who apes the rector, who apes the Bishop,J., who apes the Abbott,T., who apes the Archbishop Cardinal Pell, who apes the devil.'

ZEAL, n. A certain nervous disorder afflicting the young and inexperienced. A passion that goeth before a sprawl.



When Zeal sought Gratitude for his reward

He went away exclaiming: "O my Lord!"

"What do you want?" the Lord asked, bending down.

"An ointment for my cracked and bleeding crown."
—Jum Coople


And that's the bleedin' end of The Abridged Devil's Dictionary. Hope you enjoyed it.

Merry Xmas everyone!

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8/12/2011FS Thank you for another splendid contribution for us to read and re-read over the break. I share the enjoyment of your favourite definition: [i]PREJUDICE, n. A vagrant opinion without visible means of support.[/i] Another favourite of mine is ‘Sycophant’ and your comment: [i]SYCOPHANT, n. One who approaches Greatness on his belly so that he may not be commanded to turn and be kicked. He is sometimes an editor. He is sometimes an editor in the Murdoch media empire.[/i] In case you missed it on the previous post, this is my opportunity to thank you FS for your magnificent contributions all through 2011. You have been a wonderful colleague and partner in [i]TPS[/i]. Your writing is deeply appreciated by all who visit here. Your knowledge of politics and your political perspicacity is outstanding; it has given us insight after insight, and much to think and comment about. You have contributed over and again despite the busy life you lead. We value the effort you make week after week to feed us on [i]TPS[/i]. We hope you will be able to find time to continue your contributions during 2012. I’m sure others will wish to add to what I have written, and with me wish you and your family a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year, and hope you have refreshing break ready for the tumult that will be federal politics in 2012. Thank you.

D Mick Weir

8/12/2011Hi Lyn, re iPad type device have a look at this link http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/medion-announces-lifetab-p9514-tablet-mysterious-android-smartp/ Aldi will have these on sale 17th Dec for $499 keep an eye on your letterbox for a flyer this weekend

Sir Ian Crisp

8/12/2011C is for Circus. The ALP circus has left town and we must rely on an aberactive technique to fully understand the bizarre happenings at the ALP National Conference. Those of us who are jossers can but look on in wonderment. With the goings-on at the conference it is not hard to understand why many of us have coulrophobia. The ALP circus opened with the bird of paradox channelling Mr Obama. Here’s what Mr Obama has been quoted as saying: [quote]Yes we can. It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation. Yes we can. It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom through the darkest of nights. Yes we can. Etc. Etc. Etc.[/quote] The bird of paradox plagiarised Mr Obama’s speech and presented her truncated version. Here’s what the bird of paradox said: Delegates, Australia can do this. We can do this when we say yes. Yes to jobs, to growth, to fairness. Labor says yes to Australia's future. As well as some mindless pabulum here at TPS, avid TPS aficionados will recall the very unpleasant insidiousness of plagiarism which TPS had to deal with on a previous occasion. The worries of rising electricity bills; underfunded hospitals; an underfunded mental health system; and other issues facing Australians were pushed into the background as the ALP National Conference polarised the electorate and expended energy on whether Bruce and Troy could get married. Just why an issue impacting about 1% of our population should receive so much attention is baffling. The compromise on same-sex marriage demonstrates the parvanimity of the so-called progressive political party. According to AA groupthink is evil unless indulged in by the ALP The bird of paradox, dressed by Novelty Emporium, then tried to explain that we should sell yellow cake to India, a substance the Indians plan to use to generate electricity with greatly reduced nasty climate altering c....n. The Indians can do it but we can’t. I swear Hercule Poirot presided over the closing stages of the ALP circus. Monsieur Poirot usually assembles everyone in the study where he plans to expose the nastiness. Each person in the study is given a chance to lacerate someone else. So it was with the ALP circus. The rock star doesn’t like yellow cake or anyone who advocates its use. The Maltese Pigeon hates the stuff too and thinks the bird of paradox is trashing ALP ideals. Penny yearns to marry with the blessing of the bird of paradise. On and on it went. Kev07 was given the ‘ALP special’. He was told that there was no room in the ALP pantheon for him. The theme of “let’s get Kev” continued with the unbidden release of a sealed section (just like the Cleo magazine minus the titillation but more offensive) of a report prepared by ALP luminaries Carr, Faulkner, and Bracks. The report unloaded on K Rudd portraying him as lacking purpose and driven by spin with episodes of complacency. Doubts were raised about the Rudd government’s economic credentials. The sealed section also uncovered a special branch created by Rudd dedicated to generating press releases – 1900 or thereabouts. Some of those press releases found their way to TPS. Rudd’s reign was seen as rich on themes and announcements and talking up a narrative but lacking a follow-through. Rudd had many people fooled even Ad Astra who spoke glowingly about Rudd. The circus concluded with a move to force the ALP to adopt Sir Ian Crisp. Sir Ian rejected that idea saying he had no wish to join such a dysfunctional rabble.

Lyn

8/12/2011Hi DM Weir How nice of you to remember me asking about an IPad. Aldi is good how they have these specials, thankyou for letting me know. They line up here at 8am in the morning at Aldi's. I don't go there but my husband does, and he loves the junk mail. What happened today though was I got a Kindle versions 3.2.1 , 3G + WFI. You see with me it was kindle verses Ipad because I really only wanted it to read, get my emails, and stay on TPS of course. The Kindle is fabulous, I adore it. Now I have to ask can anyone help me with getting and installing the apps. I need a browser, email client and contacts file, for fun a photo gallery. I have already downloaded one book Ken Follett,and a Peter Watt, my lovely, kissable, author from QLD a free sample of The Pacific. Congratulations to you DMW becoming a new Grandfather, I don't know what you will be called, but I tell you what when they say Grandma to me it brings tears to my eyes. I love it and when they call out Grandma, Grandma, there is nothing in the world so lovely. :):):):):):):):):):)

Ad astra reply

8/12/2011Sir Ian Even as we approach the Festive Season where Goodwill is shared even among those who do not usually agree, your nastiness, sarcasm and personal insults continue – they seem to have no bounds. Please go away and have a Happy Christmas, refresh yourself, and if you deign to return in 2012, come back in a better frame of mind and with less nastiness and sarcasm in your words.

2353

8/12/2011Thanks for the special mention FS. One of the highlights of my year was sitting in a train carriage between Montreal and Toronto doing around 120kph, sipping a reasonable coffee, reading TPS using the free wifi on the iPod and occasionally glancing out the window to see lovely scenery which wouldn't be apparent from the highway I would have been otherwise driving down. Railroads have their uses. Thanks also to AA for continuing to host this blog, the talented writers of posts including FS and AC and all the commentators - even including jj and SIC even though by the comment above this one SIC has yet to work out the difference between what went on and what the media "narrative" for the same event was. Sometimes you'd swear the media didn't even go! I'll be around for Christmas - taking the family to Canada doesn't do much for the bank balance - so I'll keep the Christmas wishes to sometime closer to the event.

Ad astra reply

8/12/2011Hi Lyn I hope you enjoy your new tablet. Be warned though, it might prove to be addictive! I’ve been busy today preparing FS’s latest piece so haven’t had time to thoroughly look through your links and tweets. I’ll do so tomorrow and respond on this post. DMW Congratulations on your Grandfatherhood. You have much joy ahead of you.

Lyn

8/12/2011Hi Feral Thankyou for your article and for working so hard on TPS. We have become attached to those scrawney legs in ugg boots. Your obvious loyality and caring for TPS is very much appreciated. Merry Christmas and a Happpy New Year to you and your 2 handsome boys. As Ad Astra said hope you have refreshing break ready for the tumult that will be federal politics in 2012. :):):):):):):):):):):):)

Lyn

8/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody More information for everyone:- [i]Bushfire Bill Posted Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 4:18 pm |[/i] Full rate cut from NAB. They are slowly coming into line – but will look to move outside RBA moves in future. Yes, but we’ve had 24 hours of “this timid government…” and “I just used to pick up the phone to the banks” and “Wayne Swan has lost the respect of…” etc. etc. Good for keeping the punters fearful. Next it’ll be “Rate cut too late to save Christmas”. http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollbludger/2011/12/05/newspoll-54-46-to-coalition-4/all-comments/#comments [i]Interest rate rituals and Christmas pantomimes[/i], Bernard keane, Crikey There’s plenty of ritual in all this. Wayne Swan attacks the banks. The opposition attacks Swan, and suggests that somehow — without precisely saying what — that he should be doing more to force the banks to do the right thing. The proximity of Christmas means that, yet again, the media can invoke Scrooge. The Bankers’ Association runs the same lies about cost of borrowing. Yawn. http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/12/08/interest-rate-rituals-and-christmas-pantomimes/ Y7NewsYahoo!7 News ANZ and NAB are the only two of the big banks to pass on the recent interest rate cuts to customers. http://yhoo.it/u77ynS ThefinnigansTheFinnigans天地有道人无道 China is expected to grow at very healthy 8.9% in 2012 Vs 9.2% 2011 Vs 10.3% 2010 - your rice bowl is still intact - http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Money/Story/STIStory_742625.html australianThe Australian CBA follows suit with full rate cut: THE Commonwealth Bank will cut its mortgage rates by 25 basis points, in li... http://bit.ly/w1xvwS Australian Exceptionalismhttp://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollytics/author/ benelthamBen Eltham Astounding post from @Pollytics: Australia is the wealthiest and fairest nation int the world. Yes, really! http://bit.ly/tGLEgz :):):):):)

D Mick Weir

8/12/2011Language Warning (for the link not my comment) Possum at his brilliant best cutting a swathe through the Poor Fellow My Country BS esposed by many. [b]Australian Exceptionalism[/b] Possum Comitatus @Crikey http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollytics/2011/12/08/australian-exceptionalism/ [i]“Australian Exceptionalism”…. let that phrase roll off your tongue. Now stop laughing for a moment if you can! There’s something about that phrase that just doesn’t sit right with us. We’re not only unaccustomed to thinking about ourselves that way, but for many it’s a concept that is one part distasteful to three parts utterly ridiculous – try mentioning it in polite company sometime. Bring a helmet.[/i]

Feral Skeleton

8/12/2011Hello everyone! Thank you for all your kind words. I don't really deserve them but I will treasure them just the same. :)

D Mick Weir

8/12/2011Hi Lyn I love my Kindle too - though I don't use it properly still. Good move. I am yet to be 'christened' with a title, early days yet but I am sure it will be appropriate. And thanks all for you kind wishes (even NK who confirmed my suspicions about officially being old - :) )

D Mick Weir

8/12/2011Aaaarghhh - Grandmum has found grey hairs on my head - aaaarghhhhh

TalkTurkey

8/12/2011FS, When you were just Hillbilly Skeleton, I said then you led the Sword's peleton, But with Labor in peril, You went the full Feral On message, with TPS to tell it on . . . Double the Fist FS. :) I haven't delved into the alphabetica yet. Is Bruce safe over Crispmess? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DMW delighted for you and the parents of the Weir-Cub. [b]A-[i]WOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooo![/i][/b]

psyclaw

8/12/2011SIC Here is some help with your alphabet: A: airhead B: berk C: cockeyed D: dingbat E: empty headed F: featherhead G: gormless H: hat ......if it fits!!!!!!!

2353

8/12/2011psyclaw, to add to your list: I - Ignorant J - Jealous K - Klueless (I know, I know but it fits) L - Loose with the truth M - Muddled N - Not rational and so on . . . DMW - Congrats Grandad - hopefully you get to spend lots of years instilling wisdom, understanding and spoiling the dear child rotten. My apologies for not saying so sooner. I will talk to myself severely :D

Feral Skeleton

8/12/2011Touche! psyclaw. :)

2353

8/12/2011Totally off topic but brilliant. This started off as a school project by the Yupiq Eskimo in Alaska and they expected around 200 people to see it. It now had 1.1 million views. Enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=LyviyF-N23A

TalkTurkey

8/12/2011Psyclaw F: featherhead ? For [i]Limpy?![/i] [i]I think we can do better than that![/i] :) Besides you are giving bad name to feathers.

D Mick Weir

8/12/2011A for 'orses B for mutton . . . . . . . . . L for leather . . . . . . Z for breeze

Feral Skeleton

8/12/2011Sir Ian Crisp, 'pabulum', huh? Thank you for the compliment! pabulum: comestible: any substance that can be used as food. wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn So, The Political Sword is substantial enough to be food for thought? I always thought so, but I'm pleased you think so now too. :) Merry Xmas, Sir Ian, and I hope you get some generosity of spirit as a present. Your life will be much more fulfilling in 2012 with it.

D Mick Weir

8/12/2011FS my previous oblique comment is for sic's benefit (I use that term 'benefit' loosely) sic being edumacated may be oh fay (hee hee) with such high brow alphabets

Feral Skeleton

8/12/2011Sir Ian Crisp, I think this was the word you were scratching around for in your haste to spew out your predictable invective: Pablum: A trademark used for a bland soft cereal for infants. pab·lum (p b l m). n. Trite, insipid, or simplistic writing, speech, or conceptualization: It's OK, nobody's perfect. :)

D Mick Weir

8/12/2011and for something completely different (and because I have a bit of a 'thing' about traffic) [i]… when I suggested last year that everyone having an iPhone with the TomTom app installed could solve traffic problems.[/i] Well not not me actually but Joshua Gans @CoreEcon have a read of [b]They told me I was crazy …[/b] http://economics.com.au/?p=8233 Very interesting (to me at least)

Sir Ian Crisp

8/12/2011Thanks FS but let's go with door number 4: Noun pabulum (plural pabula or pabulums) 1. food or fodder, particularly that taken in by plants or animals. 2. material that feeds a fire. 3. (figuratively) food for thought. 4. bland intellectual fare; an undemanding diet of words

psyclaw

8/12/2011Revision for TT, concerning SIC Apologies to all avians, especially to all members of genus Meliagris. F: f'wit

Lyn

8/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody Here is some more intersting reading and links for you all Enjoy:- [i]Bushfire Bill Posted Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 3:25 pm | comment 3338[/i]That’s the problem with Labor governments. When you examine them carefully, in the light of history, they’re just a bunch of incompetent mugginses who couldn’t govern their way out of a wet paper bag. The GFC is another example. They really screwed us with that Stimulus rubbish. We should have done the hard yards and let a couple of hundred thousand lose their jobs. Good for morale, that. Now… Look at the debt! Look at Newspoll! Let’s face it, no wonder the Libs are Best To Manage The Economy and Best For National Security. They did the REAL hard yards, cat-calling in Parliament and trying to vote http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollbludger/2011/12/05/newspoll-54-46-to-coalition-4/all-comments/#comments [i]Bushfire Bill Posted Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 3:38 pm , Comment Number 3342[/i] By his own admission all Joe, and anyone else who’s part of a “proper” government”, ever had to do was pick up the phone. Hey, it worked with Indonesia, right? (Well, it would’ve worked with Indonesia if Tony had been PM). And it definitely worked with Nauru. It should’ve worked with Joycey over at Qantas. Joe knew what Joycey was up to, all Parliament did, but he didn’t want to tell Julia because she’d just steal all his good ideas. No, I reckon Joe’s place is here, telling us we have the worst government in history, that the placed is effed good and proper, with the stupidest Prime Minister and the most devastated economy imaginable. Can’t have those consumers getting too excited about things and going back to the shops, now, can we http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollbludger/2011/12/05/newspoll-54-46-to-coalition-4/all-comments/#comments [i]The Finnigans Posted Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7:11 pm[/i] Here is a pictorial representation of your beautiful set of numbers Latest: This week trifecta: Interest cut to 4.25%, GDP grew 1% in the Sept2011 Quarter and Unemployment is at a healthy 5.3% http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollbludger/2011/12/05/newspoll-54-46-to-coalition-4/all-comments/#comments SkyNewsAustSky News Australia CBA passes on full RBA rate cut http://ow.ly/1g3xhb mrtiedtMr Tiedt BlogPost: An Expensive Ambition. @barryofarrell needs cash. Where should he find it? http://bit.ly/sHhABO #NSWPol #AusPol GrogsGamutGreg Jericho Excellent post by @JaneTribune on the Drum - "Double dipping on the carbon tax" http://bit.ly/vVHpEy croakeyblogMelissa Sweet Some VERY interesting reading: on the TGA, Ken Harvey, & pertinent questions for #publichealth advocates http://blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2011/12/08/some-very-interesting-reading-on-the-tga-ken-harvey-and-pertinent-questions-for-public-health-advocates/ vexnewsvexnews I'm still a conservative, Peter Slipper tells constituents on Sunshine Coast #auspol http://bit.ly/rKw3Si lapuntadelfinDarryl Snow Love or hate @TurnbullMalcolm his commentary on the media here is just spot on http://tinyurl.com/7rw6fl4 . Make sure you watch KoenjiEikaiwaKen Coalition & Greens put Australia's security at risk by not allowing government to stop people smuggling deaths at sea http://yhoo.it/tLNKfD

Lyn

8/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody The link to Malcolm Turnbull's speech above is recommended, where he addressed the Advanced Centre of Journalism in Melbourne on December 7. [i]The future of newspapers, the end of journalism, Malcolm Turnbull, The Drum[/i] The consequence of this decline in journalism is that too many important matters of public interest are either not covered at all or covered superficially. At the local level, there is less attention paid to local councils and even state parliaments. [b]Readers seeking a better understanding of how the carbon tax or the mining tax, for example, will operate will often struggle to find much assistance in the output of the gallery [/b]– with some very honourable exceptions - compared to the[b] millions of words written about Kevin Rudd vs Julia Gillard let alone Tony Abbott's budgie smugglers.[/b] The consequence of all of this has been that what we used to call the 24-hour news cycle has become instead an opinion cycle [b]the Packers, Murdochs and Fairfaxes have all used their papers and media to run political agendas and ultimately the calibre and balance of any newspaper [/b]is judged by its readers who have more interest in the journalism and the owner's commitment to that journalism, no matter how controversial, than to his or her political interests. http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3719482.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews :):):)

nasking

9/12/2011Well done Feral...and MERRY CHRISTMAS...have a great hols. You deserve a good break to help relax the mind so the wee grey cells can spark up bigtime again in the new year. Watch some Poirot & Marple. :) [quote]RAILROAD, n. The chief of many mechanical devices enabling us to get away from where we are to where we are no better off. For this purpose the railroad is held in highest favour by the optimist, for it permits him to make the transit with great expedition. [/quote] I luv railroads & long distance train journeys. Watchin' the various landscapes pass by...time seems to slow. Helps you to move outside of yerself...become THE OBSERVER. 2353, I would luv to do that rail trip between Montreal & Toronto. I have travelled it by bus. Alas, I remember little of it due to an affair of the heart...racin' to meet my Swiss girlfriend in 1982, only to find she was preparin' to be betrothed to another. C'est la vie. Interestingly Feral, I was just readin' an article usin' the word [i]railroad[/i]: [b]National Underground Railroad Freedom Center [/b] [quote]The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio based on the history of the Underground Railroad. The Center also pays tribute to all efforts to "abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people." Billed as part of a new group of "museums of conscience," along with the Museum of Tolerance, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum, the Center offers lessons on the struggle for freedom in the past, in the present, and for the future as it attempts to challenge visitors to contemplate the meaning of freedom in their own lives. [b]Its location recognizes the significant role of Cincinnati, where thousands of slaves escaped to freedom by crossing the Ohio River, in the history of the Underground Railroad.[/b] After ten years of planning and fundraising, the $110 million Freedom Center opened to the public on August 3, 2004; official opening ceremonies took place on August 23. The 158,000 square foot (15,000 m²) structure was designed by Boora Architects (design architect) of Portland, Oregon with Blackburn Architects (architect of record) of Indianapolis with three pavilions celebrating courage, cooperation and perseverance. The exterior features rough travertine stone from Tivoli, Italy on the east and west faces of the building, and copper panels on the north and south. According to one of its primary architects, the late Walter Blackburn, the building's "undulating quality" illustrates the fields and the river that escaping slaves crossed to reach freedom. First Lady Laura Bush, Oprah Winfrey, and Muhammad Ali attended the groundbreaking ceremony on June 17, 2002. The center's principal artifact is a 21 by 30 foot (6 by 9 m), two-story log slave pen built in 1830 that was used to house slaves being shipped to auction. The structure was moved from a farm in Mason County, Kentucky and now dominates the second-floor atrium where visitors encounter it again and again while traversing the other exhibits. It can also be seen through the Center's large windows from the downtown street outside.[/quote] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Underground_Railroad_Freedom_Center Not what usually comes to mind when we think of the word [quote]railroad[/quote]. From the US version online of the Oxford dictionary: [b]verb 1 [with object] informal press (someone) into doing something by rushing or coercing them: she hesitated, unwilling to be railroaded into a decisioncause (a measure ) to be passed or approved quickly by applying pressure: the Bill had been railroaded through the Housesend (someone) to prison without a fair trial or by means of false evidence.[/b] As for the latter...I can think of a couple of Chinese & American instances of late. Railroaded into prison. How similar those countries can be at times...not surprising considering their superpower status & financial arrangements...and the weight of elite political power. Interestin' that many Chinese helped build America's early railway system...as I've mentioned on a previous thread. N'

TalkTurkey

9/12/2011Morning All, Lyn I can't download Turdball atm but your note probably gives me the gen. Now, all he's got to do, is develop a spine, a political brain, the rudiments of a conscience, a pair of legs to walk away from opposition to the NBN, and a big finger for Abbortt, and then he could make a much less worse LOTO! He will not make it to PM ever imo but he does have a bare outside chance, unlike Toe-rag. At least Turdy doesn't [i]look[/i] like a yob.

Lyn

9/12/2011Good Morning Talk Turkey Yes there is no need to read the whole of Turnbull's speech, the two para's I posted were carefully selected, for that reason. There are quite a bit of what he said that I don't agree with. The usual sniping at Julia and the media inquiry, as you would expect. I agree with you about all Turnbull has going for him is, he appears to be OK, [i]He will not make it to PM ever imo but he does have a bare outside chance, unlike Toe-rag. At least Turdy doesn't look like a yob. [/i] Cheers:):):):):):)

nasking

9/12/2011I've been keepin an eye out for [b]Rob Portman [/b]to enter the US Presidential race...as a main candidate late in the game due to the clownish attitude of many so far & voter confusion...or as a VP candidate (tho, Michael Moore on CNN said recently that a conspiracy theory goin' around is that Wall St. has already chosen its man...Barack Obama - hope not, groan): [b]Gingrich surge unnerves some Republican lawmakers By LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press – 7 hours ago[/b] [quote]WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's stunning surge toward the top of the Republican presidential field has unnerved some Republicans in Congress who remember too well the tumult of nearly two decades ago. "I'd rather have steady," said Rep. Steve LaTourette of Ohio, who just this week made it known that he was backing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney instead of the resurgent Gingrich, the man who led the 1994 "revolution" in which LaTourette was first elected. Personally, LaTourette said, he has a "hangover" from the days of Gingrich's speakership, when "everything always seemed to be on fire." In interviews this week, more than a dozen Republican members of the House and Senate wouldn't say — when given repeated chances — that they are confident that Gingrich has the discipline and stamina to outlast Romney and, down the road, face President Barack Obama in a grueling general election. Gingrich has had trouble marshaling support from Congress' mass of political insiders. The 1994 "revolutionaries" who turned Democrats out of power for the first time in 40 years as well as more senior lawmakers waver on the question of whether Gingrich would be good for the GOP and the country given his rocky past. Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, who credited Gingrich with helping push through a transformative farm bill, is among those unsure whether Gingrich-as-nominee would be helpful. "It depends on what he does," said Roberts, who has not committed to a candidate for the party's nomination...[/quote] [quote][b]Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, who was a rookie House member when the GOP won Congress in 1994, said he sees Gingrich as a throwback to the old days of bipartisan lawmaking for which so many lawmakers and Americans say they yearn. Behind closed doors, Portman recalled, Gingrich is an apt negotiator. And he does focus, Portman said. "He does have a history of managing through a tough issue and coming up with a result," Portman, who intends to stay neutral in the nominating fight, said Wednesday. He was careful to mention that he thinks Romney would do just as well at governing.[/b][/quote] http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gQsTk1qQ5J7AtbWT8Cs8vJJfekdw?docId=80bf577c87654f6da4cff189bc3c1d8f From Wikipedia: [quote]Hiatus (2007-2008)In 2007, Portman founded the Ohio's Future PAC, a political action committee dedicated to ensuring "that the critical policy issues important to Ohioans remain at the forefront of Ohio's political agenda." [b]Portman was quoted in an April 2008 Columbus Dispatch article as saying that the PAC is "obviously a way for me to stay active in the political and policy arena."[/b] In 2008, Portman was cited as a potential running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain. [b]New York Times columnist David Brooks called Portman "an Ohioan with the mind of a budget director and a mild temperament that is a credit to his Midwestern roots," with an "ideal" résumé.[/b] [b]U.S. Senate Elections[/b] On January 14, 2009, two days after Ohio Senator George Voinovich announced he would not seek re-election, Portman officially declared his candidacy for the open seat. Portman ran against Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher. According to National Review, by July 2010, Portman had a "9-to-1 cash advantage" over Fisher. [b]Portman won the election a margin of 57 to 39 percent, winning 82 of Ohio's 88 counties[/b][/quote] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Portman BTW, New York Times columnist David Brooks is an integral part part of the Political Wrap coverage on PBS Newshour...oft hosted by Jim Lehrer. [b]Shields and Brooks[/b] are a MUST watch for me...ya can see them on SBS HD...the show is PBS NewsHour...each Saturday arvo. I enjoy hearin' from both...regardless of their party affiliations/political biases. [quote]The program often wraps up with a reflective essay, but on Fridays it ends with a discussion between two regular columnists. Since 2004, the usual participants have been Mark Shields and David Brooks. Analysts who fill in when either Shields or Brooks is absent have included David Gergen, Thomas Oliphant, Rich Lowry, William Kristol, Ramesh Ponnuru, Ruth Marcus, and E. J. Dionne.[/quote] (wikipedia) N'

nasking

9/12/2011Lyn, thnx for the Turnbull link & quotes. I'm gonna consume them in the next hour or so. You are a real asset. This from Feral's post: [b]OBSTINATE, adj. Inaccessible to the truth as it is manifest in the splendour and stress of our advocacy. Almost every Question Time that has passed this parliamentary year has seen a display of mule-headed obstinacy and strident advocacy from Tony Abbott. And that, the more strenuous he was in his advocacy, the further away he was from the truth. [/b] Indeed. N'

Feral Skeleton

9/12/2011Nasking, Callista Gingrich is the power behind Newt's throne. She finagled her way into a job as a secretary in his office, caught his eye, didn't mind having an affair with him while his wife lay dying(I think that was Newt's 2nd wife who had terminal cancer), and then quickly sewed him up. After that she helped set up Newt Inc., and has propelled his comeback to politics. I think Newt would have been happy to stay at home and play with the grandkids, but Callista had a goal, and she's damn sure she's gonna give it everything she's got to achieve it. I just don't know why women like her don't just admit their ambition and run themselves, instead of playing the Conservative wifey role.

Lyn

9/12/2011Good morning Nasking You are a constant delight yourself, and I love your appreciation of others efforts. Thankyou Nasking. Nasking, how sad finding your girlfriend getting ready to marry someone else. [i]I would luv to do that rail trip between Montreal & Toronto. I have travelled it by bus. Alas, I remember little of it due to an affair of the heart...racin' to meet my Swiss girlfriend in 1982, only to find she was preparin' to be betrothed to another[/i]. I have been to Perth on the Indian Pacific, which is a wonderful trip as well, 3 and a half days, beautiful scenery, wonderful lounge and dining car along with very comfortable berths. Cheers:):):):):):)

nasking

9/12/2011W/ all this EU stuff goin' on...who remembers technocrat [b]Jean Monnet[/b]? [quote]“We are not forming coalitions of states, we are uniting men” A Pragmatic Education Jean Monnet was born on 9 November 1888 in Cognac, France, into a family of cognac merchants. At the age of sixteen, after passing only the first pat of his university-entrance examinations, he abandoned his formal education and moved to London. There, he spent two years learning business and the primary language of commerce, English. In 1906, his father sent him abroad to work for the family business. Do not bring any books,” his father advised him. “No one can think for you. Look out the window, talk to people...” Subsequently, Monnet made many business trips worldwide, travelling to Scandinavia, Russia, Egypt, Canada, and the United States. “I am not an optimist; I am determined” In 1914, discharged from the military for health reasons, Jean Monnet sought to serve his country in other ways. In his mind, the only path that would lead to an Allied victory lay in the fusion of France and England’s war efforts. However, he observed that, in reality, the Allies were acting independently rather than collectively. He proposed a plan that would co-ordinate the Allies’ war resources; the French President of the Council agreed that it should be implemented. Due to his effectiveness during the war, Jean Monnet was named Secretary General of the League of Nations upon its creation in 1919, at the age of thirty-one, by Clémenceau and Balfour. He resigned from this position in 1923 in order to devote himself to managing the family business, which was experiencing some difficulty. As an international financier, he proved to be instrumental in the economic recovery of several Central and Eastem European nations, helping to stabilise the Polish Zloty in 1927 and the Romanian Leu in 1928. In 1929, his experience in international finance led him to found and co-manage the Bancamerica-Blair, a large U.S. bank in San Francisco. From 1934 to 1936, at the invitation of Chiang Kai-shek, Monnet lived in China, assisting with the reorganisation of their railway network. lnitially commissioned in 1938 by Edouard Daladier to negotiate an order for French military aircraft with the United States, Jean Monnet was sent to London in December 1939 by the French and British governments. There, he oversaw the collectivisation of the two countries’ production capacities. When the French were defeated in June 1940, Monnet’s influence inspired de Gaulle and Churchill to accept the plan for the total union of France and the United Kingdom — a fusion which was to enable the two countries to stand up to Nazism — whereas Pétain accepted the defeat of France and signed the armistice. [b]In August 1940, Jean Monnet was sent to the United States by the British government as a member of the British Supply Council, in order to negotiate the purchase of war supplies. Soon after his arrival in Washington, he became one of President Roosevelt’s most trusted advisers. He persuaded the President to launch a massive arms production programme to supply the Allies with military material. Indeed, America was to become the arsenal of democracies”; for months, Monnet worked unrelentingly toward this goal. In 1941, President Roosevelt, with Churchill’s agreement, launched the Victory Program, which represented the forceful entry of the United States into the war effort. According to the economist Keynes, this “shortened the war by one year.”[/b] [b]In 1943, Monnet became a member of the National Liberation Committee, the free French government in Algiers. On 5 August, he addressed the Committee: “There will be no peace in Europe if the States rebuild themselves on the basis of national sovereignty, with its implications of prestige politics and economic protection (...). The countries of Europe are not strong enough individually to be able to guarantee prosperity and social development for their peoples. The States of Europe must therefore form a federation or a European entity that would make them into a common economic unit.”[/b] [b]Following the Liberation, at the request of General de Gaulle, Jean Monnet designed and implemented the national modernisation and development plan that made it possible to revive the French economy.[/b] [b]“To create Europe is to create peace”[/b] In 1950, in the face of rising international tensions, Jean Monnet felt that the time had come to attempt an irreversible step toward uniting the European countries. In his house in Houjarray, he and his team conceived the idea of the European Community. On 9 May 1950, with the agreement of Chancellor Adenauer, Robert Schuman made a declaration in the name of the French government. Prepared by Jean Monnet, this declaration proposed placing all the Franco-German production of steel and coal under a common High Authority open to the other countries of Europe. “Through the consolidation of basic production and the institution of a new High Authority, whose decisions will bind France, Germany and the other countries that join, this proposal represents the first concrete step towards a European federation, imperative for the preservation of peace,” declared Robert Schuman. Soon the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands replied favourably. Thus the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was born, laying the foundation of the European Community. In 1952, Jean Monnet became the first President of the High Authority. [b]In 1955, in order to revive European construction following the failure of the European Defence Community (EDC), Jean Monnet founded the Action Committee for the United States of Europe. Bolstered by his tireless impetus, this committee, which joined political parties and European trade unions, became a driving force behind all initiatives in favour of the European Union, including the creation of the Common Market, the European Monetary System, the European Council, British membership in the Cormmunity, and election to the European Parliament by universal suffrage.[/b] [b]Until even his last days, Jean Monnet was firm in his conviction that the European nations had to unite in order to survive. “Continue, continue, there is no future for the people of Europe other than in union,” he repeated constantly. Throughout his life, he had one objective: “Make men work together show them that beyond their differences and geographical boundaries there lies a common interest.”[/b] Retired in his house at Houjarray, Jean Monnet devoted his final energies to writing his Mémoires, in which he recorded the lessons of his experience and his mode of action for generations to come. He died on 16 March 1979 at the age of ninety-one. His ashes are now in the Panthéon. [b]Jean Monnet liked to quote this saying from Dwight Morrow “There are two categories of men: those who want to be someone and those who want to do something.” It there was ever a man who could be placed in the second category without hesitation, Monnet is that man. In fact, he agreed wholeheartedly, adding, “There is Iess competition.”[/b] At the European Council in Luxembourg on 2 April 1976, the heads of State and government proclaimed Jean Monnet an “Honorary Citizen of Europe”. The Jean Monnet Association[/quote] Worth reading: [b]In defence of Europe's technocrats Outside Britain, experts have often played a positive role in politics. Is it time we stopped knocking the technocrats?[/b] Philip Oltermann guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 16 November 2011 [quote]Does that mean that technocracy is better than democracy? Of course not. But it might just be worth considering that a temporary technocrat rule may well be an acceptable – perhaps necessary – part of the democratic process at times of crisis. Would we prefer British healthcare to be run by technocrats (ie experts) rather than politicians and free-market ideologues? I think so. Would we be more confident in the judgment of British frontbenchers if most of them hadn't gone straight from university into politics? I think so. "Engineers" may never be completely apolitical, but they may be less political than those who went into politics to become politicians. What if technocrats are just politicians without much charisma or without expensive PR? "Mediocrity in politics is not to be despised," the German writer (and EU-sceptic) Hans Magnus Enzensberger once wrote. "Greatness is not needed." All this is not to say that all is well in the eurozone, not to deny that the EU is now nurturing an image problem on top of the financial woes, that Angela Merkel has done a woeful job at coming up with a credible plan for solving the crisis, and that Greece and Italy should call elections as soon as the sea is calmer. Most importantly, it is not to suggest that Britain shouldn't question the "more Europe" mantra. But it might just help to try and understand the way mainland Europe does politics differently before it rushes to offer advice.[/quote] http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/16/europe-technocrats-politics N'

Lyn

9/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody Time for your daily dose of tweets, to enjoy:- [i]abcmarkscottMark Scott[/i] There have been some fast and loose facts about the performance of Australia Network. Here are the real numbers. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-09/dover-australia-network/3721202?WT.svl=theDrum AboutTheHouseAbout the House The latest issue of About the House mag is now online! http://bit.ly/pUdELp check out stories on floods, FIFO, and indig languages. AboutTheHouseAbout the House If you want to order a free hard copy of About The House mag, email news@aph.gov.au GrogsGamutGreg Jericho .@latingle "It’s not all gloom in Wayne’s world" http://bit.ly/uSWFF1 TheKoukStephen Koukoulas Retweet: ANZ Retail Rates: from last evening. stephenkoukoulas.blogspot.com/2011/12/anz-re MrDenmoreMr Denmore The coming global shortage of equity investors - Buttonwood | The Economist http://econ.st/vzr5nH ABCthedrumABC The Drum When is a journalist not a journalist? Apparently when it's an independent blogger, writes @stilgherrian http://bit.ly/uNK41z ABCthedrumABC The Drum Polls, pollies and policies: Barrie Cassidy looks at the year that was http://bit.ly/uotqyk #auspol HyperBrendanBrendan Brooks Shellharbour to develop a digital strategy as it prepares for NBN rollout - http://ow.ly/7ToGs || Great work @DrDalim Conroy dismisses NBN anti-competitive report http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-08/conroy-dismisses-nbn-anti-competitive-report/3721386 croakeyblogMelissa Sweet http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/-1ol9v.html the industry of economics news reporting... And the wellbeing index #sdoh thepunchcomauThe Punch Hillary Clinton writes exclusively for The Punch today. Here: http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/Strike-a-woman-and-you-strike-all-of-society/ independentausIndependentAustralia Paul Syvret says ceding some of your sovereignty to an unelected foreigner is a risk. #AusPol #AusRepublic http://fb.me/1qkemjfZo ZuveleLeschenZuvele Leschen Ballieu govt denies any media strategy, which suggests convergence of media & Ministers purely coincidental http://tinyurl.com/7pgld2s #springst :):):):):):):):):):)

Lyn

9/12/2011 Sorry Everyone Tweet link broken above:- TheKoukStephen Koukoulas Retweet: ANZ Retail Rates: from last evening. stephenkoukoulas.blogspot.com/2011/12/anz-re http://stephenkoukoulas.blogspot.com/2011/12/anz-retail-rates-new-calendar-event.html :):):):):)

nasking

9/12/2011[quote]have been to Perth on the Indian Pacific, which is a wonderful trip as well, 3 and a half days, beautiful scenery, wonderful lounge and dining car along with very comfortable berths. [/quote] Lyn, sounds brill. Somethin' we must do. [quote]how sad finding your girlfriend getting ready to marry someone else. [/quote] Lily & I had a whirlwind relationship/romance...I met her as a waiter in the Pancake Manor durin' an 8 mth stay in Brighton/Hove...she was there to learn english... and after a 3 mth awesome relationship I returned to Canada to become a flight attendant w/ WardAir whilst she went home to Switzerland...I spent a great deal of money on long distance phone calls...Lily flew into Montreal promisin' that we would spend our life together...only for me to find out from a friend of hers that she had been forced by her mayor father to declare her love for her old boyfriend who was a football player...it wasn't long before they were engaged... my heart was broken...Lily spent 8 weeks travellin' thru Canada & America...those weeks seemed like an eternity for me...torture...she then returned to me in Toronto, seemin' to have doubts about her Swiss life...then sadly we got a call her Mother had died...understandably she left for home ASAP... I eagerly followed her a couple of weeks later, havin' left the airline job & doin' odd jobs that left me w/ stuff all money...I was hopin' for the best - stoppin' in the UK to see my Gran first...took the ferry...then hitch-hiked thru France to Switzerland... only to be told I was not welcome by the authorities in her town...discovered Lily had gotten engaged a few days before...she came and gave me one last kiss at the train station...I felt like my life was at an end... and then began an adventure that led me to Germany, Austria, Greece (workin' in the orange fields for a few mths) and back to Austria where I met my first wife (on the rebound, good friends but a mistake to wed...after 7 years we divorced...she is now happily married here w/ triplets)...who convinced me in Vienna to return to Australia...where I was able to afford Uni... and durin' my divorce proceedings, a year after separation, I attended a degree graduation party and met my wonderful partner S' (21 years ago now)...and have been very happy ever since... and now know truly what love is. Not just passion, lust and that weird feelin' in the gut & bein' impetuous...but also commitment, empathy & survivin' rollercoaster experiences together...bein' able to discuss anything...bein' there for one another day in & day out...w/out smotherin'. And learnin' to listen. So even tho Lily broke my heart back then...she helped me start a journey that took me across Europe meetin' many wonderful people...ridin' trains, planes & odd automobiles...onwards to India...Australia...back to the UK...a return to OZ...and eventually meetin' the most amazin' person I've ever known. My friend of a lifetime. So thnx Lily. My once Swiss Miss. :) Ain't life somethin'? BTW, Imagine how many young refugees will eventually find their LOVE here in their new HOME...LOVE & STABILITY...perhaps for the first time in their lives. Furthermore...I'm not big on Scott Morrison. He's a real NEGABORE. He makes me yawn...and wanna see him disappear into a political black hole. :) N'

Ad astra reply

9/12/2011Hi Lyn I’ve finally caught up with all your links and tweets. Most interesting reading! I wonder when the political tempo will subside. Malcolm Turnbull’s speech would have given the MSM no comfort, and Barrie Cassidy, both in his piece and on air, is quite condemnatory of the performance of the media. He mentioned on air that despite there being no evidence of a Rudd challenge, the News Limited tabloids ran the ‘story’ over and again. Truth to them is irrelevant – it’s the story that counts.

Lyn

9/12/2011Nasking What a lovely story, thanks for sharing. Better than, what is one of those romance writters called. Danialle Steel, Mills & Boon, my daughter reads those. I can't stand fiction not in novels anyway. Bit of fiction mixed with fact is ok. Funny how life takes it's twists and turns, seems like things happen for a purpose. Talk Turkey's My Say said, we are all travellers in life. There is a book in all of us. Cheers:):):):):)

BSA Bob

9/12/2011A public appeal Reading the B.B. comment 3338 cited by Lyn, I remembered there's supposed to be a photograph (I've never seen it) of Menzies getting off a plane or something on his return to Australia after being monstered by Nasser over Suez. I'm told there's a look of utter horror in his eyes. Does anyone know about this?

Lyn

9/12/2011Hi Ad, Thankyou for your reply this beautiful morning. The tempo has subsided slightly this morning compared to yesterday. I have prepared some links for you, no need to go there. Mr Abbott has talked about same sex marriage this morning, link with an excerpt below. Michelle Grattan is still trying to annoy everybody. Peter Slipper explains how nasty Tony Abbott is to him, and then says Abbott is his friend, go figure. Jenny Macklin tells a very moving story about Poker Machine addiction. Chris Mitchell gets told off. Abbott doing Photo shoots and still interferring in the States. Phillip Coorey being Phillip, stirring the pot. Inventing headlines. Because speculation told him there is going to be a reshuffle of the Ministry before Christmas. They all make friends with speculation. [i]Hi Lyn I’ve finally caught up with all your links and tweets. Most interesting reading! I wonder when the political tempo will subside. [/i] I have posted the excerpts so you don't need to go there, the gist of the story here for you. [i]Imperfect Speaker's wish list, Sunshine Coast Daily[/i] The letter outlines how Mr Slipper felt jilted by the Coalition "Tony (Abbott) pledged support for my endorsement for the next election in either Fisher or Fairfax and I accepted his word. "It gradually became apparent however, to me, there remained no place for me in the Liberal National Party of Queensland. "I had the choice of being expelled or facing an early preselection I could not win, and thus I was effectively pushed or bullied out of the party He also wanted to secure funding for a viewing platform for Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at Maleny, a F-111 for the Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra, the HMAS Tobruk for a second Coast dive wreck and CCTV cameras for Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Kawana. http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2011/12/09/imperfect-speaker-releases-a-wish-list/ [i]Abbott to launch Tate for mayor bid, GoldCoast Com[/i] TOM Tate will run as a "quasi'' LNP candidate after Opposition Leader Tony Abbott confirmed he would launch the Gold Coast millionaire's mayoral campaign next weekend. The conservative Mr Tate said his friendship with Mr Abbott helped lure him north for the event. Despite running as an Independent, Mr Tate said he would support the conservative parties. Mr Abbott's support is the first indication Mr Tate will be endorsed by the LNP, which has remained silent about the election. Surfers Paradise councillor and LNP heavyweight Susie Douglas is also intending to run. http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/12/09/372485_gold-coast-news.html [i]KoenjiEikaiwaKen, posted on Twitter[/i] Michelle Grattan what you write assumes either Kevin Rudd or Julia Gillard is insane as they'd lose So you are insane http://bit.ly/rZM7jg Can Kevin Rudd terrorise his way back into power? Is Scott Morrison “man enough” to get there, Vex News Michelle Grattan remarks cruelly but accurately this morning that the New Kevin could actually be worse than the Old Kevin (The Grattan assessment that Rudd is a “sensible alternative” is not shared by any significant player in the Labor caucus including those previously seen as backing him. He has few spruikers but most in the caucus know he’s a horror-story and know the favourable poll-numbers he enjoys would simply not hold) The PM’s been sensible and realistic about the Left for pretty much the entirety of her political career, so it seems unlikely she’ll back ill-considered factional power-grabs from them. http://www.vexnews.com/2011/12/can-kevin-rudd-terrorise-his-way-back-into-power-is-scott-morrison-man-enough-to-get-there/ [i]Simon_CullenSimon Cullen, posted on Twitter[/i] Gillard is at "daggers drawn" with Kevin Rudd, as speculation mounts about a cabinet reshuffle, writes @PhillipCoorey [b]SPECULATION is building [/b]inside Labor the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, will reshuffle her ministry before Christmas. Ms Gillard's office said yesterday there were ''no plans at this stage'' for any changes but [b]speculation surrounds [/b]an announcement next week before she goes on leave. Mr Rudd is seething at the leak and it has exacerbated tensions within the party. [b] Some Gillard supporters [/b]have suggested Mr Rudd be sent to the backbench in any reshuffle but others have said this would amount to an act of war and destroy the government. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/speculation-grows-pm-plans-a-cabinet-reshuffle-20111208-1olgr.html [i]KateEllisMPKate Ellis , posted on twitter[/i] Jenny Macklin's powerful @Mamamia piece on problem gambling / “There were endless lies about where I was”, Jenny Macklin I met Gabriela yesterday, when she spoke at a community forum about what she used to be – a woman addicted to gambling on poker machines. For four years, the pokies came before her family, her children and her career. She describes her addiction as a ‘love affair’ — endless lies, constant guilt, wanting to stop but not knowing how. “I would have done anything to stop, but when the beast talked to me I just wasn’t strong enough. I switched from Jekyll into Hyde and all I wanted was to feed the beast.” It started innocently enough – lunch with a few friends, a quick spin on the pokies afterwards. She had never played before and found it quite boring. A week later, after a fight with her boss, she slipped into her local and put a few dollars in. It took her away from her troubles and gave her some breathing space. A few days later, she went back again. Within a few weeks, she was there every day – sometimes up to five times a day – whenever she had money in her pocket and a spare minute. “While I was there my issues didn’t matter,” she says, “It was just me and the machine.” http://www.mamamia.com.au/news/fr-chris-riley-you-need-to-read-this-we-need-to-help-addicts/ [i]australianThe Australian, Posted on Twitter[/i] Radio 2GB Chris Smith has been reprimanded by ACMA over his asylum seeker quiz - http://bit.ly/uQBJxc The Australian Communications and Media Authority found the licensee of 2GB (Macquarie Radio Network) breached the Commercial Radio Code of Practice and Guidelines 2010 requirement that material broadcast must not offend generally accepted standards of decency. The distasteful question aired during Smith’s quiz, “Smithy's Mystery”, in February asked how many people from the December Christmas Island asylum-seeker boat disaster were to be buried at Sydney funerals. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/acma-censures-shock-jock-chris-smith/story-e6frg996-1226217969961 [i]latikambourkeLatika Bourke, on Twitter posted 'Marriage is about the children that invariably come into the world... ' Tony Abbott on opposing gay marriage - Opposition leader’s comments on marriage[/i], We are talking about the family which more often than not is going to result from that and marriage is not just about the fulfilment of two people. Marriage is about the children that invariably come into the world and need to be looked after. That’s why we’ve always wanted to preserve and protect marriage and that’s why we should be very reluctant to change the basic way of approaching these things which has been imminent almost in the way of the world since we first know what our forebears were doing. So I think marriage is between a man and a woman. I don’t support changing the law to accommodate other forms of relationship under the rubric of marriage. When the Howard Government was confronted with a proposal from the ACT that gay marriage should be permitted we changed the Marriage Act with the support of the Labor Party to specify that marriage is between a man and a woman. I think that the overwhelming majority of the Liberal National party room would want marriage to stay between a man and a woman. I accept that we have a tradition in our party of allowing people to dissent from the party line if they feel strongly enough about it but I think that someone has to represent the traditional view and I am confident that it will be the Liberal and national parties which continue to represent the traditional view. http://www.acl.org.au/2011/12/opposition-leaders-comments-on-marriage/ 1petermartinPeter Martin Our own Martin Parkinson mentioned in The Economist: http://goo.gl/bWkMZ "Lessons of the 1930s: There could be trouble ahead" :):):):):):):):):):):):)

Gravel

9/12/2011Well Nas, talking of trains on the last thread, this little Gravel has once again boarded The Political Sword. I also have done the train trip from Melbourne to Perth, return, with two young sons and mother. It was fantastic. Feral Skeleton I haven't read your work yet, as I wanted to say hello, I'm back. I have spent most of the morning between housework, catching up on all your comments from the last thread and this new one. Lyn Glad to hear that you are still going to have input on your break, please enjoy yourself and have plenty of rest ready for next year. Great news about the last newspoll and the interest rate cut, just in time as we will be signing the papers at the bank very soon. Now back to getting quotes from removalists, I think three lots of quotes will be enough to sort them out. I believe in planning early, want to have everything sorted before Christmas,have a relaxing week, then get packing properly for the move on the 1st February.

Lyn

9/12/2011Hi pysclaw You mentioned yesterday, or the night before about the Whaling issue and the Sea Shepard, so maybe interested in this video. When you listen, you wil hear Kieran Gilbert, at the end saying, "is there any truth in the Speculation that Kevin Rudd is being Dumped" See I told you they think Speculation is a real person,and they have a gift that keeps giving, speculation reports to them everyday such a wonderful source of information. [b]No intervention in high seas whaling confrontation, says Burke [/b] Sky News chief political reporter Kieran Gilbert speaks with Environment Minister Tony Burke. He says a customs vessels won't be sent to monitor the confrontation between the Japanese whaling fleet and the Sea Shepherd, and has rejected claims that Chris Aultman's visa application was initially denied. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS2bB2TNBco&feature=uploademail :):):):):):):):)

Jaeger

9/12/2011Lyn, Based on the version number, you may have a browser in the Menu under "Experimental". I haven't looked into what apps are available. For photos, you could try this: http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/kindle-3-hidden-features-include-2-games-image-viewer-screenshot-grab-20100930/

Feral Skeleton

9/12/2011Hi Gravel! Thank you for coming back to say hello to us at TPS. :) Hope it's not too hot while you are moving and removing.

Feral Skeleton

9/12/2011Here's cyenne40's latest blog post: http://www.cyenne.com/discussion/tim-costello-is-not-a-hypocrite-the-full-story/comment-page-1/#comment-35664

Feral Skeleton

9/12/2011I was out this morning at my youngest son's Year 10 Presentation Day. Now I'm going back out again till later this afternoon. Have fun while I'm gone. :)

Lyn

9/12/2011Hi Gravel That is absolutely wonderful of you to take the time, in your bussy household to say hello. You sound very, very, happy. Yesterday I commented, as soon as the interest rates were passed on, that maybe it would be good for Gravel. I love doing my input Gravel, but miss "Today's Links". Not doing them though gives Ad Astra a break from posting on time everytime, everyday. Also leaves about 3 hours a day free for me.The biggest reason for "Today's Links" holiday is though, the bloggs all stop writing everything slows down, and no Parliament either. Sound judgement in three quotes. [i]packing properly for the move on the 1st February.[/i] You sound like me, I would never have packers, I'm too fussy, like everything in order and to know exactly where everything is. Best wishes to you and your family, we all hope everthing goes of smoothly for you. We have been missing you, you know. :):):):):):)

Feral Skeleton

9/12/2011This little video and story says it all about Same Sex marriage and the Rights of those in those relationships. It's all about the kids: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/12/06/8-year-old-confronts-bachmann-video0.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=cheatsheet_afternoon&cid=newsletter%3Bemail%3Bcheatsheet_afternoon&utm_term=Cheat%20Sheet

Lyn

9/12/2011Hi Everybody [i]The graffiti reflects the level of anger [/i]. Cosima Mariner doesn't say how the graffiti reflects the level of anger , or who said it reflects about Mr Slipper's defection. I think it could be because Mr Slipper has given the Government another vote, and the graffiti is caused by ............ I better not say, but you guys will guess. Mr and Mrs Speculation have been reporting again. [i]Slipper comes under obscene attack: office defaced , SMH[/i] Peter Slipper's electorate office on the Sunshine Coast has been vandalised The insults "grub", "slimeball", "loser", "wanker" and "rsole" have been spraypainted on the glass windows of his Buddina electorate office. Devil horns have been drawn on pictures of the local member for Fisher. The graffiti reflects the level of anger felt on the Sunshine Coast about Mr Slipper's defection, which has given the Labor Party an extra vote in the House of Representatives. Sunshine Coast LNP branches are reporting a flood of membership applications since Mr Slipper defected from the Party last month. Former Howard Government Minister Mal Brough is widely expected to win pre-selection next year to be the new LNP candidate for Fisher Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/slipper-comes-under-obscene-attack-office-defaced-20111209-1omhj.html#ixzz1g0HY6Clo Cheers:):):):):):):)

NormanK

9/12/2011Hillbilly/Feral Skeleton Thanks for all of your hard work this year - not just with headline articles but in keeping the comments' section enlivened and interesting. I look forward to more of the same over the next twelve months.

Ad astra reply

9/12/2011Hi Lyn You have made life easy for me and the others who visit here with your links and tweets and particularly your summaries. Thank you. I spent the morning cleaning up the property and have lots more to do over the end-of-year break. So you won’t see much of me over that time. I’ll just log on to see the links, tweets and summaries. You are right – Mr Speculation is out and about making all sorts of predictions that have no basis in fact, but that doesn’t matter – it’s the story that counts. And no matter how often they are wrong, they pass off their false predictions by expressing surprise that they came to nothing, which of course implies something sinister must be going on. They can generate intrigue out of nothing. Anyone one of us could make stories up like that and become leading journalists!

psyclaw

9/12/2011Hi Lyn Many thanks for the youtube link to Tony Burke on Sky. Let me once again join the chorus of praise for all the fine work you do. I feel so educated and always up to date in matters political because of the variety of links you serve up each day. By Dog Tony Burke is good. He's real stylish, talks sense, doesn't get rattled, doesn't take crap, and always smiles and appears as a warm person. The quality of the government front bench is so high. It sh*ts from a great height on the Shallow Ministers in Abbott's mob. Fair dinkum, if I was a Lieberal "faceless man" I'd go crazy .....I'd want to shaft Abbott because he is a liability, but who in the world would I replace him with, given that I'd have to get it right first time. The Colonition is always chanting "defict" ........ this is the precise word to describe their own front bench. I heard Abbott say that Wayne S had nothing to do with the banks' decisions ....... "it was people power". Now I've heard WS urging people to vote with their feet, several times a day since Tuesday arvo. And it has been Labor reducing the unscrupulous exit fees. Abbott has been silent about people changing banks and was oppositional to the removal of exit fees. What a hypocrite! What a waste of space!

nasking

9/12/2011[quote]Talk Turkey's My Say said, we are all travellers in life. [/quote] Indeed [b]Lyn[/b]. So many lives that need to be told. BTW, wonderful job of summarisin' the day in politics. I've been caught up w/ domestic duties so appreciate yer effort. Helped me to catch up. I watched Turnbull's speech...was impressive. He can be a wide thinkin', rounded, informative, thoughtful, non-partisan character...can be...I dig that Malcolm. Shame he's not an Independent. Still, I suspect that oneday he will be our PM...provided he perseveres...and is in it for the long run...I doubt Julia Gillard will lose the next election. I'll provide some feedback on the speech when I get some time...and my mind is less fatigued...I've taken a few notes. [b]Gravel[/b], great to see yer back onboard. :) Yer company makes the journey even more enjoyable. [b]Feral[/b], The role that Gingrich's present wife will play durin' the election should reveal a great deal about Newt's moral development...or lack of. My wife is home for the hols so I won't be able to stop in as often as I have of late...S' has quite a few stimulatin' plans for us. I wish you all a Merry Christmas...and a superb hols...thnx for toleratin' me this year...I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience...and look forward to an exciting 2012. Cheers, til later N'

nasking

9/12/2011Oh, meant to say: Feral, good stuff re: comment to Crikey you mentioned on previous thread. Those investment bankers need a good kick up the rear...if politicians in Chicago can serve time...they sure as heck can...they broke the global system. C'mon Obama & FBI!!! D Mick Weir, congrats on becomin' a grandpop. How exciting. You'll be playin' cricket, Scrabble & Leggo w/ them before ya know it. I intend to download Harry Manx if it's on Emusic. The Wikipedia description made his stuff sounded real tasty. Cheers N'

Gravel

9/12/2011Lyn Thanks for that, you make me feel really good. :-) Nas I hope 'S doesn't make you work too hard. :-) I will hopefully be checking in most every day. I really appreciated all you input while I was away. I have caught up on all the relevant information that you have all left here. I am getting quite a few laughs from Mr Speculation, I'm sure he'll keep up all entertained until our Acerbic Conehead returns.

D Mick Weir

9/12/2011Nasking u can (pre) listen to quite a bit of Harry's stuff @ his site

Lyn

9/12/2011Hi BSA Bob I had a quick search for you in regards to Menzie's photo. I am not sure what you mean. Found you this video perhaps it might give a clue which photo you mean. BSA Bob at 12:22 PM [i]Reading the B.B. comment 3338 cited by Lyn, I remembered there's supposed to be a photograph (I've never seen it) of Menzies getting off a plane or something on his return to Australia after being monstered by Nasser over Suez. I'm told there's a look of utter horror in his eyes. Does anyone know about this[/i]? NASSER SAYS NO (aka SUEZ - NASSER SAYS NO) video newsreel film Selected originals (offcuts, selected scenes, out-takes, rushes) for story "Nasser Says No (aka Suez - Nasser Says No)" 56/74. SV. Towards and pan up steps Mr Menzies arrives at Parliamentary building for discussions with Nasser. SV. Back view as he goes in building. SV. Towards and up steps, Abyssinian (Ethiopian) representative of the Five Pow… http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=32282 Cheers :):):):):):):):)

Lyn

9/12/2011 Hi Jaeger Thankyou so much for your information. I haven't had a look yet but I most certainly will. I haven't looked under experimental so you gave me an excellent tip. Thanks for link too. Cheers :):):):):):):)

nasking

9/12/2011[quote]I hope 'S doesn't make you work too hard.[/quote] Gravel, she already has the whip out. It's licorice. :) [quote]u can (pre) listen to quite a bit of Harry's stuff @ his site[/quote] Cheers DM, I'll be sure to check it out these hols. N'

TalkTurkey

9/12/2011Yollollollolloll-hoo-[i]deeeee![/i] This one's just for you Nasking Just to take you back . . . Hope I don't get you in strife with Nasqueen! http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=my%20swiss%20miss%20youtube&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDgQtwIwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DL4Z08tPgU4k&ei=YcnhTsvrEKaUiAf8koy2BQ&usg=AFQjCNFLSlAVfJkMxy6slJK57kXQ4edwfA

2353

9/12/2011Welcome back Gravel - hope the new place feels like a castle. Nas - you're tale involving the poor deluded soul that married someone else shows karma does happen. Without your temporary pain, you wouldn't have ended up in what seems to be a happy place for you. By the way - the whole family was blown away by how great Canada is. It's friendly, approachable, considerate, stunning, and Tim Hortons is to die for! Dunno if I could handle the winters however :D .It's a fantastic place and we will get back there . . . someday too far away.

2353

9/12/2011Nas - something to make you proud you chose Australia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGoNbrODq8U

Ad astra reply

9/12/20112353 Thank you for that YouTube Clip. 'We are Australian', or as Julia would put, 'we are what we are'.

Ad astra reply

9/12/2011Folks I'm calling it a day.

jane

10/12/2011TT @7.53am, a perfect description of Trunchbull. I'm sick of all the bullshit about the Prince of Puffery who would be elected in a landslide if Liealot would just do the decent thing and slash his wrists. Have these loonies forgotten Malvolio's performance when he was LOTO? And how Swan, Rudd and Gillard wiped the floor with the bugger during the Grech Affair? The Trunchbull leopard has not changed its spots. He is still the same arrogant twat, lacking political judgement and nous and is intemperate, overbearing and arrogant [quote]Pablum: A trademark used for a bland soft cereal for infants. pab·lum (p b l m). n. Trite, insipid, or simplistic writing, speech, or conceptualization:[/quote] Perfect description of the Liars Party and cheerleaders, FS. As usual, a great post. Gravel, nice that moving is going smoothly and interest rates have dropped for you. DMW, congratulations on becoming a gran'pa. Hope there are many more grandies to come. Lyn, thanks for the links and tweets. Nas' thanks for keeping me up to date on o/s stuff. Ad astra, thanks for your thoughtful posts and encouraging comments. psyclaw, 2353, et al, I've really enjoyed all your comments. AC thanks for the laughs. I still chortle thinking about them. I can't wait for your first post for 2012. I will now launch into a fortnight of self-imposed idiotic stressful Christmas preparations. Every year I say I'm doing a KISS Christmas; every year I bite off more than I can chew, every year I curse myself for being an idiot. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy new year.

BSA Bob

10/12/2011Lyn at 6.27 Thanks for looking around for me, you must have a lot of stuff at your disposal. As for the Menzies photograph, I'm not sure what I mean either. A mate told me long ago about it, I don't know more than that. I'm a bit weary now so will look at what you found on the morrow. Thanks again.

BSA Bob

10/12/2011Lyn again I had a go at what you sent me before beddy byes, it wouldn't download after several minutes. I'm on satellite here & often have trouble with complex stuff. I'll leave it to download for a while tomorrow & hopefully have more luck. Thanks again for your trouble.

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011Folks I notice that self interest is overriding the good of the whole on two fronts this morning – the UK has placed its self interest ahead of finding a resolution to the European sovereign debt crisis, and in Durban, China, India and the US are refusing to entertain a legally binding agreement to reduce carbon emissions despite the known damage continuing emissions will do to the planet. Selfishness reigns supreme, as usual.

TalkTurkey

10/12/2011Jane, It is now our luxury to be able to play the game of Wedge 24/7. The MSM and the Coalons have been tryin ever since the election to wedge *J*U*L*I*A* and Kevin, the IndependAnts from Labor &/or e/o, all they've got is blunted wedges and bloodied noses. Har har. Now that Abbortt is on the ropes - which he really is btw, because he's run out of punch and puff, and there's only dreariness in the days ahead for him - our fun game is to tout other possible leaders [i]"Oh I might change my mind and vote Labor again/for the first time ever", [/i] like the noises Greens make about 'coming back to Labor', or Coalons saying they "used to vote Labor but . . .", BS, well we've turned the edges of their wedges, this year we take to them with sledges! (Pun, yep.) The game with the LOTO is akin to being the pitcher in Baseball, with a runner on first base, the runner is trying to steal to second, you watch him from the corner of your eye, (he knows that too), you deliberately let him get to a point of no return, but you have to pick it so he doesn't make it successfully - so like they can't stay on first with Abbortt, they [i]have[/i] to make it to second, but we don't build anyone up [i]too much[/i], we just say Ohhh well I [i]might[/i] vote for Turdball, (knowing that Turdy is beloved of some demographics and despised by others in his own party), but if and when he's installed as LOTO he mustn't have too much gloss that [i]we've[/i] put there, otherwise that would take on inertia of its own, like actually making it to second base, we don't want that. We want the Coalons in an agony of constant duality . . . Abbortt or Turdball? . . . Turdball or Who? . . . Who or Turdball or Who? and that's where the exquisite delight comes in . . . because [i]none [/i]of them is any bloody good. :) Abbortt's already wedged on SSM and NBN and Carbon Tax and his precious Boats are turning into Vikings comin' to get him. He's #*cked, he's failed failed failed and he's got nowhere to go. Turdy is loved/hated. Snotty Joe is there ot help create confusion, him a leader? Ha ha spare me. Robb Bassett? No wonder he's depressed, he looks in the mirror sometimes! Mesma wouldn't dare look in a mirror, she might cop a stare [i]heterodyne![/i] But she too could create some mayhem. Then there's Rhymeswith Hunt, oh yes and Morriscum, he's the one to work on now, he looks all right to the skindeeps but he is a featherweight*, but he can wedge and be wedged by Turdball. It's all a fun game, but we must do it in such a way as to have nobody pre-eminent, none that looks a match for *J*U*L*I*A* (and none is btw), just a sludge of no-hopers. *No offence to feathers, the reverse rather.

Lyn

10/12/2011 Good Morning Ad Bushfire Bill's worthwhile opinion, for your enjoyment: [i]Bushfire Bill Posted Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 8:19 am | comment No 148 I don’t know why Lenore Taylor is so pissed off[/i]: But in a measure of how completely botched, corrupted and messed up the process to award the Australia Network has been, federal cabinet found itself backed into such a corner on Monday that it made a ''policy decision'' that the service should be a ''permanent feature'' of the ABC. The simple answer is that in this day and age you don’t give a Murdoch organization any more ownership or participation in pay TV operations or projects above what they already (unfortunately) hold, especially ones that involve representing national (and taxpayer-funded) faces to the world. She ends her article thus: The decision is now being justified on the basis that most countries see their overseas service as a natural fit with their public broadcaster, in Britain the job is done by the BBC and in Germany by Deutsche Welle. That argument may be right, but surely we need some explanation as to why this was not the assessment made by the government at the outset. Strip all those things away and this sorry saga just paints a picture of the way this government does business. And it's not a pretty one. The second simple answer is that Rudd made a stupid (or worse) mistake for which the government is now enduring short term pain from the likes of Taylor, in return for long-term gain of not having Rupert Bloody Murdoch within coo’ee of anything to do with government money, especially THIS government’s money. You think this saga is not a pretty one, Lenore? Try Sky News as the public face of Australia to the Asian continent. That’s ugly all the way down to the bone. You don’t compound one mistake by proceeding doggedly on with a second simply to avoid sprays by pipsqueaks like Lenore Taylor and Chris Mitchell. Pay the News bastards their compensation, then piss them off permanently. It took years of scandals, police corruption, egregious wrong doing, phone hacking, misery inflicted upon relatives of dead young girls, suicides, unfair dismissals, political chicanery, back room dirty deals, lies and malignant malfeasance for the British government to finally knock the B-Sky-B “arrangement” on the head and to do something relatively serious about News. Are we forever doomed to repeat the mistakes of history? Is this some kind of putrid Groundhog Day where we continually play Murdoch’s “Banner Game”, by his own rules? A game that says no matter how corrupt one part of their organization has been proved to be, governments must go through the whole process of proving it over and over again with the other banners that the organization puts up as fronts for its Chariman’s megalomania? Or should we just accept the incontrovertible truth that News has continually proved tiself to be not a fit and proper organization to run anything much at all – from football teams, to newspapers, to continent-spanning satellite TV operations – and be done with the Australia TV affair as bad mistake, a ridiculous idea from the get-go? I am very surprised that Lenore Taylor, a refugee from Murdoch’s fetid, decaying organization, would go into bat with such vehemence for her old boss and his disgusting cronies. http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/tv-drama-upstaged-by-political-soap-opera-20111209-1ondg.html#ixzz1g4ajlrQa http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollbludger/2011/12/09/morgan-face-to-face-55-5-44-5-to-coalition/all-comments/#comments :):):):):):):):):):)

2353

10/12/2011Lyn, well said. Taylor is probably working on the theory that you don't burn your bridges - especially with a company that controls the majority of you field of expertise. Speaking of burning bridges, Mike Carlton burnt his a long time ago. Today's example proves the point -> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/politics/a-gutful-of-all-the-bellyaching-20111209-1ong6.html

Lyn

10/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody Here is your Twitter conversation this morning along with links:- Enjoy kimworldwidekimworldwide Parliamentary Committee on Liberals- 'I have never seen a DOPIER dissenting report.' http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-09/committee-wants-tougher-political-donations-rules/3723406 @abcnews #auspol Drag0nistaDrag0nista Never thought I'd see @laurieoakes quote the Simpsons RT @dailytelegraph A brilliant speech could save Gillard http://bit.ly/rzyyuK davidbewartdavidbewart http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/hockey-a-lone-ally-of-the-big-banks/story-fn56baaq-1226218535487 hockey really is a tool Laurie Oakes TAWNBPMTAWNBPM "Despite Tony Abbott's action man stunts and soaring polls, all is not rosy with the Coalition writes Lenore... http://fb.me/GYJMAV8Z ThefinnigansTheFinnigans天地有道人无道 It's time the #MSMhacks do a proper analysis all is not rosy with the Coalition, writes Lenore Taylor. http://www.smh.com.au/national/liberal-doubts-aired-at-crash-through-tactics-20111209-1onme.html cyenne40Tom Cummings From yesterday: Clubs Australia's extraordinary attack on Tim Costello http://bit.ly/rycqZt Their grubbiest act yet. #pokies arikringArik Ring #Australia ACT passes large #solar scheme http://bit.ly/t4EdVc @abcnews #FIT 1petermartinPeter Martin Eurozone debt: Who owes what to whom? http://goo.gl/C3a2a (Interactive graphic) aziazoneLloyd Blakeley A gutful of all the bellyaching http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/a-gutful-of-all-the-bellyaching-20111209-1ong6.html via @smh Mike Carlton bow_and_arrowLe Grace A year through the eyes of the Canberra gallery - The Drum Opinion http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3722800.html via @abcthedrum #auspol Andrew Elder I had wanted to write about the policies that the government was putting in place but the senior correspondents told me nobody wants to read about policy. They said that real Australians want to read what we write: as many stories as possible about Christopher Pyne's wacky antics. Anyway, here's what I've been covering since last Christmas – as you can see, I've been busy! In January, there was flooding in Queensland and the government proposed a flood levy, which Mr Abbott opposed. In February, the Prime Minister cried too much, or not enough, for the drowned of Queensland. The Opposition Leader said "shit happens" In March, the home base of the country’s most formidable political machine was burnt to the ground and ordinary voters in NSW lined up to piss on the smouldering ashes. In April, one of those politicians who used to write books wrote one about how the media only ever wrote crappy stories about politicians In May, the Speaker tried to throw out a Liberal MP and the other Members voted against the Speaker to keep him In June, there was a lot of focus on carbon emissions. The biggest carbon emissions came from a mountain in Chile and grounded planes in Australia, In July, one of Britain's finest media organisations was accused of tapping phones to get stories. The fact that most of those ill-gotten stories were run in the Australian media tells you all yo In August, a court found that New Zealand apples can now be imported to Australia In September, with Sally Pearson winning a hurdles race and Samantha Stosur winning the US Open, I wrote a piece of hard-hitting high-value journalism asking why Julia Gillard couldn't wi In October, there was a lot of coverage of the Queen coming here. She did the same thing she always does: greeting flag-waving kids In November, well, the less said the better. The whole idea that everything the government does turns to custard doesn't work any more, and the opposition saying no, no In December I had to cover the Labor Party conference, where a small number of ageing delegates voted to gay-marry us to India. To save time we wrote the stories beforehand: This job is all about the big issues, and that's why I'm proud to call myself a Canberra Press Gallery journalist. http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3722800.html How RuddTV came unstuck and why it's just as well Aunty kept the gig Richard Ackland , SMH To make our drab lives more interesting, various conspiracy theories took root. This was the foreign minister's plan to get the News Ltd media inside his tent, while the rest of the government was giving the Murdoch outfit a terrible time, and vice versa. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/how-ruddtv-came-unstuck-and-why-its-just-as-well-aunty-kept-the-gig-20111208-1ol9x.html#ixzz1g0N6mDX5 abcsunshineABC Sunshine Coast More on MP Peter Slipper's office graffiti insults http://bit.ly/rrtfGd #auspol#SunshineCoast #Speaker Slipper hit with graffiti, Audio Overnight MP Peter Slipper's Nicklin Way office was attacked with graffiti including obscenities and drawings of the MP. Mr Slipper's staff declined to comment issuing a statement, which included the following from the MP: "I will not speculate on who committed the crime; I am focused on directing my energy toward improving things that matter on the Sunshine Coast and in Parliament." Coast FM's Bruce Atkinson went to Mr Slipper's Office and explains what he saw. A True Reflection? , A State of Mind Then there are those politicians who don't seem to realise that when you behave on twitter like you behave in private, people notice. And it matters. I give you @PeterPhelpsMLC. UPDATE: I've attempted to bring this blogpost to both Peter and his staff's attention, as well as Barry O'Farrell. If I receive any comment, I'll be sure to post it here. UPDATE 2: Jo Tovey just published this piece on SMH UPDATE 3: Barry O'Farrell just tweeted the following. It wasn't a response to me as such, but it is pretty clear what it is about. http://mrtiedt.blogspot.com/2011/12/true-reflection.html swearycatSweary Cat "@gordongraham: A brilliant speech could save Gillard writes Laurie Oakes http://bit.ly/rGwL3v" she's saving it for mid 2012. no point now. mansilloLuke Mansillo Political funding reform plans include third parties http://fb.me/tFjVw89e markjs1Mark Shove TurnbullMalcolm Excellent article from the Uni of Melbourne exposing #NBN fictions & myths: http://bit.ly/umGO17 #auspol markjs1Mark Shove An excellent article on Abbott's obsession with 'political pragmatism over policy purity' GR8 read: http://bit.ly/s5uqyg #auspol #Abbottfail Maybeee2011Maybe #auspol RT: "@Thefinnigans: @PuffyTMD Puuuffyyyyy, what about this? http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollbludger/2011/12/05/newspoll-54-46-to-coalition-4/comment-page-70/#comment-1108163" GrogsGamutGreg Jericho @Jess_Irvine: "Income enjoys growth spurt" http://bit.ly/vLLJsx (ping @MattCowgill) PollyticsPossum Comitatus Great article by @markatextor on the reality of data journalism http://bit.ly/sFiG5A (HT @Drag0nista ) MrDenorrisChris Morris "Asylum policy 'a bridge to Indonesia'" – Abbott Labor may as well have built a bridge between Australia and Indonesia given the number of pull factors it has created to attract asylum seekers, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says. The visas provided a pipeline to employment rights, permanent residency and citizenship, he said. "That is precisely what is attracting people," Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney on Friday. "Handing out bridging visas, they might as well have a bridge between Indonesia and Australia." Mr Abbott said the government's policy was determined by the Australian Greens: "Let people come and put out the welcome mat to the people smugglers. That's the sorry state we have been reduced to." http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/12295332/asylum-policy-a-bridge-to-indonesia/ #auspol #ozcot NewsBotAUNewsBotAU #ausnews Who is Peter Slipper? Speaker or weirdo http://bit.ly/rxOk5D #heraldsun [i]abcsunshineABC Sunshine Coast[/i] More on MP Peter Slipper's office graffiti insults http://bit.ly/rrtfGd #auspol#SunshineCoast #Speaker Slipper hit with graffiti, Audio Overnight MP Peter Slipper's Nicklin Way office was attacked with graffiti including obscenities and drawings of the MP. Mr Slipper's staff declined to comment issuing a statement, which included the following from the MP:"I will not speculate on who committed the crime; I am focused on directing my energy toward improving things that matter on the Sunshine Coast and in Parliament." Coast FM's Bruce Atkinson went to Mr Slipper's Office and explains what he saw. [i]The Oz vs OPI, Media Watch[/i] So the Editor-in-Chief of our only national broadsheet thinks that the ABC should not be giving air time to the outgoing Director of the Office of Police Integrity, a former County Court judge, because he is "this rogue" and his organisation, in Mr Mitchell’s opinion, is "corrupt". Those whom Mr Mitchell disapproves of, it seems, don’t even have the right to express their views on the ABC. And lest you think that Chris Mitchell was speaking in anger, and soon thought the better of his outburst, his bizarre remarks were repeated twice in today’s Australian – in this story by Chip Le Grand, and in the Cut and Paste column. Chris, are you really sure you mean it? http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s3387976.htm :):):):):):):):):)

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011jane, TT Thank you for your salient comments about leadership of the Coalition. Why is the MSM so preoccupied with leadership in the Government when it’s the Coalition’s leadership that is not only now in doubt with Abbott’s decline, but the alternatives to Abbott are so problematic?

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011Hi Lyn Thank you for the reference to BB’s acerbic analysis of Lenore Taylor’s piece in the [i]SMH[/i] about the award of the Australia Network to the ABC. I wonder what got Lenore so stirred up?

TalkTurkey

10/12/2011Ad astra said "Why is the MSM so preoccupied with leadership in the Government when it’s the Coalition’s leadership that is not only now in doubt with Abbott’s decline, but the alternatives to Abbott are so problematic?" It's cos all they got is fairy floss An' we got all the beef. :) They are bent on distracting people from their problems by saying [i]Oohhhhhh Looka Dar![/i] but meanwhile they are festering beautifully, Abbortt is gangrenous already and the other Coalonic body parts are suffering from toxaemia already, Rudd and Gillard is a quite beaut distraction from my pov because when the legs and bits start falling off Them, it's going to be, like, [i]*Surprise!*[/i] :)

Lyn

10/12/2011 Hi Ad and Everybody That rotten to the core person called Speculation is still hanging around this morning, appearing at 10.10am on Sky News. They are guessing Bill Shorten, but quote Abbott saying then The Faceless Men will take over" Will she have [b]the guts [/b]to get rid of Kevin Rudd, by she Abbott meansJulia Gillard, just thought I would tell you in case you didn't already know. Nice way to talk for someone, who wants the highest office in the land, some Prime Minister. [i]Speculation surrounds a Labor reshuffle, Sky News, [/i]VIDEO Senior Ministers are refusing to give into speculation that Prime Minister Julia Gillard is poised to announce changes to her Cabinet. Some government sources have indicated the reshuffle will happen before Christmas, possibly as early as today or tomorrow. It is widely expected Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten will be a big winner if the Prime Minister does make changes. Tony Abbott says if Mr Shorten does get promoted to Cabinet, it will be a sign the 'faceless men' are in control of the Labor Party There is also further talk that Attorney General Robert McLelland and Minister Nick Sherry are considering their futures. http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=695061&vId=2909460 [i]Shorten to step up the pace amid ministerial manoeuvres, Michelle Grattan, The Age[/i] [b]As speculation continued [/b]yesterday about a reshuffle before Christmas, the Prime Minister's office sought to hose it down. There were currently no plans for a reshuffle, Julia Gillard's spokeswoman said. Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans. In the reshuffle [b]speculation Senator [/b]Evans has been coming under criticism for being too low key. Shorten said yesterday: ''I'm very happy doing what I'm doing. And I think there's just a lot of [b]speculation[/b] unnecessarily.'' Nick Sherry, also the subject of [b]speculation, [/b] Ms Gillard, who has been seen little in public this week, is meeting cabinet ministers individually to discuss this year and next http://www.theage.com.au/national/shorten-to-step-up-the-pace-amid-ministerial-manoeuvres-20111209-1onrf.html#ixzz1g5ZNyEal [i]Shorten in PM's sight for cabinet shake-up , Phillip Coorey December 10, 2011 SMH[/i] BILL SHORTEN is firming as a favourite to move into federal cabinet and take over the Workplace Relations portfolio amid [b]speculation [/b]Julia Gillard will reshuffle her ministry next week. The ministers are divided over the wisdom of a reshuffle. [b]Some say [/b]the Prime Minister cannot afford to make enemies, with relations with Mr Rudd so volatile, while [b]others say [/b]she needs to freshen things up for 2012 and put her stamp on the party. Mr Shorten and the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, did nothing to dampen [b]speculation yesterday[/b], with both declining to give direct answers about a reshuffle. http://www.smh.com.au/national/shorten-in-pms-sight-for-cabinet-shakeup-20111209-1onpr.html [i]Minister set to retire as Gillard contemplates cabinet reshuffle BY ROSS PEAKE POLITICAL EDITOR 10 Dec, 2011 01:00 AM[/i] Rumours have been circulating since last weekend's Labor Party national conference that the Prime Minister would take the opportunity to freshen up her team [b]Speculation has again resurfaced [/b]about Attorney-General Robert McClelland stepping aside. A spokesman said reports Mr McClelland was going to retire were incorrect Mr Abbott said Ms Gillard must sack Mr Rudd if she wanted to ''sort out her [b]dysfunctional Government''[/b]. ''Plainly the two of them can't exist in the same government,'' he said http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/minister-set-to-retire-as-gillard-contemplates-cabinet-reshuffle/2388229.aspx http://www.smh.com.au/national/shorten-in-pms-sight-for-cabinet-shakeup-20111209-1onpr.html#ixzz1g5cbdAl6 :):):):):):):):):)

Lyn

10/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody My email had been down since 4am yesterday, I see now why: TelstraTelstra Service update - We anticipate most online services inc. BigPond email will be live later today. We'll keep you updated here. Thanks abcnewsABC News Telstra is updating customers on the problem at its Twitter feed @Telstra TzarimasHelen Tzarimas RT@Telstra: The email outage is still ongoing (as advised at ow.ly/7UNXX ) - we'll tweet as we receive news on restoration. Greg news_com_aunews.com.au Breach: Telstra internal website made public: DETAILS of up to one million Telstra customers have possibly been ... bit.ly/rLKqor ACCOUNT details of up to one million Telstra customers have possibly been breached after an internal website was made public. The website listed Telstra customers on bundle plans and included their names, plan types, contact they had had with Telstra customer service and in some instances their account passwords, the Herald Sun reported. It was found by a Telstra customer who had googled looking for a customer service phone number. Telstra removed the site after it was told about the breach today and also disabled its online billing, BigPond self care and the My Account functions on its website. We apologise to customers who may have been impacted by this issue. Telstra takes its customers privacy seriously. The site has been disabled and a full investigation is underway.” The telco also contacted the privacy commissioner to alert them to the breach and said it would contact affected customers within the next week. http://www.news.com.au/technology/telstra-internal-website-made-public-releasing-account-details-of-up-to-one-million-customers/story-e6frfro0-1226218574525#ixzz1g5klCD5J [i]BigPond services down due to privacy bungle[/i]ABC The BigPond website says customers may have trouble logging in or managing their accounts and accessing webmail. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) says this comes after a major privacy bungle by Telstra. "We wanted to test it and we did and sure enough it was readily available - things like passwords, the details of problems having or wanting to change bundles," she said. "Basically any contact that you would have with the customer centre about your bundle was readily available for anyone to see." Ms Davidson says it is "almost unbelievable" that Telstra could let the bungle occur http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-10/bigpond-services-down/3723948 Bring on the NBN what do you say Mr Turnbull. :):):):)

Jason

10/12/2011Normank,Aa, This post brought to you by the letters N, B, and N By Robert Merkel on December 9, 2011 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2011/12/09/this-post-brought-to-you-by-the-letters-n-b-and-n/

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011Hi Lyn, FS, Nasking This morning I sent emails to you all, but as I’m having trouble with my email system at present, could you please check if they have arrived.

Lyn

10/12/2011Hi Ad Here is Bushfire Bill with another informative article, very enjoyable:- [i]Bushfire Bill Posted Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 9:40 am, comment 187[/i] All in all, you and I and the rest are going to end up paying Sky a considerable amount of money for the costs of their tender effort. Worth every penny. Rudd screwed up big time by including them in his tenderers. The government has to cut its losses. There is no way known, after the recent revelations from the UK, that you could invite Sky to take over a national broadcasting role. The government would look like fools. The nation would look parochial. And the lessons of history would not have been learned. All that, and why would you give your enemy the keys to your armoury? Rudd got himself into a lot of problems trying to appear to be bi-partisan. His spruiking for Downer (God Save Cyprus!) and his appointment of Costello both had zero effect on their nastiness and antagonism to the government. Nelson wasn’t a nasty type to start with, so he’s kept quiet in return for a pleasant life. But two out of three is two too many. If Rudd is guilty of anything it’s his naiveity about the hatred his political enemies direct towards him. Chris Mitchell used to be a friend! Then he went and published a vicious story, a Kirribilli tattle-tale, about Rudd on the phone to George Bush. That should have given Rudd a clear signal that News thought – and thinks – he is a prize mug. No wonder the Caucus decided to get rid of him. The Party was probably worried that he’d make Howard Governor-General some day. I always had misgivings about Rudd, but I buried them with his success against Howard. There was something there, however, always in the back of my mind. Something along the lines of “a brilliant man with no political skills” – poor rhetoric, a poor manager of his own office, and a poor observer of changes in the political wind. On the last, the two examples I give are the Oceanic Viking schemozzle – he should have arrested those pirates the day they set foot on Xmas Island – and his failure to continue to prosthelytize the virtues of the CPRS. It was once – in a rare moment of bi-partisanship under Howard – ticked off at 80% approval, and after that disintegrated through lack of attention. It was a typical bureaucrat’s way of dealing with something: “80% tick… what can possibly go wrong?” Politics is tribal. You don’t buy off your enemies with glittering prizes. They take the money and favours and just come back nastier. Once you hate, you continue to hate. Cordiality should be confined to the modicum of decency that working relationships require… no more than that. Rudd thought he could charm Costello? Downer? Turnbull? Mitchell? Murdoch himself? They saw Rudd coming from a mile off. Now that he’s gone, and I’m over the shock, I’m really glad of it. One by one his crackpot policies and initiatives are being dismantled. Sure I supported him, because I had to. Even convinced myself that he was on the ball, but he wasn’t. There was a lot of unwarranted nastiness directed towards Rudd, but a lot of it he positively asked for. It was as if he was making things deliberately hard for himself so he could impress everyone with how cleverly he won through in the end. In short, Rudd had to go. The Australia TV mess is a mess of his making that, once again, Gillard has to clean up and take the opprobrium for. Taylor, a Murdoch refugee herself, must know how poisonous the atmosphere is a News. She’d know also why a Labor government could never seriously contemplate giving Murdoch the time of day, much less a powerful broadcasting podium. So in that way, no, she’s not directly barracking for Sky. She’d be mad if she was. To me, her article was, though, a fairly cheap shot at the government, a chance to prove her “balance” credentials. Her last paragraph was uncalled for: Strip all those things away and this sorry saga just paints a picture of the way this government does business. And it's not a pretty one. The way this government does business is to save the nation from the GFC, build the NBN, enhance health, tax carbon at last in an effective manner, develop policies through a proper Cabinet process (not the leader’s chronic flatulence of the brain), run a clean ship in general and do it all for the good of the nation. But like all relatively civilized operations there are still bodily functions to take care of, still the garbage to be put out and still slightly unsavoury things to be done to maintain the household. You don’t make babies by keeping your knickers on, and you get rid of waste by keeping them down and doing a poo, sometimes a smelly one. Every now and again a cockroach has to be swatted. You can catch a Huntsman and take him outside like a responsible lover of the environment, but a Funnel Web in the sink gets the death penalty. And we all pick our noses when we think no-one’s watching. One of the unpleasant things we do is sending soldiers – all volunteers – to die in Afghanistan. Another is to decide who wins and who loses when spending cuts are made. Another is to reverse a blatantly stupid decision to award a political enemy and known, malignant, rogue organization a prize broadcasting gig funded by taxpayers’ money. Taylor should have known this was just taking out the garbage, unpleasant and unsavoury but it had to be done. Asking rhetorical questions about “Why?” was thus just a cheap shot. Using this as an example of “how this government does business” was unfair and uncalled for, especially from a supposedly politically savvy operator like Taylor. Gillard does not work for Rudd. Rudd works for Gillard. She is not obliged to honour the last-minute supply orders he placed simply to embarrass her. If the supplier doesn’t do the right thing and decline to supply under these circumstances, then you cancel the order anyway and see what he does in retribution. Currying favour with Murdoch has never worked for Labor. This is Gillard’s recognition of that reality. A savvy journo type like Taylor should have known that, probably does know it, but in the atmosphere of exquisite court etiquette that “senior” journalists seem to use when dealing with each other, she failed to actually do her job and write about it. http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/tv-drama-upstaged-by-political-soap-opera-20111209-1ondg.html#ixzz1g4vdw3vs http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollbludger/2011/12/09/morgan-face-to-face-55-5-44-5-to-coalition/all-comments/#comments :):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011Hi Lyn Mr Speculation is certainly out and about today, again. Indeed Julia Gillard may well make some changes, but when Mr Speculation has the need to quote Tony Abbott saying that Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd “can’t exist in the same government”, you know he’s scraping the bottom of the barrel for factual evidence of the predicted changes. The fact that they have successfully co-existed in the same government for over a year seems not to have dented Abbott’s insistence – but, after all, what have facts got to do with it!

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011Hi Lyn I posted my 1.35pm comment before I refreshed and saw your 12.50 pm comment that your email services is down. I wonder how widespread this is? I guess we will just have to be patient with Telstra once more!

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011Folks There is a news item on ABC online that says Telstra is down due to a privacy bungle: This is the message: [i]Due to an earlier internal systems issue, some online services remain unavailable as a precaution. We appreciate your understanding and we anticipate them to be live later today. We will keep you updated here and on twitter.com/telstra.[/i]

Lyn

10/12/2011 Hi Ad The problem is huge apparently. My emails will send ok, they end up in the sent folder. But nothing coming in since 4pm yesterday. [i]Telstra internal website made public, releasing account details of up to one million customers , Courier Mail, December 10, 2011 12:21PM [/i] Telstra removed the site after it was told about the breach today and also disabled its online billing, BigPond self care and the My Account functions on its website. BigPond remains down on Saturday morning, sparking a Twitter storm. "@Telstra I receive my bills via my bigpond email. Does this mean I don't have to pay the bill seeing as I can't get my emails?" tweeted one. Another said: "@Telstra I have been without bigpond.net.au email access since 6:30 PM yesterday Friday! Any chance it might work today? Really?" An annoncement on the Big Pond site states: "Due to an earlier internal systems issue, some online services remain unavailable as a precaution. We are working hard to make these services available as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and we will keep you updated here and on twitter.com/telstra. http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/telstra-internal-website-made-public-releasing-account-details-of-up-to-one-million-customers/story-fn7kjcme-1226218774024 [i]BigPond services down due to privacy bungle, ABC Updated December 10, 2011 12:59:13[/i] The network's spokeswoman Elise Davidson says a Telstra database with up to 1 million customers' personal details was left open for anyone to view http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-10/bigpond-services-down/3723948/?site=newcastle [i]Worry with personal details out there Adam Cooper[/i] Telstra customer Michelle Sanderson says she was shocked to have a stranger's bill sent to her, and is now concerned her personal details have been leaked on to the web. Ms Sanderson said she had received a bill belonging to a man who lived in a nearby suburb, and could access all his personal information. She planned to post his bill to him. "I can see his name, address and phone number, how much his bill is and how much his previous bill was, every phone call he's made for the last billing period and what sort of plan he's on - pretty much everything," she said. http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/it-news/worry-with-personal-details-out-there-20111210-1oof1.html#ixzz1g6HIpsZH http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/it-news/worry-with-personal-details-out-there-20111210-1oof1.html#ixzz1g6Gul3ZO [b]here are some recent telstra tweets for you:-[/b] First one from Telstra: TelstraTelstra @masonpeterj Hey Peter, yes we are here, and working to get emails up and running again, after an internal error. Sorry for the delay -Lindy DokterWDokter Waldijk #BigPond services down due to #privacy bungle abc.net.au/news/2011-12-1… Again I'm laughing at the telecom infrastructure in Oz. Useless! #Telstra :):):):):):)

Ad astra reply

10/12/2011Hi Lyn There's an email on its way to you - goodness knows when it will reach you. Nasking You may be having similar trouble receiving emails, but one is on its way to you too.

Lyn

10/12/2011 Hi Ad and Everybody This is me, Huge storm coming. abcwidebayABC Wide Bay SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING extended to parts of Wide Bay and Burnett. Details: http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html QPSmediaQPS Media Unit Severe Thunderstorm Warning current for SE Qld now (Lockyer Valley). Check http://QLDAlert.com for details. #bigwet http://fb.me/1kGTlBVg3 Cheers:):):):)

BSA Bob

10/12/2011I have to agree with Bushfire. Do we live in the only country on earth currently debating whether to give Murdoch more ownership & power? Probably. Rudd was a bit of an innocent in handing out jobs to coalition has beens. How could he have imagined, if this is the case, that Murdoch's lot could be won over? Self evident.

Lyn

10/12/2011Hi Ad Thankyou for telling me about the email, I will watch out. Seems it will be a lot longer than expected. TelstraTelstra @laynnie hi Mary-Anne, really sorry for inconvenience. Emails should be up again later today, We can perhaps look at a credit then -Lindy :) Cheers :):):):):)

TalkTurkey

10/12/2011Re Lenore Taylor's out-of-character [i]billet sec[/i], am I misremembering, or [i]did[/i] the esteemed *Laura Tingle* not a few days ago say something a bit similar? I seem to remember it, to my dismay and horror, because unless I dreamed it, it was almost as churlish as LT's! Can someone remind me please? And if I'm [i]right[/i], [i]WTF GIVES?[/i] [i]Stepford wives? [/i] If I'm correct, that leaves at [i]ZER-0[/i] the committedly-Left journalists at the top level of their "profession" in the Wide Brown Land. [i]Should journos be committedly Left?[/i] Well there are plenty of committedly-[i]Right[/i] "journalists", and the reasoned arguments are ALWAYS on the Left, why should NO-ONE (or maybe LT alone if I'm imagining things) actually wear their Leftish loyalties on their sleeves? Please, if anybody has a memory of LT's secness a few days ago could you remind me please?

Gravel

10/12/2011BSA Bob I really liked Kevin. But when he started handing out positions to the Liberals and hardly any to Labor I got a bit worried about him. I has coloured a lot of my thoughts about him since. I don't and won't buy all the bulldust that is written about him and the constant challenge stuff though. Oh dear, what do I do now? I was going to 'go back' to Telstra when we move, as they have the better bundle plan. Do these outages last long? I couldn't cope without the internet and the links I read from here and a couple of other blogs I keep my eye on. Lyn Your links are keeping me busy......have knocked off for the day now will catch up on some reading. :-) Talk Turkey I really enjoy the way you think. A few of the links I have read from Lyn seem to be saying that maybe the media are starting to look at the Nopposition. Wouldn't that be a great Christmas and New Year's present.

Casablanca

10/12/2011The sisterhood is still not amused! A steep mountain to climb. Anne Summers December 10, 2011 [i]Julia Gillard has scored significant political runs this year, but the public is still to warm to her or to forgive her. Julia Gillard had an anniversary this week. Last Wednesday marked 15 months since, after an excruciating 17 days of negotiations with cross bench MPs, she out-negotiated Tony Abbott and was able to form her minority government. As anniversaries go, it wasn't a biggie but one she is more likely to want to celebrate than December 24. That day marks 18 months since she reluctantly agreed to tap then prime minister Kevin Rudd on the shoulder and, in the words of a Labor lobbyist, "went from Girl Most Likely to Lady Macbeth in the space of an hour and a half".[/i] Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/a-steep-mountain-to-climb-20111209-1onj6.html#ixzz1g6rZSspx

Feral Skeleton

10/12/2011Ha! Ha! Ha! I'm laughing into my beer. :) Well, I would be if I had one. :D I gave up on Telstra years ago and began using a midcap ISP who gets their bandwith wholesale from Optus, who seem to have less 'issues' than Telstra, and then who retail it to me for a premium on top of Optus's service which allows us to access a Tech service which is staffed by Aussies. No Indian/Phillipines Call Centre.This means that whenever we have had a problem with our internet connection I have been able to sort it out neatly, even if it takes a couple of hours and repeat phone calls etc. And that is mainly due to problems at my end, not at theirs. Sure, you get realy, really upset if you ever do experience a problem, but that is rare.

Feral Skeleton

10/12/2011Greg Combet gets a mention in this summation of the Durban Climate Change talks: http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/744194/durban_delegates_debate_legally_binding_climate_pact/#paragraph3

Feral Skeleton

10/12/2011Talk Turkey, I meant to get back to you about Bruce. Sorry, but life is very hectic:) Anyway, the peripatetic Bruce has gone Walkabout! He no longer likea my Brush Turkey mound. :( All we have now is one immature female who hangs around hoping for a beau to turn up!

jj

10/12/2011TT, To be a journalist committed to the left does not mean you have to support the Labor Party. This is why the position for the party is so dire, they are not consistently conservative so the right wing commentators do not treat the Labor Party faithful enough, and the party is not socialist enough to have the left wing commentators onside. I believe Lenore and Laura are both left leaning commentators who are usually much more sympathetic to Labor than the Liberal party, however with the Labor Party's stance on Asylum seekers amongst other issues it is no wonder they are not great supporters of the ALP. To be of the left no longer means to be a supporter of the ALP.

jj

10/12/2011TT, Before you start claiming Abbott is in decline how about you have a look at the only marker of public approval...opinion polls. Last time i checked the latest poll (morgan) had the Coalition's position improving, and newspoll had the Coalition's lead at about 14 points on the primary vote and 8 points on two party preferred.

TalkTurkey

10/12/2011see jj nip hee hee TT :)

Lyn

10/12/2011Hi Ad I have received your email and answered. The email problem was fixed about an hour ago. TelstraTelstra Service Update - Most online services including BigPond email & My Account are back online, load times may be a touch slower than usual. Telstra_newsTelstra_news A public announcement for all Telstra customers ow.ly/7UWUf bengrubbBen Grubb Telstra is resetting 60,000 passwords due to privacy breach as a precaution smh.com.au/it-pro/it-news… :):):):):):):)

Lyn

10/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody The Liberal's don't want any changes to the Political Donations disclosure threshold by hook or by crook:- Fight erupts over political donation crackdown, ABC The Coalition remains vehemently opposed and the Greens say the committee should have gone further and called for a cap on election spending The Federal Government has tried to reduce the amount of money which can be donated without disclosure from almost $12,000 to $1,000. One bill has been rejected and another has sat before the Senate without any action. Now the committee is urging the Government to try again. Chairman veteran Labor MP Daryl Melham says they have made a range of recommendations to make political donations more transparent. "If you want to influence politicians or if you want to participate in the political process and spend more than $1,000, then you should be prepared to be identified," Mr Melham said. "The $1,000 threshold is designed to penalise the non-Labor side of politics because once people make a donation to the non-Labor side of politics they receive intimidation, particularly from the unions, and very often from the Labor Party themself," Ms Bishop said. She says the Coalition will maintain its opposition to lowering the disclosure threshold and it used its dissenting report to make its own suggestions Mr Melham rubbished the Coalition's suggestion. "I've never seen a dopier dissenting report in all my time in Parliament. It doesn't stand scrutiny or withstand scrutiny," he said. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-09/committee-wants-tougher-political-donations-rules/3723406 Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters , Committee activities (inquiries and reports) Inquiry into the funding of political parties and election campaigns http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/em/political%20funding/report.htm#chapters Federal donations reform report a missed opportunity "The Greens will continue our long-running campaign to ban corporate political donations, see the public funding of elections while allowing small donations from individuals and enhancing public disclosure. Recommendations of the Australian Greens in its dissenting report: * A ban on all donations from all entities other than individuals. * A cap on the amount of money that can be donated in a year from a single individual to a political party or candidates. * Caps on expenditure by political parties, candidates and third parties. * Adequate public funding for political parties, including both funding for election campaigning and for other administrative work of the party, with funding based on the percentage of the vote received by each party. * Continuous disclosure of all political donations above $1000, within two weeks of all donations being made. http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/federal-donations-reform-report-missed-opportunity :):):):):):):):):)

Patricia WA

10/12/2011Casablanca, Re that anniversary for Prime Minister Gillard, you may recalled on that date, September 8th Possum Comitatus wrote about the Great Unhinging which he prophesied would then begin http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollytics/2010/09/08/let-the-great-unhinging-begin/ Interestingly on December 8th today we have another great commentary by Possum on Australian Exceptionalism in which he demonstrates, no prophesies this time, how Australia is faring in the world - quite [i]exceptionally[/i]! I was struck by his plea for a bit less of the unhinging. He has a heap of data there to show that Australians have cause to whinge.http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollytics/2011/12/08/australian-exceptionalism/ [b]Possum Comitatus - Oz Oracle[/b] As Possum Comitatus Fifteen months ago alerted us The Great Unhinging was begun. No surprises for anyone. We saw the embittered right With all their moneyed might And influence in the media Generating mass hysteria. The call for counter-revolution Against pricing of pollution Was one of many desperate means To discredit Labor, attack the Greens. Character assassinations, Civil unrest. demonstrations, Talk back radio jocks all jeering Egged on by Abbott’s sloganeering. Yet somehow common sense availed. Wise heads like Windsor have prevailed. The Greens and others on the the left Worked with Gillard, wise and deft. They saved the future of the nation; Yes, added to its reputation, With news thats quite sensational; Oz well-being is tops, exceptional. So, now let’s end the great uhhinging, Remind ourselves when we start our whingeing, To listen to our prophet Possum, To seize the day, enjoy Oz now she's in full blossom.

Patricia WA

10/12/2011Sorry - Australians have [b]NO[/b] cause to whinge!

Jason

10/12/2011TT Don't you know anything!Why is it so hard for you to ignore the polls? I know life as we know it would be better if Abbott was PM because the polls tells us, the media tell us the polls tell us and jj tells us! Forget old fashion things like sensible costed policy or nation building projects and forward thinking, that's old hat. What is needed (the polls tell us) is that "freak show" of an opposition with their magic pudding economics,and their 19th century vision for the future. Abbott is on the decline despite what the "polls" say and now that "slippery Pete" is in the "big chair" question time wont be the circus the opposition turned it into as they will be all tossed out! I must say I feel a bit sorry for jj reading these "Polls" day after day! So near yet so far!

TalkTurkey

10/12/2011Gravel said "Talk Turkey I really enjoy the way you think." Gravel I really enjoy the way [i]You [/i]think! :)

Lyn

10/12/2011Talk Turkey and Gravel Gravel said "Talk Turkey I really enjoy the way you think." Gravel I really enjoy the way You think Talk Turkey and Gravel I really enjoy the way you both think Cheers :):):):):):)

Feral Skeleton

10/12/2011PatriciaWA, You have sent a copy of your Possum pome to the esteemed Possum Comitatus themselves, haven't you? :) (I said 'themselves' because I could have sworn Poss was a 'he', but then again, I may be wrong).

Feral Skeleton

10/12/2011I'm just pre-emptively and retrospectively writing this to let you know that if my comments don't seem up to their normal high standard ( ;) ), and thus, a bit wishy-washy, or worse, irrelevant, it's because I'm running low on perspicacity and chutzpah, and I haven't found a deli that sells them. :$ Phew! What a year! I mean, I feel drained absolutely, and I just write the odd blog post here and there, plus a heap o' 2c-worth comments. So, maybe that's what's wrong with the 2 LT ladies, they're over it and they were just taking out their generalised frustrations at the Gillard government in 1 of their last columns for the year. They may not want to say it openly, but there could be a sense of disappointment at the PM's Same Sex Marriage stance, her lacklustre speeches at the National Conference, the lack of progress at the Conference on party reform, or the enshrining of Offshore Processing in the ALP party platform. Or all of them, and so they decided to write a narky column. I think we all need a break. But not a severing from politics, because that would be worse. Then we'd all go into withdrawals, which is much worse! So, onwards to 'Holiday Mode'. :)

Lyn

10/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody Samatha Maiden plays News Ltd ring a ring a’ rosie, they all fall down. Mr Specualtion has been replaced by Mr Tipped as he tips five Ministers . [i]Promotion looms for Combet and Shorten , Samatha Maiden, SMH[/i] FUTURE leadership rivals Greg Combet and Bill Shorten will be promoted in a Cabinet reshuffle Prime Minister Julia Gillard is finalising over the weekend [b]Senior government sources [/b]have confirmed the reshuffle is now expected to be more significant than originally thought, prompting warnings that Ms Gillard should be careful that the changes don't simply reward those who plotted against her predecessor, Kevin Rudd. Five ministers - Attorney-General Robert McClelland, Health Minister Nicola Roxon, Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans, Mr Combet and Schools Minister Peter Garrett, who flew into Canberra yesterday - [b]were tipped for possible moves[/b] [b]Ms Roxon is tipped [/b]to be moved to Attorney-General. The Sunday Herald Sun exclusively revealed in November that Ms Gillard was being urged to reshuffle Cabinet to shore up her leadership, with Mr Shorten set to be moved in. [b]Mr Shorten is tipped [/b]to take Workplace Relations from Senator Evans. [b]A wildcard option [/b]would be to put him into the Education portfolio Immigration Minister Chris Bowen also wants to switch but it is not clear that he will be moved. Mr Combet, the Climate Change Minister, [i]is expected [/i]to be rewarded with a more senior Cabinet role after negotiating the carbon tax. This would elevate Mr Combet over his Left faction colleague, the Industry Minister and Victorian senator Kim Carr, in seniority. Human Services Minister Tanya Plibersek and Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor were other potential candidates for elevation to Cabinet. Mr McClelland [b]is expected [/b]to quit. Superannuation Minister Nick Sherry [b]is believed [/b]to have told the PM he is ready to move. Ms Gillard declined to rule out changes, saying: "I have a good team." http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/promotion-looms-for-combet-and-shorten/story-fn7x8me2-1226218979232 Anyone got any tips????? :):):):):):):):):):)

Casablanca

11/12/2011PatriciaWA Thank you for your reminder of the September 2010 article 'The Great Unhinging' by Possum and alerting us to his latest one, 'Australian Exceptionalism'. I have just re-read the earlier one and read the second one. His first one was spot on and his second one right on the money. I am delighted yet again by your poetry. You have distilled both of Possum's articles so rhythmically well. I agree with FS that you should send it to Possum. (psst.there are a couple of little typos to attend to first) I could not resist some quotable quotes from both articles by Possum. ‘The Independents will be targeted in a way they are probably not prepared for – they will be demeaned, ridiculed and treated with contempt, where their honourable characters will be distorted into debased caricatures.’ ‘It will not just be a campaign against the government, but one rolling, frenzied campaign after another, where each new contrived outrage will assume a greater level of mania than the last.’ ‘..the attraction of flicking the switch to rhetorical overdrive for effect, and righteous indignation to incite their masses, will simply be too great. No distortion will be too large, no lie too audacious, no accusation too brazen.’ ‘This term looks to be the most policy rich in a generation – the NBN, health reform, a tax summit, campaign funding reform, federal whistleblower protection, a Parliamentary Budget Office and a proper review of climate change policy to name but a few – yet while this incredible agenda with its long, far reaching consequences for the nation will be on the table, there will be one side of politics and one wing of the media doing its best to turn it all into a complete and utter circus.’ [b]Let the Great Unhinging begin.[/b] September 8, 2010 – 8:56 am, by Possum Comitatus http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollytics/2010/09/08/let-the-great-unhinging-begin/ ‘So this is our economic reality – we are the wealthiest nation in the world with 75.5% of our adult population making it into the global top 10%, our economy has grown faster than nearly all others (certainly faster than all other developed countries), our household income growth has been one of the fastest in the world (including our poor having income growth larger than everyone else’s rich!), we have the highest minimum wages in the world, the third lowest debt and the 6th lowest taxes in the OECD and are ranked 2nd on the United Nations Human Development Index.’ [b]Australian Exceptionalism. [/b] December 8, 2011 – 5:22 pm, by Possum Comitatus http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollytics/2011/12/08/australian-exceptionalism/

Patricia WA

11/12/2011Casablanca - I can usually pick my typos etc. Can't see these - are they punctuation - I'm always having to toss up between a comma and a full stop. It's very late - I'd appreciate your telling me. I've hesitated about sending it to Possum because I thought the last line needed more oomph, so the delay gives me a chance to somehow give it a bit more gravitas. I'll sleep on it, maybe I'll see those typos in the morning - unless you've helped me out by then! Good night.

Patricia WA

11/12/2011So, now let’s end the great unhinging, Remind ourselves when we start whingeing, Our health and wealth are counted awesome According to the prophet Possum. OR With health and wealth now counted awesome, It's time to heed the prophet, Possum, To put away our woes and whingeing, Time to end the great unhinging.

Gravel

11/12/2011Talk Turkey and Lyn I cracked up laughing, you two make a great comedy duo. :-) Patricia I liked your last ending, but hey that's just me. I have admired Possum for his astuteness. He, and many other bloggers including our very own Ad Astra, just put the MSM to shame. How high would Australia's wellbeing numbers be if that standard was the norm? Feral Skeleton You do sound tired. Sorry to hear about your affected tooth and hope that works out well for you. Maybe that has a lot to do with your lack of 'energy' re politics. I missed all the Conference and the bits I saw on the news, I thought Julia gave a good sensible speech from the little I heard. Ah well, as you were there I guess you have a better feeling for it. DMWeir Congratulations on becoming a grandfather. I'm sure you will enjoy every minute of it.

Feral Skeleton

11/12/2011Gravel, Tooth coming out, probably, on Tuesday, lucky for me it's right up the back. I am one of the bottom 30% of the population, wealthwise, who suffers from the lack of timely access to Dentists due to the fees they charge, and not being able to afford Private Health Insurance. Bring on Denticare ASAP! As far as Julia's speeches at the Conference went, IMHO, they were a bit like the Curate's Egg, as a whole, good in parts. That is, the speech to the Disabled, on the 2nd day, was magnificent. It showed the side of her that we all appreciate, the care and concern and warmth that she felt towards those people, and the Disabled in general. I'm sure she drove the NDIS just as much as Bill Shorten has. When she was around the people who had come from Cherrydale, Western Sydney, her attention to them did not seem perfunctory, and her speech reflected that also. Not only that, but also in that speech she dropped the marker to her next year in parliament. It will be her, 'Year of Design'. Amazing, huh? Not resting on her laurels at all, after what was a big, big year, but questing forward and seeking to design some more Labor Government Reforms. :) On the other hand, the 'We are Us'(or, the 'Politics'R'Us, as in 'Toys'R'Us' speech, as some have cruelly defined it), was a lacklustre affair, and you wonder why her mental filtering system didn't say, 'Red Alert', when it came across her desk from the speechwriters? I put that mistake down to the fact that it probably looked OK on paper, and also that it wasn't delivered with the right sort of inflection in her voice. Anyway, it doesn't really make sense. However, when you look at the number of speeches she gave to Conference, more than any other Prime Minister of the recent past, because she proposed so many motions herself wrt the big issues, and that she had to speak to all of them, plus give the set speeches, the fact that 1 or 2 were a bit lacking in verve and rhetorical flourishes was entirely understandable. In comparison, if Tony Abbott had to present as many speeches, he would as likely as not dissolve into complete gibberish. He certainly did when he had to get speeches together to give to President Obama, and Princess Mary and Prince Frederick in quick succession. They were banal. I think that, essentially, the nub of this speech issue was that the PM, and her staff, are, like us all, jiggered, and in need of our holidays. Still, whenever she puts a foot wrong, guess who's there to get out the megaphone to tell everyone about it? The media! So I hope, for her sake, that Queensland stays warm and dry this year, and everywhere else observes their Fire Safety practices!

Feral Skeleton

11/12/2011I think I, Feral Skeleton, speculated BEFORE Samantha Maiden and the bleedin' Sunday Terrorgraph and Hun, that the PM would be well-advised(by moi!), to do a Cabinet and Ministry Reshuffle before Xmas. :D

TalkTurkey

11/12/2011Lyn, EVERYBODY enjoys the way YOU think! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Feral, Buck up Gal, I too have energy and mood lows and I too have had impacted and abcessed teeth, the nagging pain and poison in your system bring you down, but FS the sun will shine again, and we will still be here for you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Patricia, if I might presume a little, might I say that I think the latter of the two options is superior, why because the Whingeing and Unhingeing is the focus and it is powerful to end on that punchline. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jason Thank Dog we got Trolls To teach us 'bout polls! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everybody, I'm still hoping someone will remind me of something I think Laura Tingle (one of "the 2 LT's" as FS says) said that seemed uncharacteristically less-than-complimentary . . I'm not even sure of my memory here, So Help Me! (Please.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Happy Lopsider-free Sunday All. (K)

Lyn

11/12/2011Good Morning Talk Turkey Talk Turkey and Gravel Gravel said "Talk Turkey I really enjoy the way you think." Gravel I really enjoy the way You think Talk Turkey and Gravel I really enjoy the way you both think EVERYBODY enjoys the way YOU think! Everybody enjoys the way you two think :):):):):):):):):):):)

Lyn

11/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody Here are a couple of quick links and tweets for you:- AndrewBGreeneAndrew Greene, ABC The Prime Minister will keep us guessing for at least another day, no plans for any press conference this weekend #reshuffle MediaMookMediaMook The best cabinet reshuffle Australia never had?... MT @senshreya AAP report PM's office confirmed NO cabinet reshuffle. #auspol rtennantwoodRobin Tennant-Wood #SMH reporting no #cabinetreshuffle announcement on Sunday latikambourkeLatika Bourke Asked about the Euro Crisis, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he doesn't feel comfortable as a 'commentator' on Europe latikambourkeLatika Bourke Asked about election costings, Tony Abbott says the firm which rubber stamped the Oppn's costings has been fined but not the coalition. APAC_ch648A-PAC Cabinet shake-up imminent: Media outlets are reporting that a dramatic federal cabinet reshuffle is imminent. http://bit.ly/ulJYAo mumbletwitsPeter Brent This PVO suggests sacking Gillard's speechwriter. A bit harsh; no one held a gun to her head. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/julia-gillard-and-tony-abbott-need-to-stop-the-slogans-not-the-boats/story-e6frezz0-1226218910317 LachlanFHarrisLachlan Harris My Sunday Tele column on Labor and the Greens http://bit.ly/uoEhtc markjs1Mark Shove Can Abbott 'flick the switch' from -ve 2 +ve? Bushfire Bill analyses La Stupenda's take on this pressing issue: http://bit.ly/rxEuIT #BBill GrogsGamutGreg Jericho Not a shock to anyone who's worked in the industry: "Casino buses in migrants who hope 'to live beyond their means'" http://bit.ly/t374DE :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Ad astra reply

11/12/2011Folks I'm off now to Melbourne. I'll be back this evening.

Patricia WA

11/12/2011Thanks TT and Gravel. Advice heeded. I like the way you both think too!

Feral Skeleton

11/12/2011Latest on the Reshuffle: http://www.smh.com.au/national/payback-fear-in-wider-gillard-reshuffle-20111210-1oop9.html Good moves IMHO. :)

2353

11/12/2011FS said [quote]So I hope, for her sake, that Queensland stays warm and dry this year, and everywhere else observes their Fire Safety practices![quote] Don't hold you breath unfortunately. The forecast is for wetter than normal but not to the same extent as last year for SEQld.

Gravel

11/12/2011While we were away last week, lots of socializing and stuff, not one mention of politics, policies or politicians, it was just incredible. While many of us fuss and ponder on the ramifications of all the media reports and stuff, most of the population is just out there doing their own thing. I found it almost strange to come back home and read everyone's comments and wonder at the amount of stuff everyone here had tuned into. I was/am worried about the negative perception of Labor that the media are portraying but I don't think it actually filters through to most people. We seek it out and like to be informed. My perception is that the general populace doesn't take much heed. Maybe that explains why a lot of people don't make up their minds who to vote for until the last couple of weeks when they are forced to think about political stuff. I was surprised weeks ago, pleasantly, by the banker and legal people we spoke with, Julia was mentioned in positive ways and they were the ones to mention her. It was in relation to all the stuff they have to disclose on lending practices and for the legal people all the things they have to make sure we are aware of. It was a great experience. We have had a busy day, if we keep going like we are we will packed by the end of the week, everything is going smoothly. Can not believe all the rubbish the we have hoarded, obviously thought the stuff would be useful sometime. It's fun being ruthless, the less clutter we take the less housework has to be done. I love that idea. Now it's late Sunday afternoon, still waiting for the so called cabinet reshuffle, the media have been banging on about all weekend. Hope they have been led down the garden path........egg on their faces type of path. Giggle, giggle. :-)

Michael

11/12/2011More Abbott bullshit. Well, quelle surprise! Shouldabeen minced around last week with the holier than thou claim that every vote by a Coalition member of parliament was a 'conscience vote', while circling the matter of same sex marriage. “Every vote the Liberal Party takes in the Parliament is essentially a conscience vote, because we don't expel people as the Labor Party does for exercising their judgement,” Abbott said. Today? Today, we'ell, "backflip" is Ozzie straight-talking for "I am Tony, Hear me... shift". Tiny "reminded his MPs they had all been elected to parliament at the last election on a platform that said marriage was only between a man and a woman. If they wanted to change their position they would need to go to the next election arguing a new position and seek a new mandate, he said." Notice, no mention of the party changing position, merely that "they", each one of "his MPs", would have to go to the next election "arguing a new position and seeking a new mandate". "New" does not mean continuing the current party line. "New", in proven thin-lipped side-mouthed Abbott-speak means, 'outside the party, disendorsed, on your own, bud'. Which sounds a lot to me like what he is accusing the Labor Party of doing, expelling those who don't toe the line. And yet, it's the Labor Party offering its members a conscience vote. The man's tongue must resemble a corkscrew!

Lyn

11/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody As Michael says above : [i]The man's tongue must resemble a corkscrew! [/i] These 2 Sky News reports are hilarious, they talk about the re-shuffle. You will notice on the 2nd video they say media reports had suggested there would be a re-shuffle. They are not the media you see. On the last link to Sky News you will see, Abbott using Coalition, as he says before the last election as an election promise. Abbott is using so called policy to support his own belief, [i]vanOnselenPPeter van Onselen[/i] I'm pro gay marriage but it is still a clever political line for TA who personally opposes to justify using party discipline @drkerrynphelps [i]Cabinet shake-up imminent Updated: 06:32, Sunday December 11, 2011, Sky News[/i][b] Rumours are rife [/b]that a federal cabinet [b]reshuffle is imminent[/b] After days of[b] speculation[/b], Fairfax media report that Prime Minister Julia Gillard may announce a new cabinet as early as Sunday, with the changes even more dramatic than expected [b]'There are more changes than people first thought[/b],' one senior minister has been quoted as saying. 'There's a bit of a concern from some that there's payback going on.' Among the winners are Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten, who is expected to replace Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans, who has reportedly fallen out of favour over his handling of the Qantas crisis. Senator Evans may well lose his job as the government's leader in the Senate, with Communications Minister Stephen Conroy taking on some of his duties and Finance Minister Penny Wong becoming deputy Senate leader. Industry Minister Kim Carr may also be facing the axe. 'Either that or she'll give him the choice (to resign),' a source told The Sun-Herald. Senator Carr's spokeswoman refused to comment. [b]Speculation[/b] that Attorney-General Robert McClelland would step down got a boost when his phone was diverted to his department, the paper reports. The big surprise is that Kevin Rudd will remain Minister for Foreign Affairs. The changes are being seen as a bid by Ms Gillard to surround herself with as many supporters as possible. http://www.skynews.com.au/politics/article.aspx?id=695287&vId=2910907&cId=Politics [i]No cabinet reshuffle- PM's office,Updated: 12:56, Sunday December 11, 2011[/i] The office of Prime Minister Julia Gillard has confirmed there will be no Cabinet reshuffle announced on Sunday. When asked if a cabinet reshuffle would be announced on another day, a spokesman for Julia Gillard offered no comment. [b]Media reports [/b]had suggested that Ms Gillard would announce changes to frontbench positions on Sunday. http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=695396&vId= [i]Abbott's reminder about gay marriage, Video Sky News[/i] Opposition leader Tony Abbott has reminded coalition MPs that each of them was elected on a platform of opposing same-sex marriage. Mr Abbott has given his strongest indication that he would not support a conscience vote for Liberal MPs on gay marriage. 'It was the clear policy of the coalition at the election that marriage was between a man and a woman,' Mr Abbott told Sky News. 'Every single member of the coalition was elected on that position and I don't think we can break faith with the electorate.' Mr Abbott said although shadow cabinet will not finalise its decision until after the issue goes before the party room early in 2012, he does not see any reason for the coalition party to change it stance. 'I don't see any fundamental differences in objective reality today that would justify any change of a fundamental commitment like that,' he said. 'I know that in their heart of hearts there would be a few of my members who would prefer it to be otherwise, but that was the commitment that every single one of us took to the election.' http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=695418&vId=2912114&cId=Top%20Stories&play=true :):):):):):):)

Sir Ian Crisp

11/12/2011[quote][i]Thanks also to AA for continuing to host this blog, the talented writers of posts including FS and AC and all the commentators - even including jj and SIC even though by the comment above this one SIC has yet to work out the difference between what went on and what the media "narrative" for the same event was. Sometimes you'd swear the media didn't even go! 2353 [/i][/quote] [quote][b]As far as Julia's speeches at the Conference went, IMHO, they were a bit like the Curate's Egg, as a whole, good in parts. On the other hand, the 'We are Us'(or, the 'Politics'R'Us, as in 'Toys'R'Us' speech, as some have cruelly defined it), was a lacklustre affair, and you wonder why her mental filtering system didn't say, 'Red Alert', when it came across her desk from the speechwriters? I put that mistake down to the fact that it probably looked OK on paper, and also that it wasn't delivered with the right sort of inflection in her voice. Anyway, it doesn't really make sense. However, when you look at the number of speeches she gave to Conference, more than any other Prime Minister of the recent past, because she proposed so many motions herself wrt the big issues, and that she had to speak to all of them, plus give the set speeches, the fact that 1 or 2 were a bit lacking in verve and rhetorical flourishes was entirely understandable. I think that, essentially, the nub of this speech issue was that the PM, and her staff, are, like us all, jiggered, and in need of our holidays. Still, whenever she puts a foot wrong, guess who's there to get out the megaphone to tell everyone about it? The media! FS [/b][/quote] 2353, perhaps you went to the wrong venue or you were watching the wrong TV coverage. Did you mistake Disneyland ®©™ for the ALP National Conference venue? Don’t feel embarrassed because there is no difference really. FS doesn’t share your enthusiasm about the ALP conference (I wonder how many of the attendees used public transport as opposed to the gas guzzling white cars). FS found the bird of paradox a little flat when delivering the toy store speech. FS concluded by saying that the bird of paradox was a trifle jaded and in need of a holiday. I think 2353 might need a holiday also.

Ad astra

11/12/2011Folks You’ve been busy while I was in transit. Thank you for your links and the interesting reading. It does look as if Mr Speculation might be right Lyn about a re-shuffle, and the journos are having a ball predicting what the changes will be, but they haven’t got the timing of the announcement right. Still, speculation fills column inches, which earns them a living!

Jason

11/12/2011Sir Ian, I think you might be in need of a holiday, ever since that funny post you put up about cigar store Indians and bar flies hit the cutting room floor, it seems that was the best day of your life, and apart from Aa, myself and TT who kept a copy! your greatest moment was seen by three. Now that is funny!

Sir Ian Crisp

11/12/2011C'mon J Guy, put that post up for all to see. Hey J Guy, check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1600%E2%80%931650_in_fashion

D Mick Weir

11/12/2011Fair piddling down in Canberra but it it hasn't flushed the real #reshuffle story

Jason

11/12/2011Sir Ian, As it only had a "very limited" run (5 minuets) and TT has the only known hard copy, it's now a collectors item! If you're good I might "quote" a bit of it over christmas!

TalkTurkey

11/12/2011Jason This Limpy Crisp, you know he talked about the Cigar Store Indian's box of apostrophes? You know he poses as knowledgable in English Usage? Hmp. He don't know his apostrophes from his posterior, those things were [i]commas[/i]. Such a little thing, to show such massive iggerants. :) FUN WITH TROLLS

Jason

11/12/2011(minutes) that should read.

D Mick Weir

11/12/2011... and for those that follow the weekly lottery results (errr poll numbers) @mumbletwits Peter Brent Oh well there's always next year. RT @GhostWhoVotes #Nielsen Poll 2 Party Preferred: ALP 43 (-2) L/NP 57 (+2) #auspol

Feral Skeleton

11/12/2011D Mick Weir, Still within the MOE that sees the result the same as last time. :)

Casablanca

11/12/2011PatriciaWA Just logged on for first time today and saw your request to pinpoint typos. See below: 4. [i]Replace full stop with comma line 2[/i] Character assassinations, [u]Civil unrest. demonstrations,[/u] Talk back radio jocks all jeering Egged on by Abbott’s sloganeering. 5. [i]Delete repeated word line 3 [/i] Yet somehow common sense availed. Wise heads like Windsor have prevailed. The Greens and others on [u]the the[/u] left Worked with Gillard, wise and deft. 6. [i]Delete extra space before 'added' line 2 Add apostrophe s to 'thats' line 3[/i] They saved the future of the nation; [u]Yes, added[/u] to its reputation, With news [u]thats[/u] quite sensational; Oz well-being is tops, exceptional. 7. [i]Correct spelling of 'unhinging' line 1 Consider using alternate spelling 'whinging' line 2 for a better visual match with 'unhinging'[/i] So, now let’s end the great [u]uhhinging,[/u] Remind ourselves when we start our whingeing, To listen to our prophet Possum, To seize the day, enjoy Oz now she's in full blossom.

TalkTurkey

11/12/2011Jason Limpy wants us to publish his one funny post! [i]AS IF![/i] :) The funniest part is that the one funny thing he ever said vanished unseen by all but we happy few! He could always try resending it himself I suppose, but I wouldn't be surprised if it vanished too. ;-) And like Limpy himself it wouldn't be too crisp on recycling anyway. He must be able to think of something else funny in his lifetime . . . m'mm on second thoughts . . . ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Casablanca You are a [i]Dragon[/i] of a marker! :) Anyway think about these: bingeing, clinging, cringeing, fringeing, dinging, flinging, un/hingeing impingeing pinging ringing singing singeing tinging tingeing winging whingeing Anybody who can make sense of these must be crazy. Some I won't even argue about, have 'em your own way. But the 'e' puts the sound of the 'g' beyond doubt as you read the word. [i]Impinging[/i], yes probably, but then there's [i]pinging[/i] (as in Holden)

D Mick Weir

11/12/2011Ladies and Gentleman, Swordsfolk one and all, I have been converted. I have had a change of mind of great import. [b]I am now in favour of [i]'offshore processing'[/i] and not only that I am have also been convinced to agree with a crackdown on the reviled [i]People Smugglers[/i][/b] Dealing with the second one first. I am totally in favour of rooting out and prosecuting any person that smuggles people across borders for the purposes of sexual slavery and/or any form of 'indentured servitude'. There are women smuggled into this country that become sexual slaves or 'domestic help' and every resource possible should thrown at preventing this. Every resource possible should be used to prosecute those that are involved in this abhorrent practice. I an in favour of off-shore processing of asylum seekers as a pre-emptive measure. Our government should be working with the UNHCR and similar agencies to process asylum seekers in Maylasia, Indonesia and if possible Pakistan, Afganistan, Iraq or wherever else there are people seeking to flee [b]Before they set foot on a ricketty boat[/b] Any Asylum Seeker who makes it to our shores by whatever means should be processed here onshore with alacrity and those that that assist them in getting here should not be considered as criminals.

D Mick Weir

11/12/2011Breaking News: @GhostWhoVotes GhostWhoVotes Shorten to Workplace Relations, Arbib to Assistant Treasurer, Roxon to Attorney-General. http://bit.ly/rwomWg #auspol [i]THOSE believed to be behind the plot to bring back Kevin Rudd will be punished by Prime Minister Julia Gillard today with Innovation Minister Kim Carr to be sacked from cabinet. But in a blow to her authority, Ms Gillard was blocked from dumping Schools Minister Peter Garrett and Attorney-General Robert McClelland when NSW Right bosses stepped in to save them.[/i] Let's see how good the [b]The Daily Terrograph[/b] is at speculation tomorrow maybe.

Lyn

11/12/2011Hi Ad and Everybody Some of tomorrow's news for you :- [i]Prime Minister Julia Gillard's revenge in cabinet reshuffle by: Simon Benson From: The Daily Telegraph December 12, 2011 12:00AM [/i] Reshuffle: Likely winners and losers in Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Cabinet. Source: The Daily Telegraph THOSE believed to be behind the plot to bring back Kevin Rudd will be punished by Prime Minister Julia Gillard today with Innovation Minister Kim Carr to be sacked from cabinet. But in a blow to her authority, Ms Gillard was blocked from dumping Schools Minister Peter Garrett and Attorney-General Robert McClelland when NSW Right bosses stepped in to save them. When Ms Gillard told Mr Garrett and Mr McClelland she wanted them to resign from cabinet to pave the way for new blood, Mr Garrett threatened to resign from parliament. Mr McClelland also refused to step aside. The pair were backed by other NSW ministers. "It was a widely expressed view to her that it would be a mistake," a senior NSW Labor source said. The reshuffle, to be announced today, had threatened to spark a war between the dominant Victorian and NSW Right-wing factions, with both wanting promotions from their own ranks. In a compromise deal, Ms Gillard was forced to expand her cabinet by one, to 21, to keep Mr McClelland in cabinet. However, he will be moved aside into a new ministry of national security http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/prime-minister-julia-gillards-revenge-in-cabinet-reshuffle/story-e6freuy9-1226219434301 :):):):)

Casablanca

11/12/2011[b]BREAKING NEWS[/b] The Daily Telegraph December 12, 2011 12:00AM Has The Daily Terror scooped itself - posting the article well before the date and time claimed.

D Mick Weir

12/12/2011Hi Casablanca @ 11:59 PM I think the term is 'presage'

TalkTurkey

12/12/2011DMW I have long thought that Chris Bowen's efforts wrt offshore processing of asylum seekers were basically right-headed, no pun, the proviso being that Australian officials have the right to demand basic decent treatment of the refugees.

Gravel

12/12/2011DMW Could you fill out what brought you to this change of mind, please. I am really curious. After all that you have written, the subject has now seemed to have faded into the background, I would like to understand you epiphany. It's starting to look like there will be a reshuffle, oh well I felt better for the giggle. I would dearly love something to backfire on the media.

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011Laura Tingle on the Reshuffle: http://www.afr.com/p/national/politics/pm_to_bet_her_future_on_shorten_2ACtDF0tlp0x33NfofsXON

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011D Mick Weir, You're only saying that to bring NormanK back out of the woodwork. ;-) And, I looked, it's not April the 1st, so what gives? Did the hypocrisy of The Greens position finally do it for you? Or, the fact that, as you have intimated, that the Labor government has acted sensibly once Asylum Seekers make it here by boat, whilst at one and the same time indicating that they would prefer they didn't make risky journeys by boat? Or the pledge to increase numbers of refugees/year to 20,000. Or the fact that most of the boat-borne Asylum Seekers seem to come from 1 or 2 specific groups of refugees who seem to have well-oiled transport machines in place and to the detriment of all the refugees who cannot afford to pay a People Trafficker(because, as you say, that's all they are at the end of the day), or who culturally are averse to travelling in boats? Like the Chin from Burma. Or the Africans in hell hole refugee camps. Anyway, I'm happy to see that you are able to change your mind because that is the sign of a wise man. :) I can change my mind, too, in case you were wondering. ;-) Which is not to say I'm wise though. :D

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011So it was Kim Carr who was the Rudd-favouring Cabinet leaker? http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/cabinet-leaks-blamed-on-labor-frontbencher-kim-carr/story-e6freuy9-1226173956186

D Mick Weir

12/12/2011FS @ 9:02 AM [i]You're only saying that to bring NormanK back out of the woodwork.[/i] Busted, I should have realised you would see through my shallowness in a flash :)

D Mick Weir

12/12/2011shuffle, shuffle, shuffle Mr/s Speculator have got one right so far with Sherry standing down Some time back I predicted this person was one to watch and is my tip to be the taswegian to get a gong http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/senators.asp?id=M0R

Patricia WA

12/12/2011Good morning all, especially to Casablanca. Your earlier comment encouraged me to work up those verses further. Thank you for pointing out those typos in the main body of the pome. I've corrected them. Decided to stay with 'hinging' and change to 'whinging' since the former is Possum's original spelling in [i]The Great Unhinging[/i] and [i]whinging[/i] is an acceptable alternative to my preferred 'whingeing.' Decisions, decisions.........I finished the pome with these two new verses, and I'm still working on some background notes at http://polliepomes.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/oz-oracle-possum-comitatus-2/ Somehow though I think Possum is right about Aussies preferring to be ordinary; blowing our own trumpet, except in sport, doesn't sound right. Tongue in cheek this may be, but it needs a different, lighter note. [i]With health and wealth now counted awesome, It’s time to heed the prophet, Possum, To put away our woes and whinging, Time to end the great unhinging. It’s time to leave our fearful dreaming, Embrace real life with riches gleaming. Our own Oz Oracle has spake. Miraculous Australia Felix is awake.[/i]

jane

12/12/2011[quote]I would dearly love something to backfire on the media.[/quote] How about "tensions build between PM and Kevin Rudd", "Kevin Rudd to challenge for the leadership whenever it's a slow day at the office or Liealot needs a look over there", "Kevin Rudd number crunching for leadership challenge", "Kevin Rudd's claim that he is happy as Foreign Minister=leadership challenge imminent" and so on, Gravel? Unfortunately, they have to admit their speculations are just so much pissing in the wind to cover up for Liealot's brain farts, utter stupidity and negativity, for the backfiring to register with the lumpen proletariat's lumpen heads. FS @9.02am, it's got me beat that there are so many people who believe the Greens are the very model of a modern highly principled political party. I don't mind Bob Brown so much, but I think Christine Milne, Sarah bloody Hanson-Young and Lee Rhiannon should be taken out and shot at dawn several times a day. And I'm not at all fussed over that wanker Adam Bandt, either. Grrr! This is going to ruin my sauce which I've just moulied. Oh well, it's for presents for the unsuspecting. Like the pome, PatriciaWA. Don't worry about the typos, call it poetic license. lol

Jaeger

12/12/2011The list of "winners" and "losers" is amusing, with Rudd included as "no change" (as expected.) No doubt we'll be subjected to endless speculation about what it all means. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-12/gillard-announces-cabinet-reshuffle/3726500

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011Today's Essential Report poll: LNP 55 (+1), ALP 45. Primaries: ALP 34, LNP 47 (table says 48), Greens 10, Othr 9 No doubt jj will ignore this poll. As will the media. :D

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011jane, You're making me feel guilty for not getting off my seat and into the kitchen. :$

Casablanca

12/12/2011Well the ministerial changes look sensible and defensible. reCAPTCHA: 'skill Clare' Well done Jason!

2353

12/12/2011Jaeger Well the media need something firing up the Rudd vs Gillard to "discuss". My question of the day - how does my statement[quote]<snip> even including jj and SIC even though by the comment above this one SIC has yet to work out the difference between what went on and what the media "narrative" for the same event was. Sometimes you'd swear the media didn't even go! [/quote] relate to this answer [quote]2353, perhaps you went to the wrong venue or you were watching the wrong TV coverage. Did you mistake Disneyland ®©™ for the ALP National Conference venue? Don’t feel embarrassed because there is no difference really. FS doesn’t share your enthusiasm about the ALP conference (I wonder how many of the attendees used public transport as opposed to the gas guzzling white cars). FS found the bird of paradox a little flat when delivering the toy store speech. FS concluded by saying that the bird of paradox was a trifle jaded and in need of a holiday. [/quote]. In my view - it doesn't. I was suggesting the media coverage of the event was lacking - regardless of what went on. The only reason I have any idea of what went on is the media reports and comments I've read here and elsewhere from those that where there - the reports vary considerably.

Casablanca

12/12/2011PatriciaWA Your newly worked stanzas look great. There will be no further 'whinging' from me about typos! You were very gracious about my editorial comments. I was torn between letting them go through to the keeper but as they will be in cyberspace forever, as part of your wonderful poetic contribution to political comment, I acted. Talk Turkey You called me 'a [i]Dragon[/i] of a marker!' I'll wear that sobriquet with pride. Jane 'license' is that poetic or just the US spelling! lol

Michael

12/12/2011Barrie Cassidy barely makes sense here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-12/cassidy-gillard-ministry-shuffle/3726520 commenting on the Cabinet reshuffle, as can be seen in the illogical flow between his article's second-last and last sentences. "The sweeping ministerial changes are commendable and sensible. The best talent has been rewarded. The fact that they needed to be made at all is the problem for the Government." Professional (sic) political commentary in this country is like Swiss cheese... after the rat's visited. (Hello, Tony.)

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011jane, You can say that again about The Greens. I've just listened to Christine Milne saying, "The Durban Agreement is political spin disguising policy failure." Well, she was there, so how come the force of her personality was also unable to turn things around? Anyway, from what I can see the Durban CC Conference, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, got all the countries at the conference to AGREE to take action, legally binding, to address Global Warming and Climate Change. If that's not an achievment, I don't know what is. Of course, Voltaire said : [quote]The perfect is the enemy of the good.[/quote] and The Greens always want perfect.

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011Michael, Spot on. It's as if Barrie tacked on that last sentence as one arm was being twisted behind his baqck by Peta Credlin or one of her media enforcers. :D

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011Casablanca, Sir Dragon,please spare me, I don't use Spellcheck. :$

BSA Bob

12/12/2011I just clicked on to the ABC link provided by Jaeger & I don't know whether to laugh or throw things. Plenty of "faceless men" coverage, ample opportunity for Abbott to mouth yet another variation on his standard line & I thought a generally negative tone to the whole piece. If this is from the ABC I worry at what others will do. The last line quoted from Cassidy pretty much sums up what I think will be the general attitude.

Casablanca

12/12/2011FS, Correction! Dame Dragon, thank you.

Casablanca

12/12/2011NewsStand Petition Dear ...., It's official! Bias exists within the Australian media and it's endangering the ability of politicians and the public to engage in important policy debates. After an exhaustive review, the [b]Australian Centre for Independent Journalism (ACIJ)[/b] has released research showing news coverage of the carbon price debate in Rupert Murdoch's News Limited papers had negative coverage outweigh positive coverage by 82% to 18%.1 But with this research confirming what we always suspected, there could be some light at the end of the tunnel: after 11 years of John Hartigan, a new News Limited CEO, Kim Williams, has just started. With a new CEO, News Limited has the chance to turn over a new leaf. Can you take a moment to send the new News Limited CEO a message, letting him know we expect better? [b]http://www.newsstand.org.au/new-news-ltd-ceo [/b] The ACIJ report is a stark reminder of why Newsstand and your involvement are necessary. Let's take a look at just how unbalanced coverage of the climate change debate was: News Limited - the company that controls most Australian metropolitan newspapers, and The Australian - had a 4 times more negative coverage than positive coverage of the carbon price debate. 11% of news and features quoted no source and 30% of the rest quoted only one source, not testing claims about the likely impact of the carbon policy against the views of other sources. Bluescope Steel was quoted 71 times. This was more than the number of times all NGOs and scientists combined. The Australian used ‘tax’ in 44% of stories and only ‘price’ in 11% of cases. Rather than treating the symptoms of the media's ills, it's time to start focusing on solutions at the source. This is a unique opportunity to tell News Limited's new CEO it's time to break from the past and provide Australians with news that's fair and balanced: [b]http://www.newsstand.org.au/new-news-ltd-ceo [/b] Newsstand was launched to help bring fairness and accuracy back to Australian news. When newspapers print fiction, we'll respond with facts. When television shows trade in hypocrisy and hysteria, we'll hold them to account. And when media do the right thing, we'll do right by them. Start today by encouraging News Limited to do the right thing as they begin this new phase with a new CEO. Thanks for bringing back balance, Aaron, for the NewsStand team 1http://datasearch2.uts.edu.au/acij/investigations/detail.cfm?ItemId=29219 You are receiving this email because you joined NewsStand in standing up for fair and diverse media.

Casablanca

12/12/2011As soon as I heard Abbort repeating that the new Cabinet is the largest ever, I suspected that it was either untrue or that he was stretching the truth. A quick check via Google did not give me the detail that I sought. Perhaps someone else has the facts and figures. Meanwhile, this Wikipedia info is a start. 'The Constitution of Australia does not recognise the Cabinet, and its decisions have no legal force.......' 'Until 1956 all members of the ministry were members of the Cabinet. The growth of the ministry in the 1940s and 1950s made this increasingly impractical, and in 1956 Robert Menzies created a two-tier ministry, with only senior ministers holding Cabinet rank, also known within parliament as the front bench.' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Australia#Cabinet

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011PatriciaWA, Someone on Twitter just did a little 3 line pome: LizBuff46: [quote]The Abbott & The Bishop went to sea, in a boat made of lies & pap, they told porky-pies & smirked false smiles & fooled all of Oz with crap![/quote] :)

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011D Mick Weir, You picked the wrong Tasmanian! Julie Collins got the gong. :D

Jason

12/12/2011jj, If you're about! It seems that "core and non core promises" are out! latikambourke | 1 minute ago One to bookmark - Tony Abbott 'the greatest question of political integrity is to honour your promises to the electorate.' so says a self confessed liar!

TalkTurkey

12/12/2011Casablanca is a Dragonette! (K) http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=st%20george%20and%20the%20dragonet%20youtube&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCQQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DZkI3JZXhDjc&ei=A77lTu0e6peJB7LNgbcF&usg=AFQjCNFwAVrl9HCWwnSY0723M53oZaGoyQ Especially around 2-3 minute mark, Oh it makes you long for old-style yankee humour eh! Not! Gotta say the sheilas are doing a pretty fair job on the blokes on this here site! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Congratulations to the Kiwis for creaming the Aussies at the game at which we are undisputed global champion cheats. I have barracked against Australia ever since the grubber by the Chappell brothers, one of whom became a failed candidate for -[i]can you guess which [/i]major Australian political party? Not that I give a blue hoot for the sport but I care a lot about decent behaviour. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oohh goodie now there's OOman to tell me the real story on the Cabinet reshuffled. First question to Shorten: wtte you only got this job by R slicking the PM, that right? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Have I told you Swordies lately that I love you? And as I write that Jason Obelix rings me!

Ad astra

12/12/2011Folks After all the fact-free rubbish we see day after day in most of the MSM, Possum Comitatus’ piece: [i]Australian Exceptionalism[/i] is a must-read. Here we see the essence of good journalism – conclusions and opinion based on irrefutable fact, fact that anyone can verify. If you haven’t read it, please do: http://blogs.crikey.com.au/pollytics/2011/12/08/australian-exceptionalism/ It brilliantly challenges the constant whingeing about the state of affairs in our rich country, and shows we have nothing to complain about. That we could have so many people complaining about their lot shows how potent the negative sloganeering of Tony Abbott and the Coalition has been, how disgracefully corrosive such slogans are of this nation’s psyche. His and his team’s behaviour is nothing short of criminal disrespect for our nations’ welfare.

Ad astra

12/12/2011Folks I’m winding down for the Christmas break, so you won’t see much of me in the time ahead. Keep posting as you see fit. I’ll enjoy reading your posts but may not comment.

D Mick Weir

12/12/2011FS @ 5:41 PM as noted elsewhere my short and illustrious career as a forecaster came to a shuddering halt [i]#fail my budding career as a political tipster over already. my tip for the taswegian most likely to (be) promoted ...[/i] First rule of forecasting make the prediction far enough into the future that most will have forgotten the prediction. Second rule of forecasting only remind people of your predictions on the (rare) occaison you get one right.

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011Talk Turkey, 'Sisters are doing it for themselves!', both here on TPS, and in the government, my man! % big, bustling,brassy broads at the Cabinet Table, led by Sheila #1, Julia Gillard! :D I bet Big Tobacco quaked in their boots today when they realised Nicola Roxon, Winner of the Melbourne University Medal for Law(which beats a Rhodes Scholarship any day, because what have you achieved other than the scholarship, unless you go on to achieve more?...Which one T.Abbott failed to do except in Boxing!), was going to be fighting against them now in the High Court Action on Plain Paper Packaging of cigarette products, instead of the lacklustre Jim McLelland! Not only that, but the sashaying Tanya Plibersek, who I would be jealous of, but she is actually one of the nicest, most unassumingly effective Labor politicians going around, so I only wish her all the very best getting Denticare for us all! :) Then there's Kate Ellis, Jenny Macklin, Julie Collins, Penny Wong, and all the other female Labor MPs. And who have the Coalition got? Julie Bishop, Sophie Mirabella, Bronwyn Bishop, Kelly O'Dwyer, Mary Jo Fisher, Teresa Gambaro, Michaelia Cash, Sharman Stone & Joanna Gash! ;-)

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011Here's the official list of the new Ministry: http://blogs.crikey.com.au/thestump/files/2011/12/111212-Second-Gillard-Ministry2.pdf

D Mick Weir

12/12/2011anyone else having problems with site? I keep getting lower half of comments with black bakgound makes it hard to read comments

D Mick Weir

12/12/2011FS, certainly there is a bevy of classy (umm, excuse the vernacular) broads in the ranks.

TalkTurkey

12/12/2011Ad astra said, "Folks I’m winding down for the Christmas break, so you won’t see much of me in the time ahead. Keep posting as you see fit. I’ll enjoy reading your posts but may not comment." Ad, We are ending the year on, I think, a high of sorts, The Polls notwithstanding. I look forward to the year of consolidation before us, with the new strength vouchsafed us by Peter Slipper's defection and elevation to make us certain of survival. Not that I ever thought we were in real danger of being ousted, as did not you, but most did. Now there is no doubt, and things are different. Gravel said this morning, with gravelicular perspicacity, that she has been staying in a politics-free situation: "While we were away last week, lots of socializing and stuff, not one mention of politics, policies or politicians, it was just incredible. While many of us fuss and ponder on the ramifications of all the media reports and stuff, most of the population is just out there doing their own thing. I found it almost strange to come back home and read everyone's comments and wonder at the amount of stuff everyone here had tuned into." This is the ever-present truth about (Australian) politics, it's pretty much the same with any field of activity, the one you're in is magnified beyond comparison with other activities, whether it's car racing or music or chess or whatever, it seems amazing to realize that some people are completely ignorant of what may be, to you, your whole sphere of interest. But Politics [i]does[/i] embrace [i]everyone[/i] - as an Octopus perhaps, but [i]no-one is not involved[/i], like it or not. And for that reason it is very worrying that ignorance of politics is as common as ignorance of, e.g., simple chemistry or dance steps. Because that allows grabs like those generated by Abbortt to take more attention than all the work done for the People by our Go-for-it Government, and the Murdoch media is always on side with Them to dumb down the People, which undeniably They do well. But as I know you agree Ad, Their fairyfloss will dissolve in the next year, and Our beef will stew, and by this time next year this dopey rabble will be very different form what they are now - while *J*U*L*I*A*s Government will look very much as it does as from today's reshuffle, can you imagine Their dismay as the election year starts to loom in the distance long into the next year after that! But I see it as our privilege and challenge to use this medium, not just TPS but the Blogosphere, to fight the dumbing-down and the bigotry, and this year I think we have done pretty dam well. Of all sites Ad y/ours is the most steadfast in its orientation, I really love it that, amongst all the lily livers and poor petals, this site is staunch. Surely D Mick Weir's self-confessed epiphany re asylum seekers is an great implicit tribute to the good sense to be found here - not that the on-shore favourers are crazy or anything, but the fact that someone is prepared to change his mind on such an issue, [i]and to say so here,[/i] says a lot for the esteem in which he holds Us, to tell us humbly that he has done so. And Ad, of all the people saying how much we like each other's way of thinking in the last day or so, You are our real touchstone here when all's said and done. We'll manage OK without you over Crispmess I'm sure, (poor Web Monkey looks like getting no rest though I hope!); we will all be glad for you to take it easy exactly as Lyn doesn't! But I say again, let not The Sword cool over the long break, it has a lot of work to do next year, and it needs to be kept in action imo. If there is one area that I might suggest you could consider addressing in the new year, As astra, it is the fraught subject of Religion in Politics. I'm not sure you haven't considered it in these pages before - ? - but it seems to me a feature of growing concern to those of us who believe in a secular society. But anyway Comrade Ad astra, take it easy, we'll still be here when you de-aestivate. http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=mutual%20admiration%20society%20&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CF8QtwIwBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DN7qKAW741I4&ei=7tflTv-AOOyTiQfh_622BQ&usg=AFQjCNF9RN2NOOw42bJp0AVeoTbAMh6gkg My father used to talk of being "blasted by Teresa Brewer"! :) You would remember eh Ad! :) [u][i][b]1953 !!![/b][/i][/u]

Casablanca

12/12/2011D Mick Weir I can see why you nominated Senator for Tasmania, the Hon. Lisa Maria SINGH for possible elevation in the latest reshuffle. On paper she looks far more qualified than her fellow Taswegian, the Hon. Julie Maree COLLINS who got a gig. It may have come down to the fact that Senator Singh only took up her Senate appointment on 1 July 2011. Julie Collins OTOH entered the Commonwealth Parliament at the 2007 election and has served an apprenticeship, albeit brief, as Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services (from 14.9.10). For the record, Senator Singh has a BA(Hons) from Uni of Tasmania was previously a member of the Tasmanian Parliament where she held several portfolios. Ms Collins has a Business Administration Cert IV (TAFE Tasmania) and has held a number of Labor Party, Parliamentary office positions and Public Service positions in Tasmania. Go girls!

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011D Mick Weir, Macular Degeneration? ;-)

Feral Skeleton

12/12/2011Talk Turkey, You've shaken a pretty mean tail feather yourself on TPS this year! :)

nasking

12/12/2011[quote]You may be having similar trouble receiving emails, but one is on its way to you too.[/quote] [b]Thnx Ad[/b], I haven't been on the computer the last coupla days...we've been busy as bees. I sent you a reply a few minutes ago. The storm was impressive, fortunately not a great deal of wind...was able to keep my large tomato plants covered. In last years' hailstorm we lost half of our plants and heaps of tomatoes were knocked off the vines. Fingers crossed we don't get another like last year. The rain helped fill the water tank...we've had it pretty dry in this area the past couple of mths...so a good soakin' was welcome. W/ the added sun & heat & humidity today some plants have exploded...quite a sight. [b]2353[/b], thnx for the vid link. It's wonderful how so many came together over the floods and helped bring relief & rebuild. [b]Talk Turkey[/b], S' & I had a big larf over the swiss miss vid...well chosen. My father-in-law is a big fan of yodeling...sometimes when we're visitin' him in Beaudesert we get him to put the old records on...it's good fun...his face lights up & he starts movin' & tryin' to yodel. [quote]I hope 'S doesn't make you work too hard. [/quote] [b]Jane[/b], yer quite welcome. It seems grumpy tactician Newt Gingrich has put the Middle East/Levant & Iran on notice...[i]man w/ big stick & chain saw comin' your way[/i]...seems to grab the conservative hawk & Israel lobby vote Newt's willing to use history in a select way to demean the Palestinians & add fuel to the Israel-Palestine conflict: [b]Newt Gingrich condemned for calling Palestinians 'terrorists' Palestinian officials say Republican frontrunner's claim children are taught to kill in textbooks is based on Israeli propaganda[/b] Phoebe Greenwood in Ramallah guardian.co.uk, Sunday 11 December 2011 [quote]Leading Palestinian officials have rounded on the Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich for his description of Palestinians as an "invented" people and "terrorists". The Republican frontrunner insisted at a candidate debate on Saturday – to warm applause from the audience – that "these people are terrorists. They teach terrorism in their schools. They have textbooks that say, if there are 13 Jews and nine Jews are killed, how many Jews are left? We pay for those textbooks through our aid money. "It's fundamentally time for somebody to have the guts to stand up and say, enough lying about the Middle East." Palestinian officials said Gingrich's allegations were based substantially on material produced by an Israeli organisation, Palestinian Media Watch, which has published a long list of entries on its website under the heading 'Promoting Violence for Children'. An article from 2007 describes Palestinian textbooks paid for with US aid money that deny Israel's right to exist. But Xavier Abu Eid, a senior adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organisation, said the website and Gingrich's allegations were groundless. "[Gingrich] is welcome to come to Palestine so he can stop speaking from talking points and speak about reality. If he can produce a Palestinian textbook that proves his point, then he should do it. But they don't exist in our schools – he's quoting propaganda. It's very cheap what he's doing and not behaviour appropriate for a presidential candidate. "If you ask any 13-year-old Palestinian child, he will know there is a state called Israel. Go and see if you can find an Israeli kid of the same age who can find a green line [marking the border between Israel and occupied Palestinian territory] in his textbook." Gingrich first set out his position on the Palestinian people in an interview with the Jewish Channel on Friday in which he said the Palestinians were an "invented" people. Gingrich told the Jewish cable channel: "Remember there was no Palestine as a state. It was part of the Ottoman empire." He added that Palestinians were "an invented Palestinian people who are in fact Arabs". Palestinian officials dismissed Gingrich's comments as an attempt to curry favour with Jewish voters. Salam Fayyad, the Palestinian prime minister, urged him to apologise, describing his comments as both ridiculous and racist. The chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said the comments were an incitement to terror. "These statements of Gingrich's will be the ammunitions and weapons of the Bin Ladens and the extremists for a long, long time," he told CNN.[/quote] more here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/11/newt-gingrich-palestinian-comments-criticised?newsfeed=true Newt's one heckuva a diplomat... he's helped to undermine the Obama administrations careful balancing act when it comes to Arab/Muslim affairs in one fell swoop... I suspect that America can now look forward to more moderates & enraged, malleable youth falling into the hands of muslim extremist recruiters... further endangering their troops & private contractors & tourists in this region & elsewhere... particularly if Newt Gingrich wins the Republican nomination...and looks as tho he might beat Obama. Gingrich is probably building up to a Reagan style "evil empire" speech...directed specifically at Iran...citing various acts by that regime that provide evidence it is an "evil terrorist nation"... and showing links between Iran and Lebanon-based Hezbollah & Gaza's Hamas...and so on. This may be a less impulsive & clumsy approach than it initially seems. It certainly provides Obama w/ an opportunity to increase diplomatic efforts w/ the likes of Iran... for surely they must know what's coming if he doesn't win this 2012 election. Obama is no [i]appeaser[/i] himself - contrary to accusations comin' from his [i]right[/i] & the Israel lobby w/in his own party - Obama's no-nonsense approach to Libya & al-qaeda attest to such. Obama is however less gung-ho in the way he deals w/ these issues...and less likely to attack Iran w/ all guns blazing...or should we say, [i]all missiles firing, all bombers bombing[/i]... and as we'd probably see w/ the impatient, aggressive posture Gingrich: [quote]For over two decades, Gingrich has taught at the United States Air Force's Air University, where he is the longest-serving teacher of the Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course. In addition, he is an honorary Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Professor at the National Defense University and teaches officers from all of the defense services. Gingrich informally advised Defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld on strategic issues, on issues including the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and encouraging the Pentagon to not "yield" foreign policy influence to the State Department and National Security Council. Gingrich is also a guiding coalition member of the Project on National Security Reform.[/quote] (wikipedia) W/ the economic troubles in China increasing at present and taking into account the present symbiotic relationship between China & the USA...and Russia's leadership being under stress that could lead to various sanctions just as the fragile Russian & EU economy wobbles again... I doubt China & Russia will be able to maintain their steadfast support of the Iranian regime...nor be able to explain to their "awakening" people why they support a nation that funds terrorism & supports extremist acts...the likes of which both of their countries have experienced...and viciously responded to. The clock is ticking down...Iran has a target on it...it's time for Iran to make some sane, rational decisions... before they get Newt Truman/Nixon... or a cornered Barack Johnson/Roosevelt. Americans luv Presidents who show strength when it comes to foreign affairs...too many have short memories...many rely on the armed forces & private contractors for employment...they don't mind a good bit of flag waving & over-the-top patriotism if its done in the right context...and common-enemies are easily constructed by way of a complicit media & politicians looking to distract...and gain a slab of votes...and build political capital. This is the land of flag waving wrestling...and demolition derby... who got stuck in full-bore durin' WW2 w/ flame throwers & atomic bombs...vigorously fought in the Korean conflict...Vietnam & Cambodians found themselves bombed unmercilessly for bein' on the wrong side of the ideological tracks...Iraqis became victims of hellfire unleashed on two occasions...the list goes on... Iran ignores this at its own peril. That big stick has had plenty of use...regardless of which side of politics the President comes from. N'

D Mick Weir

12/12/2011all those that have mentioned my [i]epiphany[/i] re Asylum Seekers did you read it closely? have you compared it to some of my earlier comments on the subject? suggest a closer reading.

Jason

12/12/2011DMW, you are either for your current position or not! No reading of any other position that you held can lead anyone to think otherwise.

TalkTurkey

12/12/2011FS I am proud beyond words of Labor women. Surely Australia is leading the world in this as in so many other political ways. Our women are a credit to their gender and their species. Watch Amanda Rishworth, Member for Kingston (SA), guess who's old seat. and FS you said "Talk Turkey, You've shaken a pretty mean tail feather yourself on TPS this year!" Well I've posted this before I think but it's wondrous. Dig it! http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=shake%20your%20tail%20feather%20cockatoo%20dance&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D0bt9xBuGWgw&ei=xvblToSsO-eSiQeppay2BQ&usg=AFQjCNElwuUqRks41CK15WusPXpmpP1Obg

Casablanca

13/12/2011Bill Shorten, an archetypal [i]Faceless Man[/i] if the MSM is to be believed, has been in the political wings for a very long time. According to the Power Index, Shorten lived with Nicola Roxen before his first marriage. I note that they both worked for Maurice Blackburn and Co so perhaps that is where they met. The Power Index omits the detail that Shorten's first wife, Debbie Beale, was a scion of the Liberal Political Dynasty - daughter of Julian Beale and grand-daughter of Sir Howard Beale. It does mention that he is now married to Chloe, daughter of the Governor-General. Shorten has an Arts/Law Degree from Monash and an MBA from Melbourne University, which is, as Wikipedia points out, an unusual qualification for a trade union official. http://www.thepowerindex.com.au/political-fixers/bill-shorten I'm impressed by Shorten but it would certainly upset a number of apple-carts if he challenged before he serves a full parliamentary apprenticeship.

TalkTurkey

13/12/2011Nasking, Nixon . . . Reagan . . . GW Bush . . . Dog Albitey NOT GINGRICH!

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011Jason @ 11:52 PM I am for my current position and will hold it until there is a good argument with evidence for changing my position. If NormanK were to comment (and I wasn't trying to draw him out) I suspect he would have questioned me with surgical precision and pointed out some obvious things in the full comment.

Casablanca

13/12/2011TT said, [i]'Casablanca is a Dragonette!'[/i] Oh dear! I unwittingly outed myself as a women - and I'm not even a mother! I thoroughly enjoyed the Stan Freberg Dragon Net. There is another version with the cartoon at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT3QYb7AN6k&feature=related

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011Hint: [b]Alacrity[/b] Noun: Brisk and cheerful readiness. Synonyms: readiness - willingness - eagerness

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011Casablanca @ 10:51 PM I may have been 'blinded' by a few things when I nominated Senator Singh. On reflection she may not be in the correct faction and some of her statements on Human Rights etc. may not sit well with some those 'faceless people' Oh well, age is on her side and she has plenty of time to 'rise and shine'

Casablanca

13/12/2011FS You have mixed-up the dour Robert Bruce McClelland (born 26 January 1958)the about to be replaced Attorney-General with the flamboyant "Diamond Jim" McClelland (3 June 1915 – 16 January 1999) solicitor, jurist, Senator, Minister in the Third Whitlam Ministry, Royal Commissioner looking at British nuclear tests in Australia, and the first chief judge of the Land and Environment Court of NSW.

Casablanca

13/12/2011D Mick Weir Senator Singh had not registered on my radar until you mentioned her. Are her statements on Human Rights worth noting?

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011Casablanca nothing specific I can point to quickly. I have vague recollection of something from way back that I thought was 'a bit daring' before she was elected to Senate. Her web site doesn't say to much 'out of the ordinary' http://www.lisasingh.com.au/about/ Will look a bit more deeply when I can.

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011Casablanca this will inform a bit more http://newmatilda.com/2011/07/11/switch-and-swap-canberra

Casablanca

13/12/2011Talk Turkey 'On Dec 10 @ 4.55pm you said, 'Please, if anybody has a memory of LT's [Laura Tingle's] secness a few days ago could you remind me please?' I suspect that you may have in mind an article that Grog linked to a few days ago. (see under Lyn Dec 5 @9.51am in Ad's article 'Julia Gillard's Vision for the Asian Century') Gillard all talk, no substance. Laura Tingle Political editor http://afr.com/p/national/gillard_all_talk_no_substance_twLuyqhvVILdHGHoodbC2K PUBLISHED: 05 Dec 2011 00:01:00 | UPDATED: 05 Dec 2011 09:01:02 If Tony Abbott is the hollow man, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has emerged from the weekend’s ALP national conference as the shallow woman. She attended the party conference rather than led it, unpersuasive in what she pushed, beached on policy positions the party accepts but government will not pursue, and silent on industrial relations changes likely to antagonise the business community. As an exercise for the party faithful or a showcase to the voters, this conference must be seen as a disaster that will only confirm voters’ confusion about just who Julia Gillard – and the Australian Labor Party – really are. Gillard opened the conference on Friday advocating the value of a positive agenda in 2012, of Labor as the party “that says yes to the future”, that would stand in stark contrast to the negative politics of Abbott and the Coalition. It was a curious nil-all stand-off between party and leader. As the conference wound up yesterday, it could only be constructed as a story of caution and impotence, and of a party that – despite having a tenuous hold on just 30 per cent of the primary vote – was incapable of reforming itself in a way which might have any chance of attracting the 8000 new members a year it seeks. This was not Gillard’s fault alone. The much mythologised “powerbrokers” were mortifyingly incapable of sorting out deals on policy or party reform. It is not so much that the Labor Party is now controlled as fiefdoms by factional warlords, as that the factional power struggles of the past have been replaced by . . . nothing. Nobody is in control here, if even anybody is actually at home. How else do you explain a party that says it is embarking on internal reform but then votes down a proposal to give its directly elected national president a vote on the national executive? Even among those at the conference who wish her well, delegates were perplexed at the Prime Minister’s ability to choke at the conference. Her confidence has been up, and there have been achievements to tick off during the past few weeks. Yet at the conference, she flitted on and off the stage, unable or unwilling to use prime ministerial authority to push anything anywhere too hard. There were lots of stories about powerbrokers trying to scrabble together deals to protect the Prime Minister, to protect her authority. But protect her from what? Leaders have had to be protected in the past because they were pushing the party along, and even sometimes forward, against recalcitrant resistance. Yet on gay marriage, the numbers men were unable to deliver the vote on the voices that they had promised on the conscience vote. The resulting count revealed for posterity a vote of just 208 to 184 in support of the ALP leader’s amendment. Gillard voted against the substantive amendment which has seen the ALP platform rewritten from a prohibition on gay marriage to its positive advocacy. Gillard now faces the ludicrous position of leading a party with a platform that says it will introduce legislation for marriage equality, but refuses to put such legislation forward as government policy. She will find herself voting against a bill in a conscience vote that implements Labor Party policy. Conversely, Labor has adopted a policy on overseas processing of asylum seekers that brings the party platform into line with the government’s policy. Unfortunately, the government has already declined to introduce that policy as legislation into the Parliament. Gillard did successfully lead a push to change the party’s policy on uranium exports to India. But even here, the debating points on the floor of the conference – even with the emotiveness discounted – all went to those who argued against her. The political debate will return to the economy this week with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monthly board meeting and the release of the national accounts. Treasurer Wayne Swan held the line on economic policy at the conference after a multi-pronged attack and did it with more verve and passion than we usually see. It was a rare moment when someone looked like they actually knew where they wanted the debate to go, and set out to make sure it got there.

Casablanca

13/12/2011DMW. Thanks for that additional material on Senator Singh. My mother died in 2000 of mesothelioma so I was particularly impressed that Sen Singh has done some important advocacy work for asbestos victims in her home state.

Michael

13/12/2011If Prime Minister Gillard did no more than reward loyalty and ability with her Cabinet reshuffle, at least she has enough of the latter in her parliamentary colleagues to actually form a Cabinet of substantial figures. Tony Abbott has a cabal of nunability 'behind' him, and that's where their loyalty lies, too. Behind him so long as his negative tactics of lies, mockery, and hypocritical position-shifting keep him ahead in the polls. He was, after all, elected leader by just one vote. It's also worth noting by Coalition politicians already measuring themselves for ministerial armchairs, that the 'inner office' approach Abbott takes to running the Opposition is almost a carbon copy of that applied by Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister. Ultimately, THAT is a siege mentality, however combative and effective it may appear at first. If Tony Abbott's personal style and his political 'pragmatism' don't sound warning klaxons for Coalition politicians expecting to be in any sort of future Cabinet that rewards loyalty and ability, then it's because they know the true worth of the loyalty he's owed, and the narrow quality of the ability they each own. Getting there, into government, is everything for Shouldabeen and his sheep. But once there...?

2353

13/12/2011Michael said [quote]Getting there, into government, is everything for Shouldabeen and his sheep. But once there...?[/quote] I suspect comes the oh [insert expletive] moment when they work out they really don't have a plan.

TalkTurkey

13/12/2011D Mick Weir said December 12. 2011 11:37 PM all those that have mentioned my epiphany re Asylum Seekers did you read it closely? [i]> Close enough to honour you for having an open-enough mind to change it, and to say so here.[/i] [i]Seems I am a bit too credulous eh? Silly me.[/i] [i]Your mind is closed after all.[/i] have you compared it to some of my earlier comments on the subject? > [i]To the extent that I saw it as an honest change of mind, as you claim, but are you saying it was utterly false? [b]Clev-ver![/b] . . . Oh but why? Oh for laughs, I see. Such a fun subject eh![/i] suggest a closer reading. >Shove it. There's lots of honest writing on the Sword, just not yours. D Mick Weir December 12. 2011 11:52 PM DMW said "Ladies and Gentleman, Swordsfolk one and all, I have been converted. I have had a change of mind of great import. >[i]So that is completely untrue? Oh 'tongue in cheek' yes? Not a downright falsehood? Oh I see it all now, it's so funny![/i] I am now in favour of 'offshore processing' >[i]So that is 'tongue in cheek' too? Hilarious.[/i] and not only that I am have also been convinced to agree with a crackdown on the reviled People Smugglers [i]>Hee hee so amusing! [/i] Dealing with the second one first. I am totally in favour of rooting out and prosecuting any person that smuggles people across borders for the purposes of sexual slavery and/or any form of 'indentured servitude'. > [i]So would I be, but you are only joking eh? [/i] There are women smuggled into this country that become sexual slaves or 'domestic help' and every resource possible should thrown at preventing this. >[i]But you don't really believe this, do you? More joke.[/i] Every resource possible should be used to prosecute those that are involved in this abhorrent practice. >[i]So . . . You don't really think so? Oh I see . . . [/i] I an in favour of off-shore processing of asylum seekers as a pre-emptive measure. >[i]So . . . No you're not? I'm cracking up with your wit.[/i] Our government should be working with the UNHCR and similar agencies to process asylum seekers in Maylasia, Indonesia and if possible Pakistan, Afganistan, Iraq or wherever else there are people seeking to flee Before they set foot on a ricketty boat Any Asylum Seeker who makes it to our shores by whatever means should be processed here onshore with alacrity and those that that assist them in getting here should not be considered as criminals. D Mick Weir Imagine me not seeing all that hilarity, and writing: "DMW I have long thought that Chris Bowen's efforts wrt offshore processing of asylum seekers were basically right-headed, no pun, the proviso being that Australian officials have the right to demand basic decent treatment of the refugees. TalkTurkey" Jason said "DMW, you are either for your current position or not! No reading of any other position that you held can lead anyone to think otherwise. Jason" Jason, how can Gravel and I have been so deficient in sense of humour as to think that DMW could really be serious about this obviously merry matter of asylum seekers? FS got him right. Maybe the impacted molar helps her see the funny side, after all AS problems and toothache are both about as funny as things can get. FS I hope that today sees the end of that problem. Only joking of course.

TalkTurkey

13/12/2011Sabra Lane is a disgrace. *J*U*L*I*A* has her dead-to-rights.

TalkTurkey

13/12/2011Trivioli asks Malicia Clarke [i]"Why has *J*U*L*I*A* felt the need to defend herself?"[/i] Give me strength!

Gravel

13/12/2011Talk Turkey Thank you. I like to take people as they write. I am disappointed that I was unable to pick that DMW was taking the p..s out of all of us. Again I will go back to doing what I used to do with his posts. Ad Astra Have a great break. Thank you for leaving The Political Sword open over the festive season. I am sure you will be alerted, if necessary, of any bad behaviour. Just heard the last part of an interview with Bill Shorten on 774. Bill sure didn't let Jon Faine get away with anything. I don't think he'll be invited back too soon. Faine likes to win at all costs. I have been ambivalent about Bill S, but if he continues to press his case as he did this morning it will be a positive for Labor's position.

nasking

13/12/2011More news on the [i]international relations[/i] front: [b]US to sell Iraq 18 more F-16 warplanes[/b] [quote]WASHINGTON — [b]The United States plans to sell Iraq 18 more F-16 fighter jets as Baghdad seeks to secure its airspace after the full withdrawal of US forces this month, a US official said Monday.[/b] "Today the administration notified Congress of its intent to sell Iraq a second tranche of 18 F-16s," said National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor. [b]"This sale is another indication of the continuing US-Iraqi security relationship and cooperation," Vietor said after President Barack Obama met Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki at the White House.[/b] [b]"It also illustrates the progress Iraq has made in providing for its own security, and its determination to protect its sovereignty and independence."[/b] Iraq signed a deal to buy an initial tranche of 18 warplanes earlier this year after Maliki said he wanted to equip Iraq's air force with a total of 36 of the jets in a multi-billion dollar deal. [b]Obama said that the United States would train pilots for the planes, as an example of the close military cooperation Washington intends to maintain with Baghdad even after the final US troops leave the country later this month[/b].[/quote] http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWV9rY3PQlkjsbHinr7fMsosKCUw?docId=CNG.908b271c4ec03309357a9d96165f22d0.3a1 AND: [b]U.S. opens its doors to Iraqi students[/b] By Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY [quote]WASHINGTON – [b]As the U.S. military gets ready to withdraw its last troops from Iraq this month, the State Department and Iraqi government are stepping up efforts to enroll thousands of Iraqi students in American universities.[/b] [b]The number of Iraqi students studying in the U.S. was up 45% for the 2010-11 school year, according to statistics compiled by the Institute of International Education and State Department. Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has earmarked $1 billion to be spent on education initiatives over the next several years and the Iraqi government will announce this week that it will fund scholarships for 2,500 students to attend U.S. universities in 2012 —quadrupling enrollment of Iraqi students in American universities, said Abdul Hadi al-Khalili, the cultural attaché at the Iraq Embassy in Washington.[/b] [b]As concerns grow in Washington about waning American influence in Iraq as the U.S. military presence concludes, al-Khalili said the initiative gives the United States a chance to help shape the next generation of Iraqi leaders.[/b] [b]"There's a very valuable opportunity here for the United States," said al-Khalili, who has been tasked by the Iraqi government with recruiting U.S. universities to take Iraqi students...[/b] [b]With half the current Iraqi population younger than 19 years of age and a quarter of the population born after the 2003 U.S. invasion, the Iraqis are pressing to make strides in education quickly[/b], according to Brett McGurk, a former National Security Council adviser on Iraqi issues in both the Obama and George W. Bush administrations. "It is in our interest to encourage this new generation to study outside Iraq — and in the United States," McGurk recently told the Senate Armed Services Committee. [b]Iraqi students first started coming to American universities more than 70 years ago[/b], al-Khalili said. [b]In the late 1940s, Iraq had as many as 40 students enrolled at the University of California-Berkeley, and Nazik al-Malaika —an Iraqi poet who is considered one of the Arab world's most-renowned contemporary artists — earned her master's degree in comparative literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1959...[/b] [b]Since the beginning of the war, the U.S. government has contributed millions of dollars to ongoing educational and exchange programs—including re-establishing the prestigious Fulbright scholarship as well as a short-term visiting scholar program.[/b] [b]Mohammed Saeed, 28, a Baghdad physician who is currently studying at the University of Kentucky on a Fulbright scholarship, said that as a medical student he and his friends had big dreams of changing Iraq. Once they got out of school, however, that hope was diminished by endemic problems — from corruption to outdated training — that plague nearly every sector of Iraq's government.[/b] [b]Saeed said that the experience at Kentucky is making him a more capable physician, but perhaps more importantly, it's renewing his hope.[/b] "This is giving us the tools to hopefully fix some of the problems," Saeed said. "The more of us that can get this kind of experience, the better Iraq will be."[/quote] http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2011-12-11/american-universities-iraq-students-withdrawal/51818478/1 AND: [b]Debt and graft slow Iraq on path to progress[/b] By James Drummond [quote][b]In regard to Iraq, international attention has tended to focus on lingering security concerns but, eight years on from the US-led invasion, growing oil production and the ability to deploy sizeable public spending are just two of a series of economic achievements. The Central Bank of Iraq has $50bn in reserves and presides over low inflation and a relatively stable exchange rate, according to the International Monetary Fund, which administers a two-year standby agreement with Iraq. Moreover, at the end of June, Baghdad formally took control of the Development Fund for Iraq. Since being established by the post-invasion administration of Iraq, the DFI has been the conduit through which oil export revenues have been channelled through accounts held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Oversight has now passed entirely to a committee of Iraqi financial experts.[/b] This body “is doing a good job of replicating the earlier audit arrangements and being transparent about what they are doing”, says one observer. That is perhaps, however, where the unalloyed good news ends. The IMF reported in March that while “macroeconomic performance . . . has been satisfactory . . . [b]progress in implementing structural reform has been uneven”.[/b] Unemployment is officially at 12 per cent but, the IMF says, the real rate is likely to be higher as “a large part of the adult population has not entered the labour force”. [b]Another concern is debt. Only those sums – some $21bn – owed to the Paris Club, which brings together the rich nations, were settled in the aftermath of the invasion. Saddam Hussein chose not to contest any of the claims made against Iraq when he was ruler. As a result of this and other policies, when the Ba'athist regime fell, Iraq was estimated to owe $125bn. Importantly, those funds owed to the Gulf Co-operation Council – most notably Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar – are still outstanding. The sums involved are enormous. Saudi Arabia is thought to be owed $30bn and Kuwait $27bn, according to estimates by the Jubilee Fund which campaigns for debt reduction for poor countries. “Saudi Arabia will not settle with Iraq while Nouri al-Maliki is prime minister,” says Walid Khadduri of the Middle East Economic Survey, a regional newsletter. Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arab states view Mr Maliki, who is a Shia, as too close to Iran. “It’s political,” Mr Khadduri says. Kuwait for its part receives 5 per cent of Iraq’s revenues under a complex system of reparations imposed because of Saddam’s 1990-91 invasion and occupation of his southern neighbour. Kuwait Airways is also pursuing claims against Iraq Airways, which has severely curtailed the Iraqi flag-carrier’s ability to resume normal services and done little to ease regional tensions.[/b] [b]“Those original war debts are not settled.[/b] The debt relief that has come has been Paris Club only, and some Saddam-era commercial and compensation debts remain,” [b]says Kevin Carey of the World Bank. “Iraq is paying annual reparations to Kuwait under UN supervision but there are other outstanding debts which still need resolution.”[/b][/quote] http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/efbca1aa-24b9-11e1-ac4b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1gMX0MHAH AND: [b]Why some US troops are dreading end of Iraq mission Returning home at the end of the Iraq mission is not all 'cotton-candy clouds and unicorns' for some US troops. They now have to face financial and family problems at home or the rising risk of being cut by a downsizing military. [/b] By Anna Mulrine, Staff writer / December 12, 2011 Christian Science Monitor [quote]“A lot of people here dread the thought of going back – that has surprised me,” says Lt. Col. Mark Rowan, a US Army chaplain who counsels troops returning from Iraq and Kuwait. “You’d think it would be high-fives and a happy time, but you’ll find that some don’t want to go home. [b]Some of them left to get away from problems – financial problems, marriage problems – and now they have to face them.”[/b] [b]US forces must leave Iraq by Dec. 31 in accord with an agreement reached between the two countries in 2008.[/b] Commanders are aware that even for troops counting the days to the war’s end, the transition can be trickier than they expect. “It’s harder [b]coming home [/b]than leaving –anyone will tell you that,” says Col. Michael Gaal, vice commander for the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing in Baghdad. “You think it’s going to be all cotton-candy clouds and unicorns, but it’s different.” [b]Relationships may be strained after years of deployments, and spouses and children – after the initial flurry of hugs and relief – often need time to readjust to the presence of their returning loved one, Colonel Gaal says.[/b] [b]These difficulties are increasingly compounded for troops coming home amid an economic downturn. Many service members – once guaranteed work fighting – are now suddenly worried about being out of a job.[/b] Others volunteered to deploy specifically because they were having trouble finding work back home. "I had met people who are unemployed due to the economy – that's why they came here," says Staff Sgt. Teresa Pavljuk, a National Guardsman who supervises the military flight terminal in Baghdad. [b]Even those who are active-duty military are worried about job security. “A lot of them are scared, because with the bad economy, the military’s going to downsize[/b].That means a lot of them are going to be out,” Lieutenant Colonel Rowan says. “That’s going to be a concern for us,” adds Command Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Delebreau for the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing in Baghdad. “It might be hard for some people.” [b]When the Air Force announced in late October that it was cutting 157 officers from its ranks due to the increasingly strong budget pressures facing the Pentagon, some airmen took it personally. “They are in shock. They are angry,” Rowan says. “They feel betrayed[/b].”[/quote] http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2011/1212/Why-some-US-troops-are-dreading-end-of-Iraq-mission [b]Memories[/b]: [b]Coming Home (1978)[/b] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4KhXoWhjFI N'

TalkTurkey

13/12/20112353 said "Michael said 'Getting there, into government, is everything for Shouldabeen and his sheep. But once there...? I suspect comes the oh [#*CK! TT] moment when they work out they really don't have a plan.'" I've posted this before too, but it is so-o-o apposite . . . http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=the%20last%20road%20runner&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DriY5ubYpFiQ&ei=5oTmTvjNKcOSiAeTxMm2BQ&usg=AFQjCNHN7hS30MD4Kh9x5tEjzo3yEW8zRA

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011TT @ 9:01 AM an interesting and presumptious interpretation indeed. I will take it on board

nasking

13/12/2011A book recommendation by CNN host Fareed Zakaria...I regularly watch his informative show Fareed Zakaria GPS on the weekend, or early Mon. morning here in Australia...as I do NBCs [b]Meet the Press[/b]: [b]The Ayatollahs' Democracy[/b] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMjMFr7tpgw And: [b]The Ayatollahs' Democracy: A Look at Iran's Inner Workings[/b] [quote]Iranian-American writer Hooman Majd attempted to demystify some of the West's preconceived notions about Iran in his 2008 book The Ayatollah Begs to Differ. His new book, The Ayatollahs' Democracy, delves into the workings of the country's politics. Its insights may startle Americans who think of Iran purely as a fundamentalist Islamic state fronted by the demagogic firebrand Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Majd spoke to TIME about his work, what an Islamic democracy looks like and why we should all look beyond the labels. How would you define what an Islamic democracy is? The definition of an Islamic democracy is very different if you ask [different Iranian clergy members]. In my opinion, it's a democracy which takes precedence over religious law. But Iran is still a religious society. That doesn't mean people want people to be stoned for adultery. It doesn't mean people want people's hand to be chopped off for stealing. It just means they have Islam as a guide. Though that, unfortunately, in some cases, means certain things that are not comfortable for Americans. For example, gay rights do not exist under Islam. (See pictures of politics in Iran from the past year.) You hemmed and hawed about the book's title after the brutal crackdown that followed Iran's 2009 elections. Why did you decide to keep it? When I first thought about the book, I certainly did believe Iran was on the path to democracy, and being in Iran for the campaign season, it seemed even closer to democracy than even I had imagined. It became obvious that this was something fleeting and illusory, but I felt like [the elections] were actually very good for Iran and the future of its democracy because they really did end up showing where the regime has gone wrong and where Islamic democracy has gone wrong — particularly because so many clerics came out against what happened, both in the election itself and in the aftermath. (See pictures of Iran's controversial and violent election.) So, in a way, the titles of both books hinge on the idea of there being debate among the country's religious leaders? What I was trying to get across with the first title is that Iran is not this monolithic political system, it's not homogenous in its thinking. It's not North Korea, it's not Cuba, it's not an absolute dictatorship. The ayatullahs do have a tremendous amount of power, but they do disagree with each other. This book is much more about the political culture of Iran. For people who are interested, I certainly think that in times of conflict, when we're told that we have an enemy, it is important for us to understand who that enemy is — and if it is, indeed, an enemy. If we don't understand what the political culture is, then we will ultimately make the wrong decisions, and that can affect American citizens. Do you get a feeling for how much Americans understand that Iran is, politically and culturally, at odds with much of the Sunni Arab world? I don't think Americans, by and large, understand that at all. The differences dawned on Americans, probably even the American Administration, after the invasion of Iraq, so that's a relatively recent understanding. Shias and Sunnis hate each other, and it's a hatred that goes back centuries. Certainly the way the media presents Iran, it just seems like it's a fundamentalist Muslim state. (See the top 10 players in Iran's power struggle.) You liken Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin. Can you elaborate on their similarities? The connection is that they like to be these blowhards who tap into a certain kind of dissatisfaction among their supporters. It's very cynical in my mind. It's a politician's move. [People like Beck and Palin] are fundamentalists when it comes to religion — as is Ahmadinejad. None of them are in the clergy — and neither is Ahmadinejad. And Ahmadinejad, you have to take what he says with a grain of salt, and I think one has to take what Sarah Palin says with a grain of salt, or Rush Limbaugh or any of those people. The kind of incendiary rhetoric that all of these people employ is calculated, and we have to bear that in mind. At a recent event, you said that Ahmadinejad was trying to engage the U.S. "in his own wacky way" by challenging Obama to a debate in August. What does that mean? I think President Ahmadinejad would very much like to see a normalization of relations, if not an alliance, with America. Very few Iranians want to see this heightened conflict between America and Iran, which has been going on for 30 years. It's affected the economy. It's affected people's lives. It's not comfortable. And Ahmadinejad recognizes that, but he would like to be the person who can be the hero and say, "I was able to talk to the United States without giving in." The hard-liner accusation has always been that reformers would give up too much in order to have relations. So his [position] is, "I want to engage, but as equals, not as a subservient power."[/quote] http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2027282,00.html [b]BTW[/b]: [b]Zakaria self-identifies as a "centrist", though he has been described variously as a political liberal, a conservative, or a moderate.[/b] George Stephanopoulos said of him in 2003, "He’s so well versed in politics, and he can’t be pigeonholed. I can’t be sure whenever I turn to him where he’s going to be coming from or what he’s going to say." Zakaria wrote in February 2008 that "Conservatism grew powerful in the 1970s and 1980s because it proposed solutions appropriate to the problems of the age", adding that "a new world requires new thinking". He supported Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primary campaign and also for president. In January 2009 Forbes referred to Zakaria as one of the 25 most influential liberals in the American media. Zakaria has stated that he tries not to be devoted to any type of ideology, saying "I feel that's part of my job... which is not to pick sides but to explain what I think is happening on the ground. I can't say, 'This is my team and I'm going to root for them no matter what they do.'" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fareed_Zakaria N'

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011Gravel @ 9:50 AM that TT chose to interpret it that way does not make it true.

D Mick Weir

13/12/2011Nasking, thanks for those bits on Fareed Zakaria v interesting [i]... he tries not to be devoted to any type of ideology, saying "I feel that's part of my job... which is not to pick sides but to explain what I think is happening on the ground. I can't say, 'This is my team and I'm going to root for them no matter what they do.'"[/i] Some excellent food for thought in that - thanks again for that bit of brain food which will sustain my thoughts as I wander off again for the day

NormanK

13/12/2011A bit of reading around the reshuffle. These cherry-picked articles DO NOT contain references to Kevin Rudd, faceless men, payback or reward - all a bit refreshing on a stinking hot Summer's day. [b]Gillard innovates in education with super ministry: Cabinet shuffle[/b] by Stephen Matchett The Australian [quote]JULIA Gillard's creation of a super ministry to equal Foreign Affairs and Trade in this afternoon's cabinet reshuffle is widely endorsed across the education industry.[/quote] http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/gillard-innovates-in-education-with-super-ministry-cabinet-shuffle/story-e6frgcjx-1226220035295 [b]THE DISTILLERY: Gillard innovation[/b] Editorial Staff Business Spectator [quote]“A small thing in yesterday's cabinet reshuffle – the sort of thing only a nitpicking editorialist would notice – was that the Department of Innovation and Industry is to be changed back to the Department of Industry and Innovation. Under Kevin Rudd, there was a brand makeover for industry policy. No longer was the goal of government to be feather-bedding inefficient industries with subsidies in the interests of protecting trade union or Nationals mates. Instead, the Department of Industry was to be known as the Department of Innovation. Surely government had a role in bringing clever ideas from the laboratories to the commercial marketplace? ... But industry policy is now back, delivering the answer to the patchwork economy. It is not only about bright new ideas but also about preserving the steel industry, among others.”[/quote] David Uren http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Julia-Gillard-cabinet-reshuffle-India-Woolworths-W-pd20111213-PGRMJ?OpenDocument&src=sph [b]Unions, law and taking on Big Tobacco[/b] by Shane Green The Age [quote]Roxon has set about fulfilling her potential with an unorthodox mix of the law, the union movement and since 1998, hard-working Labor MP and minister.[/quote] http://www.theage.com.au/national/unions-law-and-taking-on-big-tobacco-20111212-1ork6.html [b]Financial Services Industry Welcomes Elevation to Inner Cabinet[/b] by Mike Taylor Money Management [quote]Key sections of the Australian financial services industry have welcomed the fact that both financial services and superannuation have been elevated to the inner Cabinet with the promotion of Bill Shorten in yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle.[/quote] http://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/financial-services-industry-welcomes-elevation-to [b]Cabinet Reshuffle Significant for NFPs[/b] by Ryan Witcombe Pro Bono News [quote]Julia Gillard’s cabinet reshuffle includes a number of moves significant for Not for Profits, and so far the sector has welcomed the changes. ********** AAH Campaign Manager Sarah Toohey said, “The inclusion of a single Housing Minister in the Federal Cabinet, responsible for all Commonwealth housing policies and programs, is something we have been advocating for and we’re hopeful that this demonstrates that the Gillard Government is making housing affordability in Australia one of its top priorities.”[/quote] http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2011/12/cabinet-reshuffle-significant-nfps

Feral Skeleton

13/12/2011Talk Turkey, Well! We have Economic Apartheid in Australia. Today, as you kindly enquired after me, wrt my malign molar, I went down to the sparsely-funded but publically available for the indigent, Dental Service, in my local area, to hopefully have my tooth dealt with. "Yes!", said the Dentist, a nice dark-skinned British Immigrant it seemed to me, probably working off a qualification period before he can practice privately in Australia once he becomes a Permanent Resident or Australian Citizen, "That tooth has been/is abscessed and needs to come out. I'll just take some X-Rays." "Great!", I thought to myself. "I knew it", but I was unsure whether, having taken the antibiotics and it having come down, I would still qualify to have it taken out. But yes, I did qualify to get one step closer to becoming a 'Toothless Old Hag'. ;-) I prepared myself mentally for what was about to happen, and waited. Expectantly. Next thing I know a piece of paper was being thrust into my hand. "OK, here you go", the Dentist said. "Take this to the receptionist and she will make you an appointment to come back and have your tooth removed." "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I staggered out of the chair and took myself outside, thinking that I would be back within the week to have this infernal thing dealt with once and for all. So I gave the slip of paper to the receptionist. She casually informed me that there were no more appointments this week, which I sort of expected, but also that the Clinic was closing from next week until after Christmas. Also, the next appointment she could offer me was on...January 30th. "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "Of course", she carrolled, bitingly, "If you can afford to have it out at a Private Dentist, they'll obviously be able to do it sooner for you." "Um, lady", I sarcastically thought to myself, "That's why I'm here. Because I can't afford a Private Dentist to take the damn thing out!!!" Maybe she was just used to people of greater means than I gaming the system, or generally being possessed of more resources than a struggling single mum with two hungry mouths to feed and to keep a roof over the heads of in Sydney, has at her disposal. Finally, she helpfully advised me to make sure I got back to the doctor so as to keep on the antibiotics until the appointment. "Great", I thought to myself. Merry Xmas, Happy New Year, and pass the antibiotics. :( So, thanks for asking, Talk Turkey, but no relief in sight just yet.

Feral Skeleton

13/12/2011Nas, "Newt Gingrich Is A Stupid Man's Idea Of What A Smart Person Sounds Like" ~Paul Krugman :D

BSA Bob

13/12/2011Norman K Thanks for those links. It would've taken some doing to find stuff not mentioning Rudd's challenge, faceless men & such.

nasking

13/12/2011[quote]Some excellent food for thought in that [/quote] Indeed DMW. I believe there are subtler ways of gettin' a message across than tarrin' all w/ the same brush and usin' demeanin' & irresponsible comments/labels as some competitive bloggers have previously. That comin' from someone not always known for [i]subtlety[/i]. :) I hope you found the articles useful. I'll add this: [b]Mir-Hossein Mousavi[/b] [quote]Former Prime Minister Mousavi came out of political retirement this year to run for President as the candidate of Iran's pragmatic conservatives and reformists, promising greater democracy and sober economic management in Iran and improved relations with the West. Having mounted a remarkable challenge to Ahmadinejad's re-election, he represents, with his accusation of election fraud and denunciation of "dictatorship," an unprecedented challenge to the status quo by the forces of reform.[/quote] (Time: 2009) http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1905910_1905908_1905892,00.html AND: [b]Timeline | Iran and the West — a history of tensions[/b] CBC News Posted: Dec 9, 2011 [quote]Tensions between Iran and the West have ratcheted up in recent weeks in the wake of the latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicating that Iran has been experimenting with nuclear weapons technology. The U.K., the U.S. and Canada responded to the report by tightening financial sanctions against Iran. Supporters of the Iranian regime lashed out in turn by storming the British embassy in Tehran, prompting Britain to cut diplomatic ties. France also scaled back diplomatic representation in the country after the embassy riot. The follow is a timeline of key milestones in the history of Iran and its relations with the West. 2007-2009: election protests 2000-2006: reformers make gains; Bam earthquake 1981-1998: death of Khomeini; Khatami elected 1979-1980: Islamic Revolution 1921-1978: Pahlavi dynasty Dec. 1, 2011 — The U.S. Senate passes bill allowing the U.S. president to bar foreign financial institutions that do business with the Iranian central bank from having corresponding bank accounts in the U.S. If enacted, the legislation (which is opposed by U.S. President Barack Obama) would go into force in July 2012. Nov. 28, 2011 — Hardline supporters of the Iranian regime ransack the British embassy in Tehran after the U.K. freezes $1.6 billion in Iranian assets and bars U.K. financial institutions from doing business with Iranian banks. In response, Britain cuts diplomatic ties with Iran and expels Iranian diplomats from the U.K. The attacks are believed to have been carried out by the Basij militia, the youth wing of Iran's elite military force, the Revolutionary Guard Corps. [b]Nov. 8, 2011 — The International Atomic Energy Agency releases a report suggesting Iran has been procuring equipment and conducting tests for the purpose of developing a nuclear weapons program.[/b] Several countries —mainly the U.S., the U.K. and Canada — react by imposing financial sanctions against Iran, freezing assets and barring financial trade with the country. The EU, however, falls short of barring imports of oil from Iran, which has some of the largest oil reserves in the world and is a key supplier to European countries such as Greece. Oct. 2011 — Two Iranians are charged in U.S. federal court with plotting to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. One of the men is reportedly a member of the Quds Force, an offshoot of the Revolutionary Guards that carries out foreign operations. [b]Sept. 2011 —Iran announces that its Russian-built Bushehr nuclear plant has been connected to the national power grid after decades of delay. Construction on Bushehr, billed as the Middle East's first commercial nuclear plant, had first begun under the shah in 1975, but the project was stalled by the revolution, the Iran-Iraq war and opposition from the West.[/b] [b]Feb. 2011 — Iran sends two warships through the Suez Canal on their way to a training exercise in Syria, a move seen by many as a symbolic act of provocation aimed at Israel. It is believed to be the first time Iranian warships have been in the canal since the 1979 revolution.[/b] [b]Mid-Feb. 2011 — Opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi are placed under house arrest.[/b] Sept. 2010 — A destructive computer worm known as Stuxnet disables several centrifuges at the Natanz uranium-enrichment plant in Iran. The complexity of the cyberattack suggests it was orchestrated by at least one nation state and several experts believe it was a joint action by Israel and the U.S. intended to hobble Iran's nuclear program. June 2010 — The UN Security Council imposes its fourth round of sanctions on Iran since 2006 after the IAEA releases a report that says Iran has enough nuclear material to build two weapons. Brazil and Turkey vote against the resolution; Lebanon abstains. May 2010 — Iran makes a deal, brokered by Brazil and Turkey, to send some of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for fuel for its research reactor. The move falls short of satisfying Western powers, since Iran says it won't prevent it from continuing its own enrichment program. [b]Jan. 2010 — The U.S. announces it will dispatch Patriot defensive missiles to Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, keep two ships in the Persian Gulf and deploy forces to protect oil installations in Saudi Arabia in order to deter a possible attack by Iran on U.S. allies in the Gulf.[/b] Jan. 2010 — Nuclear physicist Masoud Ali-Mohammadi is assassinated in Tehran. Iran blames the bomb attack on foreign agents wanting to undermine Iran's nuclear program. Members of the Iranian opposition say it was meant as a warning to those who, like Ali-Mohammadi, had campaigned for opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in the last election. The almost-revolution [b]Nov. 2009 — The IAEA passes a resolution condemning Iran for not revealing sooner that it was building a second nuclear enrichment site, located near the city of Qom. Its main enrichment site is at Natanz. The agency says the fact it had lied about the Qom site, which the IAEA said was begun as early as 2002, indicates Iran may be hiding other enrichment facilities.[/b] [b]June 2009 — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defeats popular opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi in a disputed presidential election. Massive protests erupt questioning the legitimacy of the election results. The regime's crackdown against the protests, considered to be the biggest show of opposition in 30 years and dubbed the Green Movement, attracts international attention after the death of a female protester named Neda Agha-Soltan is captured on video and posted on YouTube. Between 30 and 80 protesters are believed to have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded.[/b] Demonstrators in Paris hold placards bearing images of Neda Agha Soltan, a 27-year-old Iranian woman reportedly shot dead by security forces during an anti-government protest in Tehran in June 2009. Her death, caught on video, caused outrage and spurred protests around the world. Jacques Brinon, File/Associated PressMay 2009 — A U.S. State Department report dubs Iran the "most active state sponsor of terrorism." Nov. 2008 — Ahmadinejad congratulates Barack Obama on his win in the U.S. presidential election. It's an unprecedented move for an Iranian leader. [b]July 2008 — Iran tests a long-range Shabab-3 missile that it claims could reach Israel.[/b] March 2008 — Ahmadinejad visits Iraq, the first Iranian leader to do so in an official capacity since the revolution. While there, he calls for the withdrawal of foreign forces. March 2008 — Conservatives win a two-thirds majority in elections that see 40 per cent of candidates disqualified from running by Iran's Council of Guardians. Oct. 2007 — The U.S. imposes new sanctions intended to cut off access to the U.S. banking system to companies owned by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, which the U.S. accuses of supporting Iraqi insurgents. The sanctions are seen as the toughest since the revolution. [b]June 2007 —Riots erupt after Iran introduces fuel rationing amid fears of a new round of sanctions by the United Nations. The UN's nuclear watchdog agency had announced a month earlier that Iran was producing nuclear fuel and had more than 1,300 centrifuge machines that would enable it to develop nuclear weapons within three to eight years.[/b] March 2007 — Fifteen British sailors and marines are held for 13 days after being captured by Iranian authorities in the Shatt al-Arab river between Iraq and Iran. Start of Ahmadinejad era Dec. 2006 — The UN Security Council votes to adopt sanctions on sales of nuclear materials and technology to Iran. April 2006 — Iran announces it has successfully enriched uranium at a facility near the city of Natanz in central Iran. Sept. 2005 — The IAEA finds Iran had not taken adequate measures with regard to the safeguarding, processing and use of nuclear material and was in violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad soon after he was first elected in June 2005. Damir Sagolj/ReutersJune 2005 — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the hardline major of Tehran, wins presidential elections, dealing a blow to the reformers who had gained some ground in the last election. Nov. 2004 — In an effort to avoid possible UN sanctions, Iran agrees to suspend its uranium enrichment activities after talks with ambassadors from Germany, Britain and France. Nov. 2004 — Conservatives win Iran's parliamentary elections, rolling back gains made by reformers just four years earlier. Dec. 2003 — A devastating earthquake hits the southeastern city of Bam, killing more than 30,000 people. Nov. 2003 — Iran agrees to suspends it uranium enrichment program and allow tougher UN inspections of its nuclear facilities. [b]Jan. 2002 — U.S. President George W. Bush refers to Iran as one of three countries, along with Iraq and North Korea, that constitute an "axis of evil arming to threaten the peace of the world" in his first state of the union message. June 2001 — Khatami is re-elected president. Feb. 2000 — Reformers make sweeping gains in the parliamentary elections, winning 170 of 290 seats. It is the first time since 1979 that the hardliners lose control of the legislature. Khomeini dies Aug.-Sept. 1998 — Eight Iranian diplomats and a journalist are killed by Taliban fighters in Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. Iran positions thousands of troops along the Iran-Afghanistan border in response. [b]May 1997 — Mohammad Khatami, a moderate cleric and former cultural minister, is elected president on a reformist platform in a surprising upset. Despite energizing a large portion of the youth vote, Khatami was not able to push through his reform agenda during his two terms in office and was largely seen as an ineffective president.[/b] [b]May 1995 — U.S. adopts sanctions banning trade with and investment in Iran, in response to the ramping up of Iran's nuclear program and its support of organizations the U.S. considers terrorist entities such as Hezbollah and Hamas.[/b] Aug. 1990 — Iraq invades Kuwait, whose borders Iraq had never accepted and which had refused to forgive Iraq's debt. Iran remains neutral in the conflict. June 3, 1989 — Ayatollah Khomeini dies and is replaced by then president Ali Khamenei.[/b] [b]In Iran, the supreme leader looms large. Here the faces of the Islamic republic's first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, right, and the current supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are seen towering over President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a ceremony marking the anniversary of Khomeini's death on June 3, 2011. Morteza NikoubazlFeb. 14, 1989 — Ayatollah Khomeini issues a religious fatwa calling for the death of British author Salman Rushdie over his book The Satanic Verses, which the Iranian regime deems blasphemous against Islam's prophet, Muhammad. Britain suspends diplomatic relations with Iran and offers protection to Rushdie. The fatwa was eased somewhat in 1998 under the more reformist government of President Mohammad Khatami, but more hardline leaders renewed calls for the writer's death in the late 2000s.[/b] [b]July 1988 — Iran and Iraq sign a UN-brokered ceasefire agreement, ending eight years of war.[/b] [/quote] http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/12/02/f-iran-timeline.html AND: http://www.oyetimes.com/news/107-middle-east/16220-karroubi-allowed-to-see-family N'

Sir Ian Crisp

13/12/2011I see Loree Rudd is now the conscience of the ALP. The Judy Moylan of the ALP if you will. How noble of Nick Sherry to step aside. Maybe he needs time to develop his T/A skills: [quote] Over the past few days, the government has turned the attack on to Labor, particularly Mr Sherry who comes from Tasmania. They accused him of claiming a total of A$43,000 (pounds 19,000) for official stays in Hobart, the Tasmanian capital, when, in fact, he was staying for free with his mother. [/quote]

nasking

13/12/2011[quote] "Newt Gingrich Is A Stupid Man's Idea Of What A Smart Person Sounds Like" ~Paul Krugman [/quote] Ahhh yes: http://www.mediaite.com/tv/paul-krugman-newt-gingrich-is-a-stupid-mans-idea-of-what-a-smart-person-sounds-like/ [b]Feral[/b], ya gotta luv this from Peggy Noonan at the same time: [quote]“One thing that I think Newt has going for him is we’re a nation of insiders in the way that everybody’s always on the internet reading stuff. The base of the Republican Party knows that the establishment of the Republican Party doesn’t like Newt. That’s a big plus,” Noonan observed. “The second thing is that Newt’s debate strategy was so fresh — and so spoke to Republicans because he did this, he said I’m not going to fight with the other guys, they know I’ll be a better president than Obama. What I’m going to do is tell what we have to do to get out of the mess we’re in... Plus, I’m going to hate the media for you and take them on.”[/quote] AND NOW: [b]Gingrich Is Inspiring—and Disturbing The first potential president about whom there is too much information.[/b] DECEMBER 10, 2011. WSJ [b]Ethically dubious? True. Intelligent and accomplished? True. Has he known breathtaking success and contributed to real reforms in government? Yes. Presided over disasters? Absolutely. Can he lead? Yes. Is he erratic and unreliable as a leader? Yes. Egomaniacal? True. Original and focused, harebrained and impulsive—all true... [/b] [b]One way to view this is that he is so rich and varied as a character, as geniuses often are, that he contains worlds, multitudes. One senses that would be his way of looking at it. Another way to look at it: In a long career, one will shift views, adapt to circumstances, tack this way and that. Another way: He's philosophically unanchored, an unstable element. There are too many storms within him, and he seeks out external storms in order to equalize his own atmosphere. He's a trouble magnet, a starter of fights that need not be fought. He is the first modern potential president about whom there is too much information. What is striking is the extraordinary divide in opinion between those who know Gingrich and those who don't. Those who do are mostly not for him, and they were burning up the phone lines this week in Washington. Those who've known and worked with Mitt Romney mostly seem to support him, but when they don't they don't say the reason is that his character and emotional soundness are off. Those who know Ron Paul and oppose him do so on the basis of his stands, they don't say his temperament forecloses the possibility of his presidency. But that's pretty much what a lot of those who've worked with Newt say... [/b] [b]The biggest fear of those who've known Mr. Gingrich? He has gone through his political life making huge strides, rising in influence and achievement, and then been destabilized by success, or just after it. Maybe he's made dizzy by the thin air at the top, maybe he has an inner urge to be tragic, to always be unrealized and misunderstood. But he goes too far, his rhetoric becomes too slashing, the musings he shares—when he rose to the speakership, in 1995, it was that women shouldn't serve in combat because they're prone to infections—are too strange. And he starts to write in his notes what Kirsten Powers, in the Daily Beast, remembered: he described himself as "definer of civilization . . . leader (possibly) of the civilizing forces." Those who know him fear—or hope—that he will be true to form in one respect: He will continue to lose to his No. 1 longtime foe, Newt Gingrich. He is a human hand grenade who walks around with his hand on the pin, saying, "Watch this!" What they fear is that he will show just enough discipline over the next few months, just enough focus, to win the nomination. And then, in the fall of 2012, once party leaders have come around and the GOP is fully behind him, he will begin baying at the moon...[/b] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203413304577086824255350642.html#printMode more on Noonan's article here: [b]The Underminey Backlash Against Newt, Starring Peggy Noonan [/b] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ari-melber/the-underminey-backlash-a_b_1143270.html?ref=media&ir=Media ------------ So, who is Peggy Noonan?...and why do her poetic-like ramblings matter?: [b]Peggy Noonan[/b] an American author of seven books on politics, religion, and culture and [b]a weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal[/b]. [b] She was a primary speech writer and Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan and in her political writings is considered a Republican.[/b] [b]In 1984, Noonan, as a speechwriter for President Reagan, authored his "Boys of Pointe du Hoc" speech on the 40th anniversary of D-day. [/b] [b]Later, while working for then Vice President George H. W. Bush, Noonan coined the phrase "a kinder, gentler nation" and also popularized "a thousand points of light," two memorable catchphrases used by Bush. Noonan also wrote the speech in which Bush pledged: "Read my lips: no new taxes" during his 1988 presidential nomination acceptance speech in New Orleans (Bush's subsequent reversal of this pledge is often cited as a reason for his defeat in his 1992 re-election campaign).[/b] [b]During the 2008 presidential campaign, Noonan wrote about Sarah Palin's vice presidential candidacy in the Wall Street Journal. In one opinion piece, Noonan expressed her view that Palin did not demonstrate "the tools, the equipment, the knowledge or the philosophical grounding one hopes for, and expects, in a holder of high office," concluding that Palin's candidacy marked a "vulgarization in American Politics" that is "no good... for conservatism... [or] the country."[/b] (wikipedia) It seems [i]insider[/i] Newt gives plenty of other [i]insiders[/i] lots of sleepless nights. N'

jane

13/12/2011Hot off my email press from newsstand. Send a message to the new CEO, telling him what we expect from him in light of the AJIC's findings on Ltd News bias re climate debate-82% negative:18% positive reporting. http://www.newsstand.org.au/campaigns/acij-report/new-news-ltd-ceo/send-news-ltd-a-message?t=dXNlcmlkPTQyOTEsZW1haWxpZD05

nasking

13/12/2011[quote] "OK, here you go", the Dentist said. "Take this to the receptionist and she will make you an appointment to come back and have your tooth removed." "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I staggered out of the chair and took myself outside, thinking that I would be back within the week to have this infernal thing dealt with once and for all. So I gave the slip of paper to the receptionist. She casually informed me that there were no more appointments this week, which I sort of expected, but also that the Clinic was closing from next week until after Christmas. Also, the next appointment she could offer me was on...January 30th. "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "Of course", she carrolled, bitingly, "If you can afford to have it out at a Private Dentist, they'll obviously be able to do it sooner for you." "Um, lady", I sarcastically thought to myself, "That's why I'm here. Because I can't afford a Private Dentist to take the damn thing out!!!" [/quote] Feral, that's attrocious. Sorry to hear about yer sad, stressful adventure...and the ongoin' pain. Thumbs up to PM Gillard for puttin' one of my fave pollies in charge of Health...Tanya Plibersek will hopefully make the Health Department far more efficient, followin' on from Roxon's good work....w/ useful funding, less priority on rebates for the rich...and ensure more training of docs, dentists & nurses...w/ increased frontline staff... and eventually a decent dentalcare system. Even w/ our money we can barely afford to go to the dentist...the payments need to be broken up...findin' a few grand each time is bloody hard...and we're loathe to use too much on the plastic due to uncertain economic times... and the thought of Coalition governments gettin' in here (QLD) & federally brings to mind AUSTERITY MEASURES...and my teacher/HOD wife losin' pay...work days (think California etc.)...even her job. But yer situation would be even harder. Not good. N'

Patricia WA

13/12/2011Yes, NormanK, thanks for those links and their refreshing take on the re-shuffle. Some very reassuring reading there about how in depth is our PM's understanding of the work done by her cabinet ministers.

Jason

13/12/2011Sir Ian, Nick Sherry's T/A! You'll have to do better than that. I remember when that "shiver looking for a spin" Costello (your not twins are you?) Tried to make a bigger deal out of it than it was, as Sherry nearly succeeded in commiting suicide. Are you telling us Sherry was/is the only MP that has done this? or as I suspect you haven't taken your Ritalin today?

Feral Skeleton

13/12/2011After reading Bernard Keane's latest piece on the Gillard government Reshuffle yesterday: http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/12/13/a-dumb-reshuffle-puts-spotlight-back-on-gillards-woes/#comment-174280 (tell me if it behind the paywall and I will cut n paste it in full), I made the following comment: [quote]I really am thinking about not renewing my Crikey subscription, if this is the quality of the bilgewater it is going to be going on with, from it’s so-called ‘Chief Political Reporter’. Did Bernard look through the bottom of an empty glass of the increasingly-expensive plonk he likes to drink before spewing this vomitus back up onto his keyboard? Not one mention of the fact that Kim Carr was demoted out of the Cabinet, and I would have added if I was Julia Gillard, “Don’t let the door hit your fat arsk on the way out”, because he had been found to be the Cabinet Leaker. And, not only that but he was part of the vanguard to replace an effective and competent, not shambolic, Bernard, leader of the government, Julia Gillard, with the megalomaniacal Kevin Rudd, which the collective amnesia of the Press Gallery is encouraging in the wider community. Why? So the Canberra Peanut Gallery can feel their oats again next year and cause another Labor Prime Minister to be deposed at their urging? Only after they have built Kevin Rudd up again, will they then use the remaining time until the next election to knock ‘Kevin O’Lemon’ down again. All the while allowing a truly incompetent bunch of duplicitous hypocrites, in the form of the self-confessed liar-led Abbott Coalition, to skate on by to victory. Which would amount to the greatest dereliction of duty of any bunch of Australian journalists in our history. They, and Bernard, and Crikey, should be ashamed. However, it seems that the first lesson you learn when you descend into the bowels of the Press Gallery in Canberra, is how to be a shameless liar. Just like that other former journalist, Tony Abbott. I repeat, I am seriously considering not renewing my Crikey subscription if standards of journalistic objectivity do not improve. And I do not mean the switch has to be flicked to tongue slobbering arsk-licking of everything the Gillard government says and does. Just a bit more scrutiny directed where it is justified. And an offer of one extra month of this garbage makes no difference to my decision-making. I can get this sort of putrescant Coalition sycophancy and Labor government automatic derision for the people much cheaper elsewhere.[/quote]

Casablanca

13/12/2011Sarah Ferguson and Tony Jones Matthew Knott. Tuesday, 13 December 2011 [i]Media insiders praise the pair for their easy-going nature, lack of ego and willingness to tackle topics other hacks have been too timid to touch. Jones' Lateline reports on sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities were a catalyst for the 2007 Northern Territory Emergency Intervention; a 2008 report by Ferguson on low literacy levels on the Tiwi Islands was hailed as groundbreaking.[/i] http://www.thepowerindex.com.au/power-couples/sarah-ferguson-and-tony-jones/20111213842?utm_source=The+Power+Index&utm_campaign=26fba38214-The_Power_Daily_12_Dec_2011&utm_medium=email

2353

13/12/2011To paraphrase a song - "What's Rudd's sister got to do with it?"? If my siblings choose to jump off the Gateway Bridge, does it mean I do as well? Of course not. So why does it matter if Rudd's sister chooses to leave the ALP? Another media beat-up. Tim and Peter Costello are polar opposites on some issues - yet the world still turns and who knows they probably even give each other Christmas presents. For the record, the Rudd family of Norman Park is not Australia's version of the Kennedys of Boston USA. Must either be a really slow news day or there are a few in the media (and on this blog) that need to grow up. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/kevin-rudds-sister-quits-labor-over-gay-marriage-policy-20111213-1os44.html

Ad astra reply

13/12/2011FS I agree with your comments about the Bernard Keane article In Crikey about the reshuffle. It's one of his poorest. I subscribed to Crikey believing it would provide balanced reporting! He writes now like a Murdoch man - maybe that's where he's heading. BTW I sent you an email today, but my email is playing up again here in central Melbourne. Could you please check if it has arrived on your computer. If not, I can try sending it again.

Feral Skeleton

13/12/2011Ad, I have replied to your e-mail.

Feral Skeleton

13/12/20112353, I saw that about Rudd's sister. I wonder who fed the newspaper the story? Hmm.

2353

13/12/2011FS - [rant] in reality I don't give a [insert expletive] who fed the story to whom. It's a cheap shot at Rudd using a person who's only claim to fame is her brother was once Prime Minister and according to the lazy and ineffectual media in this country wants his old job back. Of course the "do you want you old job back" question is one of those "do you still beat you wife" questions and no response will ever kill the story. The reality is that the world has moved on, the current Government has some spectacular runs on the board (have a squiz at Possums' latest piece - linked above somewhere) and its headline news that Rudd's sister has resigned from the ALP. Is that good reporting - I think not. It's about as useful as a headline on news sites saying I asked a plumber for a quote for some maintenance around the house today, accurate but in reality who cares except me and the plumber (one of which is going to get richer, one poorer :D ) - its not a national issue.[/rant] I hope you tooth is less painful than it sounds from here.

Ad astra reply

13/12/2011FS I have received your email and have replied. Please check that the reply has arrived at your computer - the Bigpond email is awful at present so I have sent this one via another service.

TalkTurkey

13/12/2011DMW wrote "TT @ 9:01 AM an interesting and presumptious interpretation indeed. I will take it on board" Gravel wrote "Talk Turkey Thank you. I like to take people as they write. I am disappointed that I was unable to pick that DMW was taking the p..s out of all of us. Again I will go back to doing what I used to do with his posts." DMW wrote "Gravel @ 9:50 AM that TT chose to interpret it that way does not make it true." DMW does it look to you as if Gravel can't make up her own mind about your duplicitous post? Does it make you wonder what she used to do with your posts and what she will do in future with them? Does Jason sound amused? Does FS? Blame TT, fine by me. But I can no more choose what way I interpret your words than I can to choose my likes and dislikes of flavours or clours or tunes, and when your words are not your true feelings anyway . . . i]So then DMW just WTF [b]DO[/b] you [b]REALLY[/b] think about AS processing?[/i] Please try to be straight and concise and unambiguous if you understand those concepts. And next time you are just kidding, have the sense to wink. What you said looked to me, and if I am not wrong Gravel and Jason and probably everyone else, (except the sceptical FS and maybe Acerbic Conehead [ :)]) like a statement of truth. And unlike BB's famous leg-pulls, there was nothing funny at all in what you wrote. BTW I also don't have much of a sense of humour about racism or capital punishment either. Just in case you might kid us about them without any indication that you are misrepresenting yourself all along.

TalkTurkey

13/12/2011FS We sympathise with you in your pain, and it is outrageous that you cannot get an emergency free extraction. Come on Labor, fix this blind spot in Australia's medical welfare system. Infected teeth and gums are a major health hazard. Pull back on some of the Coalons' upper middleclass welfare and put it where it is needed.

Sir Ian Crisp

13/12/2011[quote]Sir Ian, Nick Sherry's T/A! You'll have to do better than that. I remember when that "shiver looking for a spin" Costello (your not twins are you?) Tried to make a bigger deal out of it than it was, as Sherry nearly succeeded in commiting suicide. Are you telling us Sherry was/is the only MP that has done this? or as I suspect you haven't taken your Ritalin today? Jason [/quote] Deliquium stalked Sherry until he succumbed. I was there when he decided to leave this world. He announced that he would jump off his wallet but he survived the 10cm fall. He was rushed to hospital (after submitting a T/A form of course) and was revived. Sherry is not the only grub to make a grab for T/A. His actions merely confirm my claim that only vile, putrid, disgusting, noisome, lying no-hopers become Australian politicians. Check this out J Guy: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/16/goldfish-synchronised-swimming-animal-rights

Roswell

13/12/2011Ad Astra, have a well deserved break and come back just as strong in 2012. I enjoy your work.

nasking

13/12/2011I reckon Newt Gingrich is in for a [b]WORLD OF PAIN[/b] the next few weeks. On [i]Special Report[/i] Brit Hume got stuck in...as did conservative & highly influential columnist Charles Krauthammer, a regular panelist... it seems that rather than baying at the moon, some think Gingrich has been standing in the field wearing hammer & sickle jacket...barking at Mitt Romney for making moolah by way of Bain Capital's laying off employees... TPM has the details of Newt's break w/ positivism...and the Reagan pledge of not dumpin' on your Republican opponents: [quote]Newt Gingrich’s positive campaign expired today. It was pronounced dead at 10:12 AM, Monday morning, after reports surfaced that the candidate accused rival Mitt Romney of amassing a fortune off the misery of laid-off workers. The fatal moment came after Gingrich was asked by reporters whether he should return some of his reported $1.6 million in consulting fees from housing giant Freddie Mac in light of the 2008 subprime mortgage collapse. [b]“I would just say that if Gov. Romney would like to give back all of the money he’s earned from bankrupting companies and laying off employees over his years at Bain, that I would be glad to listen to him,” Gingrich told reporters in New Hampshire after a town hall. “I’ll bet you $10, not $10,000, that he won’t take the offer,”[/b] he continued.[/quote] http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/newt-gingrich-romney-got-rich-laying-off-employees.php?ref=fpblg [b]OUCH[/b] Return fire from the Romney camp: [b]Newt Used To Think Bain Capital Created Jobs [/b] [quote]The Mitt Romney campaign is passing around video of some gracious praise from Newt Gingrich at last year’s Conservative Political Action Conference, saying it undercuts Gingrich’s recent claim that Romney got rich by “laying off employees.” [b]“I know that Governor Romney made a powerful case here and, frankly, Governor Romney in his business career created more jobs than the entire Obama Cabinet combined, so he can actually talk about it,“ Gingrich says in the 2010 video[/b].[/quote] See vid here: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/updates/2690 Memories of Gingrich’s past attack on the Ryan Budget will add to the fire about to consume Gingrich. Once again Newt Gingrich has demonstrated himself to have a glass jaw...like a child he can hit out in any direction...losin' consistency, self-restraint... once that ego is pricked...that pride bashed...when that too oft paranoid delusional mind can take no more... apparently a few days of questioning his integrity over Freddie is all it takes... or perhaps it's a reaction to realising, once more, the fact he's not trusted by many who know him...Newt the lonely, angry, [i]why can't they see how wonderful & brilliant I am[/i] boy has kicked in... who knows? I do know this. Newt in charge of nukes is a risk not worth taking. He's too bloody [b]UNPREDICTABLE[/b]. N'

Ad astra reply

13/12/2011Roswell Many thanks for your kind words and good wishes. Heve a great Christmas yourself.

nasking

13/12/2011One for the left progressives, those generally sick & tired of war & the costs, the pacifists at heart, those [i]fed up to the back teeth [/i]w/ the influence of the Israel & Saudi lobbyists, the Bush-haters some of whom are now strident Obama critics, those who see an attack on Iran as a disaster for oil prices & America's relationship w/ the rest of the world, the war-tired soldiers, Vets & their families, and various conspiracy theorists... and many whom the Republican hawkish right & the likes of Joe Lieberman might refer to as "appeasers": [quote]December 12, 2011 [b]Shaping the Popular Psyche in America's Post-Information Era Why the US & Israel May Agree to Bombing Iran[/b] Counterpunch by FRANKLIN C. SPINNEY The arguments for attacking Iran are crazy, like those for attacking Iraq in response to 9-11. But that does not mean such an attack by the American and/or the Israelis will not occur. Indeed, I think the political pressure for such an attack is increasing. My reasons for saying this are as follows: On 11 October, Patrick Seale wrote a very important essay, Will Israel Bomb Iran. Seale described secret internal deliberations in the Israeli government over the twin questions of (1) how short a time window existed for Israel to launch a sneak attack on Iran and (2) how to suck in the United States into supporting such an attack, even if an Israeli attack was launched without US approval or if the US was kept in ignorance beforehand? Seale, who is extremely well connected and very knowledgeable on the Middle Eastern affairs, also reported the Americans knew of the Israeli discussions, and the idea of Israeli decision makers thinking their window of opportunity was closing was causing alarm in Washington. Seale did not address the speculative question of whether or not Israel, motivated by the opportunities implicit in the US election cycle, was running a ‘perception shaping’ operation on the Obama Administration and/or Obama’s opponents in the Republican party. Also on 11 October, the US Attorney General Eric Holder held a spectacular press conference announcing the FBI had uncovered an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States on US soil and to attack embassies of unnamed third countries. But the story was full of holes, and as I argued here, it smacked of a botched sting operation or, even worse, a false flag operation, perhaps by the Israelis or the Saudis. The story quickly lost its traction and vanished, but the impression was planted in a sound-byte-addicted popular psyche. In November, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released what Paul Pillar, a retired high-ranking CIA officer, characterized as a yawner of a report. The report vaguely described Iran’s efforts to build a nuclear bomb, and it included an explosive claim that a former Soviet nuclear weapons scientist helped Iran construct a detonation trigger that could be used for a nuclear weapon. But, as the independent and enterprising investigative journalist Gareth Porter reported in CounterPunch, it turned out that this so-called foreign expert, who was not named in the IAEA report, had never worked on nuclear weapons. He was identified as Vyacheslav Danilenko, a Ukrainian, who is one of the top specialists in the world in the production of nanodiamonds by explosives. This finding lead Porter to question whether the Israelis had provided the IAEA with false information. Nevertheless, despite Porter’s industriousness, the IAEA’s yawner had planted another subtle impression in the popular psyche, which like the aforementioned plot to kill the Saudi ambassador can be regurgitated repeatedly, when needed for stoking passion with the faux news cycle. Now, in another important essay, Feeble Pushback From the Prowar Crowd, Paul Pillar describes how, in early December, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta tried to inject a dose of reality into the irrational ‘let’s bomb Iran’ debate at the pro-Israel Saban Center for Middle Eastern Policy. Piller describes in detail how Panetta thoroughly demolished the arguments for launching a preemptive attack on Iran with the aim of destroying Iran’s nuclear weapons program, whatever that is. Of course, Panetta’s dissection of this foolishness does not make for snappy soundbytes and is likely to disappear in the electronic ether. Not surprisingly, Pillar ended his argument on a pessimistic note by saying the power of Panetta’s analysis may not make a difference. While Pillar did not say so explicitly, he implied the reason why Panetta’s logic may not prevail is one Joseph Goebbels would have recognized instantly: The name of the game is to condition the public mind: By repeating an outrageous narrative loud enough and often enough, the pro-war faction may succeed in getting their war. That is because people will begin to absorb the false and misleading narrative into their subconscious Orientation (i.e., the filter through which they interpret their Observations of unfolding and often ambiguous and sometimes threatening circumstances), and when this subliminal shaping operation is successful, the desired Decisions and Actions will follow naturally and spontaneously, without coercion. That is how you use what Hitler called ‘good wholesome fear’ to hijack popular OODA loops in the irrational electronic echo chamber of Amerika’s irrational post-information culture. Franklin “Chuck” Spinney is a former military analyst for the Pentagon and a contributor to Hopeless: Barack Obama and the Politics of Illusion, forthcoming from AK Press. He be reached at chuck_spinney@mac.com[/quote] http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/12/12/why-the-us-israel-may-agree-to-bombing-iran/ It's a robust debate... well, on the internet at least. N'

nasking

13/12/2011Ron Paul is on the UP elevator...once all those fanatical anti-war, [i]don't trust big government[/i], isolationist independents I used to read about on Alex Jones' site get out their big time and express themselves. I'm sure they don't trust Gingrich...nor Romney... but they sure have a passion for Ron Paul. [b]Could Ron Paul be the next President?[/b] CBS News http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7391241n&tag=mg;mostpopvideo So who is Ron Paul?...and who loves/uses him?: [b]Paul has been termed the "intellectual godfather" of the Tea Party movement[/b] [b]While still a medical resident during the 1960s, Paul was influenced by Friedrich Hayek's The Road to Serfdom, which caused him to read many publications by Ludwig von Mises and Ayn Rand.[/b] Elections [b]Inspired by his belief that the monetary crisis of the 1970s was predicted by the Austrian School and caused by excessive government spending on the Vietnam War and welfare, Paul became a delegate to the Texas Republican convention and a Republican candidate for the United States Congress.[/b] During 1974, incumbent Robert R. Casey defeated him for the 22nd district. When President Gerald Ford appointed Casey to direct the Federal Maritime Commission, Paul won an April 1976 special election to the vacant office. Paul lost some months later in the general election, to Democrat Robert Gammage, by fewer than 300 votes (0.2%), but defeated Gammage in a 1978 rematch, and was reelected during 1980 and 1982. [b]Paul was the first Republican representative from the area; he also headed the Texas Reagan delegation at the national Republican convention.[/b] His successful campaign against Gammage surprised local Democrats, who had expected to retain the seat easily due to the Watergate scandal. [b]Gammage underestimated Paul's popularity among local mothers: "I had real difficulty down in Brazoria County, where he practiced, because he'd delivered half the babies in the county. There were only two obstetricians in the county, and the other one was his partner."[/b] Tenure [b]He has served in Congress three different periods totaling 12 two-year terms: first from 1976–77, after he won a special election, then from 1979–85 and finally from 1997 to today. On July 12, 2011, Paul announced that he would not seek re-election to the House in order to pursue the 2012 presidential election.[/b] 1985–1987 [b]Ron Paul & Associates (RP&A), Inc. was initiated during 1984 by Paul, who served as President. Llewellyn H Rockwell Jr. served as Vice President, Ron Paul's wife Carol served as Secretary and Lori Pyeatt as Treasurer. The corporation was dissolved during 2001. In 1985 Ron Paul & Associates began publishing The Ron Paul Investment Letter and The Ron Paul Survival Report;[17][40] it added the more controversial Ron Paul Political Report during 1987. Many articles lacked a byline, yet often invoked Paul's name or persona.[/b] 1996 campaign [b]During 1996, Paul was re-elected to Congress after the most difficult campaign he had experienced since the 1970s. Because Republicans had gained control of both houses of Congress in the 1994 election, Paul entered the campaign hopeful that his Constitutionalist policies of tax reductions, terminating federal agencies, and curbing the U.N. would have more support than during the past.[/b] [b]The Republican National Committee emphasized instead encouragement of Democrats to switch parties, as Paul's primary opponent, incumbent Greg Laughlin, had done during 1995. The party endorsed Laughlin, including assistance from House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Governor George W. Bush, and the National Rifle Association.[/b] [b]Paul responded by running newspaper advertisements quoting Gingrich's harsh criticisms of Laughlin's Democratic voting record 14 months earlier. Paul won the primary with assistance from baseball pitcher, constituent, and friend Nolan Ryan (as honorary campaign chair and advertisement spokesman), as well as tax activist Steve Forbes and conservative commentator Pat Buchanan (both of whom had had presidential campaigns that year).[/b] [b]Paul opposes federally funded flood insurance.[/b] [b]In a rural region known for ranching and rice farms, Paul opposes farm subsidies.[/b] [b]Paul's devotion to reducing government is popular with 14th district voters: in a survey, 54% of his constituency agreed with his goal of eliminating the U.S. Department of Education[/b] [b]Paul spends time in the district to compensate for "violat[ing] almost every rule of political survival you can think of," traveling more than 300 miles (480 km) daily to attend civic ceremonies for veterans, graduates, and Boy Scouts, often accompanied by his grandchildren. His staff helps senior citizens obtain free or low-cost prescription drugs through a little-known drug company program; procures lost or unreceived medals for war veterans, holding dozens of medal ceremonies annually; is known for its effectiveness in tracing Social Security checks; and sends out birthday and condolence cards.[/b] [b]By amending other legislation, he has helped prohibit funding for national identification numbers, funding for federal teacher certification, International Criminal Court jurisdiction over the U.S. military, American participation with any U.N. global tax, and surveillance of peaceful First Amendment activities by citizens.[/b] [b]During June 2011, Paul co-sponsored a bill with U.S. Representative Barney Frank that is intended to end the federal prohibition of marijuana.[/b] [b]Paul was a member of a bipartisan coalition of 17 members of Congress that sued President Bill Clinton during 1999 due to his conduct of the Kosovo war. They accused Clinton of failing to inform Congress of the action's status within 48 hours as required by the War Powers Resolution, and of failing to obtain Congressional declaration of war. Congress had voted 427–2 against a declaration of war with Yugoslavia, and had voted to deny assistance for the air campaign in Kosovo. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that since Congress had voted for funding after Clinton had actively engaged troops in the war with Kosovo, legislators had sent a confusing message about whether they approved of the war. Paul said that the judge's decision attempted to circumvent the Constitution and to authorize the president to conduct a war without approval from Congress.[/b] [b]Paul was critical of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, arguing that it sanctioned federal interference in the labor market and did not improve race relations. He once remarked: "The Civil Rights Act of 1964 not only violated the Constitution and reduced individual liberty; it also failed to achieve its stated goals of promoting racial harmony and a color-blind society".[/b] much more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul Send in the clowns...the ones Glenn Beck likes. N'

Jason

13/12/2011For those who missed Ian Pilmer on PM tonight with Mark Colvin! http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3390224.htm

TalkTurkey

14/12/2011Adelaide University! My old alma mater! FFS SACK PLIMER! He is a fraud and a liar and a threat to public health and to the world. And how about the Lying Rodent launching his 'book' eh! No wonder Abbortt reckons climate change is crap!

TalkTurkey

14/12/2011Our Party of [b]*YES!*[/b] and Their Party of [b][i]NO![/i][/b] Which one is which? - [i]As if We don't know![/i] Which one is which! As if you can't guess! - Their Party of [b][i]NO![/i][/b] - and Our party of [b]*YES!*[/b] [i]Neat ![/i] [TT eblows (:) [i]self[/i] a (K) ! ] Because that's really what it's always about, has always been about as long as I remember, basically Goodwillians always confounded for the meanest and wrongest of reasons by illwillians. Creeps. But it has never been so clear as now. Don't forget the latter pair of lines of the following one. (It is safe to practise these at home.) Abbortt is a failure The Liberals are a mess! LABOR for Australia! OUR Government says [b]*YES*![/b]

TalkTurkey

14/12/2011It seems to me an attribute of illwillians on such sites as this, commonly known as trolls, that they fail to reply cogently to direct challenges. I have challenged you D Mick Weir to state concisely and clearly what you really think wrt settling the form of processing which the Australian Government should adopt. Quite simple, just explain yourself properly without BS. By your reply or by the absence therof we will know you better, which will be good for everyone.

Patricia WA

14/12/2011[i]Our Party of *YES!* and Their Party of NO! Which one is which? - As if We don't know! Which one is which! As if you can't guess! - Their Party of NO! - and Our party of *YES!* [/i] Very neat indeed, TT!

Casablanca

14/12/2011Another thoughtful and informative article from Grog. I've also copied a couple of the more sensible comments. They stand out from among those fascinated by 'faceless deck chairs' and the like. New blood, new targets... hello 2012. Greg Jericho http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3729772.html?WT.svl=theDrum EMH :14 Dec 2011 12:45:40pm It is only ever the side you don't like that wastes more, taxes more, spins more. In spite of the facts. Labor, like them or not, has never been a high taxing party, nor has it been any more obviously a waster than any coalition government. Spin, propaganda, whatever you want to call it, comes at us from all directions, it is not all ALP-generated; most of it comes from the news organisations so far as I can tell. I invite you to examine the facts behind every bit of spin you have clearly believed (provided it was anti-ALP spin). You will find that the facts just don't support your claims. Given Australia's amazingly good economic performance in recent years it seems that the best way the government could serve us would be to remain in power for some years to come. poppy : 14 Dec 2011 11:12:28am Thank you Greg for an actual intelligent , informative, analysis, of the changes to the Ministry. Having read the nasty, predictable ,sour little rants by Michelle Gratten, Bernard Keane and Philip Coorey yesterday, it's good to know that that we can rely on you to give a balanced overview and insight into how portfolio changes will affect not just Ministers but also their departments. Most of the so called journalists in the Canberra Press Gallery either wouldn't know a policy if it bit them on the nose or they are suffering from a group think epidemic. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Pete Holding : 14 Dec 2011 11:39:14am So refreshing to see an informative report dealing with the actual facts and details of the reshuffle. Have not read one of these in the media for months and months. Mostly we get the tabloid pop psychology drama version written by a lazy and cynical press gallery. It resembles more the work of failed fictional greek tragedy writers than journalism. Straight fact based reporting with quality insights is a lost art in the Australian media. These days, we have to rely on blogs for quality analysis wihout the tabloid fluff. No wonder the news media business model is broken. It is not just technology that has broken it, but crap journalism is as much to blame.

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011!

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011Sorry, that was just a test comment. Though it's just about all I'm capable of at the moment. Life has gone well & truly pear-shaped in this neck of the woods. :(

nasking

14/12/2011An informative article: December 13, 2011 [b]The Communist Comeback Russia and the Return of the Repressed[/b] by ISRAEL SHAMIR [quote]...the most interesting part of the story remained obscured for Western readers, and that is the comeback of communists. In the 1990s, the story of the decade was the demise of communism. It was supposed to be dead for good, this aberration of sacred property rights; and celebrating its death, Francis Fukuyama declared The End of History. But apparently rumours of its death were somewhat exaggerated. The comeback has some good reasons in the Russian experience. While for the West the 1990s were not bad, the Russians (and other post-Soviet states) had an awful time. Their leaders derailed the country in order to kill communism, as they admitted later. Research institutes, hospitals, military and industry had been turned off at the source and sent to “make money and to become self-reliant.” In scientific centres this drastic ‘market reform’ led to starvation and to mass emigration; while the father of the reform, the late Egor Gaydar, called for “adjustment to the means”. Though things have improved greatly since 1992, they are still not as good as they were in Soviet days. Now people refuse to view the restoration of capitalism as the final chapter, which can’t be overturned. This success of communists is not surprising to careful readers of the Wikileaks cables. In a cable called “Communist Party: Not Dead Yet”, the US Ambassador in Moscow reported to the State Department in 2006: “Most observers describe the Communist Party (KPRF) as a party on life-support sustained by nostalgic pensioners. The cliché has it that as party stalwarts die off, so too will the KPRF. This assessment, however, ignores a relatively constant level of support, despite the demographics, and the attraction that some feel for a well-defined political party structure. The KPRF accommodates not only the “Soviet” socialist traditionalists, but also a new generation of intellectuals who wish, literally, to overthrow Russia’s current system which they believe only helps a select few.” For a while (between 2003 and 2008) the Party lost its following as Russia received oil revenues and Putin stabilised economy, but after the 2008 crisis, it picked up again. The US Ambassador wrote in 2009: “The Communist Party has benefited from the economic crisis by attracting increased membership and strengthening its position as a populist alternative to the party of power, United Russia. The invigorated Communists demonstrated that they can organize rallies across the country, and most observers expect KPRF will pick up votes in March 1 regional elections. These successes have resulted from the party’s three-pronged strategy: parliamentary initiatives aimed at pocketbook issues; public protests and actions that demonstrate party vigor; and an “ideological campaign” to communicate their message and appeal to new and younger voters.” “Communist leaders have lambasted the ruling government’s handling of the economic crisis, claiming that it favors the rich and ignores systemic weaknesses of the capitalist system. In a February 5 meeting, KPRF Deputy Chairman Ivan Melnikov told us that the government’s anti-crisis strategy was ‘not effective’ and was ‘the same as the Titanic’s after it hit the iceberg…to save the first-class passengers first.’ The KPRF has responded to the government’s anti-crisis measures with far-reaching proposals for nationalization and aggressive state intervention to bolster production and employment. KPRF Chairman Gennadi Zyuganov has repeatedly called for complete government takeover of all natural resources in Russia in order to distribute the country’s wealth directly to its citizens. Zyuganov also called on Putin and Medvedev to sack Finance Minister Aleksey Kudrin for his alleged bungling of the government’s anti-crisis policies”. This wish of communists was recently fulfilled, and Alexei Kudrin has been sacked. The financial crisis in Europe and in the US makes this shift of Russian public opinion especially important. The position of the 99 per cent went south with the destruction of the communist option in 1991, when the 1 per cent succeeded in convincing the rest that there is no alternative to their version of the market and that resistance is futile. With the resurrection of Russian communism, Americans and Europeans will regain some leverage vis-á-vis their elites, and, who knows, perhaps they will find their own way out of the impasse.[/quote] more here: http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/12/13/russia-and-the-return-of-the-repressed/ I imagine nostalgia plays a big part in the resurgence of the communists...particularly as Neo-Liberalism, rampant capitalism too oft ignores the needs of the many to feed the desires of the few... and for those workers who do put in the hard slog and try to believe in the system, their trust & assets are undermined continually by the casino share market, endemic corruption, lack of appropriate regulations, a corporate executive aristocracy & conartists who seem removed from the rest of us...unwilling to share, sacrifice...even pay the consequences of failure & immoral acts. Constructing expensive replicas of Russia's czarist & aristocratic past to entice tourists & distract the populace from their growing discontent & suspicions of "flood up" financial/energy-related wrongdoings can backfire and serve to remind the people that: “The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom...for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough.” (William Blake) N'

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011This is a beautiful letter that only the flint-hearted Leader of the Opposition could ignore: http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/2011/12/14/shelley-argent-open-letter-to-opposition-mps/

nasking

14/12/2011Russia at a crossroads: [b]2 Leaders in Russian Media Fired After Election Articles[/b] By MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ Published: December 13, 2011 NY Times [quote]MOSCOW — A high-ranking editor and a top executive from one of Russia’s most respected news publications were dismissed on Tuesday after an apparent conflict over coverage that appeared to highlight widespread anger with the results of parliamentary elections this month. The dismissals followed the publication this week of an election issue of the newsmagazine Kommersant Vlast, which detailed accusations of large-scale electoral fraud by the ruling party, United Russia, and included a photograph of a ballot scrawled with profanity directed against Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin. The firings came as tensions built between the Kremlin and a new constituency of reform-minded activists who held a protest against the election results here last weekend that drew tens of thousands of people. President Dmitri A. Medvedev announced on Tuesday that the first session of the new Parliament would be held on Dec. 21, an indication that the Kremlin would not concede to increasingly vocal calls for new elections. Meanwhile, the leaders of the protest movement met to plan what they said would be an even bigger demonstration on Dec. 24, and vowed not to relent in their demands. The tremors from this standoff have been particularly acute in the city’s print and online newsrooms. Under Mr. Putin, the authorities have generally tolerated a community of liberal-minded journalists whose criticism of the Kremlin has often been withering, but not widely broadcast. “But there are rules,” said Yevgeniya Albats, the editor in chief of New Times, a magazine strongly critical of the Kremlin. “Do not touch Putin.” Yet an apparent desire by journalists to test the limits these days has brought some into confrontation with their bosses. [/quote] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/14/world/europe/russian-journalists-at-kommersant-vlast-axed-after-tough-election-coverage.html To clamp down severely...or not? A quandary for the ruling party & Putin. Brings to mind: [b]In a country ruled by an autocracy, with a completely enslaved press, in a period of desperate political reaction in which even the tiniest outgrowth of political discontent and protest is persecuted, the theory of revolutionary Marxism suddenly forced its way into the censored literature before the government realised what had happened and the unwieldy army of censors and gendarmes discovered the new enemy and flung itself upon him. [/b] Lenin, What Is To Be Done?, “Criticism in Russia” (1901) N'

nasking

14/12/2011As many suspected: [b]James Murdoch Warned About The Seriousness Of Phone Hacking Lawsuit [/b] [quote]A new set of emails released on Tuesday are sure to cause further trouble for the beleaguered James Murdoch, who has been severely weakened by the phone hacking scandal. The emails shed yet more light on what has become the crucial episode for Murdoch: the June 2008 meetings News International had about soccer union chief Gordon Taylor's lawsuit against the company. Taylor's phone had been hacked by Glenn Mulcaire, and he was suing News International and threatening to reveal the criminality at the News of the World. Murdoch has staunchly maintained that he was never told of the reasons behind Taylor's suit -- only that the company was likely to lose and should pay Taylor a hefty settlement. The new emails go even further towards weakening Murdoch's claims. They show that former News of the World editor Colin Myler sent Murdoch an email about Gordon Taylor which read, "Unfortunately it is as bad as we feared. The note from Julian Pike of Farrer's is extremely telling regarding Taylor's vindictiveness. It would be helpful if [legal director] Tom Crone and I could have five minutes with you on Tuesday. Colin." Murdoch responded quickly, writing, "No worries. I am in during the afternoon. If you want to talk before I'll be home tonight after seven and most of the day tomorrow." Attached to Myler's email, however, is a chain of his conversations with Crone as well as Mark Lewis, Gordon Taylor's lawyers. The emails make multiple references to phone hacking and to Glenn Mulcaire and make it clear that Taylor was looking to expose the wrongdoing at the News of the World.[/quote] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/13/james-murdoch-phone-hacking-emails_n_1145908.html?ref=media [b]At the approach of danger there are always two voices that speak with equal force in the heart of man: one very reasonably tells the man to consider the nature of the danger and the means of avoiding it; the other even more reasonable says that it is too painful and harassing to think of the danger, since it is not a man's power to provide for everything and escape from the general march of events; and that it is therefore better to turn aside from the painful subject till it has come, and to think of what is pleasant. In solitude a man generally yields to the first voice; in society to the second.[/b] LEO TOLSTOY, War and Peace Hmmm...pleasant is the thought that the ordeal will soon be over and Daddy will use his money & influence to make things right. Reality is another thing. Courage to face the truth & consequences does make a better man...time & reforming oneself are the great healers...not hiding behind walls of fortresses built on lies & corruption. N'

jane

14/12/2011FS, your tooth! It's bullshit! How come the dentist didn't prescribe some antibiotics at the very least, to calm down the abscess? Where did he train? Gestapo HQ? I think you have every right to go back and snot both of the buggers! Fancy leaving a patient in excruciating pain for 6 weeks! It's definitely time for some form of medicare for dental treatment. Kevin Rudd had a crack in early 2008, but the dentists predictably had a tantrum claiming that poor people would be disadvantaged by having affordable dental care. Yeah, right! Casablanca @2.25pm, what a pleasure to read an unbiased, balanced article for a change. And comments without hyperbole and spinning like a top.

D Mick Weir

14/12/2011TT @ 9:18 AM [i]It seems to me an attribute of illwillians on such sites as this, commonly known as trolls, that they fail to reply cogently to direct challenges. I have challenged you D Mick Weir to state concisely and clearly what you really think wrt settling the form of processing which the Australian Government should adopt. Quite simple, just explain yourself properly without BS. By your reply or by the absence therof we will know you better, which will be good for everyone.[/i] There are many responses that come to my mind [b]Silence is Golden[/b] is but one. I can only guess as I did not reply instantly to your challenge your mind has already been set so any response would be futile. As the mind of some has been set and they have chosen to ignore anything that has my Gravatar at the head there would also be no point in responding. Of course there may be other possibilities but as you have apparently chosen not to read this far I presume it is pointless in going further [i][b]C'est la vie[/b][/i]

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011jane, The dentist advised me to go to my GP for the antibiotics. ;-)

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011Nasking, Re: Phone Hacking. I get Tom Watson's Twitter feed. Last night he posted the letter you referred to: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/culture-media-sport/PH%2050%20Letter_from_Linklaters_to_Chairman_12_Dec_2011.pdf Also, and I cannot verify the veracity of the tale, but I just read that a Daily Mail journalist rung up the Dowlers, and in light of the information recently uncovered about automatic deletion of voicemail on Milly Dowler's phone, he asked them if they were going to give the money back that Murdoch had paid to them!!! 'Chastened' is not a word the British media understands the meaning of. Not when they work for Mr Murdoch. Not that it's already been proven by The Guardian that there is still hard evidence in existence that someone at News Ltd waas the one who physically deleted the messages. Now, even the mere suggestion of equivocation as to the source of the deletions is enough to have the gutter press of Murdoch jumping up and down like a faithful puppy eager to please it's master and go in search of payback from the Dowlers, literally. Or is that, rabid dog? :D

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011Nas, This one's a good read, heartening to see that Team Obama has their Thinking Caps on: http://www.politicususa.com/en/obama-romney-epa

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011Grog's article on The Drum was very good wrt the Cabinet Reshuffle. Funnily enough, this one from Vex News was also useful: http://www.vexnews.com/2011/12/dodged-bullet-elevation-of-harry-jenkins-could-have-caused-a-big-bad-stink/

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011If you're really, really keen to get down among the weeds of the Leveson Inquiry into British Phone Hacking, this Witness Statement from former News of the World journalist,Neville Thurlbeck, might make for interesting reading: http://www.levesoninquiry.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Witness-Statement-of-Neville-Thurlbeck6.pdf

Jason

14/12/2011DMW, Yes blame TT for even asking a question! I guess if "silence is golden" Why do you talk up a good game! but when asked to back up most of your "half arsed" statements you can't! Put up or shut up! You can try your silly word games with me, but I guess as the old saying goes "a man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.TT asked you a question there was no time limit on it and when you do answer you talk crap!

Feral Skeleton

14/12/2011Jason, My man! Guess who finally has taken possession of some signed 'Deb O'Neill Campaign 2010' T-Shirts in XXLarge?! Me! Merry Xmas! I'll get them to you ASAP. :)

NormanK

14/12/2011What is this? Tag team bullying? How about a bit of Christmas spirit? Not to mention a bit of live and let live. Some days it's like a primary school playground here.

D Mick Weir

14/12/2011Jason @ 10:04 PM I refer you to my comment @ December 11. 2011 10:51 PM (with apologies for typos) If you do not understand question me on it.

D Mick Weir

14/12/2011Hi NK, wish I had seen your comment @ 10:54 PM before I saved mine @ 11:00 PM I have a penchant for a bit of fine brandy in my chrissie pud and you?

D Mick Weir

14/12/2011NK you may enjoy this: http://www.smbc-comics.com/index.php

Jason

14/12/2011Normank, Sorry I picked on DMW! we should just put up with his half arsed claims! so you have no problem that DMW thinks that TT is either that ignorant or stupid that he wouldn't read his post in full? Tag teams! you and DMW have been one for ages!

Jason

14/12/2011DMW, "Jason @ 10:04 PM I refer you to my comment @ December 11. 2011 10:51 PM (with apologies for typos) If you do not understand question me on it." Well say it as it is!Don't move into verbal gymnastics or anything like that! Just say what you mean!!!!!

NormanK

14/12/2011Hey DMW, It might disappoint you (because it is the Australian equivalent of coming out of the closet) to learn that I am teetotal these days. Unfortunately, there's a monster lurking inside who sweats on my defences coming down so it is far better to just swear off it altogether. Of course this is most unAustralian - [i]never trust a man who doesn't drink[/i]. Equally, as an aging bachelor with no progeny and no religion I have very little time for Christmas and to be honest I can't wait for it to be all over. Not that I begrudge the institution or what it means for others. Each to their own. But there should be a law against Christmas carols in supermarkets and other places of entrapment. Sorry I didn't buy into your earlier comment (the start of the avalanche) but personal duties are rather onerous at present.

TalkTurkey

15/12/2011D Mick Weir Your reply, as I predicted, tells us a good bit about you. Let me tease it out a bit, though I am feeling it will be an exercise in futility. I don't wish to bring ill-feeling to the TPS so I will write this one reply and after that you may choose truly to answer my challenge meaningfully, or not. Here we go. First I said, and you quoted: TT @ 9:18 AM [i]It seems to me an attribute of illwillians on such sites as this, commonly known as trolls, that they fail to reply cogently to direct challenges. I have challenged you D Mick Weir to state concisely and clearly what you really think wrt settling the form of processing which the Australian Government should adopt. Quite simple, [b]just explain yourself properly without BS. [/b] By your reply or by the absence therof we will know you better, which will be good for everyone.[/i] DMW said There are many responses that come to my mind Silence is Golden is but one. >Silence would in this case tend to support a suggestion that you are indeed disingenuous and bereft of the courage to explain your position. I can only guess as I did not reply instantly to your challenge your mind has already been set so any response would be futile. >Your 'only guess' is [u]wrong[/u]. I did not stipulate any time limit although obviously on this medium if you don't give us a proper answer within a few days you will have defaulted. Your response so far would seem just weaselly. You still have time to explain yourself, [i]I undertake to read it[/i], so come on D Mick Weir, do it now! As the mind of some has been set and they have chosen to ignore anything that has my Gravatar at the head there would also be no point in responding. >More weaselism. That's as insulting as it is [b]untrue[/b]. Its downright falsehood is obvious from the fact that days ago I congratulated you on the birth of your Weir-cub grandchild, (which btw was a genuinely light-hearted comment as you must know) and used your (turned-out-to-be-bogus) 'epiphany' as an example of open-mindedness. What a pity that it turned out to be an untrue stunt on your part, and an exercise in naivety on mine, convincing enough to suck in others too may I say. Of course there may be other possibilities but as you have apparently chosen not to read this far I presume it is pointless in going further >This is patently false! Obviously I have read this far, and it is due to the fact that I have read your writings over time, turgid though I often find them, and your 'epiphany' in particular, that we are having this discourse. C'est la vie >D'uh. [i]Unless[/i] you make clear your genuine position on the processing of asylum seekers, as I have challenged you to do, and having now been deliberately insulted by you, I shall feel free to confer on you an honorary new name, (in much the same way as I refer to Crisp as Limpy), using as a model the (delightfully-onomatopoeic-with-Weir) mammal to which I refer above, famously associated with emptiness of meaning. If you’re going to insult me DMW as I have never until now done unto you, well I won’t shed tears but I will be a bit sad, and I promise to give as good as I get if I can. My insults are reserved for those who have proven themselves illwillians, and you are very close to my personal judgment wrt this. Once I do tag you with that nasty nickname I will not further refer to you directly, as I do not already to Limpy Crisp and jj who are mere playthings to me. Until your next reply I have you on personal probation. This only applies to me, others may make up their own minds but all you have to do is to answer directly what I have asked, which I don’t need to reiterate. I shall not bother to reply to further replies from you re this matter, but I will read any such forthcoming with interest. Yours sincerely, (sincerely!),

D Mick Weir

15/12/2011NK, umm probably the wrong word but Cheers. I have some understandings of your situation and I do not consider it [i]un-Austalian[/i] but wise. No problem that you didn't 'buy in' it was not my intention to draw you in, however, your wisdom would have been (and still is) much appreciated. Trust your personal duties do not drag you too far into the mire. Interesting sidenote reCaptcha Voltaire

NormanK

15/12/2011Jason I freely acknowledge the 'tag team' appellation (otherwise known as having a conversation) but I can't recall where I or we have ever bullied anybody for answers to questions. You may be right that if DMW gives a succinct synopsis of where his thinking is at with regard to asylum seekers it will defuse the situation but that would also mean giving a bully what he wants - I know which option I would choose.

Jason

15/12/2011Normank, you said "but I can't recall where I or we have ever bullied anybody for answers to questions."and you're right you haven't! DMW on the other hand makes all sorts of "wild" statements,answer none of the questions put to him and it seems you have to come along a "clean up" after him. Well just maybe DMW rather than speak in "tongues" can for once just tell "us" what he thinks. There is no "right answer" he's allowed his opinion! some of us prefer "onshore processing" others prefer "offshore processing".DMW seems to like both depending on the audience.

Gravel

15/12/2011Feral Skeleton That was horrendous. I can't believe that any dentist could do what you have described. I am so sorry that you will have to suffer all through the holidays. It will make it hard for you to help your children enjoy the school holidays. Please come on here and yell and scream at us rather than your wonderful kids, although I know you would never do that to them, but sometimes feel you would like to. NormanK Thanks for those great links, haven't done much reading on the reshuffle, but will get stuck into your links sometime today. I like to read neutral stuff about politics and make up my own mind. Nas Your two comments on Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are terrifying. I do worry about how the politics of the world are going. I know we have our own terrifying maybe future here in Australia, but do worry about if the Repubs get in next year, it will have a profound effect here.

2353

15/12/2011TT, DMW & Jason, Just because someone has a differing opinion to yours, there is no need to overtake a thread (or several over the past 12 months) to bash each other over the head about it. For what it is worth, I also think that onshore processing is a better idea than offshore processing. So TT doesn't start on me (for having the hide to oppose a political tribe's policy) in my view the current system works reasonably well where health and security checks are done and then the refugees are able to be accommodated in the community. When you think that very few people that arrive here by boat end up being illegal immigrants why are we treating them more harshly than the "genuine" illegal immigrants who arrive here on a 747 and overstay their visa? The world would actually be a better place if there was no need for either on shore of offshore refugee processing - but that's not going to happen for a while. It seems that the next best option of processing those tha want to leave their "home" country in their "home" country is probably not going to happen any time soon either. The long and short of it is this - Eurpoe has millions of refugees moving around at any one time, the USA sees hundreds of thousands from Central America annually (and this figure is actually going down). People want to better themselves so whatever process is introduced offshore will not stop people risking a leaky boat (or 747) to get here as we are seen within the Asian region to be a land of opportunity. Rather than spending money on "regional" processing when someone who will risk whatever to get to Australia will do so regardless of being "resettled" in what they perceive to be a lesser country - why aren't we in the countries where the refugees come from raising the standard of living and reducing the "desire" of people to leave? That everyone in this country has an immigrant as an ancestor (ther Aboriginal people walked in 40,000 years ago - the rest of us came by boat or train over the last 200 odd - a lot of them without an invitation), why do we have the right to say to others you can't come here without an invitation?

Ad astra reply

15/12/2011Folks Once again I cannot access the Internet this morning here in central Melbourne on my computer. This message is from the iPad. So if any of you has emailed me since last night, I can't access emails at all. Fortunately, I'm returning to the south coast today, where access is easy and reliable. I'll get back to you this evening. In the meantime, during this season of goodwill, I implore you to enter into that spirit and put aside the to-ing and fro-ing that has been going on between some of you, all of you regular and respected participants here. I am not going to offer an opinion about who is in the right, as that would only aggravate the situation. Can we please call a halt to the testy discourse, and enjoy each other's company in the lead up to the Festive Season. Tomorrow I'll post the arrangements for the weeks ahead. The thread will be left open for you to comment on any topic you wish, but there will be some pieces posted for your interest and comment.

Feral Skeleton

15/12/20112353,TT,Jason, DMW & NormanK, The Asylum Seeker issue, for mine, is one in which there are no 'right' answers. There are good reasons for believeing that a well-co-ordinated Regional Solution would work for the benefit of all the countries in this region, for reasons I have outlined before. Chief among these, for mine, is that Asylum Seeker arrivals by boat tend to self-select for a limited number of groups of Asylum Seekers. The Afghans, Iranians, and Iraqis, chief among them. Not so much the Sri Lankans any more since the Tamil situation was 'resolved'. I, personally find this an objectionable situation because it disadvantages those refugees and Asylum Seekers who are unable or unwilling to get themselves a spot on a boat to Australia, in Indonesia. Such as the Chin and Karen from Burma, who, in recent history may thankfully be seeing some light at the end of a dark Myanmar tunnel; and refugees from the strife-torn States of Africa, though even that appears to have settled somewhat since the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco, plus the creation of the State of South Sudan. Even Somalia has gone quiet recently for some reason. Nevertheless, my general point still stands. I think it is wrong that People Traffickers should be allowed to game our system of seetlement of Asylum Seekers. Therefore I support a more orderly system, which I believed the Bali Process to be a serious attempt at instituting. Plus, I hate seeing people die on their way to Australia for whatever reason. Better they be processed by DIMIA before they get on a boat, in the regiion, with the co-operation of the regional countries who are/were willing to participate. I think that many on the 'Bleeding Heart' end of the spectrum of opinion on this issue are wilfully overlooking much that makes sense wrt the Bali Process, and have got hung up on this outmoded concept of 'Suffer the little refugees who ome here on a leaky boat'. The 'Poor, tired, huddled masses' on a boat being pitched and tossed on the sea as they float, unwanted, from unwelcoming country to unwelcoming country, as the Jews did after the Second World War, and which memory, and sense of White Man's Guilt is still being played like a violin by subsequent waves of boat-borne refugees. When in actual fact, the situation now is more akin to a well-oiled travel agency run out of Indonesia. And I resent being played for a rube by these people. Now, on the other side of the equation, simply, I agree that, if they happen to get here anyway, we should treat them with respect, put them in places similar to the one at Inverbarckie, give them their Bridging Visas, after Health and Security checks have been thoroughly done, and hope like hell that one or more of them are the next Einstein, or Bill Gates, who will be able to help keep the Australian Economy afloat in the 21st Century, but not the next Osama Bin Laden. Now, that's as straightforward as I can be. I would have hoped that D Mick Weir couuld have been as straight, or will be as straight, with us here about his true feelings. We are unable to bite his head off, via the internet, and he is always free to take his bat and ball and go play elsewhere. Just, as I said, I hate being played as a rube.

2353

15/12/2011FS - well said. I just wonder if "main cabin" on some airlines into Australia is any better than a leaky boat :D . Seriously you're right, the ones committing the real crime here are the people smuggles that seem to be able to source the boats and people to make the trip from Indonesia, make (you would assume if the figures quoted are correct) obscene profits and seem to operate with impunity.

D Mick Weir

15/12/2011Hi Ad, thankyou for your paternal guidance @ 11:08 AM (and I use 'paternal' in the kindest and complimentary way). To those who believe I was conning or in any way taking the mickey out of people here I assure I was not. There was no intention in any way to trick anyone. To any I have offended I apologise. 2353, yes it does get tedious when people hog screen space. For that in particular I apologise and will make my best efforts to not re-offend. FS @ 11:17 AM, As I don't 'own' the bat and ball we play with here I assure you I will not steal them and take them home. I will continue to bowl some up and bat some away as and when. My last word on that dreaded subject is that I think a fair reading of what you wrote and what I wrote back then would show there are very many similarities. There may be differences between us on causes and effects and the words we chose to state our views but they are not that far apart. Here endeth my comments at this place on that topic.

TalkTurkey

15/12/20112353 said . . . ther Aboriginal people walked in 40,000 years ago - the rest of us came by boat or train . . . What was it Sam Kekovitch liked to say . . . ? :) http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=trains%20and%20boats%20and%20planes%20youtube&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CCgQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3De2jD8NbChGc&ei=ln3pTsHpIuWdiAev5MSgBw&usg=AFQjCNEcCjn4wXAVbwaplqLXhc9U3GrWHA

Feral Skeleton

15/12/2011Where Acerbic Conehead goes, Tim Dunlop has followed in his footsteps(but he will never be as good as Mixmaster AcerbicC.): http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3732114.html

2353

15/12/2011DMW - apology accepted but not required. All of us at times get worked up on a topic at times - my first contribution on this topic was 5 paragraphs as well. While FS's contribution was 3 paragraphs - one of them was reaaaalllly long :D. I'll also give myself an uppercut and speak to myself severely over the boats and trains comment. To my knowledge there isn't a train line that crosses an international boundary and enters Australia. While I'd think about doing it - I suspect most people would enter Australia by boat or [b][i]plane[/b][/i] - which is what I intended to say.

Feral Skeleton

15/12/20112353, You've just got trains on the brain. :D

Michael

15/12/2011Well, didn't Channel Nine's 6 O'Clock News cover themselves with glory tonight? Open proceedings with dollars and cents details of prospective payrises for the PM, Labor Government ministers and backbenchers, without a word about Coalition members of parliament receiving commensurate payrises. If you didn't know, and Channel Nine sure wasn't going to tell you, only Labor politicians received the pay increases. Sheer bastardry, only compounded by their slanted coverage of the water-whiners of Griffith going off about 'losing their' water. Anyone downstream from them can go to buggery, it seems. True 'dinky-di what's in it for me I'm all right Jack screw the other guy Aussies'. And their cheered on cheerleader on site? Tight-knickers himself, "who hid the 8 ball?", Tiny Abbott, hero of the people, Putin Down Under, and the Man Who Will One Day Realise... "They don't really love me at all", a Ceausescu moment I know for sure I will see.

Feral Skeleton

15/12/2011D Mick Weir, I thought we were all in possession of our own personal bat and ball here and that we could up stumps and take our bat and ball home whenever we felt like it. That's the beauty of internet blogs. :)

Ad astra reply

15/12/2011Folks I'm back at the south coast and can now easily access the Internet. I enjoyed reading your posts and found Tim Dunlop's satire amusing FS. You are right Michael - so long as the Griffith irrigators do not lose a drop of water, to hell with the rest of the river and all the towns downstream, and who cares about wetlands anyway! And they are self-centred enough to be deluded into thinking that Tiny Abbott will fix everything for them. He opportunistically gatecrashes, tells them he is on their side to their cheers and a standing ovation, but makes no mention of how he would manage the Murray Darling. Why - because he hasn't the foggiest idea, and doesn't really care so long as he garners a few votes. What's new!!!

D Mick Weir

15/12/2011FS, maybe it is sorta a glass half full/empty sort of thing. Now you have said it that way I take your point. While at the end of the day I will draw stumps I will leave the bat and ball in play Ouch my brain is straining with the possible metaphors on this :)

2353

15/12/2011Changing the subject completely, the Digital Christmas Story -> http://www.flixxy.com/digital-christmas-story.htm#.TubbPNLu3s8.facebook Some people have way to much time on their hands - and are very creative.

NormanK

15/12/2011For anyone who is interested in reading Tony Abbott's full speech to the meeting in Griffith, a link is provided below. If you don't have the stomach for it let me point out that it is another of his 'loaves and fishes' speeches. He will cure all of the ills of the Murray-Darling system without upsetting anybody, presumably by causing water to magically appear at the headwaters. I suspect his real plan is too take 'direct action' and pay the irrigators to consume less water. In brief Mr Abbott believes that this is a bad plan from a bad government who only ever formulate bad policies. Of more interest to me in this speech (given that it was light on detail compared with the four and a half hours that the Murray Darling Basin Authority chairman Craig Knowles and the Federal Water Minister Tony Burke spent fielding questions and explaining details of the proposal) was the gracious acknowledgement that Mr Abbott gave to those two gentlemen. [quote]Now, I want to say finally, in conclusion, Craig[/quote] {Knowles}[quote], you’ve got a very hard job. I know you will discharge it to the best of your ability. Tony[/quote] {Bourke}[quote], you’ve got a difficult job too and I want to say good on you for having the guts to turn up today. Please, you’ve got to respect a bloke who is prepared to turn up and face what he knows is going to be a hostile audience. So I think you’ve got to give your minister that much credit at least today.[/quote] I will be archiving this little speech and I look forward to Mr Abbott, a man's man after-all, having the guts to front up to some of the meetings to be held in South Australia and explaining to them why they are less deserving of water from the system. Explaining why it is that Griffith irrigators are "the best environmentalists, the best conservationists that we have" and that the water users of South Australia don't deserve the same respect. Far more likely he will attempt to offer a new set of platitudes especially tailored for that audience and in complete contradiction to what he has said elsewhere. If he turns up - and he won't because he's gutless. http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/tony-abbotts-address-to-the-basin-plan-meeting/2394241.aspx?storypage=0

NormanK

15/12/20112353 That video was fantastic!

Michael

16/12/2011http://www.smh.com.au/national/labor-wrong-in-qantas-row-says-keating-20111216-1oxcb.html In which Paul Keating shows as much consideration for the traveling public as Alan Joyce. 'Use them as pawns'. When did good government become a game of ping-pong with citizens as disposable balls?

2353

16/12/2011While the way Alan Joyce pulled the plug on people travelling was arrogant to say the least, in the medium to long term I don't think it was really an issue. At the time Qantas grounded itself, it wasn't in dispute with it's domestic pilots anyway so what was the justification? Virgin Oz had some arrangements in place to upgauge domestic flights through leasing planes from alliance partners for their overseas network - for example Air New Zealand has a few spare 747's sitting in New Zealand - allowing Virgin Oz to fly their 777's (that usually fly to the US) between capital cities and cascading 737s onto their other routes. There is plenty of opportunity for other airlines such as Etihad (who also has arrangements with Virgin) to use spare capacity on domestic hops. Various overseas airlines have planes parked in the Capital Cities for extended periods before returning "home" every day. Virgin Oz would have got some good publicity and the business travellers would have got a taste of Virgin's 777 - which is a really nice way to fly even in "economy". Virgin management proved they can react quickly once before - when Ansett went broke, they surely would have won some permanent market share out of Joyce's actions. About the only real problem would have been places where Qantas mainline runs the only commercial service - and the only one I can think of in Queensland is Brisbane - Mt Isa (and having said that Rex, Airtrans, AirNorth, Qantaslink, Queensland Rail & Greyhound all serve Mt Isa from various places anyway). Keating's probably right - Gillard pulled Qantas out of a hole caused entirely by Qantas Management who obviously didn't think the problem through. I suspect Qantas was awaiting a "big bad union" backlash for support - which never really came. It's a shame that they really weren't called out on it.

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011NormanK, I absolutely agree with everything you have said about Tony Abbott's appearance in Griffith yesterday. A few points of my own: * As the ABC voice-over guy said during the 7PM News last night, "You could tell who was the most popular person in the room at the meeting in Griffith"(doing his publicity for him as usual), I thought to myself, "You could tell who was the most populist person in the room at the Griffith meeting today". And you are right when you say that he is using these opportunities for exposure around the country, not to offer an alternative solution to whatever issue is on the political agenda, but to trawl for votes. The impression he wants to leave, with his smoke and mirrors speeches, is one of, 'I'm your man'. Despite the obvious conclusion drawn by the clear-eyed and not the misty-eyed, that he actually has no concrete plans at all. Other than 'Business as usual'. Which the greedy irrigators in Griffith are now, since the drought broke and there is enough water for all the length and breadth of the Murray/Darling/Murrumbidgee system, negligently seeking to take advantage of. And Tony Abbott is taking full political advantage of. As is his wont. He doesn't care about the environment. It can't vote. He doesn't care about the traditional job description for a politician, that of seeking to offer solutions for the problems that the country faces, and plans to take the country forward. Let me tell you, and as I have highlighted before, ever since Tony Abbott's realisation that he could achieve more out of the Catholic Seminary wrt changing the society in which he lives, along his narrow ideological lines, than in, he has been singularly focussed on this goal. * Also, I think you'll find that the few words of 'comfort' proffered to Craig Knowles and Tony Bourke, were Tony Abbott trying to be positive, after his 'Year of Negativity'. See? He's not all bad! (Easy stomach!). Plus, it has overtones of his patronising the 2 men, as only the 'true' leader of the country, in exile until he can finagle his way back into power, should behave towards lesser beings further down on the rungs of the 'Ladder of Opportunity' and the pecking order. What a piece of work is that man. You know I'm not religious, but there was a theory about in the Catholic Religion when I was growing up and they were trying their best to brainwash me, that the Antichrist had been born in 1958(I don't know why 1958, but there you go), and he would come among us, and clothe himself in the vestments of the Church and speak with a silver tongue and attempt to lead us down the garden path away from the path of righteousness towards a path that would lead to God's Earth's destruction. With Tony Abbott, a lot of those dots fall into line. Not that I'm religious or anything. I guess I'm just cutting my cloth to suit the wearer. :D

Feral Skeleton

16/12/20112353, Yes, that video was soooo cute! :D

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011Seeing as how 2353 has set the tone for the day, here's one Xmas-themed collection back at you all: http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2011/11/department-store-windows-slideshow-201111#slide=1

Feral Skeleton

16/12/20112353, Wrt the 'big bad bosses' being called out on their duplicitous behaviour, I think you'll see a lot more of it next year as IR comes to the fore again. They've obviously been buidling up to a fight with the government, and I think now, with Bill Shorten in the hot seat, they'll get one in return. Not what they were expecting at all from Chris Evans. I note that POAG and the Unions pulled their heads in pdq this week. Also I have noticed the government's messaging getting honed to a sharper point since November 1st when John McTiernan took over these things. :) Tony Abbott may not now have the field to himself anymore, when it comes to cut-through messages. :D

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011NormanK, Sorry to hear about the pressing issues which have been drawing you away from TPS. You have been much missed. However, you are not alone, and I hope this provides some weird sort of comfort to you that, at Xmas, weird things seem to happen to lots of us. Try having to cope with the fact that you have been told by Centrelink that you are not eligible for an income coming into Xmas. So you, all of a sudden, won't be able to pay the rent on the house you have been bringing your disabled child up in for the last 15 years because he has been changed to be not 'disabled enough' anymore by the points counters at Centrelink Carers Team HQ. Simple as that. So no money for rent, no money for food, no money for presents, no money for bills, no money for the petrol needed to get around in the car. Only ~$100/week for each child in Youth Allowance payments. And, to top it all of, now that I have been deemed ineleigible for assistance, I am no longer eleigible for Concessiional treatment by the Dentist, or the Doctor, or the Pharmacy. I have to pay full price for everything with no to very little money, for all the medication and treatment we need on an ongoing basis. Nor could I have applied for any other form of payment until the Carer determination was finalised, otherwise the determination process would have been suspended. So I had to wait until I knkew my fate before I could move ahead in another direction. Luckily, I had just paid my electricity bill and my landlord has said I can stay in my house and pay the back rent to him down the line. So, if I disappear from here after Xmas it's because I haven't been able to pay my telephone and internet bill. Until then though, it's the cheapest entertaining distraction I and the children have got. :) The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ brings with it no joy for me and my family.

Gravel

16/12/2011For a country that is in "debt and deficit", may I say going to the shops Wednesday and very early this morning, that not many people seem to be too fazed about it. For all the whinging and whining, life is looking pretty good going by the shoppers in the stores. My little whinge, is the money that will be raised by Faileau in putting up rego fees, going to be put into improving roads, or will it be used to buy votes at the next election?

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011Gravel, Mr Faillieu said, "There will be no Public Servant sackings under a government I lead." :D

2353

16/12/2011FS - appeal it NOW. Why is it the the welfare deserving always get screwed by the welfare scamming? I'll look at your video later. Gravel - you're right, I was talking to a local service provider who claims he was around 10% down for the year - all of it attributable to the floods at the beginning of the year. Gillard's job for the next year is to repeat the mantra that we've never had it so good. Poss can find the evidence - imagine what the Government could do with access to all the data. Hopefully the reshuffle got some communicators into the media.

Feral Skeleton

16/12/20112353, I have already been told I can appeal but that I don't have enough points to qualify and that my appeal would likely be unsuccessful. Basically it's based upon the fact that my doctor has attested to the fact that because my son is no longer needing me to feed him, clothe him and bathe him every day, he is not 'disabled enough' to qualify. So much for spending one's time trying to teach them how to do these things for themselves so as to give them a skerrick of human dignity. :( Anyway, I am moving on to try and pull things together in some other way for us, if possible.

D Mick Weir

16/12/2011my favourite tweet laugh for today: [i]'He was despised and rejected'. More ALP leadership tensions? No just another plug for The Messiah tomorrow night, Llewellyn Hall. Ticketek[/i] tweeted by @latingle Laura Tingle who if I am not mistaken has a major part in the chorus line for the show.

D Mick Weir

16/12/2011Hi FS sad to hear of your situation. When I was in similar circs once I put pride aside I found Vinnies to be most supportive and helpful.

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011DMW, Am waiting for StVdeP to turn up right now. At least I have a roof over my head, and electricity. :)

NormanK

16/12/2011Feral Skeleton Sorry to hear about your altered circumstances. Good news for your son's self-esteem though, to be told that he is more able-bodied than was previously the case. I'm sure you will be able to find a way forward. I recommend a rich Sugar Daddy who perhaps doesn't require too much sugar. :) Touch wood, my little crisis has passed its peak and things will calm down once again.

Gravel

16/12/2011Feral Skeleton I don't know what to say. I know you are adaptive and resourceful so I am sure you will find a way to manage. You do your best, help your children, get them independent to a degree, and I sure your son still needs lots of help, then they pull the plug. It is disgusting. My thoughts are with you and please let us know how you are doing.

Casablanca

16/12/2011Not drowning, waving Rob Oakeshott still has a lot he wants to get done, he tells Peter Browne 16 December 2011 http://inside.org.au/not-drowning-waving/ [i]Facing his fifteenth anniversary as an MP, Oakeshott seems ambivalent but undaunted. “It is an absolute privilege to see the very best, but there’s also the very worst of human nature,” he says. “There are not too many jobs that allow you to see that. The attraction is the very best, but there’s a shock in the very worst, and that still pulls me up – particularly in the last twelve months. Some of the stuff I’ve either seen or been subject to really surprises me about how humans deal with each other. Some of the media stuff, you just think, oh God, this is shameless, it really is shameless and for no gain… But I have confidence that our systems of government in Australia are good and do deliver. There are a few warts on them but we live in a good country at a good time.” [/i]

Jason

16/12/2011British-born author and journalist Christopher Hitchens, notable for his fiery wit, contrarian politics and hard living lifestyle, has died at the age of 62, his magazine Vanity Fair reports. The heavy smoker and drinker had been undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer last year, shortly after publishing his memoir Hitch-22. Hitchens, who lived in Washington DC, became an American citizen in 2007 but retained his British citizenship. In 2008, the former war correspondent reached prominence - and for some, notoriety - for his book God Is Not Great, in which he decried religious belief. Vanity Fair reports he died in the presence of friends at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-16/christopher-hitchens-dead-at-62/3735580?section=entertainment

Ad astra reply

16/12/2011FS You are in an awkward situation. While some Centrelink staff may be unhelpful, one who seems always prepared to help is the General Manager, Hank Jongen. He often comes onto ABC radio and always gives informative answers. His email address is hank@centrelink.gov.au An alternative is to approach the Commonwealth Ombudsman Enquiries 9am - 5 pm Monday to Friday Phone 1300 362 072 (local call charge) Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au There must be someone who can help you through this awful predicament with sensible advice. I hope you soon get some comfort from those who ought to be able to help.

Casablanca

16/12/2011[b]CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS DEAD [/b] [i]British-born author and journalist Christopher Hitchens, notable for his fiery wit, contrarian politics and hard living lifestyle, has died at the age of 62, his magazine Vanity Fair reports. [/i] December 16, 2011 - 4:40PM http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/christopher-hitchens-dead-20111216-1oyc4.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-16/christopher-hitchens-dead-at-62/3735580?WT.svl=news0

Casablanca

16/12/2011Jason. Apologies - I failed to refresh before posting. You got the scoop!

Casablanca

16/12/2011TWITTER - In-Memoriam-Christopher-Hitchens “http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/12/In-Memoriam-Christopher-Hitchens-19492011” Unspoken Truths By Christopher Hitchens [i]Until cancer attacked his vocal cords, the author didn’t fully appreciate what was meant by “a writer’s voice,” or the essential link between speech and prose. As a man who loved to talk, he turns to the masters of such conversation, both in history and in his own circle.[/i] http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2011/06/christopher-hitchens-unspoken-truths-201106

Ad astra reply

16/12/2011[b]Folks This is a run down on how we will manage [i]TPS[/i] over the end-of-year break. As many have requested a thread be left open, we will do that, but regular original contributions will recess until the political tempo picks up again next year. Because political speeches have been a focus of our attention recently, I felt you might be interested to browse through some recent ones, which I will post periodically beginning next Monday. To enable comparison, I will then post some from past eras that have gained celebrity status. There won’t be too much reading but I hope the speeches will be of interest. You can comment on them and on anything else that takes your fancy. FS will keep an eye on the site, as I will too, among the many other things I have planned for that period. I will not comment much at all – I’ll confine myself to just posting the speeches. Next year, we will resume usual activities around the end of January when Lyn will begin posting her links again. You will be pleased to know that Nasking has agreed to become a contributor of original material. He will focus on international affairs and in particular the US 2012 Presidential race. We welcome you Nasking to the team of authors and look forward to your contributions. As you already contribute regularly through the comments section, we know the quality of your writing. We hope that next year will be a productive one politically as the newly appointed Gillard Ministry sets out to implement its 2012 agenda. For our part, we shall continue to critique politicians and the MSM, and where appropriate put politicians, journalists and media outlets to the verbal sword. If one can judge from the spate of biased, unbalanced and often partisan writing that continues unabated to this day, sadly too often from experienced and senior journalists, there will be no shortage of material to digest and analyze critically. Every good wish for the Festive Season and the New Year to you all.[/b]

Ad astra reply

16/12/2011Jason, Casablanca What a pity it is when an outstanding intellect, such as Christopher Hitchens, dies prematurely of an avoidable illness.

Casablanca

16/12/2011The power of Newspoll in 2011 Matthew Knott. Friday, 16 December 2011 [i]Australia – arguably more than any other country – is obsessed with polls. They set the news agenda, make and break leaders and help determine which policies get implemented and which don't. [/i] [i]Newspoll was mentioned a whopping 58,744 times in the press, TV, radio and online, according to Media Monitors. [/i] http://www.thepowerindex.com.au/analysis/the-power-of-newspoll?utm_source=The+Power+Index&utm_campaign=474f0687b0-The_Power_Daily_16_Dec_2011&utm_medium=email

Patricia WA

16/12/2011Thanks, Casablanca, for http://inside.org.au/not-drowning-waving/ Nice to see that Rob Oakeshott doesn’t seem to be speculating about who should be running the country. Along with Tony Windsor he meets Julia Gillard, our Prime Minister, every week during Parliamentary sessions and maintains contact with her at other times. [quote]“I think everything’s a roller-coaster in any relationship, but even though polling doesn’t show it and community sentiment doesn’t show it, the prime minister’s got some very impressive skills. There wouldn’t be too many individuals who could handle this situation, and she’s handling it.” [/quote] I'll be pasting that wherever I get the chance. I

2353

16/12/2011[quote]You will be pleased to know that Nasking has agreed to become a contributor of original material. He will focus on international affairs and in particular the US 2012 Presidential race. We welcome you Nasking to the team of authors and look forward to your contributions.[/quote] Woohoo!

nasking

16/12/2011[quote]Every good wish for the Festive Season and the New Year to you all. [/quote] Ad, the same to you and your family. Thanks for the opportunity to contribute to this most wonderful blog. I look forward to working alongside Lyn, Feral/Hillbilly Skeleton, Acerbic Conehead & your good self. 2012 should be an exciting year...not only do we have the American elections...the 18th Party Congress in China will see significant changes in leadership with Party Secretary Hu Jintao expected to step down and many others to make way for the [i]fifth generation[/i] born during the late 40s & 50s. I just finished watching a BBC [i]Horizons[/i] episode based on China's brands & manufacturing that revealed the move towards producing high-end, luxury goods of the most incredible quality, evoking memories of China's complex and glorious past...domestic demand has increased significantly the last few years due to the increase in wealthy local consumers: [quote]With a population of 1.34 billion, China is the most populated country on the planet, and an increasing number of people there are very rich. In 2008, there were 1.6 millionaires in China - that's expected to rise to 4.4 million by 2015. China has overtaken the USA to become the second largest luxury goods market in the world after Japan.[/quote] http://www.horizonsbusiness.com/episode/show/episode/33#playlist As mentioned in the show, the promotion of such goods has been hindered by the global perception that China is a producer of cheap goods...but learning from the likes of Japan, these new nation proud entrepreneurs are persevering and finding the gaps in both local & overseas markets...some producers are identifying their brands as made in Shanghai in order to appeal. Going by what I saw I predict this transition will be successful...and our view of Chinese consumer items might change radically a couple of decades from now. Certainly focus on more affordable goods will incrementally shift to some African nations...and possibly Vietnam & Cambodia...and other Asian countries. Myanmar is a place to watch. I will explore the impact on these countries of consumer & business demand, resources & political transition/tensions. As TIME magazine has aptly named 'The Protester' as [i]Person of the Year for 2011[/i] I will continue to examine the tremors of such on various countries & elections...and judge how effective the recent [i]Occupy Movement[/i] is on American politics & policy formation. As the Iranian situation continues to simmer...as does the tensions between some in the Israeli & Palestinian camps as the latter attempts to achieve [i]free and sovereign nation status[/i] by way of a passionate campaign both on the ground and thru the UN...the Syrian regime finds itself more distanced from its Arab neighbours due to its abuse of its citizenry...and Saudi Arabia & the Gulf States move gradually towards liberal democracy...it will be interesting to explore this region...particularly with America pulling out of Iraq...downsizing in Afghanistan...the effects of the [i]Arab Spring[/i] movement... and if all of this will see the re-emergence of Pan-Arabism...with strong, bold leadership motivated by young folk determined to promote wider, secular education based on their historical achievements and connections to social network sites and American/UK/European universities...creating a variety of jobs & industries in order to attempt to become the new manufacturing, tourism hub....rivalling Asian regions. Obviously mega-countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, Pakistan & India cannot be ignored...and the trials & tribulations of disaster-struck Japan. Nor can the influence of Reaganomics on present day problems and cultural expectations in America...and across the globe...I intend to scrutinise the Reagan myths... and recommend the following doco that looks at the progenitors of the GFC: [b]INSIDE JOB[/b] Official Trailer in HD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzrBurlJUNk I do believe the GFC & bailouts will continue to impact America...and play an important role in the upcoming election...as will the state of the EU & the UK...and America's hotcold relationships with China & Mexico. Lastly, it will be fun to look at some of the 2012 end of the world, doomsday scenarios...and do a wee bit of debunking. Like I said, it should be an interesting & exciting year. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays...and a relaxing New Years. You're going to need it. :) Cheers N'

nasking

16/12/2011Cheers 2353, I look forward to your contributions...well thought out & insightful. And another QLDer. :) [quote]In-Memoriam-Christopher-Hitchens [/quote] How sad. Christopher had an amazing mind...and like most great thinkers proved to be both controversial...and of great humour. He will be missed. Thankfully we have his books, interviews & many other contributions to mull over...and learn from. N'

NormanK

16/12/2011Mr Denmore's latest - his own media awards. [b]The Right Stuff - The FEIJOA Awards, 2011[/b] by Mr Denmore Failed Estate [quote]But amid all the press release churnalism and he-said-she-said stenography and feeding of a relentless 24/7 cycle and low-cost opinionating and manufactured culture wars and dial-up controversy, some great journalism still finds its way through the cracks of the crumbling edifice of the MSM. ************************************ ..... here are the inaugural annual Failed Estate International Journalism Awards (The FEIJOAs) for 2011:[/quote] http://thefailedestate.blogspot.com/2011/12/right-stuff-feijoa-awards-2011.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheFailedEstate+%28The+Failed+Estate%29

D Mick Weir

16/12/2011A couple of links for weekend reading Peter Brent (@mumbletwits) has an interesting post today [b]Is Abbott popular?[/b] Mumble Blog http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/mumble/index.php/theaustralian/comments/abbotts_popularity/ [i]It’s the chant of conservative media commentators: lefty elites who hang out in inner-city cafes don’t understand how real, everyday Australians think. There is some truth to this. Some folks do seem to believe that within every Australian breast beats a Greens-voting heart waiting to be self-reconciled and set free. But many conservative commentators are guilty of the same, also living cloistered lives, in leafy streets. They too see their fellow Australians as they want to see them.[/i] Interesting read with a very bold prediction to finish off the article with a flourish. [b]The Right Stuff - The FEIJOA Awards, 2011[/b] Mr Denmore @THeFailedEstate http://thefailedestate.blogspot.com/2011/12/right-stuff-feijoa-awards-2011.html [i]Good journalism these days tends to get done despite rather than because of the institutions that support it. ... amid all the press release churnalism and he-said-she-said stenography and feeding of a relentless 24/7 cycle and low-cost opinionating and manufactured culture wars and dial-up controversy, some great journalism still finds its way through the cracks of the crumbling edifice of the MSM.[/i] Mr Denmore doesn't end with a bold prediction but does make comment that is worth remembering as we jump to the keyboard to bag another journo.

D Mick Weir

16/12/2011NK snap :)

NormanK

16/12/2011Nasking Welcome aboard the [i]TPS[/i] Express! I'll save the balloons and streamers for your first offering which I look forward to with great anticipation.

D Mick Weir

16/12/2011... and from the [i]Know Thy Enemy[/i] files a very interesting read from Ben Eltham @NewMatilda [b]The Liberal Way Forward[/b] http://newmatilda.com/2011/12/16/liberal-way-forward [i]The Libs are the healthiest political party in the country, no question. Just what do they stand for? Ben Eltham ends the year by putting Abbott and co under the microscope Whither the modern Liberal Party? Australia’s key conservative political party has now been out of power federally for four years. For much of that time it has struggled to come to terms with its opposition status.[/i]

NormanK

16/12/2011Ad astra Thanks very much for leaving the site open over the 'off-season'. A series of speeches sounds entertaining. Hopefully we will have something to discuss that doesn't involve Kevin Rudd's supposed leadership ambitions - I can't believe how long the hacks are trying to keep the idea alive. Even if it's true I don't want a second by second account of who might be doing what when. Their obsession is embarrassing.

nasking

16/12/2011Norman & DMW, this from Mr. Denmore's post: [quote]Sri Lanka's Killing Fields - Channel Four via ABC Four Corners: Not an Australian production, but bravely aired on our own Four Corners, this terrifying piece of current affairs television exposed the bloody final weeks of the quarter century war between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamir Tiger secessionists. The awful, uncensored images brought home more than anything I have ever seen the capacity for human beings to descend into barbarism. When we talk about journalism that pulls no punches, this is it.[/quote] I couldn't agree more. Let's hope we see some results on the [i]war crimes[/i] judicial front... I linked to a Christiane Amanpour site back in 2010 with a vid that revealed some of the grotesque crimes committed in this somewhat genocidal episode in Sri Lanka's history...the Four Corners' episode helped to bring the issue more to Australians' attention. Thnx for the link. N'

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011I'm back! We will have food for Christmas. :) Also, I am lucky to have around me friends who have my/my family's best interests at heart. So, don't worry I'll probably be able to muddle through somehow. I just have to apply for another type of payment but it all takes time. Anyway, my friends are on to my case with alacrity and the seedlings for the new veggie garden have already been delivered. All we have to do is dig up the ground and plant them tomorrow. Free entertainment! :)

nasking

16/12/2011Many thnx Norman. I expect your contributions to be thoroughly worth reading being a knowledgeable, balanced & wise character. I look forward to your ongoing participation...you are indeed an asset to this site. I dig balloons that come in a range of colours. :) N'

D Mick Weir

16/12/2011Hi Nasking, one of the joys I had while OS was watching Christiane Amanpour reporting. Brave woman who introduced me to many wonders including an incredible story about Greg Mortenson. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Mortenson Anybody stuck for some christmas reading would do themselves a big favour reading [i]Three Cups of Tea[/i] and/or [i]Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan.[/i]

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011Thank you to all my friends here too. :)

nasking

16/12/2011[quote]Basically it's based upon the fact that my doctor has attested to the fact that because my son is no longer needing me to feed him, clothe him and bathe him every day, he is not 'disabled enough' to qualify. So much for spending one's time trying to teach them how to do these things for themselves so as to give them a skerrick of human dignity.[/quote] Feral, Sorry to hear about your predicament. I hope things work out better for you...you are a valuable contributor to this blog and are cherished. I know you are a resourceful person and will find a way to a better future. Your present sad situation provides us all with a cautionary tale...as the economy wobbles world-wide...and banks & governments look to tightening the purse strings and fiscal prudence, we can be sure that too many will fall thru the gaps. It is why we alternative/independent blogs need to remain the voice of the underprivileged & dispossessed...and continue to aplly pressure to politicians, corporations, agencies and the mainstream media...so we might have a [i]fairer[/i] future. N'

nasking

16/12/2011[quote]I'm back! We will have food for Christmas.[/quote] Excellent Feral! Good to hear/read. The Beatles - With A Little Help From My Friends http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBDF04fQKtQ One of my fave albums. N'

nasking

16/12/2011DMW, thnx for the Greg Mortenson link...absolutely marvellous accomplishments: [quote]According to op-ed columnist and friend of Mortenson's, Nicholas D. Kristof, the schools built by CAI have local support and have been able to avoid retribution by the Taliban and other groups opposed to girls' education because of community "buy-in", which involves getting villages to donate land, subsidized or free labor ("sweat equity"), wood and resources. Mortenson is the current executive director of Central Asia Institute. As of 2010, CAI reports it has established or significantly supported 171 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing education to over 64,000 children, including 54,000 girls, where few education opportunities previously existed.[/quote] Great to read some positive news from this area. We've given to this organisation: Mahboba's Promise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahboba%27s_Promise and: http://www.mahbobaspromise.org/ Cheers N'

Feral Skeleton

16/12/2011Not a bad shake for the PM from Phillip Hudson(I always thought he had respect for her, maybe grudging): http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/its-been-a-tough-year-but-ill-keep-fighting/story-fn7x8me2-1226224421266

nasking

16/12/2011[b]Feral[/b], thnx for the link to: [quote]Smelling Blood In The Water Team Obama Goes In For The Kill On Mitt Romney[/quote] If Romney survives the Patton-like surge of Gingrich, I suspect he will, I believe he will give Obama a run for his money. I will go into the details in late January. [quote]I know we have our own terrifying maybe future here in Australia, but do worry about if the Repubs get in next year, it will have a profound effect here. [/quote] [b]Gravel[/b], Indeed. Particularly if Gingrich gets in...I found his aggressive comments at the Fox News debate related to impeaching & getting rid of "activist judges" quite chilling today. So much for the separation of church & state. Starting the Republican campaign in Iowa oft brings out the loopy extremist & highly intrusive side of the politicians due to the percentage of conservative evangelicals voting in the caucuses: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_caucuses [b]Okay, I'm off for the night. Time for a red wine and some Lewis....or perhaps Wake up in Fright. And checking out my new Kindle. Need to find some books to download. I'll be at my Mum's tomorrow...so probably can't hit this site again until Sunday.[/b] Cheers N'

nasking

17/12/2011[quote]So much for the separation of church & state.[/quote] Make that judicial system & state. N'

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011Nasking, Thanks for the timely musical reminder about 'Friends'. Hey, you know what? They are already talking about POTUS/VPOTUS combos! Of course, there's the obvious Romney/Gingrich or Gingrich/Romney match-up. However, that would be crazier than a barrell full of monkeys. Too much ego for one barrell! Santorum evn gets a look in for his ability to hang in there for so long, as anyone's VP Running Mate(plus he has that ideal dough-boy look with the perfect Ken doll hair & appeals to the Kool Aid Party, er, Tea Party). Interestingly a Romney/Nikki Haley combo is gaining legs, as she's the less looney Sarah Palin in the Repug Party. Finally, if Ron Paul wins the Caucuses, and becomes the Nominee, all bets are off! He'd probably just go for the Paul/Paul ticket, in case he drops off the twig in Office. He'd want a reliable proxy, and no one better than the person you have created in your mould. :)

2353

17/12/2011IN this morning's NoNews papers -> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world/guardian-sexed-up-phone-hacking-scandal/story-e6freoox-1226221839831. Which is claiming The Guardian exaggerated the phone hacking claims so therefore it is untrustworthy. My comment on the article (bet it's never published) is that the article - a full page in the Curious Snail - is similar to admitting rape on the justification that the victim enjoyed it. In happier news - Mike Carlton announces his whinger or the year with some interesting runners up here (a lot of them being LNP politicians -> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/politics/to-those-who-put-a-whine-in-our-strine-20111216-1oyir.html. Also a quick bouquet for Queensland Rail who have been running a "Santa Express" (stopping all stations) around South East Queensland for the past week using one of the new trains, suitably decorated, to transport a Santa, Santa's helper and lots of happy small kids (including my pair) who were given free instant photos of themselves with Santa. The cost to my family - a normal train fare. The best news I have read this morning is that there is a light at the end of the Centrelink tunnel for Feral who also seems to have a good support network to help tide her over this holiday period. Hope everyone's weekend is a good one.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011NormanK, The 'leadership speculation' is all the media have got. They can't criticise the amount, or lack thereof, of legislation that was passed by the Gillard government in one parliamentary year. It was massive, and would put the Sheltered Workshop that is the Coalition, to shame if any objective comparison was done between this government, and either the Rudd government, or the last Coalition government. They tried throwing all the personal mud they thought would stick and break her psychologically. Everything from Tim Mathieson is a beard/Gay Hairdresser who has agreed to live the high life as her 'Walker'(and I'm surprised the Repuglicans haven't whispered that one in the Coalition/media's ear to poison the information stream with), to vile and repugnant commentary about her clothes, her voice and her body. Especially fromno-mark younger reporters whose only distinguishing feature is the amount of bile they were born with which feeds their sharp, disrespectful tongues. The poster boy for A Political Clockwork Orange, Tony Abbott, hasn't been able to frustrate her legislative agenda. He has tried to verbally rape her, multiple times, as I said in the post above, but she has remained demure and undefiled by his attacks. Sure, they are appealing to the 'Vile' Kyle Sandilands demographic, which is being encouraged at the younger end of the community by the man himself, and at the frazzled brain-cell end of the demographic, by raging Queens of the Radio Stone Age. Even the usually sensible middle is being caught up in this maelstrom of malevolency because it is all around them wherever they turn for a bit of information. They get the chain e-mails which the Conservative Capitalism machine churns out relentlessly, not based on an objective reading of the situation, but a carefully-crafted distortion, seemingly believable. Right down to the daily 'News' shows, with their sneering 'Newsreaders',when it comes to the Gillard government, or simpering proto pants-wetting, when it comes to Tony Abbott. Not only that, but they are taking whatever daily lie the Liberal Party crafts, verbatim, from the mouth of the man with the admittedly forked tongue, and replaying it to death on their so-called 'News' shows. I guess it's 'news' to hear what the daily lie is, granted, but not to give it staright-faced credibility. There is no incredulous analysis of Abbott. Or, if there is even a feeble attempt, he is allowed to just walk away from it without condemnation. Merely a mild, 'Tut tut'. Of course the Prime Minister isn't perfect either. And I am not claiming that she is. She has made a few bloopers lately that are already coming back to haunt her. However, that's the point. The media have nothing else but a few mistakes borne of exhaustion at the tail-end of a roller-coaster of a year to attempt to flay her with(or continue to flay her with, more likely), and they are using this absolute confection of a Kevin Rudd revival as there chosen artifice. Because all else has failed. And because they are failures at the craft of objective journalism. 'Fair and Balanced' truly is THE Orwellian term of the 21st century. Capitalism wants it's government back and it's prepared, with it's political proxies, to do and say anything against Progressive, egalitarian parties to get it back. Right down to convincing the electorate to vote against their best interests.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011And, yes, I should use that 'Preview' button to check my spelling and punctuation etc. :$

Ad astra reply

17/12/2011FS We are so glad to read that things are improving at your place. Real friends are pure gold. I'll be out on the mower for several hours trying to get the place in order. I'll be back later.

BSA Bob

17/12/2011So Mike Carlton's Whinger of the Year is Tony Abbott. Really the only horse in the race. But there's plenty of other nags in the smelly stable he hails from.

Gravel

17/12/2011Feral Skeleton You are sounding more hopeful. I really hope everything works out well for you. Nas That is great news that you are going to be a contributor next year. I look forward to your analysis of the rest of the world. I know what happens elsewhere affects us in both good and bad ways. I am not going to fret over what happens in the Presidential election next year, but as I said before, it will very scary if the Repubs get in. I waste too much mental energy try to send out good vibes for Julia and the Labor party. Hopefully the revamped cabinet will come up with some good stuff. I don't know what the answer will be but there has to be one that can neuter the MSM.

NormanK

17/12/2011Feral Skeleton Feeling better, are we? :) [quote]Capitalism wants it's government back .....[/quote] That seems to be it in a nutshell. I can't begin to tell you how bored I have become with this constant evaluation of Julia Gillard. This morning we have Shaun Carney (Concern Troll) and Lenore Taylor rabbitting on with more analysis. Even if some of it is true, how much of this nonsense do we need to hear? Is there a perception out there that this is what the public wants from its political reporters? If so, they are certainly not accommodating me. This is a little bit old but is worth a read for any who may have missed it. It is necessary to point out that the author is critical of the Malaysia deal although she does concede that it could generate some positive outcomes. Although I don't always agree with her opinions or like what she says, I think she is a very credible source. [b]Playing politics in the asylum seeker debate[/b] by Susan Metcalfe The Drum [quote]But in Australia we have an opposition that doesn't care about the facts and plays the politics on asylum seekers harder and dirtier than anyone before them. The trade of Tony Abbott and his shadow immigration spokesperson, Scott Morrison, is to break down complex policies into plain English battle cries to incite fear and anger in the Australian community. Their simplistic messages are also broadcast to the so-called people smugglers, with Morrison now claiming that Australia has opened a "sea lane" for asylum seekers and Abbott suggests that we may as well have a bridge to Indonesia.[/quote] http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3726940.html

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011NormanK, Ad Astra and Gravel, Thank you for the kind thoughts. I wouldn't say things are better, just not going down the toilet quite so quickly. I'm just trying to keep my chin up and a stiff upper lip. It's not easy, but necessary. TPS helps heaps. :)

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011NormanK, Good article by Susan Metcalfe. Shame about the Conservotrolls.

Tom of Melbourne

17/12/2011[i]“attempted verbal rape..” [/i] What on earth is that? Got any specific extracts that illustrate this? Perhaps it’s a little extreme and probably particularly insensitive to actual rape victims, who have suffered significantly more trauma than a politician engaged in some low level argy bargy. Though I’ll admit that I’ve always been a fan of comments like - “a dog returning to its vomit” and “a conga line of suck holes”.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011Mr Male of Melbourne, I refer you to the last Censure Motion, in a conga line of Censure Motions, launched by Tony Abbott this parliamentary year. You might want to refer to Hansard, or to APAC video vision, or maybe just cast your mind back if you were watching Question Time yourself. There you will find the most overbearing and most verbally intimidating performance, by Mr Abbott, of the year. He stands, keening with veins bulging, as far as he can across the Despatch Box, throws the papers that constitute his putrescant excuse for a verbal volley, at the Prime Minister, and then proceeds to yell at her, in the most intimidating and verbally equivocal fashion possible, "Take it! Take it! Take it!". With each exhortation increasing in a crescendo of volume and aggressiveness. It was obvious to me that a double entendre was being employed for the misogynist set, because I wouldn't put any low act of gutter politics beyond Tony Abbott, and it implied to me nothing so much as the words of a rapist to his victim. Obviously, as a woman I have a different perspective on these things to you, Tom. However, you cannot, in all good conscience, deny me the right to my freedom of thought. Andrew Bolt believes he has the right to freely think and write whatever the hell he wants to. So why not me too? Unless you wish to place yourself in the same basket of intimidatory males as Tony Abbott et al.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011[quote]Fearing a campaign of destabilisation over summer, a Gillard supporter said: ''Kevin has to decide how many favours he wants to pay to Tony Abbott.''[/quote] Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/defiant-gillard-im-here-to-stay-20111216-1oyry.html#ixzz1gl0XX16L

jj

17/12/2011FS, If Tony Abbott did the same thing to a man would he still be a misogynist?

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011jj he would be a gay misogynist ... that thought is just to horrible to contemplate

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011did anyone else point to this article by George Megalogenis [b]Gillard and Abbott's bipartisanship on gay nuptials is based on a fallacy[/b] http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/gillard-and-abbotts-bipartisanship-on-gay-nuptials-is-based-on-a-fallacy/story-e6frgd0x-1226224350614 [i]POLITICIANS reveal their true character through whom they fear. Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott remain terrified of working families, which is why they find themselves on the same side of the aisle in the gay marriage debate and why they are prepared to trash the traditions of their respective parties to agree with one another.[/i] I've read the article three times now and I am left wondering if the debate on gay marriage is a metaphor for the banality that Australian political discourse these days.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011DMW, Is Mega George behind the infernal paywall which I refuse to give my details to? :)

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011jj, Obviously you need to look up the definition of 'misogyny'. Just as obviously, you need to look up the definition of 'misandry': the hatred or dislike of men or boys. However, Tony Abbott would never in a million years be guitly of this. He's high on philandry pheromones. :)

NormanK

17/12/2011I have for some time been intrigued by the idea of 'working families'. Just who is it that belongs in that group or (probably more easily answered) who doesn't? Rather than put up with my ill-informed musings, here is a pretty good explanation of the history of the expression and by virtue of the date of its publication, a clear indication that the expression has reached its use-by date for Labor. [b]Who are the 'working families'?[/b] by Nick Dyrenfurth On-Line Opinion 28th February 2008 [quote]In fact 'working families' is the latest in a long line of rhetorical appeals to the middle ground or swinging voters of the Australian electorate based upon the politics of grievance. As Opposition leader Howard cultivated his anti-Keating set of “Battlers”. Howard’s political hero Robert Menzies famously appealed to the “Forgotten people” in the face of post-war Labor’s alleged socialism. (Before working families Beazley unsuccessfully deployed Middle Australia.) “Battlers” and “Forgotten People” are, of course, not meant to be “battling” or “forgotten” once a leader has been in power for a while. Howard and Menzies eventually dropped such references. *********************************** The political beauty of such rhetorical appeals is that their meaning is very much in the eye of the beholder. Virtually anyone can think of themselves as battlers or as holding aspirational values or as producers. So it is with working families. Working families crosses the divides of class, age and geography. It encompasses the single income family of a white-collar manager and a double income blue-collar family. Perhaps the better question to ask is who isn’t a working family?[/quote] http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=7060 We see the latest manifestation of this phenomenon emanating from an opposition party with Abbott's use of 'forgotten families' which is equally meaningless and all-encompassing. George is hiding behind the paywall - certainly I can't get under, over or around it. I'm intrigued because it seems like a particularly stupid line of argument for Mega to be attempting. Surely serious journalists can come up with better descriptors for certain demographics and not just resort to the rhetorical nonsense propagated by politicians. 'Working families'! What a crock of meaningless blather!

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011NormanK, I think 'working families' is a supercilious reference to encourage the bigotry against those of us who have a family but are not working for a living. It allows a certain sang froid to rise up and give you the warm and fuzzies and believe that the boss hog of the nation has got your back and cares about you and yours. It allows you to feel worthy and grateful that you are being thought of every day, and when it comes to policy formulation by the Big Bwana. When, in actuality, as we saw only too clearly with Workchoices, these comforting words were a sham which lulled you into a false sense of security. Whilst at one and the same time, allowing the Big Bwana's actual ports of call for consideration of policy, ie his Mercantilist and Cargo Cult mates, to bear down upon you painfully as he whispers those soothing words into your shell-like.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011D Mick Weir, Can you cut n paste the Mega George piece? :)

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011Actual fair and balanced reporting from The Economist: http://www.economist.com/node/21541849?fsrc=scn/tw/te/ar/kyotoandout

jj

17/12/2011FS, My point is that he attacks both the men and women of the Labor team with the same amount of passion. You may not like him attacking our female pm with vigor but she wouldnt be in the job if she wasnt capable of taking it, and Abbott would be discriminating if he didnt. You can play the sexist card if you want...but Abbott is entitled to attack Gillard with force, just as he is every other male and female member of parliament (whilst debating/holding a censure motion). Weir, Never thought you to be homophobic...but there you go!

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011Hi FS got distracted with family stuff the drop the URL into Google Search still works for me but below is article in full. [i][b]POLITICIANS reveal their true character through whom they fear. Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott remain terrified of working families, which is why they find themselves on the same side of the aisle in the gay marriage debate and why they are prepared to trash the traditions of their respective parties to agree with one another.[/b] Remember it is Labor that used to bind its caucus to vote as one, while the Liberals traditionally allowed MPs to cross the floor without fear of retribution. But Gillard and Abbott have read the parliament as largely supportive of gay marriage, and the electorate as uninterested. While these two factors would normally assure reform, the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader don't trust democracy on this topic. Gillard has no choice but to have this debate, now that support for same-sex marriage is in her party's platform. To present her fallback of a conscience vote as a political win for her only makes sense if a conscience vote would have seen her opposition vindicated on the floor of the house. Tile2_28DayPass Abbott this week spared his enemy by insisting that all Coalition MPs vote with Gillard. But why would either leader reverse party rules in this way if they were confident of their argument? Interestingly, there is no evidence that gay marriage is a political loser for either side. The threat of electoral retribution is implied. Working families don't care, so if parliament considered something that wasn't on their shopping list of political grievance, they might take to the streets. But why does that necessarily follow? To the risk averse, the element of doubt is reason enough to preserve the status quo. But if both leaders think for a moment, they will recognise the absurdity of their personal bipartisanship. They are seeking to fix the result on behalf of a minority group - the working family - which has no direct stake in the debate. Minority here is used in the statistical, not the pejorative, sense. Gay rights activists and religious groups should be mutually offended that they can't put their case to parliament and have it judged on its merits. Wouldn't the churches feel better about their diminished role in Australian life if they could get a majority of MPs supporting the concept of traditional marriage in a free vote? The assumed veto of the working family raises the perennial political question of whether mainstream opinion is really a majority view or just the random electoral math of the mortgage belt. Consider the family. To give the working family its due, the household where both dad and mum have jobs has long represented the majority of couples with children under 15. But couples with dependants - whether dual or single-income, married or de facto - are not the majority of all families. In fact, even if you added sole parents to the total, the childless household is becoming more, not less, dominant over time. The latest official data released this week shows just 37 per cent of families have children under 15. In 2000, the figure was 42.5 per cent. Demographically speaking, opposition to gay marriage is more likely to come from the baby boomer couple whose children have long since left the nest. But Gillard and Abbott behave as if generations X and Y - from which the present pool of working families is drawn - are as conservative as their parents. This requires a rather unusual bending of logic. Generations X and Y were born into diversity. They boast more women than men with tertiary degrees. They form "working" families because the majority of mothers in a couple relationship are back at work when their youngest child is aged one. The majority of boomer mothers waited until their youngest child had reached six before seeking some form of paid employment. With the greatest of respect to Gillard and Abbott, they are not of generations X and Y. Their views of working families can only be imputed via the sterilised campaign walk through a pre-vetted shopping mall, or a focus group. The funny thing about this parliament is it comes closest to representing the nation's fractured sense of self, with the mining states of Queensland and Western Australia with Abbott and the two biggest states, NSW and Victoria, with Gillard. Take a deep breath, Liberal and Labor partisans, and have a good look at what sets the south apart from the north and west. The majority that best explains Australia today is birthplace. More than half the total population was either born overseas or has at least one parent who is a migrant. NSW and Victoria are the first ports of call for the non-English speakers - the Chinese, the Indians, and before them the Vietnamese, Italians, Greeks and the Dutch. WA has a higher-than-average concentration of British-born while Queensland is pulling above the odds from New Zealand. To appeal across state and cultural lines, Australian leaders today have to build coalition of interests. It was ever thus, of course, but more so today when the majority of the population has a hyphenated identity. The new Australians swing just like any other voter. The Chinese-Australians kicked John Howard out of his seat of Bennelong in 2007. Then they turned on Labor's Maxine McKew in 2010. The rub for Labor is that even if it retains its lock on the so-called ethnic vote, its primary support will continue to trend lower at election time if the Greens continue to split the inner-city white vote. The Liberals might enjoy the cosmopolitan schism to the Left, but they can't call themselves a mainstream party either if they continue to obstruct on behalf of the white baby boomer. A landlslide awaits the first side that can unite immigrant and older Australians. But the Liberals keep telling themselves they hate Malcolm Turnbull, even though he has what most politicians would kill for: cross-generational and cross-party appeal. Gay marriage might be a second-order issue, but the inability of Labor and the Liberals to deal with it without trying to rig the outcome says more about their narrow focus than it does about the diversity of the community. If it isn't such a big deal, why would Gillard and Abbott - the two least inspiring politicians of their bland generation - see it as a test of their authority? The simple answer is they have no idea, really, where the middle is on most issues. So they defer to what they think is the electorate's worst instinct and say no.[/i]

NormanK

17/12/2011Feral Skeleton The point though is that it is not just one side of politics indulging in this populist nonsense. 'Working families' belongs to Labor. They have also seen fit to buy into the 'doing it tough' mantra. It might be difficult for an 'embattled' government to try to make the case that (as Possum pointed out) living in Australia is not as bad as everyone is making it out to be. It would be refreshing to this pair of ears to hear a senior minister say "Oh, quit whining! Would you rather be in the States? Or the UK?" Never gonna happen I know but surely there is a way to go about it that doesn't alienate people. That's one of the main problems with politics today - "we mustn't upset anybody". jj I watched that particular Question Time and I was horrified by the "Take it! Take it!" chanting. True, it may be a reflection on me but my first reaction was that it had sexual overtones. Joe Hockey would never indulge in lowbrow sexual innuendo though, would he?

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011jj, It's not whether Tony Abbott attacks Julia Gillard, or any other male or female Labor MP, but the form of words and the, IMHO, sexually-implicit undertones to the attacks on her and the physical intimidation Tony Abbott employs when he does so, which make me upset.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011D Mick Weir, Thank you for that. I refuse to give Mr Murdoch and his minions my e-mail details. You never know what they might do with them. ;-) Also, I didn't think you could still do the drop and go Google thang. :)

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011NK, re we are (apparently) doing it tough. George on his latest blog (not paywalled) is asking: [b]Are we in danger of becoming a great country?[/b] http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/meganomics/index.php/theaustralian/comments/are_we_in_danger_of_becoming_a_great_country/#commentsmore Low key discussion so far but has some interesting bits. Also has a link to the publishers blurb for his forthcoming book which makes it sound like a [i]I can hardly wait for tis must read ...[/i]

Patricia WA

17/12/2011I think that Megalogenis article is load of codswallop. He gives no evidence to support his theory that either Gillard or Abbott are 'terrified of working families' on the issue of SSM. After all both are being lobbied by members to support it. Working familes of whatever political persuasion are statistically as likely as any to have in their midst a gay or lesbian son, daughter, brother, sister, niece, nephew, uncle or aunt as any other family. In what other way are Abbott and Gillard alike on the issue? They look vastly different to me. Abbott is opposed to a conscience vote on this because he is a good Catholic and obeying his Church's ruling on the issue. Julia Gillard, an atheist, wants her party to permit a conscience vote on gay marriage because she needs one herself!

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011Patricia WA, ok it is codswallop as you see it, fair enough but how do explain the apparent upside down world that sees Labor go for a free vote and the Liberals must be bound by party discipline? How is it that what is in the end a small change has become such a defining issue for both leaders. On top of that GM's contetntion that: [i]A landlslide awaits the first side that can unite immigrant and older Australians.[/i] is somethibg that is well worth considering, There are other points there that should be in the minds of any 'leader' who really wants to take this country into the future that awaits us and that we desrve. DANCING, Aboteks, wtf captcha?

jj

17/12/2011Norman K and FS, I think it must be just you. I reckon you could consider Thatcher's combative style as being in the same league as Abbott's, but that does not make her sexist. You just dont like Abbott, so you will look for anything to criticize him with, no matter how obscure. I am sure i have seen Anthony scream alot on your side shout at Bronwyn Bishop "Oh just sit down and shut up!" a few times...doesnt that make him sexist as well in your book? Or is it because you like Anthony that it is ok.

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011jj, I think you slightly misread me. The thought of TA as a gay man hater sort of is beyond comprehension and bordering on unimaginable. I guess a similar unimaginable thought would be Julia and Penny getting married but let's not go too far down that track cause we could start on a wonderous journey of [i]matches not made in heaven[/i] a few of which have already sprung to my (warped) mind.

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011I haven't read the article yet but the pic speaks volumes. Ties in with one of FS's comments earlier about capitilists wanting their govenment back. [b]When freedom is a dirty word[/b] liz_beths @LeftFlank http://left-flank.blogspot.com/2011/12/when-freedom-is-dirty-word.html

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011Well said, PatriciaWA. :) Even the coolest of journalistic heads at this time of year appear to be suffering from stress fractures due to overheated circuits as a result of a long year in the saddle, and are consequently blowing off a bit of steam. (I love mixing my metaphors ;-) )

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011A fascinating article about what goes on behind the scenes of an ongoing political campaign in the 'Spin Room': http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/17/us/politics/in-spin-room-after-iowa-debate-glimpses-into-campaigns-weak-spots.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha24

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011D Mick Weir, I think Dr Tad has lost the plot a bit too(it appears the end of the political year has gotten to a lot of us). He just called The Australian the best newspaper in Australia! I guess a newspaper can be a 'good' one, even if it's bias is atrocious and against one's own personal political perspective.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011If anyone is interested in probably the best 'obituary' to be written about Christopher Hitchens, then this one by his old friend from his Oxford days, Ian McEwan, is it: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/dec/16/christopher-hitchens-appreciation-by-ian-mcewan?CMP=twt_gu Reminds me so much of the last days of my own late husband, another intellectual raconteur, lucid until the very end.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011The magnificent Mr Krugman, taking it to the bridge against Laissez Faire/Hayekian/Austrian School Economics auteurs in the Republican Party, such as Ron 'Libertarian Because I Can Be Because I'm Rich' Paul: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/16/opinion/gop-monetary-madness.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB

Sir Ian Crisp

17/12/2011P is for pain. Anyone who has been put through dental pain knows it ain’t pleasant. Bring on Denticare™©®. Wouldn’t that be nice. One way to assuage the pain is to dwell on the knowledge that asylum shoppers and refugees can be in the dentist’s chair once their feet are on Australian soil. No waiting lists. No cumbersome forms to fill in. A returned service person with a gold card is limited to about $670 for a dental crown in a calendar year. Not so a refugee or asylum shopper. There is no upper limit for the dental work they can receive. As you nurse your pain and discomfit and hope your next dental appointment arrives quickly you might wonder if your longanimity will be rewarded. Of course it will. The system will find room for you after refugees and asylum shoppers have had their teeth attended to. That is Denticare®©™ Australian style.

NormanK

17/12/2011For anyone who has not felt inclined to follow DMW's link to George Megalogenis' blog, may I recommend a link contained therein. It is an interview/panel discussion involving George, Alister Drysdale (Business Spectator columnist and a former senior advisor to Malcolm Fraser and Jeff Kennett) and Michael Wesley (Head of the Lowy Institute) hosted by Geraldine Doogue. The subject is "Australia – is it hiding its light under a bushel?" and it contains almost no partisan political comments or point-scoring while it examines just why it is that Australians seem incapable of acknowledging just how good we've got it here, and a bit of hypothesising on how we might improve things still further. One might even regard it as an adult conversation - something sadly lacking in our mainstream media. Oh, how much better our public discourse would be if at least one media house made a habit of publishing such sensible analysis. Feral Skeleton Mixed metaphors?!!! That was a veritable fruit salad!! On behalf of metaphors everywhere may I just say that we don't appreciate being chopped up into little pieces, thrown into a bowl and then extracted at random on a spoon. :D Still, if it gives you pleasure, who am I to argue. :)

NormanK

17/12/2011Oops! The link, you fool, the link! (Too busy straining a fruit salad metaphor) [b]Australia – is it hiding its light under a bushel?[/b] http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/australia3a-the-future/3731208

D Mick Weir

17/12/2011FS @ 9:34 PM yes saw that tweet and shook my head and wondered if it was a leg pull or something but he stated it was 'no joke' or wtte. Moot point but article linked to is actually liz_beths and it was the pic that caught my eye. [i]Every morning I wake up on the wrong side of capitalism[/i] justs speaks to me in some peverse way. As of now still haven't gotten to article.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011NormanK, That was straining the friendship somewhat. ;-)

NormanK

17/12/2011Feral Skeleton AAAH! I shall give some further thought to the concept of fruit salad as a metaphor for friendship. The juxtaposition of sweet and tart, firm and soft, crisp and mushy. To banana or not to banana? Depends on how long you intend to keep the friendship.

Patricia WA

17/12/2011DMW, I think the country already has a leader willing and able to take us into a future we deserve. I find GM at his most wimpish when he gets out of criticising Abbott, whom he knows he should, by suggesting that the LOTO and the PM are much of a muchness which he knows not to be the case.

Feral Skeleton

17/12/2011NormanK, Sometimes my fruit salad ends up more like a word salad. :D

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011Well, here it is a new day, and the forces of News Ltd/the Oppposition/Qantas/Channel 9, have found an angle by which to attack the credentials of the Transport Workers Union, which is holding out against Qantas for decent pay and conditions for it's workers. Yes, that's right, Tony Sheldon, Secretary of the TWU, 'has downsized his own workforce by 25%'!!! Ipso facto, so the underlying insinuation goes, it's OK for Qantas to treat it's workforce like pieces of meat, 'Units of Production', whatever. I wish the Labor Party were as bloody-minded/well-connected/well-co-ordinated as this when it came to pointing out the glaring inconsistencies and duplicitous behaviour of their opponents.

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011Great quote from Prof Jay Rosen on Twitter: [quote]jayrosen_nyu : News stories in the he said/she said style actively defeat understanding so as to advertise an author's viewlessness[/quote]

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011The Mexican stand-off between the Opposition and the government over Offshore Processing of Asylum Seekers has got to stop! How many more have to die before Tony Abbott & Scott Morrison stop cynically exploiting these people's lives? http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/around-200-missing-as-asylum-boat-sinks-off-indonesia/story-fn9hm1gu-1226224938883

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18/12/2011Folks After many hours of mowing over the last few days, the property is looking pretty good, but I have more to do today. So, like yesterday, I won't be around much. I enjoyed reading your comments this morning. Tomorrow I'll post the first in the series of speeches.

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011I'm putting this up in full so that those LibNatlovers, like jj, cannot avoid what it has to say to them and their duplicitous and hypocritical ways: [quote]Romney’s Truthiness Kevin Drum erupts in justified outrage over Romney’s statement that This is a president who fundamentally believes that the next century is the post-American century. Perhaps it will be the Chinese century. He is wrong. As Drum says, Obama has never said anything like that. And Romney has surely already established some kind of new record: with all the bad things that have happened in American politics over the centuries, I can’t think of any candidate who has lied so freely, with so little compunction. But there is a method to this stuff; when Romney declares that Obama has been apologizing for America, or bowing to foreign leaders, or that he believes in American decline, he’s playing into right-wing fantasies. This, the right believes, is what a liberal sounds like. It’s like the perennial right-wing fantasy of arguing with a liberal at a party and leaving him dumbfounded with your conservative arguments — arguments that any serious liberal involved in public debate has heard a thousand times, and can easily refute with those liberal-biased things, facts. People on the right apparently derive great comfort from feeling contempt for an imaginary type of liberal who probably exists somewhere, but bears no resemblance to their real political foes. And Obama, whatever you may feel about some (many) of his decisions, bears absolutely no resemblance to the timorous, apologizing guy of the right’s fantasies. He compromises too much, but that’s out of a false sense of what will work, not lack of nerve; he can be very steely and gutsy. And yes, he did take down bin Laden, and has been altogether a much more effective enemy to Al Qaeda than Bush ever was. But Romney doesn’t care. He’s playing to the base, and counting on the media either to cover up his lies, or pretend that both sides do it.[/quote]

2353

18/12/2011Arrh - its school holidays in the Southern States - both jj & SIC make a return visit - coincidence? I see Pentharby is continuing the attack on [i]The Guardian[/i] this morning using "the victim enjoyed being raped" defence to defend NewsLtd being caught out hacking phones in the UK. FS - The first casualty in an (ideological) war is the truth. Witness you piece above.

Feral Skeleton

18/12/20112353, Exactly. Do you want a leader who governs based upon ideology or facts?

jj

18/12/2011FS, I find it funny that the little piece you posted does exactly what it accuses the 'right' of doing: creating a lovely little stereotype to aid ones argument. By labeling those that oppose the Democratic side of politics as the 'right' the author is creating a nice label within which he can more easily attack! I can remember Rudd dong the exact same thing in his essay in the Monthly a long long time ago, where he accused all those of the 'right' of being neo-liberals just out of laziness. School holidays? Dont know what you are on about there?

jj

18/12/2011FS, At the moment we have a PM who governs with neither.

Gravel

18/12/2011How is the media portraying the deaths of the asylum seekers this morning. Heard on channel 7 a report but no political slant. Have Labor managed to spike the nopposition's position? Normally it would have been screeching from the rooftops. If no one was paying attention they would have missed it. Very sad for so many to lose their lives, all for the sake of a bit of agreement on Labor's policy.

NormanK

18/12/2011Gravel I'm holding my breath hoping that Labor will let this event speak for itself. Let Morrison dig a hole for himself looking for political capital. Sadly, I expect Labor will muff it.

D Mick Weir

18/12/2011Good Morning All, I agree with with this tweet from @TheKouk Stephen Koukoulas [i]Good on you Paul - a great article.[/i] [b]Lessons of a brutal game[/b] Paul Daley @NationalTimes http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/lessons-of-a-brutal-game-20111217-1ozpi.html

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011NormanK & Gravel, I have heard in Despatches that Tony Abbott has been quick off his Orwellian mark today to blame the deaths of the Asylum Seekers at sea on the government's 'refusal' to adopt his position re Nauru Colonial Detention of Asylum Seekers, & as all their fault. Totally denying the reality of the situation which saw him decide not to support the Regional Solution in parliament this year, because he knew it would work and would take away a very blunt instrument he had been using to beat Labor about the head with.

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011He has a way with words, does Mark Latham: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/latham-rates-rudd-return-as-pm-unlikely/story-e6frfku0-1226224998697?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newscomaubreakingndm+%28NEWS.com.au+|+Breaking+News%29

D Mick Weir

18/12/2011@KRudd pontificates in todays TerrorCrap [b]At our best when going gets tough[/b] http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/at-our-best-when-going-gets-tough/story-e6frezz0-1226224552928 I will give no opinion on the merits of the article but this paragraph caught my eye and caused some imponderance: [i]We are also good learners. After the tragedy we consciously set about the task of working out how we could have done things better -- not to point the finger, but so we can better protect lives and property next time around.[/i] Hmmmmmmm, there are some tragedies (including a very current one) that we may not learn from and some are more than willing to (IMHO innappropriately) point the finger of blame.

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18/12/2011Folks The mowing is finished and the place looks tidy for the Christmas break when the kids come. We finished before the rain came. The birds are now fossicking for seeds disturbed by the mowing – our own family of six magpies, galahs, sacred ibis and straw ibis. I’ve read your comments and links. I thought the Rudd article was straightforward – I wonder how anyone could misinterpret what he said. But then again I’m not a News Limited journalist.

NormanK

18/12/2011Well, I give up. The possibility of there ever being a sensible debate about how to handle asylum seekers just gets more and more remote. If I already had a low opinion of Ian Rintoul, after today there is no hope of me ever changing my mind about his foolishness. Not content with on-shore processing and bridging visas, he (and others) want to sheet home blame for this latest sinking with the government because they are not doing enough to help bring people across. I wonder how Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and all of our other neighbours would feel if we encourage irregular migration through their territories? According to prominent lawyer George Newhouse, apparently this latest tragedy is the government's fault because [quote]heavy penalties for people smuggling meant untrained "stooges" were in charge of vessels. "To make matters worse, the government's policy of confiscating boats means the vessels which are used to transport asylum seekers are often unseaworthy - with disastrous results," he said.[/quote] Refugee Action Coalition coordinator Ian Rintoul was even more explicit: [quote]"If the government is worried about people losing their lives at sea, they should decriminalise people smuggling so that the voyages can be planned in open and seaworthy boats," he said. ********** He called on the government and opposition to back a massive increase to Australia's refugee intake, end mandatory detention, decriminalise people smuggling and drop offshore processing as a policy option.[/quote] http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/govt-blamed-for-asylum-boat-sinking-20111218-1p0jq.html What a brilliant way to foster good relations with your near neighbours. Which part of this plan discourages people getting on to small boats and attempting the crossing of dangerous seas? Perhaps we should be providing a Navy escort. I give up.

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011Back from putting in 3(one for each of us to tend) Veggie Gardens in the yard today, so as to save money. I know now why I went to Uni and never became a Manual Labourer. I can't imagine doing this sort of thing for a living. My back is breaking! Oh, and we set up a Worm Farm too! :) However, what I also had time to do was engage with the Rabid Left on Twitter over the Asylum Seeker drownings. I imagine I am who D Mick Weir is obliquely referring to with his comment above, as he follows me on Twitter. NormanK, you are spot on the money with your observations about Ian Rintoul and the Bleeding Heart patsies and cynical political opportunists on the Left. We all know about the Right. No news there. However, what appears to have crystallised on the Left of Labor is a crew, every bit as exploitatative of any political situation which comes down the pike. Bob Brown shouuld be ashamed of himself that he has abandoned basic ethics in this way for crass populism which appeals to the Left of the Left. His position, and that of The Greens, and the professional urgers like Ian Rintoul, Makes. No. Practical. Sense. According to them, Australia should admit that the world is filled up to the gunnels with refugees, and we should therefore fling open the doors of the dryest continent on Earth, with the most fragile ecosystem already under immense stress from urban sprawl(which you'd think deep Greenies would be fighting to limit from overpopulation, but there you go, 'dupplicitous hypocrites' on both sides of the political equation, with Labor trying to hold the sensible middle), and say, "Come on down!" There has to be some amongst the fervant Green supporter base who is conflicted as these two issues rub up against each other? Surely? However, what do I get when I try and engage these people on Twitter and put the arguments to them in a debating forum in real time, which I expect Twitter to be? Complete ignorance, a refusal to acknowledge the veracity of my arguments, a set-in-concrete belief in their utopian ideals, which can never be practically met but they keep parrotting them anyway, and, name calling! I was repeatedly called 'a political shill' because I coincidentally happen to be a member of the Labor Party(as if it's the 21st century equivalent to being a member of the Nazi Party), and I believe that the Regional Arrangements that the government was attempting to make with the other countries in our region, in order to stem the tide of Asylum Seeker arrivals and deaths at sea, might just have had the makings of a real solution. I was even told that I was only expressing sorrow for those who had died at sea, again, almost a year to the day since the last tragedy at Xmas Island, and therefore saying that I supported the Regional Solution to deal with Asylum Seekers to maybe put an end to the deaths by drowning of Asylum Seekers, because it was politically convenient for me to do so! Well, I let that commenter have it with both keyboard barrells. I, politely, explained that I had joined the Labor Party because I abhored the exploitation of Asylum Seekers by John Howard, after Tampa and his "We will decide who comes to this country, and the manner in which they come", statement. I also marched twice against the Iraq War because I sensed it would be a bloodbath in which many innocent human lives would be lost. And I am an opponent of the Death Penalty. It achieves nothing but a numbing barbarism in society. Plus, I am one of these nuts who can barely step on an ant or kill a fly. I try to shoo them away! So, to cravenly assert that I was only feigning sympathy for the dead Asylum Seekers so as to get another ALP policy up, stuck in my craw, and said more about the people accusing me of that, than it meant about me. Yet, we will see, when they have had 24 hours to work out their attack lines, all the usual slimy guttersnipes, like Ian Rintoul, Sarah Hanson-Young, Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott, use this incident, not as a wake-up call and a call to real action to try to solve the problem of Asylum Seekers drowning at sea far too often, but as yet another excuse to hate on Labor and seek political advantage. And they say Labor are the heartless ones.

D Mick Weir

18/12/2011NormanK, I agree there is little hope for sane discussion. As I wandered around the web I was disappointed to see that these words were ignored. [i]Today is not the day for politics - there'll be plenty of time for that.[/i] Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011I really can't believe that this story came out in the Sunday Telegraph, but there you go: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/questions-are-being-asked-about-the-connections-between-the-ofarrell-government-and-the-australian-hotels-association/story-e6frezz0-1226224693506

Feral Skeleton

18/12/2011This is the most amazing read and one to keep in mind with our own Creeping Conservative Catholic pretender to the throne: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ahmed-rehab/lets-face-it-its-the-radi_b_1144842.html

NormanK

18/12/2011Feral Skeleton It may prove to be the case that we re-evaluate [i]The Daily Telegraph[/i] over the next little while. Perhaps it is not rabidly Conservative but just rabid. Like you I was surprised to find today's editorial harshly critical of Barry O'Farrell. (No surprises with regard to Gillard though) [b]2011 was supposed to be the year when everything changed.[/b] [quote]With a newly re-elected Prime Minister, and a fresh government in NSW, there were high hopes for reform and action. Julia Gillard pledged 2011 would be a year of "decision and delivery". Barry O'Farrell said: "It's time to start the change". But neither the Prime Minister nor the NSW Premier has made those promises come true.[/quote] http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/a-year-littered-with-broken-promises/story-fn6b3v4f-1226224836703

NormanK

18/12/2011This is how bad things happen in the media. In this instance, Chinese whispers (is it still PC to use that expression? oh well). What probably started as a rumour or a bit of gossip (about who knew what and when with regard to the latest boat out of Java) became: [quote]Mr Clare [b]declined to say[/b] whether Australian officials had known anything about the ship before it sank, saying he would not comment on intelligence matters.[/quote] http://www.news.com.au/world/hundreds-missing-in-asylum-boat-sinking/story-e6frfkyi-1226224940351#ixzz1gsPdt1or It then remerges as: [quote]Some reports even [b]appeared to suggest[/b] that the Australian government knew about the ship's presence before it sank and [b]did nothing[/b].[/quote] http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/down-under/iran-afghanistan-refugees-australia-boat-people-asylum-seekers Is it any wonder that fires break out with flames sparking in all directions with no discernible source? A 'declined to say' became an 'appeared to suggest' with the punch-line being Australia stood by and allowed a boat with at least 250 people on board sink because we have a 'tough stance' on asylum seekers. I don't know much about [i]GlobalPost[/i] but it doesn't look like a little backwater blog or newsletter. This sort of conjectural reporting will not do our reputation any good in the wider world. Nor does it enhance my opinion of journalists in general.

NormanK

18/12/2011Go balloons!! I got comment numbers 300 and 400 without artifice. It's just my time in the sun, I guess. :) :) :)

Feral Skeleton

19/12/2011Can someone go behind The Australian's paywall for today's Jennifer Hewitt article? It's supposed to be pretty damning of Abbott's economic credentials, or lack thereof. :)

Feral Skeleton

19/12/2011No wonder Tony Abbott wanted Bruce Scott to be his nominee for Speaker: http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rinehart-Fairfax-Media-Ten-Network-MRRT-mining-pd20101222-CCQYQ?OpenDocument#.Tu3LA0wDDXk.twitter

Gravel

19/12/2011Thanks for all the input on the reporting of the latest sad drownings. So nothing has changed and it will still go on. It is all very depressing. Congrats NormanK on scoring the balloons, you do deserve that recognition.

Jason

19/12/2011 TONY Abbott's pledge to rescind the carbon tax may be popular with the public but it's getting very mixed reviews in the business community. Many prominent business leaders, including some of those attending The Australian's roundtable, think it makes more sense to instead amend a tax that is likely to be in operation well ahead of an election, due in 2013. It's another indication of the gulf that exists not only between the Labor government and the business community - but also of the differences that would inevitably occur under a government led by Tony Abbott. While corporate Australia's relationship with Canberra has deteriorated markedly in Julia Gillard's time, there is also considerable angst in the business community about the policy coherence and direction of the Liberal party. AMP chairman Peter Mason argues, for example, that he is sceptical the carbon tax would be removed rather than having the price reduced and the form of compensation changed. He also says that would be his preferred option. ASX and Coca Cola Amatil chairman David Gonski is refusing to commit himself "without all the facts" but says pointedly that one of the most important things for business is consistency. "It may be that looking at the situation at that time, that either not changing it or changing it within the framework of what's there is a better thing for business," he told the roundtable. Eileen Doyle, director of Boral and GPT, encapsulates the dilemma, saying that although business wants certainty, it doesn't want anything that puts it at a competitive disadvantage. "So therefore you don't necessarily want the whole legislative framework to change again but you want a really good thinking process about the level that it's been set at and how that affects the competitiveness of the businesses," she said. "At the end of the day, we will end up in negotiation, I am sure." That ambivalence is reflected in the last survey by the Australian Institute of Company Directors in August. About half of those directors surveyed said that assuming the carbon tax had been in operation for a year or two, it would be a good thing to keep. That will certainly not be the position adopted by Tony Abbott as prime minister. It's another reason so many in business - as opposed to those in the Liberal Party - still hold out forlorn hope for a return of former leader Malcolm Turnbull. Federal Labor, even as it lurches from reshuffle fiasco to worrying about contagion from Europe, is still trying to sell the story of Australia's relative economic strength. It will be desperate to get more focus next year on the concerns of business about the economic credibility of Tony Abbott and shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey. At the moment, such concerns are largely obscured by the dismay over the impact of the Gillard government's policies on touchstone issues like industrial relations, regulation and productivity. New Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten will be trying to lessen the growing anger in the business community about the increased influence and activism of unions - especially while the opposition is running dead on the issue. How successful this will be is still an open question when the government remains so unpopular in general with business and the Labor Party so dependent on union support. But in theory at least, suggestions from business leaders such as David Gonski and Peter Mason that business may also be mishandling a difficult situation in Canberra could help provide an opening for greater co-operation. The catch is that this would require a level of finesse and political strategy that has been totally lacking in the government. From small to big, and across every sector, business leaders are increasingly frustrated that Australia's ability to use its advantages for the long term are being squandered while domestic policies are making the economy even more vulnerable to crises imported from elsewhere. At least until the election, that's Labor's problem. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/corporate-leaders-worried-about-abbotts-economic-credibility/story-e6frg9px-1226225249242

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19/12/2011Folks I have posted the first of a short series on political speeches. It is titled: [i]What makes a good political speech?[/i] http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2011/12/19/What-makes-a-good-political-speech.aspx I hope you will find the discussion of political speeches interesting and informative. I will post a new one each week over the break.

TalkTurkey

19/12/2011Where's LURCH? www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9fs_6v20Cw
T-w-o take away o-n-e equals?