The curse of the opinionistas

Reflect on how often you have heard a Fourth Estate political commentator argue: “Because of this set of facts, I am of the opinion that so and so is true”? Seldom. How often have you heard one of them say: “My opinion is based on the following propositions…”? Practically never. How often have you heard or read: “If you put together these facts, it is logical to conclude that…and here is why”? Never.

So what do they say? “He/she showed poor judgement” (no supporting evidence advanced). “That was an appalling mistake” (no facts or reasons for that view provided). “That will play out badly with the electorate” (why this is predicted is not stated). We see this time and again.

This piece asserts that it is the substitution of unsupported opinion, often arising from a partisan mindset, in place of evidence and reasoning, that is the genesis of most of the media ‘bias’, about which there is so much contemporary angst.

Let’s examine a recent case in point. Here is what Niki Savva said in her discussion with Sky News Political Editor David Speers on 25 February in an Agenda session: Are we too focused on polls? Referring to leadership speculation, Savva insisted that PM Gillard: ”brings it on herself” because: ”she performs badly, not just once, but repeatedly.” And: ”She has shown continuously that she has bad judgement…it’s a case of her own missteps. She calls the election for September 14 and then within a matter of days…she announces the departure of two senior cabinet ministers…”

Read that again, or better still, play the YouTube video of the Agenda discussion.

Reflect on her words, and if you watch the video, take a look at Savva’s body language.

What are the relevant facts? There are two: PM Gillard announced a September 14 election and two days later announced the resignation of Chris Evans and Nicola Roxon. Indisputable facts. The rest of what Savva says is simply opinion – her opinion. She offers no reasoning. She simply states, with her usual self-confidence, that: ”she [Gillard] performs badly, not just once but repeatedly”, and that she has “bad judgement” and “missteps”. In the next breath she says: “She [Gillard] calls the election for September 14 and then within a matter of days…she announces the departure of two senior cabinet ministers…”, as if that is sufficient reason for her to condemn the PM vigorously. Savva is of the opinion that announcing the election and then the resignations is ‘bad judgement’, a ‘misstep’. Who says so, apart from Savva? No doubt other anti-Gillard journalists, such as Judith Sloan, who agreed recently on The Drum.

But not one journalist that I have heard or read has argued why these actions constituted ‘bad judgement’ or a ‘misstep’. On what basis were they so? What precedents suggest this is so? We are supposed to accept this journalistic ‘wisdom’ as if it were gospel, without the need for facts, evidence, argument, or reasoning to support it. This is what we the public are confronted with day after day – opinion masquerading as informed reasoning, well thought through conclusions, fact based logic. It is a monumental con. It’s time we cried out in protest.

But remember that Niki Savva and her ilk are intelligent. They are certainly not stupid. So, if she eschews the verifiable facts that you and I can access, or interprets them in her own idiosyncratic way, what generates her behaviour? It can’t be nothing at all. It must be another set of facts.

In my opinion, judging from her behavior time and again on Insiders and other TV programs, what seems to motivate her, what appears to condition her behavior, is a desire to see PM Gillard gone and Tony Abbott installed in her place. Her oral language portrays a loathing of Julia Gillard, as does her body language. That ‘fact’ seems to me to be what energizes her. What generates her behavior appears to me to arise from her values and attitudes towards PM Gillard and Labor, her apparent disdain. What do you think?

The question for us then is how congruent are her values and attitudes with ours, and therefore how acceptable are her opinions to us.

Savva’s attitudes and values were exposed as she argued with Kerry-Anne Walsh, the other panelist on David Spears’ Agenda. Presumably Walsh was included because she had a strong opinion about the way the media uses opinion polls to create news stories and influence the politics. If this was so, Spears got his money’s worth of conflict and argument. Walsh suggested that the purpose of polling was to generate stories, particularly surrounding the Labor leadership, for the benefit of those who own the polling organizations. She went on to accuse the media of using polls to deliberately manipulate the politics. As soon as she did, she was set upon by an indignant Savva and a self-righteous Spears, both of whom denied Walsh’s accusations vigorously. They protested that the media was only following ‘the story’, one that had its origins in the anonymous leaks, corridor whispers, and back-grounding from Labor politicians. They didn’t make this up, insisted Savva and Spears; they were obliged to follow ‘the story’.

When you view the discussion, see if you can discern Savva’s attitude to Julia Gillard. It looked to me that she was very hostile, critical, and even emotional as she expressed her contempt for our PM. Savva’s values seem not to coincide at all with those of the PM. Savva’s opinions are going to be antagonistic to the PM, no matter what the issue. What then are her opinions worth in the context of a balanced discussion? There is no chance of her making a genuine concession, no chance of her giving the PM credit for anything at all. She acts like a court prosecutor, always seeking to bring out the worst and conceal everything other than that.

Savva is but one of many whose opinions are noticeably warped by their attitudes, values and political allegiances. Peter Reith, a frequent panelist on The Drum, Q&A and other TV programs, is another. Have you ever heard him say anything complimentary about our PM or anything Labor has done or proposes to do? He is unremittingly and sarcastically critical, negative and disparaging. Yet, like Savva, he is included, supposedly to provide balance. What are he and Savva supposed to be balancing? How many avid left-leaning, Government-supporting, Gillard-admiring panelists are there that need the counterbalance of a Savva or a Reith? I can’t think of any. Can you? Even Kerry-Anne Walsh, who argued so strongly with Savva and Spears on Agenda, was not mounting a strident pro-Gillard agenda; she was simply criticizing the media for its preoccupation with polls, leadership and for manipulating the politics. The only supportive comment Walsh made was that she felt that our PM had been unfairly dealt with by the media, not a highly disputable assertion. And on other programs, Walsh has certainly not come across as a Gillard fancier.

Apart from Savva and Reith, there seems to be a plethora of anti-Gillard, anti-Labor opinionistas that can be drawn upon. Among the many are the odious Piers Akerman, rabidly anti-Gillard Andrew Bolt, turncoat Graham Richardson, the oleaginous Graeme Morris, smarmy Gerard Henderson, the egotistical Joe Hildebrand, past-Liberal politician Ross Cameron, Liberal advocate Judith Sloan, the hard right John Roskam, smart Aleck Tim Wilson, the too-clever-by-half Tom Switzer (the IPA has an abundant supply of panelists that the ABC seems compelled to engage). News Limited has an almost inexhaustible stock of anti-Labor journalists that can serve on panels to inject their learned, but invariably biased opinions: the pontifical Paul Kelly, the let’s-get-rid-of-Gillard Dennis Shanahan, fence-sitter Peter van Onselen, the consistently antagonistic Irme Salusinszky and Henry Ergas. There are many others.

Shock jocks Alan Jones and Ray Hadley are extreme anti-Gillard opinionistas. How many moderate ones are there? Jon Faine on ABC 774 Radio is one. I know of no left-leaning shock jocks. Do you?

As one would expect, panelists drawn from political parties are extreme in their views. George Brandis, Eric Abetz, Barnaby Joyce, Christopher Pyne, Scott Morrison, Julie Bishop and Sophie Mirabella are consistently acerbic and unremittingly negative to Labor, more than matching Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey. This is no surprise, but that doesn’t stop journalists from engaging them on panels and at doorstops to ‘give balance to their programs’. They provide the conflict and entertainment the media craves.

Are there any journalists out there that can and do give a balanced opinion, an opinion that is ready to give credit to, as well as criticize any of the parties? Some of those, who in my opinion fit that specification, are Mike Seccombe, Dennis Atkins, Laura Tingle, David Marr, Ross Gittins, Peter Martin, George Megalogenis, Andrew Probyn; and Steve Cannane, Tim Palmer and Julia Baird of The Drum. None give the impression of being ‘lefties’.

What this piece is arguing is that the electorate is bombarded day after day with opinion from the opinionistas that derives far less from facts and reasoning than from the political orientation, the political preferences, and the attitudes and values of the opinionistas. In other words, it is what political outcome they desire that determines their utterances and writings, not the hard, cold facts, not a logically reasoned conclusion derived from them. In short, their opinions are worthless. All they portray is what they want, what they desperately wish and hope for. Not what logically follows from verifiable facts. We are being sold a pup, by con merchants, deliberately and shamelessly. And we’re fed up with being treated like idiots.

‘Media bias’ has attracted a lot of attention recently in the Fifth Estate. Arguments have arisen about whether it is real or imagined. Ben Eltham wrote about it recently in New Matilda: The Truth About Media Bias . Studies have attempted to define bias and document it. Some find that partisan bias is minimal or non-existent; others suggest bias one way or the other. This piece takes a different tack. It argues that the opinion of opinionistas is worthless, in fact dangerous, when their opinion is not based on facts and logical reasoning, instead being predominately a product of their political orientation, attitudes and values, the more so when their political orientation is strongly partisan. Commenting on the Eltham article, Ross C said pointedly: ”We all should remember that a journalist’s role is to dispassionately document what happens, not cause stuff to happen. Overstepping that mark consistently can destroy credibility, and the transition from journalist to commentator is hard to reverse.” Indeed!

That there are many partisan opinionistas seems undeniable; we see, hear, and read them every day. What might be debatable is the relative proportion of right-leaning and left leaning opinionistas, and how heavily they lean when they do. My impression is that there are many more right-leaning, and that they lean strongly that way. What do you think?

The question that begs an answer, at least for me, is why the right-leaning seem to predominate on current affairs programs on radio and TV and in print. Why are their opinions, which to me are worthless because they lack underpinning evidence and reasoning, solicited so frequently?

A cogent reason would be that some news outlets are actively seeking to bring down the Gillard Government and replace it with an Abbott one. News Limited is one; it looks as if Fairfax has joined them. In ‘breaking news’ in a postscript to an article: Among The True Believers on The Pub Bushfire Bill recounted a discussion he had had with journalists at the recent Community Cabinet meeting: "Tony Abbott has lunch at News Ltd HQ every week." Incredulous, I asked the person to repeat it. "Every week, in private, to discuss the latest ‘Get Gillard’ strategies." BB went on to comment: ”No wonder there’s such a seamless segue between what News writes and what Abbott parrots. He’s dealing with the enemy. They’re writing the script for him.” If this is so, is it any wonder that so many pro-Coalition opinionistas are on the air and in print, hour after hour, day after day, week after week offering their partisan opinions sans evidence, sans logic? It is part of a combined Coalition/News Limited strategy to bring Labor down. As BB reminds us: When they really ARE out to get you, it’s NOT paranoia.

Even leaving aside the conspiracy to which BB alludes, its suits media outlets to use these opinionistas because they generate indignation, now media stock in trade, as NormanK pointed out in a comment on the last piece: ”A few years ago I wrote a fairly lengthy comment here about Mr Abbott's campaign to convince the populace that they had a 'right to be angry'. Angry about a flood levy, angry about a supposed broken promise, angry at renegade independent members who went against the prevailing mood of their electorates, angry about just about everything that stopped their lives from reaching the nirvana that they so obviously deserve. A different theme has emerged in the way in which the popular media approaches just about every story that it covers. Perhaps the tactic has existed for many years but I'm only noticing it now. The new emotion for the decade is 'indignation'. It started manifesting itself in my consciousness when the 'sporting scandal' broke. Remember that 'darkest day' in Australian sport?” NormanK concluded: ”Next time you have the misfortune to be consuming the tabloid media (I include 7.30 & Lateline in this category) ask yourself whether or not indignation is not the primary emotion that the slant of the story is attempting to engender.”

He is right. Opinionistas generate indignation. Indignation about the ‘cost of living’, electricity prices, the cost of housing. It must be someone’s fault. Opinionistas invite people to be indignant about PM Gillard, her ‘poor judgements’, her ‘missteps’, her ‘broken promises’, the carbon tax, the minerals tax, many of her policies (asylum policy, gay marriage), her manner of speech (condescending, schoolmarmish), her demeanour, her appearance, her marital status, her willingness to take the fight up to a male opponent, her audacity negotiating and managing a minority government, ‘against the wishes of the electorate’; the list of ‘indignation triggers’ goes on and on.

In my view, opinionistas are a curse on our political system. Predominantly, they offer opinions based on partisan positions rather than on facts and well-reasoned arguments. Moreover, their opinions deliberately evoke indignation, which incites anger among the electorate and opposition to those in power. This fits nicely into the anti-Government, anti-Gillard narrative that most of the Fourth Estate promotes day after day.

In my view, the whole tenor of political debate is warped, is cursed by opinionistas. What a difference it would make if those who proffer an opinion did so using verifiable evidence and logical reasoning, and steered clear of partisan bias?

‘Pie in the sky’, I hear you murmuring!

What do you think?

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Ad astra

6/03/2013Folks This piece asserts that the opinion of the partisan opinionistas is worthless because it is based on what they [b]want people to believe[/b] rather than what can be logically deduced from verifiable facts. Peter Reith is quoted as a typical example of one who offers partisan opinions every time he appears in the media. His contribution this morning on the Jon Faine show on 774 Melbourne radio was classic. This time, rather than disparaging Labor, he was defending the LNP in Victoria and its leadership, dismissing out of hand any possibility of malfeasance among LNP people in reference to the ousting of former Chief Commissioner of Police in Victoria, Simon Overland, a murky affair swirling around Ted Baillieu and his Coalition, and discounting any possibility of this matter having any lasting effect on the Baillieu Government. It was laughable to hear Reith’s [i]‘nothing to see here, move along,’[/i] response when confronted with the accusation of possible LNP corruption, such a contrast to his eagerness to forensically probe every Labor problem, and to condemn Labor out of hand, no matter what the evidence. It reinforced my view that the opinion of the likes of Reith is worthless, because it is almost invariably politically partisan. Why invite him on air? ‘Entertainment’ is the only plausible explanation. P.S. What makes Reith’s [i]‘nothing to see here, move along,[/i] so comical, is that within 12 hours Ted Baillieu resigned, and was replaced by Dennis Napthine, an Opposition Leader of many years ago. So much for a leading opinionista! And what makes this all so delectable is that NO ONE in the Press Gallery picked it. They missed the Rudd replacement, the Carr appointment, and now the Baillieu resignation. How good are our ‘insiders’?

Catching up

6/03/2013Heard Jon Faine say tonight on ABC 24 that the premier is a decent bloke who had to go to save Tony. He also As for Savva, hate pours out of her, anytime the PM is mentioned.

Truth Seeker

6/03/2013Ad, a brilliant assessment of the situation and a great read, well said! :-) Maybe, when the dictate comes down from on high, and all the decent, honest and self respecting journos either leave in disgust, or are unceremoniously dumped for not towing the party line, then what's left is exactly what we have now..... RUBBISH! For such an alleged, astute business mind as Murdoch, the payoff for getting Abbott elected must be HUGE, as there is no other explanation for one such as him throwing away the wheat and hanging onto the chaff! Just adds more weight to what I have been writing about over the last week or so :-) Cheers :-) :-)

Ad astra

6/03/2013Catching up The idea that Ted had to go to save Tony is gaining credence. I hope someone soon explains the ins and outs of that. i agree with you about Niki Savva. Truth Seeker Thank you for your kind comments. The intent of the Murdoch media to attempt to bring down PM Gillard and replace her with LOTO Abbott seems apparent to most observers. What's really in it for Murdoch remains somewhat obscure. We might imagine what he hopes to gain, but I suspect there is more to it than meets the eye. Let's continue to probe, question, examine until the truth finally filters out. I'm off to bed; I'll respond to comments tomorrow.

jane

7/03/2013Couldn't agree more, Ad astra. Savva is nothing more than a jumped up supercilious hag, imo. Reith a corrupt embezzler. Jones, Hadley et al; a ghastly cadre of ignorant, self important liars. It seems that most of these opinionistas have vastly inflated ideas of their own importance and the msm has been assiduously stroking their egos for the last few years to keep stoking Rupert's fire. It does seem hard to believe that Rupert would have anything in common with Liealot, except their mutual corruption, I suppose. Whatever the reason, Rupert has the power to deliver the thing Liealot covets most, but what Liealot has to offer Rupert except his bony @rse, is hard to imagine.

Gloss

7/03/2013Hi there Rupert Murdoch does not want a superfast NBN which will revolutionise the telecommunications industry in Australia because it will destroy his pay tv network. He would prefer the second rate watered down version espoused by the Liberal Party which will basically slow the Internet to a trickle by the time it reaches everyone's houses. I have read this on quite a few sites now and it seems to make sense.

lyn

7/03/2013Today’s Links The Speech Gillard Should Have Given by Ian McAuley All the Coalition promises is a few dollars off your electricity bills http://newmatilda.com/2013/03/06/speech-gillard-should-have-given Prejudice risk in Abbott accuser case defamation case taken by a woman who accused Tony Abbott of punching a wall in the 1970s will be heard http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/03/05/19/01/prejudice-risk-in-abbott- Perception Becomes Reality by JohnLord2013 couple of exceptions must be the worst press gallery the country has seen. http://theaimn.com/2013/03/06/perception-becomes-reality/ World exclusive! Tony Abbott announces Coalition policies! by @MigloMT Watch the video and hear the ‘things’ he’ll do to drive this nation forward http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/world-exclusive-tony-abbott-announces Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by @madwixxy Premiers concern for the stress in Hadley’s day is touching indeed http://wixxyleaks.com/2013/03/06/hypocrisy-is-the-greatest-luxury/ News Ltd/Liberal conspiracy alleged by @btckr clearly News Limited has become too big for its boots and, for the sake of our democracy, it must be broken up. http://truthinmediaresourcecentre.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/news-ltdliberal-conspiracy-alleged/ National economy grows but some non-mining states in recession by @sunanda_louise Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT are now technically in recession, http://theconversation.edu.au/national-economy-grows-but-some-non-mining-states-in-rec RBA in March. Quietly happy, prepared by @1petermartin Reserve Bank believes Australia’s mining investment boom will last longer than it had thought http://www.petermartin.com.au/ Australia’s next treasurer emerges from the shadows by @OnLineOpinion Does the Shadow Treasurer really understand the factors that propelled Australia to the top of the world’s economies http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=14761&page=3 Mills sacked, Giles wins?Mills sacked, Giles wins? by @bgosford Liberal Party Deputy Chief Minister Robyn Lambley quit and threw her party http://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/2013/03/06/nt-political-rabble-lambley-quits-mills-sac MediaActive interviews @JonaHolmesMW on Faine by Peter Clarke Media Watch covered the Faine controversy on 4 February – almost the only ABC coverage http://australiansforhonestpolitics.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/mediaactive-interviews-jonahol 457 visa feedback ‘code for lost votes’ @CoffsOutlook These people must fulfill the same requirements as other permanent skilled migrants http://coffsoutlook.com/457-visa-feedback-code-for-lost-votes/ Australia really ISN’T racist, but @fakeedbutler 457 visas are, much like refugees, a small number of people http://ausvotes2013.com/2013/03/06/australia-really-isnt-racist-but/ Abbott Re-Institutes Turkish Towback Policy In Concordance With British Tradition Under the Milky Way, Morrison and Abbott are the most public of MPs about their supposed Christian values http://indifferencegivesyouafright.wordpress.com/ The Many Inconsistencies of Greg Hunt by @Mothincarnate, The Direct Action Plan is directly aimed at the taxpayer, through http://newanthropocene.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/the-many-inconsistencies-of-greg-hunt/ The truth about health impacts of wind farms and infrasound by Mike Barnard, @independentaus comprehensive analysis of infrasound delivers a knock-out blow http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/the-truth-about-health-impacts-of-wind-farms-/ Turnbull to reveal the ‘shocking’ NBN truth by @renailemay Turnbull, the friend of radio shockjocks who seems content to throw accusations around http://delimiter.com.au/2013/03/06/turnbull-to-reveal-the-shocking-nbn-truth/ WA 2013 – the final week by @benraue profiles of 32 out of 59 Legislative Assembly districts and all six Legislative Council regions. http://www.tallyroom.com.au/12232 EXCLUSIVE: Tony Abbott ‘to support same-sex marriage’ by Peter Hackney Tony Abbott will come out in support of same-sex marriage in a 60 Minutes interview http://www.altmedia.net.au/exclusive-tony-abbott-tipped-to-support-same-sex Baillieu stands down as Victorian Premier Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has resigned after a tumultuous day of fast-moving developments http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-06/baillieu-set-to-stand-down-as-vic-premier/4557014 Today’s Front Pages Australia Newspaper Front Pages for 7 March 2013 http://www.frontpagestoday.co.uk/index.cfm?PaperCountry=Australia

Ad astra

7/03/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

Pappinbarra Fox

7/03/2013Nikki Savva, Piers Ackerman et al are intellectually lazy. Now this may stem from a basic lazy approach to their existence or it may sprout from the fundamental problem that the task of reasoning, involving moving from facts to opinion, is just too difficult. To put it another way they cannot sustain the logic of an argument to derive the opinion that they want to express from the facts that actually exist. If you look at the Savva example above it is quite impossible to move logically from the facts of the PM announcing an election date and two Ministers announcing that they will not contest the next election (a fairly obvious logically connection there - indeed they would be pilloried if they held off that announcement until the election was actually called - "but you knew back in February when the election was to be - it is a disgrace to tell us now that you will not stand!!")to the point of view that this constitutes showing continuous bad judgment. It is either intellectual laziness or gross intellectual dishonesty. You decide.

Michael

7/03/2013Read this story http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/child-stumps-tony-abbott-with-tactical-question/story-fn59niix-1226591943765 and tell me that, in The Australian of all places, Tony Abbott is not being reported as looking and sounding silly. And locked in the past. From the headline to the last line.

Ad astra

7/03/2013Gloss Welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family and thank you for your comment. Do come again. What you say about Murdoch and the NBN makes sense. PF I think you are right. You say that the likes of Niki Savva and Piers Akerman are guilty of intellectual laziness or gross intellectual dishonesty. I would suggest both.

2353

7/03/2013I did love watching the LNP's Hunt on ABC Breakfast this morning trying to spin Ballieu's axing as something completely different to Rudd's. It will be an interesting exercise to see which way the media report it over the next couple of days.

2353

7/03/2013Just as the LNP "fix" the Ballieu issue - someone has reported Costello to Queensland's CMC. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cmc-complaint-over-costello-audit-20130306-2flvl.html The interesting thing is that Fairfax is reporting it - lead story in the Brisbane Times.

DMW

7/03/2013Headlines we don't often see: [b]More Liberal chaos as key meeting postponed[/b] http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/more-liberal-chaos-as-key-meeting-postponed-20130307-2fmfv.html#ixzz2MnYF2Qek The Humphries [i]de- [/i]selection twists and turns again

paul walter

7/03/2013Savva is the female Glen Milne, amother Poison Dwarf. Gittins and co are actual journalists trying to explain something to their readership rather than embark on bad faith spin for the worst of self serving reasons, as does this funnel-web in a frock.

davidR

7/03/2013I dont know what worth this piece has, we are all aware of the short comings of the MSM and why they write the way they do; editorial independence my ass. There are many op-ed pieces in the fifth estate about why such directions are given in News Ltd, from Murdoch's oil interests to the impact of the NBN on his Foxtel enterprise and the convergence review. But what good is all this talk without some proof, some scandal? How do we get the people to stand up against this empire? Im at a loss.

Ad astra

7/03/2013Hi Lyn Another feast. The piece by John Lord on [I]The Australian Independent Media Network: Perception becomes reality[/i] is in harmony with this piece - a great read. http://theaimn.com/2013/03/06/perception-becomes-reality/ Barry Tucker too has interesting things to say about the media. http://truthinmediaresourcecentre.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/news-ltdliberal-conspiracy-alleged/ Miglo’s ‘exclusive’ on the Abbott plans for the next five years are revealing. Say no more! http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/world-exclusive-tony-abbott-announces-coalition-policies/ New Anthropocene’s take on Greg Hunt that exposes his inconsistencies and disingenuousness is well worth reading. http://newanthropocene.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/the-many-inconsistencies-of-greg-hunt/

Ad astra

7/03/2013paul walter What an apt connection - Niki Savva as the female Glenn Milne - the Poison Dwarf.

Ad astra

7/03/2013davidR Welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family. Do come again. We may already know much of what is contained in this piece, but as small voices in the Fifth Estate we must continue to shout this from the housetops. How many times in history have small voices eventually been heard, and the contemporary order changed?

Min

7/03/2013Ad astra, a very accurate assessment of the situation in my opinion. I particularly enjoyed your description of the various "journalists". Of interest to me (and of course of huge frustration to those interested in informed debate) is often not only what is said but the various body language which accompanies references to the PM. In this one I am thinking of the smirker (David Speers) and others whose body language consists mostly of wink wink, nudge nudge and eye-rolling. All of course meant to sarcastically deter any serious consideration of the topic, that being the PM and her government.

Tom of Melboune

7/03/2013Gillard is unpopular because of the following facts she- • broke her written word to Wilkie • implemented an emissions/carbon policy that has no resemblance to the one she advocated during the 2010 election • knifed a leader for political reasons, who had the ALP ahead by 4 points 2PP • promised a surplus many times for political reasons, then broke her promise • treats the most vulnerable in the most inhumane manner in our history Like it or not, they are all facts, it’s just that the ALP supporters prefer to ignore facts and blame the media.

LadyInRed

7/03/2013Wow Ad astra great piece. Deserved of the cranky-pants award. I could feel the passion as I was reading it. Thanks. I have to agree with you on Savva, and I think you were kind calling her intelligent. I am afraid intelligence has to go deeper. For real intelligence a person needs to be able to question themself, their motives and what it is they bring to the table. Savva has a great responsiblity and clearly she doesn't value it like she should. And, if she does not value that responsiblity by always checking for bias then she has no place to be where she is. You are right she quite simply hates the PM. So what if the PM announced the election THEN announced resignations......unless you have something to back up your claim that this indeed was a great big mistake, shutup! I repeat BIG DEAL.....SO WHAT....ooooh she announced resignations after the election date.....I am going to tell. Grow up Savva. And, if you want to see some real claws Savva....get rid of that ridiculous, ugly hairdo as well. Very unflattering.

Ad astra

7/03/2013Min You’ve got a new Gravatar! At first I wasn’t sure whether you were the [i]Café Whispers[/i] Min, but when I checked there, I see you are. Thank you for your comments. Some contend that body language is more revealing than oral language, except perhaps for professional poker players. To make it easier for us, most opinionistas don’t hide their body language, or can’t (which I suspect is the case with Niki Savva). So watching them is as important as listening to what they say. Tony Abbott’s facial expressions tell us how much he is lying. Those who use neurolinguistic programming as a diagnostic tool in communication can derive information that might not be obvious to the casual observer. Of course though, one does not need NLP to diagnose Savva’s attitudes; she proudly wears them on her sleeve. Spears is somewhat more subtle; as you say: smirks and the old ‘wink, wink, nudge, nudge', complete with eye rolling. But the message is still the same – disdain for our PM. LadyinRed Thank you for your kind comment. I think Savva has enough intelligence to know exactly what she is doing – pouring scorn on our PM at every opportunity. Whether she has the intelligence for an informed debate has never been tested. Thank you for your recommendation for the ‘cranky pants’ award. I think I might be out of my depth contesting in that league.

Ad astra

7/03/2013Folks As a sequel to what Tony Abbott has described as the “orderly transition from Ted Baillieu to Denis Napthine”, (in contrast of course to the Kevin Rudd to Julia Gillard transition), when asked whether he had had contact with the Coalition in Victoria over this matter, avoided answering with a Yes or No, which is not-too-subtle code for ‘Yes I did’. Rumour has it that Federal Liberals were concerned that the leadership of the Victorian Liberals was harming Abbott’s electoral chances, and so ‘something had to be done’. We will never know the full story – the Libs will see to that. We will shortly be getting on the road back to the south coast after a couple of weeks in Melbourne. I’ll be back tomorrow.

LadyInRed

7/03/2013Ad I can see you in the blue singlet with the sparkles. But hey no pressure.

Catching up

7/03/2013"“orderly transition from Ted Baillieu to Denis Napthine”, (in contrast of course to the Kevin Rudd to Julia Gillard transition)," Was not the transition from Rudd to Gillard very clean orderly. Over within hours. Yes, Mr. Rudd also chose not to stand and defend himself. Pray what is the difference. Both lost the support of their caucus.

jane

7/03/20132353 @8.51am, no conflict of interest there, then. :( paul walter @9.58am, "a funnel-web in a frock." Gold! Absolutely priceless. Min, couldn't agree more. These, one can hardly call them journalists, are probably incapable of and completely uninterested in, assembling any facts to support their opinions, so they can remain wedded to the Liars Party propaganda they so slavishly disseminate. LIR, the "funnel-web in a frock" deserves our scorn. She seems to take pride in her willful ignorance. I wonder how she will cope if the election results in the subject of her wet dreams being denied that which he covets? I can just imagine the venom dripping from her fangs, her rage and impotence. Makes me feel very happy. :) WRT the situation on Victoria, I'd be interested to know how bad the ex-Premier really was and whether his replacement will bolster Liealot's chances, or if the replacement will prove to be as bad or worse. And given this degree of fedupness with one Liars first term Premier, I wonder what ramifications might it have for Wrecker Newman?

Gravel

7/03/2013Ad Astra All I can do is agree with you, frustrating as it is there seems nothing we can but keep hammering away, and hopefully get through to a few swinging voters.

bob macalba

7/03/2013Questions asked of costello http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/costello-conflict-claim-20130306-2flzj.html

bob macalba

7/03/2013Answered by newman http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/costellos-clients-may-purchase-stateowned-assets-newman-20130307-2fn8v.html

jane

7/03/2013No, no conflict of interest at all, you silly people. Just because the person who did the audit recommending selling off health care assets, just happens to own a company which wants to buy the assets, no doubt at fire sale prices. WTF????? Once a Liar, always corrupt, it seems. Tip should never have been considered to do the audit and he most certainly should not have accepted the offer. The bullshit meter will be off the scale as the Liars spin team goes into overdrive to sell this as kosher. recaptcha: Ninsib FAILURE

ian

7/03/2013AA, You're right in your assessment of the msm. They are intelligent. They're are intelligent enough to realise there is a sublte, though quiet and definite, revolution going on in Australian politics. ...and it's being led by Julia Gillard. Ms Gillard has, and will, govern for the whole term. had passed nation changing legislation. shown enough concern for the people of Australia to change a policy stance when proved to be no longer in the countrys' best interest. Then stand, unflinching, and cop the toxicity of vested interests, talk back spivs and any other poppinjay with tuppence halfpenny to say. stood up, twice, to packs of hyenas bent on bringing her down. bared her unprotected throat to the same pack of parasites during the Rudd challenge...eg. ' if I've ever briefed you. Now is the time to say so '. interacted on the world stage with an aplomb borne of intelligence, charm and street smarts. and does, go into the lions den. Western Sydney? The fact that the media can't find anything negative to report, other than the blatherings of those who aspire to be morons, speaks volumes. The unconfirmed report of a journo slipping the ' tattooed heckler ' $50 may not be true. Would anyone be surprised if it was the truth?...and now, this afternoon, Ben Fordham, 2GB, a job supposedly organised by daddy, has resurrected Slater&Gordon. The msm states that the political savvy of the PM is wrong. That she shoots herself in both feet repeatedly. Really? How much have the media got right? Did they see Bob Carr appointment? The latest change of Victorian premier? The resignation of two Ministers in an orderly fashion? The media have either missed, got wrong and, incredibly, ignored some of the major issues over the last two years. What scares , nay, petrifies the proprietors, is that they can see their influence and circulation waning on a daily basis. All of those expensive printing presses not working to full capacity. Scores of heads in cubicles peering at computer screens, not earning a decent return on the wage invested. Under utilised offices full of worried number crunchers scurrying hither and yon searching desperately for a revenue base that has deserted them. I imagine a trip to the roof of these buildings on a full moon night would be rather eye opening. About to be retrenched editors, journalists, subs, sales spivs and others holding out blue pencils, typewriter ribbons, old Websters and tattered, torn business cards, the raised gold print long faded, to the Gods of Change imploring them to pass on by with closed eyes. The msm don't understand that the Gillard Govt. doesn't seek their vote. They are saying to the quiet, thinking Australian this is plan we have. You judge it....and the quiet, thinking Australians are those who are beginning to turn off Jones and Hadley en masse, believe nothing in a daily paper they don't buy. Those who are at work when the Kochies' and the Karls' ply their cheap and tawdry trade and, like most intelligent people treat current affairs programs as 30 minute sketch comedy. Who, when confronted with a Tony Jones' type, would take him out the back for a real talk. These are the people who are starting to listen, but not to the noise the msm is making. That's why those such as Savva are bitter, vitriolic and desperate. All this because a small in stature, big of heart, red headed woman, told a wizened old man...no!

2353

7/03/2013Bob - paging Tony Fitzgerald, please be prepared to revisit your enquiry that demonstrated corruption in Queensland if Newman is still around in a couple of years. Saw a comment on something today that noted Rudd went after 2.5 years, Ballieu went after 2.5 years both basically for being autocrats (according to those that got rid of them. Newman has 18 months left if the trend is to be continued.

Martin Spalding

7/03/2013Good article Ad. The MSM is indeed in decline, & its output poor, but unfortunately it still has enough of an influence to matter. Hundreds of thousands of swinging voters who don't care about politics still catch enough of the smear & fear to form views that make it to the next poll. All the yelling of 'waste', 'toxic', 'liar' etc may be grossly distorted but it has an effect. Is it time for some kind of new campaign to bring the failings & distortions of the MSM to greater light - something more than blogging which is a great start but only enough to reach the political tragics & tech-savvy? I don't have a lot of experience in this area except for one political campaign I was on as a footsoldier, so don't know what all the options are or what their strengths & weaknesses are. Anyone with some ideas (or doses of reality)?

42 long

7/03/2013The MSM's attempt to RORT democratic process in this country is available on IA now. (As if anybody here had to be told). It is nought but a conspiracy to control power and money for a few. Isn't this what was exposed in UK?. When are we going to pull the plug on the Murdoch menace?. How much corruption is too much? It's not just happening in Afghanistan and most of Africa. It's here and you are standing in it.

bob macalba

7/03/2013Ian ....terrific comment, i could feel the rage and agree totally with everything you wrote 2353 I honestly dont understand how they think they are going to get away with their corrupt dealings, as you mentioned they've obviously forgotten about the Fitzgerald inquiry and what happens to crooked people in power, bring on another covering all states, weed all the crooks out[all political parties] and get back on the road to decency........just dreaming sigh

bob macalba

7/03/20132353 Something smelly going on here, http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cmc-quiet-on-destruction-of-fitzgerald-inquiry-documents-20130307-2fnvi.html doesnt newman want to do away with the CMC? white anting maybe

Pikiranku

7/03/2013What a wonderful thing it is to go away for a few days and come back to find the Liberal Party imploding all over the country! Chaos in Canberra, corruption in Queensland, collapse in Victoria! I can't get enough of it!

bob macalba

7/03/2013The last couple of days have been a gleeful buzz, now we wait for the oncoming polls to distract, what a shame

jane

7/03/2013Ian, brilliant comment! Agree with every syllable. If it wasn't for the relentlessly vicious, corrupt, negative, smear, lies and innuendo campaign waged against one woman, Liealot and the Liars Party would be facing a very well deserved trouncing in September. I can't help thinking that if the msm had done their job properly, we might even have an opposition which isn't a corrupt joke. We might have an opposition which has decent well thought out policies for the future of this country, not a disorganised, disgraceful rabble with an @rse clown for a leader. They might even have attracted some decent candidates, not gold plated touts and crooks, left overs from the self serving corruption of the Rodentochracy. Instead we have an intellectual and moral vacuum, packed with Howard's has beens, still spruiking the same lies and vacuous crap aimed at the gullible and terminally stupid.

Ad astra

7/03/2013Martin Spalding Welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family. Thank you for your kind comment. Do come again. Yes, it does feel like a David and Goliath fight, but David did win. We can but repeat and reinforce what we know about the MSM, and believe that it is having a slowly erosive effect on journalists and maybe even MSM management. They are worried as they see their once powerful and lucrative industry degenerating, as they downsize, as they retrench journalists, as the face competition from blogs, social media and get taken to task on Twitter. Their arrogance seems to have no bounds, but even super egos are vulnerable to persistent drip, drip, drip. Even stone wears away. Read what Ian has written. Ian What an elegant, enlightened and encouraging comment you have written. The mere fact that the S&G matter has been resurrected again is a signal of the desperation in some sections of the media, as they see their influencing fading, their [i]modus operandi[/i] crumbling, their once unchallenged status now assaulted minute by minute on social media, to which they have no effective counter. As talk of policies replaces spin and fairy floss over the next six months, the emptiness and confusion that taint the Coalition story will penetrate the psyche of the electorate, and the large number of ‘undecideds’ will make up their minds. That’s what the Coalition fears. jane, 2353, 42 long, bob macalba, Pikiranku It looks as if another Fitzgerald inquiry might be necessary. Isn’t it fascinating to see the pattern emerging? I expect Tony Abbott is worried that his State Premiers might cruel his pitch Federally. With six months to go, who knows what will happen next?

Pikiranku

7/03/2013Jane! Watch out! LadyinRed will have you in her sights if you keep writing like that, she'll have one of those blue singlets on you before you know what's happened to you! Seriously though, I absolutely agree with every word - I thought that whilst it is a government's prerogative to initiate legislation, it is an Opposition's job to constructively contribute to the process by suggesting improvements and amendments to any proposed legislation. But not to deliberately and wilfully obstruct the entire process of government as this Opposition is doing. For all the good they've done they might just as well have packed up after the election, gone home and put their feet up for three years. What a waste of space and tax payers' money they are.

jane

8/03/2013Pikiranku @10.30pm, thanks for the warning. I hope LIR finds another candidate. Ian would be a good choice. He was on fire. I agree with you wrt the opposition. Their job is not to mindlessly say no to everything, but as you say to provide constructive criticism and suggest improvements and amendments to legislation. That is the hallmark of government material. Which brings me to their behaviour in QT for the last couple of years. Their childish stunts and attempts to bully the Speaker and derail QT speaks more of the immature and attention seeking behaviour of schoolyard idiots. Their behaviour toward Anna Burke is a disgrace and just highlights the misogyny rampant in the Liars Party. Whatever one might say about Pater Slipper, he brooked none of their nonsense and for the first time in ages the House was orderly. And like you, I am angry at the disservice and contempt they show to their electorates by not representing them as they should. However, I realise there is a small but significant number of Liars barrackers who don't have the wit to see that they are being short changed by this mob of juvenile bully boys and girls.

DMW

8/03/2013... and recent publications of interest has thrown up this one: [b]Quarterly Essay 49 Not Dead Yet: Labor's Post-Left Future[/b] [i]With an election looming and criticism of the ALP now a national pastime, Mark Latham considers the future for Labor. The nation has changed, but can the party? With wit and insight, Latham reveals an organisation top-heavy with factional bosses protecting their turf. At the same time Labor’s traditional working-class base has long been eroding. People who grew up in fibro shacks now live in double-storey affluence. Families once resigned to a lifetime of blue-collar work now expect their children to be well-educated professionals and entrepreneurs. Latham explains how Labor has always succeeded as a grassroots party, and argues for reforms to clear out the apparatchiks and dead wood. Then there are the key policy challenges: what to do about the Keating economic legacy, education and poverty. Latham examines the rise of a destructive and reactionary far-right under the wing of Tony Abbott. He also makes the case that climate change is the ultimate challenge – and even opportunity – for a centre-left party.[/i] http://www.amazon.com/Quarterly-Essay-Not-Dead-ebook/dp/B00BMIZLR6/ Hmmmm, I wonder, is it worth the read? Is this a reCaptcha clue? [i]freesCN interest[/i]

Curi-Oz

8/03/2013And why should a technology writer for the ABC not have an opinion on the value of the internet policies of the two major political parties? The Australian actually reported something! Journalist Nick Ross reminded that his work must be "in keeping with ABC policies" (http://tinyurl.com/b2wsxp5) Regards

James Adelaide

8/03/2013Anatomy of a 457 smear * Identify a target: British citizen working in PM’s office. This individual has for months previously been identified as a problem in MurdochWorld ™. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/our-egalitarianism-silences-the-class-warfare-guns-of-labors-spinner-in-chief/story-fn8qlm5e-1226499530878 * locate an issue of 457 Visa taking away Australian Jobs. http://www.australiaforum.com/information/jobs/new-report-hits-out-at-foreign-workers-taking-new-jobs-in-australia.html * As a side issue get a colleague to demonise foreigners http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/abbott-ducks-questions-on-asylum-seeker-protocols-20130305-2fi2b.html * As soon as Federal government moves to fix the issue you have raised, change to: * Create an issue over 457 Visas discriminating against foreigners. http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/opinion/andrew-bolt-pm-is-demonising-genuine-foreign-workers/story-e6freal3-1226591817524 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/now-it-is-julia-gillards-turn-to-stir-fear/story-e6frg6n6-1226591048868 * Ridicule PM( Gillard) and LOTO (Abbott) (both foreign born) of demonising themselves. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1743550/Calls-on-Abbott-Gillard-to-end-the-birthplace-war Benefits Attacks target in PMs office, potentially weakening PM http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/libs-target-pms-office-in-visa-attack/story-fn9hm1gu-1226590657504 Attacks and ridicules PM, reducing her authority (and the wags will say she had none to start with, but this propaganda campaign has been going for years). http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/pms-critics-make-a-mockery-of-political-debate-20130301-2fbi7.html Media can ignore LOTO who can remain under cover, out of sight and gaffe free. Oops: in my seat (Boothby) a question by a 9 year old just stumped him! http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/child-stumps-tony-abbott-with-tactical-question/story-fn59niix-1226591943765 Summary. Mostly successful. Particularly the seamless transition between ‘457 Visas discriminate against Australian workers’ to ‘457 visas discriminate against foreigners’. A Win/Win for LNP and Media, A lose/lose for PM and Federal Government. Assessment Grade 9 /10. Lost marks because allowed LOTO out of confinement. Do not let this happen again.

lyn

8/03/2013Today’s Links The narrow sliver by @awelder Twitter users are far more representative, and often more knowledgeable, about Australian politics http://andrewelder.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/the-narrow-sliver_6.html Western Sydney Isn't Anyone's Heartland by @jarvanitakis Opposition Leader’s "spoiler tactics" quickly followed Gillard’s announcement, with Tony Abbott announcing he would also visit western Sydney. http://newmatilda.com/2013/03/07/western-sydney-isnt-anyones-heartland Ted Baillieu bails out of Victorian premiership by Barry Everingham This whole unsavory, bizarre, dirty saga is just beginning, so we ask readers to watch this space, as it may be we ain’t seen nothin’ yet! http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/ted-baillieu-bails-out-of-victorian-premiership/ Baillieu: Victorian uncertainty may lead to constitutional confusion by Dustin Halse, as a result of the 2003 changes) the only process by which the numbers of the Victorian Assembly can be altered is through a referendum. http://theconversation.edu.au/baillieu-victorian-uncertainty-may-lead-to-constitutional-confusion-12678 When is a knife not a knife? @crazyjane13, The Coalition will now reap everything it sowed when it sought to capitalise on the resignation of Rudd. The new Premier, in power under the same circumstances, http://consciencevote.com.au/2013/03/07/when-is-a-knife-not-a-knife/ Trying to join some dots and weave a conspiracy theory @AshGhebranious So the coalition in Victoria replace the police chief. And suddenly the police reopen investigations into HSU and AWU.Nothing fishy going on there at all right? http://ashghebranious.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/trying-to-join-some-dots-and-weave-a-conspiracy-theory/ The coup that wasn’t @fakeedbutler Baillieu’s knifing (can we use that word in this instance? Or only with Ms Gillard?) http://ausvotes2013.com/2013/03/07/the-coup-that-wasnt/ Avoid the Baillieu trap: Five lessons from the fall of a premier by @Ben_Westcott “[Baillieu’s] leadership crisis was caused almost entirely by his own diffidence and lack of vim http://www.leadingcompany.com.au/leadership-styles/avoid-the-baillieu-trap-five-lessons-from-the-fall- A Plan To End The Leadership Brawl by Aron Paul Sick of leadership speculation? Get used to it – it’s a symptom of our fixation with presidential elections http://coffsoutlook.com/ What Tony Abbott will do for you (Part 1) @MigloCW Age Pension recipient? How will you be affected if Abbott wins power? http://theaimn.com/2013/03/07/what-tony-abbott-will-do-for-you-part-1-2/ It’s Abbott and the LNP, so it’s different! by Truth Seeker, when the ALP changes leader, it’s a political assassination, but http://truthseekersmusings.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/its-abbott-and-the-lnp-so-it Lobbyist Peter Costello could be time-bomb for an Abbott government by @vexnews “cooked his goose” with Campbell Newman and this is almost certain the “last gig he’ll ever get out of the Queensland government” http://www.vexnews.com/2013/03/cost-of-cossie-lobbyist-peter-costello-could-be-time-bomb-for-] WA Libs pledge to increase debt by $1.2bn election commitments show net debt would nudge $25 billion in 2015/16 http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/03/07/14/11/wa-labor-not-counting-on-fed-funding Handover of Commission of Audit (Matters of Public Interest) by Curtis Pitt, taxpayers paying $2 million to have the reports prepared, the LNP government is keeping them under lock and key http://www.curtispitt.com.au/2013/03/05/handover-of-commission-of-audit/ Is the Enemy of my Friend always my Enemy, Do all Labor voters prefer the Greens to the Liberals? Do National Party voters opt for the Liberals if their own party http://inside.org.au/is-the-enemy-of-my-friend-always-my-enemy/ GDP–Australia’s economy grows by 3.1% in 2012, but looks to be slowing @GrogsGamut Clearly Victoria’s economy is not healthy; neither is South Australia's, and well Tasmania… . http://grogsgamut.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/gdpaustralias-economy-grows-by-31-in.html Is Victoria in a recession- by @MattCowgill What doesn’t seem like a good idea is calling a recession based on partial, and potentially misleading, information http://mattcowgill.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/is-victoria-in-a-recession/ Scott Morrison Appalls His Own Colleagues … Again by Under The Milky Way magnificent opportunity to further evoke fear http://indifferencegivesyouafright.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/scott-morrison-appalls Moderation, Censorship and the Path to Ignorance by @Mothincarnate religious zealots demanding that their faith be held beyond criticism http://newanthropocene.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/moderation-censorship-and-the-path- Power price politicking by Tristan Edis 85 per cent of the increases are due to poor decisions by electricity regulators and the unwinding of electricity subsidies. http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/power-price-politicking Fairfax boss Jack Matthews: With the Guardian’s five or six journalists against our 700, I like our chances by @mumbrella http://mumbrella.com.au/fairfax-boss-jack-matthews-with-the-guardians-five-or-six-journalists-against-our-700 When will Turnbull deliver a full-fibre NBN? by Steve Jenkin they won’t or shouldn’t accept is the steady catalogue of weasel words and generic answers from Turnbull http://www.technologyspectator.com.au/when-will-turnbull-deliver-full-fibre-nbn Today’s Front Pages Australia Newspaper Front Pages for 8 March 2013 http://www.frontpagestoday.co.uk/index.cfm?PaperCountry=Australia

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8/03/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

direct current

8/03/2013President Obama has come up with an inspired way of connecting with voters who usually follow Fox News (fair & balanced?). The White House website has opened a page where people concerned about any issue can start a petition. Should you get enough signatures the staff from the Presidents office will take the time to respond to you. Of course, your email address must be available to facilitate this. So the weird and wacky provide the federal gov with the means to contact them, explain what the 'feds' are actually trying to achieve and hopefully give them facts and figures.

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8/03/2013Hi Lyn I’ll work through your great set of links during the day. As we have several kids and grandchildren coming for the long weekend, I’ll be busy being a host for most of the time.

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8/03/2013direct current Welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family, and thank you for your comment. Do come again. I like the idea you promote. Recently, there have been some groups that have got up petitions; [i]Get Up[/i] is one. It is certainly a way of mobilizing support for, or opposition to measures that governments propose. Thanks for a good idea. The bonus that flows is that a line of communication is established with voters. Can any blogger here suggest how this could be implemented?

NormanK

8/03/2013Ad astra Thanks for another great piece. I have long since ceased to pay any attention to those you refer to as opinionistas. If we've been taught anything in the last two years, it is that their opinion is no more relevant than anyone else's. The number of times that they have been wrong or missed an important moment altogether is too numerous to mention. What I am finding particularly galling at the moment is the level of editorialising that has inserted itself into what should be straight news. In particular, commercial television news reporting which is one of the main sources of information for disengaged voters. For example, an item on Ten News Queensland commenced with "Julia Gillard finally found what she was looking for …" (or wtte) as they rolled into an item on the favourable welcome that the PM received at a jobs expo. How do you unpick that nonsense? In and of itself, it is not an important bit of editorialising - certainly not worthy of an individual complaint. But as part of a greater whole where circumstances are represented with such a high degree of cynicism and a decided lack of verifiable facts, it becomes wearing. I despair, I really do.

KHTAGH

8/03/2013AA You know how I like your writing, say no more. I find Niki Savva to be one of the most objectionable women I have ever seen announce an opinion on the TV. She is a split personality, both obnoxious. 1 She reminds me of the old school headmistress that is getting over her 3rd divorce & knows she is a has been & wants to let everyone know it. The aptly named "Funnel web in a frock" is the best description I have ever seen put to type, well done & should be published everywhere. 2 Her attitude to the PM is something out of the school yard, reminds me of the popular student that see's picking on the not so pretty person a way to bolster her own popularity, you know the bitchy type. You know the type afraid if they don't pick on someone else that people might just see that she is not all she makes herself out to be. She is the poster person for the saying in older life you end up with the face you deserve, bitter, wedge faced(looks like she constantly sucks a lemon), sour personality, that tries to destroy anyone more successful than she has ever been. Truly a "funnel web in a frock"

lyn

8/03/2013Hi Ad, Thankyou for your enjoyable article, as Khtagh said we love your writing, and your opinion . All the other 4th estate opinionistas are so lopsided, it’s wonder they don’t fall flat on their faces.Oh dear wouldn’t it be lovely! As you say Ad they are hostile, critical, extreme and even emotional it is outstanding, almost hate. “deliberately evoke indignation, which incites anger “ your words Ad, but it’s Abbott’s fault, if we take note they all repeat what Abbott says. I have witnessed half an hour after a televised presser "Opinionistas" same words. . I have been working the last 3 days in just about complete chaos. A friend has made me a beautiful desk,as a consequence I have had to move my whole workstation. At one stage operating on a wobbly trolly table,that’s funny you think, well it was.:) You should see my new desk it is solid timber with 3 drawers on either side with gold handles, all the drawers are timber no metal runners, I think you call it dovetailed. The colour is Rosewood and my instructions are to polish with “BEESWAX” Khtagh which is the best beeswax polish. I was told Landen Brook but can’t find on the net. Hope you have a lovely time with your family over the weekend Ad, nothing like those littlies to keep you busy and entertained. :):):):)

KHTAGH

8/03/2013Lyn I'm male, polish & males are like oil & water heheheeh, sorry I couldn't tell you, maybe one of our women posters might be a better reference. Your new desk sounds divine. I do have raw wax in blocks if you need some, after all I know how to get it there seeing you got your honeycomb Aok. ♥♥

lyn

8/03/2013Hi Khtagh, I really am fully aware of guys not knowing about furniture polish. Thankyou of your suggestion raw wax blocks, now that I will have to ask the lovely desk maker, remember he is male too though, umm I think polishing timber might be his forte. Cheers to you x:):)

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8/03/2013NormanK Thank you for your kind comment and for providing me with such a telling piece of prose on ‘indignation’. It struck a chord with me immediately. Like you, I am astonished and left almost speechless with the language used on news and current affairs programs. First, it is so cliché ridden that it is almost possible to predict the words before they leave the presenter’s mouth. Who on earth writes this stuff? For news, I suppose there are news-writers, but to what extent does Chris Uhlmann, Mark Simkin and Greg Jennett write their own scripts? It sounds to me as if quite a lot of their personal viewpoints intrude into their commentary. Next, I wonder to what extent the prevailing political climate at the organization influences what appears as ‘news’, what you term ‘editorializing’. For some, the influence is profound; 2GB is a grotesque example. I have felt for a long while that ABC news suffers from such editorializing. This is insidious, hard to challenge, and difficult to counter. It erodes confidence in the Government and reinforces the stereotypes about the Government the Coalition has promoted: chaotic, ineffective, incompetent, illegitimate, spendthrift, dishonest, poorly led, and headed for oblivion. You could add many more. The words you quote leaves people wondering, but feeling that PMJG has had a bad week and that her only solace was a visit to the jobs expo, where presumably her union mates welcomed her. And it is the ‘feeling’ that counts. It is an appalling abuse of power that evokes the emotion you express so feelingly: [i]’I despair, I really do”[/i]

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8/03/2013KHTAGH Thank you for your complimentary comment. I agree with your feelings about Niki Savva: ‘Funnel web in a frock’ strikes a telling chord with me. She spent many years as press secretary to Peter Costello, and it shows.

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8/03/2013Hi Lyn Thank you too for your always-encouraging remarks. You are right. The genesis of much of the venom that the media injects into its commentary and opinion pieces is Tony Abbott and the Coalition media machine. It has consistently demeaned the Government’s every action and demonized PM Gillard at every turn. The sycophantic media is simply ‘Little Sir Echo’. Of course the media does not have to slavishly follow the Coalition line, but much of it chooses to do so in line with Murdoch’s dictates, and the dictates of whoever now manipulates Fairfax. Is it Gina Rinehart? You must email me a photo of your new desk set up so I can envisage you at work. My current image is one of you at a desk in a corner of your living room. You are setting up a super smooth operation for a hectic election year. All strength to you arm! We have just finished preparation for the arrival of the kids – we await them with keen anticipation.

Jason

8/03/2013Insiders ABC‏@InsidersABC #Insiders Sunday 9am: interview w @BOConnorMP, @AlishaOflaherty on #wavotes + panel @andrewprobyn @lenoretaylor & Gerard Henderson #auspol

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8/03/2013Lyn, we use 'Grange' wax on wooden furniture. It is semi-soft, and is distributed by Grange furniture stores. It doesn't say whether it is beeswax. If you have a Grange store up your way, they would have it.

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8/03/2013Jason Thanks. Another dose of Gerard Henderson I see, but Andrew Probyn is reasonable. Let's see how Lenore goes now that she is headed for the Australian version of [i]The Guardian[/i].

lyn

8/03/2013Hi Ad Thankyou for your tip on the Grange Wax, I will have an investigation. You must be thinking of someone else Ad, I have always had my own office, computer room but didn't have a proper desk more like a bench not wide enough so my elbow was without support. Need support for the mouse elbow. I will take a picture on my ipad for you. :):):):):)

Ken

8/03/2013Hi to all Just catchng up again. Ad, agree entirely. I have been a political animal since my late teens in the western suburbs of Sydney and once used to avidly read all sorts of politcal news and commentary in the media. In the last 10 years or so I have given up entirely because the "political commentary" now is just that - pure comment. If I could get paid for putting out my personal opinion on politics it wouldn't be a bad job! As you say, it has lost all reliance on facts, or we are expected to believe that they are aware of facts that we aren't. Perhaps, once that was so - in the days of the old Parliament House when journalists and MPs brushed shoulders. In the new Parliament House they are separated and the snippets are harder to get, so they just comment anyway based on ...... yes, bugger all!! The change in media hasn't helped. There is now so much emphasis on 24/7 news that time to actually investigate a rumour disappears in the urgency to put that rumour to air/on-line/wherever, and then come up with something new the next day, if not a few hours later. And, of course, we have the recent reports of Abbott's meeting with Murdoch and regular meetings with News Ltd. All in all the death of decent political journalism.

Ad astra

8/03/2013Hi Lyn I seem to remember your desk in the corner of a room - I thought it was your living room. But it's a while since I visited you. Anyway, I look forward to seeing where you produce your links.

DMW

8/03/2013Last night I pondered if it was worth reading Mark Latham's Quarterly Essay: [b]Not Dead Yet: Labor's Post-Left Future[/b] http://www.amazon.com/Quarterly-Essay-Not-Dead-ebook/dp/B00BMIZLR6/ Today an edited extract from Quarterly Essay 49 @ your democracy [b]as the lights dim .....[/b] http://yourdemocracy.net.au/drupal/node/26049 Actually looks as though the essay has potential, however, I am still wondering if it will deliver or turn out to be another in the series of the current national pastime of [i]let's lay the boot in while the patient writhes on the ground[/i] Guess it comes down to pennies and pounds. If you're in for one may as well be in for both.

Ad astra

8/03/2013Ken I share your frustration. I sounds as if Abbott's meeting with Murdoch was pivotal. DMW I'll take in Mark Latham's piece tomorrow. Off now to view [i]Lateline[/i]

TalkTurkey

9/03/2013Greetings Swordsfolks, Paul Walter first! *Funnelweb in a Frock* for Nikki Savva is the BEST! Never was there a better-for metaphor! One might imagine Savva retreating hurt and frustrated down her fundamental infundibulum, the venom drizzling from her fangs, undelivered to her victims ... Horrid thing she is. I must tell you though that the Arachnophilia Association however is livid that one of our most iconic species has been slurred by being likened to this really repulsive creature. We await with bated breath some more of your terms for some of the people or things Ad astra mentions in this thread! Ad astra you have done a fine job of rounding up many of the worst "opinionistas" - the unavoidable picture being of an absolute loading of the RHS, instead of allegedly *balanced* views, presented on our MSM and in particular the ABC since Mark Scott has taken it over. I admit to being astounded by the utter domination of the media by the most extreme of all commentators, including the entire poisonous brood in the IPA, but Comrades we have known for years that we would, like the Little Red Hen, have to do the work ourselves ... Be not amazed nor discouraged, the State LNP Governments are fragmenting delightfully and six momths is just right for our fight now. And the LNP is doing the work for us now. No plans, no coherence and no future. I don't anticipate a win in WA tomorrow, but I betcha the result gives the local ALP reason for high hopes in September.

TalkTurkey

9/03/2013One Van Onselen One ignorant RW bigot One genuine knowledgeable lefty And- Wait for it! - TIM #***ing Wilson from IPA! I'd never heard of either @zozstar nor @2FBS nor @vanbadham, perhaps Lyn might have? The smarmy clean-shaven bloke is up himself and as ignorant as Abbortt could want. The bearded bloke actually knows what he's talking about. CONTRARIANS Sky News Peter van Onselen @zozstar @2FBS @vanbadham discuss views on politicians, policies media.... http://fb.me/1PmDtGuTd Retweeted by Matthew Ross

Ad astra reply

9/03/2013TT There is an almost inexhaustible supply of venomous opinionistas that the ABC can muster for its current affairs programs. Last night on Lateline there was another - Michael Kroger, who would choke if he ever uttered a complimentary word about our PM. It's all condemnation, vitriol and demonization. Without a shred of evidence to back his assertion, he declared her week in Sydney's Western Suburbs a complete failure, ridiculing it as an aloof queen visiting her subjects. He is archetypical of the opinionistas described in this piece - evidence and reasoning play no part in his utterances. He simply spouts what he wants his audience to believe, doing so with his characteristic arrogance; he sees no reason to back his assertions with facts. He is the male equivalent of Niki Savva.

lyn

9/03/2013Today’s Links Shrink Wrapped @MrDenmore The Guardian, The Economist. Twitter lets me know if there is anything on the local radar worth looking into. http://thefailedestate.blogspot.com.au/ Geoff Shaw MP the Frankstonstein monster (Part 1) by Tess Lawrence @independentaus MP Geoff Shaw looking like being accepted back into the Liberal Party to shore up their precarious grip on power in Victoria http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/geoff-shaw-mp-the-frankstonstein- Interesting Conflicts of Interest by @KayRollison Queensland Audit Commission, chaired by Peter Costello, had recommended a ‘sell everything’ approach http://theaimn.com/2013/03/08/interesting-conflicts-of-interest/ Have you read the news lately? Apparently Julia is bad and Tony is good. by @MigloMT, ‘Media populism’ I like to call it, as it takes on a flavour not dissimilar to the political populism practiced religiously by Abbott himself http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/have-you-read-the-news-lately-apparently-julia- Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is @madwixxy to have a bank cheque drawn out to her charity of choice however at $10 http://wixxyleaks.com/2013/03/08/put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is/ “…there are no votes in decency by @NoPlaceforSheep Decency died in asylum seeker and refugee politics when Pauline Hanson opened the floodgates http://noplaceforsheep.com/2013/03/08/there-are-no-votes-in-decency/ Julia Gillard’s western Sydney road show: the good, the bad and the ugly @jarvanitakis Unfortunately, a great opportunity for all involved was lost amongst the roadshow and media circus that followed. http://theconversation.edu.au/julia-gillards-western-sydney-road-show-the-good-the-bad-and- Mining, taxation and the National Interest @pseudomorph, the tax remains extraordinarily popular amongst the voting public. http://ausvotes2013.com/2013/03/08/mining-taxation-the-national-interest/ All Hanson by @mrtiedt Coalition is to win an outright majority, the Coalition needs to win 23 seats out of the 40 on offer http://ausvotes2013.com/2013/03/08/all-hanson/ Blowing Thought Bubbles Like A Preschooler With Bubblegum @sortius everything Turnbull says, tweets, writes, is a load of garbage designed to appease Murdoch & hobble Australia’s telecommunications http://sortius-is-a-geek.com/?p=2829 Minister fires one across ABC’s bows @btckr Mr Faine: Well you’re the Minister for the ABC, if you think the process is not transparent and unfair,why don’t you do something about it? http://truthinmediaresourcecentre.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/minister-fires-one-across-abcs-bows/ Conroy demands ABC transparency after second pro-Coalition slap down of strong journalism Peter Clarke @MediaActive ABC now has two recent examples of internal “disciplining” of their own journalists for alleged breaches of their own Editorial Guidelines. http://australiansforhonestpolitics.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/conroy-demands-abc-transparency-after- HANDS OFF NICK ROSS: Conroy warns the ABC and The Australian @renailemay to a certain extent you have to feel a little sorry for ABC Technology + Games editor Nick Ross, following this http://delimiter.com.au/2013/03/08/hands-off-nick-ross-conroy-warns-the-abc-and-the-australian/ Liberal's 'internet pioneer' misjudging NBN complexity @zyzzyvamedia Turnbull will be a greenhorned novice when it comes forcing the government's revised position onto Telstra, which has absolutely no requirement to listen to him. http://www.zdnet.com/liberals-internet-pioneer-misjudging-nbn-complexity-7000012299/ Emperor Turnbull has no clothes by @renailemay ZDNet columnist David Braue rips the recent performance of Malcolm Turnbull as a flailing Shadow Communications Minister to shreds http://delimiter.com.au/2013/03/08/emperor-turnbull-has-no-clothes/ The mining tax may not be as unpopular as Tony Abbott would have us believe by @no_filter_Yamba Tony Abbott on the subject of the Mineral Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) - also known as the mining tax :http://northcoastvoices.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/the-mining-tax-may-not-be-as-unpopular.html All roads lead towards cash rate neutrality @TheKouk Australia looks to be entering a sweet spot – strong and sustained economic growth, low unemployment and with it low inflation. http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RBA-interest-rates-GDP-unemployment-pd20130308-5KQNK Prime Minister, we need to talk about race. by @gabriellechan We know Labor has a message on jobs. But when Gillard uses that “get thee to the back of the queue” language, http://thehoopla.com.au/pm-talk-race/ WA election: Barnett will win, and by more than a sniff @PollBludger Mark McGowan is personally popular, but that won’t be enough to get his party over the line http://www.crikey.com.au/2013/03/08/wa-election-barnett-will-win-and-by-more-than-a-sniff/ How you can help in the fight against Tony Abbott by @phonytonyabbott If you think that an "Alliance Member" has broken this "Code of Ethics", you can lodge a complaint using the process outlined here http://www.phonytonyabbott.com/content/how-you-can-help-in-the-fight-against-tony-abbott Today’s Front Pages Australia Newspaper Front Pages for 9 March 2013 http://www.frontpagestoday.co.uk/index.cfm?PaperCountry=Australia

Ad astra

9/03/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

Ad astra

9/03/2013Hi Lyn Even on a long weekend you give us a feast of reading. Thank you so much. I’m working my way through, but wanted to say how important is Mr Denmore this morning. Those who read it should take the extra nine minutes to play the TED YouTube video at the end, which demonstrates newer techniques in data analysis that are now available. The sad thing is that most journalists seem to be either unaware of these tools, or avoid using them, preferring to use ‘he said, she said’ and press release journalism, which is why there is so much junk reporting in the MSM and a superabundance of unsupported opinion. It’s easy, but it’s lazy. I probably won’t be on the Internet much today. Being a long weekend and with a jazz festival going on in the local village, every man and his dog is trying to get onto 3G, leaving little space for we locals.

2353

9/03/2013Thanks for the links Lyn - I wish it was a long weekend in Queensland (but then again the showers are still around so it would be a bit of a waste). The dead tree Courier Mail was interesting this morning. From memory it is a Newspoll weekend. Not one overtly Federal Politics story until the Opinion Pages. Admittedly a lot of the front of the paper was taken up by the person who single-handedly evacuated the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane at lunchtime yesterday - but I'm sure a dig could have been arranged if desired.

Casablanca

9/03/20132353, I can confirm that it is a Newspoll weekend as I received a call around midday from a pollster. The conversation lasted only a few seconds as they wished to speak to someone between the ages of 18 and 34. A work colleague of mine used always to say that he qualified for whatever demographic they specified and would then have fun giving contrary answers. I often wonder how many people do that and whether it is enough to skew the results. The number of Labor voters who are in favour of Malcolm Turnbull and conversely the Liberals in favour of Kevin Rudd always look particularly suss. That was my first call EVER from a mainline political pollster and I was eliminated before I could say that I know many in that age group but they only have mobiles. That's life on a landline I guess.

Curi-Oz

9/03/2013I've just voted here in WA. And if the Liberal party supporters are anything to go by at my local polling station, its not surprising that Barnet et al may win. Intimidating and lieing about things that were in the ALP platform ... this is the first time I've really been tempted to refer to them as the "Lie-berals". I wouldn't mind old fashioned Charlie Court style Liberals (who still had a sense of "nobless oblige"), but these new style 'bought and paid for' types? One has to wonder about were the funding came from for the over the top advertising in the area for the "Liberal" canditate. And its very sad that I can think of two or three candidates for 'bottomless pockets' without too much hard thought. *sighs*

Frank

9/03/2013Nikki Savva is relentless in her ad hominem attacks on Julia Gillard and it would be interesting to see the PM take her on in an interview and to confront her with her blatant bias. Your choice of balanced journalists is a good one but I would exclude Dennis Atkins because he is prone to mischief-making and tendentious reporting. There was an article in The Political Sword that picked him up on this some time ago.

Ad astra

9/03/2013TT As a follow up to my comment about Michael Kroger, read the transcript of the segment from last night’s [i]Lateline[/i] devoted to PM Gillard’s visit to Western Sydney: [i]”EMMA ALBERICI: Let's move on. Was the PM's visit to western Sydney a success, Michael Kroger? MICHAEL KROGER: No it wasn't. I want to talk about Kevin Rudd too but, no of course it wasn't. I mean the imagery was shocking. The imagery Emma was of - no offence to Her Majesty - was of a monarch visiting a far away member of the Commonwealth that had long been forgotten until their private Secretary came in and said, "look your Majesty western Sydney is still a member of the Commonwealth." EMMA ALBERICI: That's not fair though, we know she's been there 18 or 20 times this year. MICHAEL KROGER: It looked to everyone like this was a monarch visiting a foreign country, that's what it looked like to everybody outside... outside obviously you two. This was a person who was coming to visit those little people in western Sydney to see what's going on there to promise a few billion dollars. If you don't believe me, just read what Graeme Richardson said. Richardson got it completely right; this was a disastrous idea and whoever advised her to do it should be shot. That's what Graeme said and he's 100 per cent right.”[/i] Just look at the misrepresentation. Kroger paints a picture of a monarch making a rare visit to a far away member of the Commonwealth, yet when Emma Alberici reminds him that the PM has visited Western Sydney 18-20 times this year, he brushes that aside with: [i]”It looked to everyone like this was a monarch visiting a foreign country…”[/i]. Note the words: [i]”…it looked… like’[/i] and [i]”to everyone…”[/i]. No evidence is given to support the view that to [b]everyone[/b], it looked like a monarch visiting a foreign country. It is simply what Kroger wants us to believe. Has anyone got data of this nature on that visit? No. So this is gross deception, but par for the course for Kroger who comes on [i]Lateline[/i] regularly to spout his learned opinion. He sees no need to support it with facts. Note too how he brushes any opposing view aside, how he bullies his opinion into the interview. This is strongly reminiscent of Fox News in the US where bullying and intimidation by conservatives is its [i]modus operandi[/i]. This behaviour is deliberate and practised. For Kroger it comes naturally. Perhaps though the most laughable thing Kroger did was to quote turncoat Graham Richardson, as if he were the ultimate authority! Here we see groupthink working mindlessly again. Anyone who channels Richardson is bereft.

Gravel

9/03/2013Ad Astra I read an article on the web, I can't remember where or who. They said about these almost same opinionistas that if the worst happens, by Feb March next year they will be lost as they will have no one to turn their anger on. They have spent so much time being nasty that they have come to enjoy their nastiness, and when (if) they get what they desire, after an initial bout of glee, they will feel empty. I am not very good at paraphrasing, I wish I had bookmarked the article.

jane

9/03/2013Lyn, great set of links. I managed to read pretty well all of them; a first for me, because I generally get side tracked reading not just the link, but the comments. And of course putting in my two bob's worth.

paul walter

9/03/2013Van Onselen, is the most offensive of all of them because he is intelligent and knows better but has prostituted his intelligence on the altar of his exaggerated sense of his own significance. Kroger is a noise; an explosian of foetid air through a tight apperture, from the dark and hidden internal regions. With Kroger, we can blame senescent Auntie, with her meandering promotions of IPA guff in preference to the truth.

2353

9/03/2013Gravel, that's my fear too. Those that have jumped on the conservatives bandwagon have blamed the gummit for so long they won't be able to stop. It's actually fun listening to someone bagging Newman at the moment and then retorting with "well you voted for him". THe reaction is usually a sort of muffled "I was conned". People in Queensland have discovered the hard way that Newman and his cronies are just as bad (if not worse) than the ALP was - at least the ALP understood the need for the CMC to be independent. The ridiculous thing is that Abbott, Newman and so on have soiled their own nest - they can't preach lack of respect for the leaders of an ALP Government and then expect the same public to put them on a pedestal, look up and say "It is good". I don't know how the respect for those that actually do a rather difficult job in representing society at the various levels of government will return. As others have rightly said - it is a concern.

Ad astra

9/03/2013Gravel, 2353 You’re right. What will the Coalition’s media sycophants say when their team loses in September? They will be lost souls. paul walter Kroger was at it again tonight threatening nuclear annihilation for PM Gillard in September. He is a blowhard. What is worse, he probably believes his own rhetoric.

jane

10/03/2013Ad astra @11.00pm, I expect that a we'll hear a terrible keening coming from the dungeons at Ltd News HQ. Rupert will have bitten off the heads of Chris Mitchell, Mark Scott, Chris Uhlmann, Enema Alberici and the rest of the barrackers at Ltd News publications. The Liars will be found wandering, dazed and confused, their garments rent and their faces caked with ashes. Barrackers everywhere will be sobbing into their beverage of choice. Meanwhile, the PM triumphantly brandishing the misogyny speech, will have one daintily shod foot firmly placed on Liealot's vanquished neck, his speedos in disarray. The Liars, Anal, Hadley, Smith and other msm facilitators will be rounded up and made to write 100,000 times in blood: "I am a lying toerag and I will never diss the PM again. I will support onshore processing and gay marriage and like it." Then they'll be bunged in the stocks where disgruntled voters will find stock piles of manky fruit, vegetables and rotten eggs to pelt them with.

Catching up

10/03/2013Well I bet it will not be like the speech that the Labor leader in WA is now giving conceding defeat. Gracious and full of positive thoughts for the future. It is a lovely change. No whining. In defeat, looking forwarded to the challenge for the future. Only whine is from, believe it or not. The younger Ms. Bishop. She was shut up for most of the night. Was told we only needed to hear things once.

jane

10/03/2013CU, was the result a whitewash as predicted by crikey?

Catching up

10/03/2013A good win. Might rule in their own right. Then, As Smith, minister for defence, said, normal for a first term government. Smith says that Labor is where it was with Gallop, and has a foundation to make a comeback.

Catching up

10/03/2013On ABC 24

Curi-Oz

10/03/2013I must say that there is a part of me that is not overly surprised at the result. As CatchUp observed, McGowan's speech was very gracious in consession, which augers well for a decent showing in four years. I'm more concerned at the reaction of some Liberal supporters who have already informed me how they are going to crow when they win in September... *sighs*

Capstan

10/03/2013Morning Labour luvvies! How are we all today? Let's see now - what are the newspapers saying today? [i]"COLIN Barnett has been swept back to power in Western Australia, as Labor figures blamed the unpopularity of the Gillard government for a slump in ALP support. Labor leader Mark McGowan conceded defeat after a thumping swing to the Liberals and Nationals of up to 7 per cent sealed a second term for Mr Barnett and his coalition partners. The result could give the Liberal-Nationals as many as 40 seats in WA's lower house, up from 29. Labor looks set to lose a third of its seats."[/i] BWAA! HAAAA! HAAAA! HAAAAA! HAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR! Yet another State Labour party, like some hideous, maniacal land crab, marches determinedly up the path of its very own choosing, leading straight to the edge of a very high cliff - then leaps off that cliff yelling out "I can FLY!!!!" while it flails all its little legs about in a final act of defiance in the face of the inevitable. Seconds later - yet another state Labour party splattered all over the sharp, jagged rocks of reality far below - yet another ALP state smashed crab has joined the stinking, putrid, filthy remains of all the other ALP state smashed crabs that have gone so blindly, so wilfully and so stupidly before it. Who's next, me labour rusted-on maties? Who's that hideous, fat-arsed crustacean - the last one left - also crab-walking determinedly up that same rocky path, heading determinedly for exactly the same cliff, relentlessly bellowing the very same death cry mantra of "I can FLY!!!", enthusiastically and vociferously urged on by tossers and drop kicks such as you lot? Why, it's Julia Gillard! and her team of clowns, buffoons, no-hopers, spivs and incompetents! I wonder what will happen. Bets, anyone? Anyone for a little bet on the election in September? How about a bet on whether this government - the worst in Australian political history - will make it to September? Or how about a little bet on whether the WA result has sealed Gillard's doom and will see her go in the very near future? What about you, Turkey boy? Ten bucks on any of those bets? What's the matter, mate - long pockets and short arms? Put another fifty bucks on Gillard to win, mate – I really want to see you taken to the cleaners when that happy day finally arrives.

Ad astra

10/03/2013Folks The WA election result is as expected. It is no surprise that a popular first term government had been returned with an increased majority, especially in a State that is traditionally anti-Canberra and strongly anti carbon and minerals tax. The interesting feature, which I have heard no one mention, is the swing data. The combined swing TO the LNP is 9.9% (+8.8% Coalition and +1.1% Nationals). The swings AGAINST are telling: Labor -2.3%, Greens -4.0% and Others (Independents) -3.7%. Labor has contributed 2.3% of the swing to the LNP; the rest, 7.7%, has come from the Greens and Independents. Have you heard any of the commentariat mention that Labor lost just 2.3% of the vote in the difficult circumstances that existed at this election? Of course Labor lost Greens’ second preferences because the Greens vote was so far down. I think the Coalition pundits, while being pleased at the outcome of the election, and at the poor showing by the Greens, will be concerned that under the favourable circumstances to them that existed in the WA election, they could erode the Labor vote by just 2.3%. Remember that the last WA election was close and resulted in a ‘hung’ parliament.

Ken

10/03/2013Ad I also picked that up and was quite surprised by it. Based on the polls and some of the speculation I was expecting that it could be as bad as a 5-7% swing against Labor, so 2.3% is quite a remarkable result. And Poll Bludger's analysis of seats indicates, as usual, that some Labor members have actually held on quite well. The one difficulty all polls have is that, unless they are seat-by-seat polls, they cannot factor in the personal vote that popular sitting members retain. Curi-Oz Your post yesterday where you compared the new Liberals with the old style Liberals. The same ting has happened in modern management. The other aspect is one I have commented on a number of times previously, and that is the loss of small "L" liberals from the Liberal party. It is now dominated by ultra-right conservatives and any "social responsibility" that the "upper classes" once felt (the old "nobless oblige" as you say) has disappeared.

Pikiranku

10/03/2013Capstan It must be a sleepy Sunday morning - I usually scroll straight past your vituperative rubbish, but I actually read this morning's outbursDowthrDt. Sorry to disappoint you -- "Who's that hideous, fat-arsed crustacean - the last one left - heading determinedly ...." etc., etc. -- but there is a chap over this way named Jay Weatherill. He's neither hideous nor fat-arsed and he's a Labor leader. You're not down to the last one yet.

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10/03/2013Folks I listened to [i]Insiders[/i] anticipating there would be some discussion about the swings in WA, but the only mention came from Gerard Henderson at the very end where he made the observation that the Greens had lost a third of their vote, which he attributed to them taking a ‘disastrous’ Hugo Chávez approach to economic policy. I hope Anthony Green will fill us in with some salient facts to overcome the flagrant rhetoric now coming from Coalition sources and the MSM. [i]Insiders[/i] was a curious mix of talk about the WA election, the rorting of 457 visas, the Baillieu resignation, the Western Sydney visit of the PM, and what was known by Australian authorities about the death of Australian citizen, Ben Ziegler, in an Israeli jail, which took an inordinate amount of time. I though Brendan O’Connor was impressive. He appeared to be channeling Scott Morrison’s technique of talking non-stop, but did make his points well. When the so-called ‘insiders’, the ‘experts’, the ‘commentariat’ can’t agree, as occurred several times this morning on [i]Insiders[/i], what credence can we place on the opinion of these opinionistas? Did you notice how defensive Lenore Taylor became when wisdom of the commentariat was challenged over 457 visas? She resented being classed as a ‘hysterical commenter’. Lenore, ‘if the cap fits…’ What did you think about [i]Insiders[/i]?

jane

10/03/2013Ad astra, the swing data is interesting. I was expecting a whitewash in WA, but to read that the swing against labor was so low was unexpected and a pleasant surprise. Even better was the fact that labor was gracious in defeat unlike the childish tantruming, whiny snivelling and extemely bad sportmanship exhibited by Capstan's mob. And if the Liars governments in Qld, Victoria, NSW and the NT keep going as they've begun, we'll be the ones gloating, not just in September, but in the coming years. Barrackers will be incandescent with rage because most people actually DO mind having corrupt governments, unlike Capstan and his ilk. Kroger; yet another boorish Liars oaf.

Algernon

10/03/2013This is my first effort here though I read often. Re Brendon O'Connor, I thought his response was good on Insiders today making some fair comments about 457 visas. If I compare that to Scott Morrison's hate fill vomit on the same program last week where he floats some extremist right wing view. As for Nikki Savva, there's a lot of immature smart alecy about here. Almost like she's channelling he former boss. could she be just his parrot like so many of her ilk

Jason

10/03/2013Aa, Mark Latham interview on ABC radio. Well worth a listen http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2013/03/sra_20130310_0905.mp3

Pikiranku

10/03/2013Some interesting figures emerging about 457 visas: In 2011/12 70,000 jobs were lost in the construction industry while there was a 36% increase in 457s. In IT there was a 68% rise in the number of workers on 457s, while at the same time job numbers were decreasing and (surprise, surprise) wages decreased 5-12%. Who needs WorkChoices?

DMW

10/03/2013Thanks Jason

Jason

10/03/2013Aa, DMW Paul Howes has this to say of Latham! We really need to listen to Latham Paul Howes The Sunday Telegraph March 10, 201312:00AM LAST year I gave a speech to the National Press Club about the future of the labour movement and the objectives of the AWU. After my speech I was asked about what the labour movement's attitude to former leaders of the Labor Party should be. I answered saying: "Maybe the time's come to stop being so particular about particular leaders or former leaders, constantly spending so much time ripping into ourselves. "I'm as guilty of this as anyone else. The time has come for our movement to be more tolerant of dissent, to be more tolerant of diversity, to bring back those lost members, those cousins who don't come to Christmas any more." To be honest I made the remark, didn't think anything would come of it and continued on my way and promptly forgot about it. That's why I was surprised to see my comments quoted in the introduction to Mark Latham's new Quarterly Essay, titled Not Dead Yet, Labor's Post-Left Future, which comes out tomorrow Latham goes on to recount his last "Christmas" with Labor and then uses the essay as an opportunity to analyse Labor's problems and possible solutions. In September 2012, when asked about his thoughts on Lindsay Tanner's then newly-released book about politics and the Labor Party, Senator Bob Carr said Australians had grown weary of the endless analysis of Labor's faults. In his Quarterly Essay, Mark Latham chooses not to dwell on the faults and instead offers constructive and intelligent ideas for how Labor can rebuild its future. It's well worth the read. You don't have to agree with it all and I certainly don't agree with Mark's views on the role of unions, or the relationship between the union movement and the Labor Party. But the point is that we need to start having these big-picture conversations. A positive discussion about the future of the Labor Party, and indeed the future of the country, is more than welcome. Unfortunately, many people on the progressive side of politics have become too scared to take on tough debates. They don't want to say what's in their hearts, and back it up with an articulate and reasoned argument. By being timid, we allow the agenda to be set by others. And increasingly the agenda is being dominated by the 'New Right' - the ultra-conservative politicians, shock-jocks and conspiracy theorists who have taken inspiration from the American Tea Party movement. This group of people works on the theory that if you scream hysterically for long enough, eventually people will start believing something bad is happening to them. It's a strategy which has had some success, but simply isn't sustainable over the long term. Tony Abbott's hysteria over the carbon price is a classic example. Almost a year after its introduction, the predicted chaos and calamity simply hasn't occurred, and people now can see it was all just a big con. The powerbrokers of the New Right have taken the Liberal Party in a bizarre direction. The Liberals are no longer the conservative party of Robert Menzies or even the party of John Howard. Instead the Liberal Party of today looks more like the Flat Earth Society. It's a party that rejects science, rejects evidence-based policy, and embraces the politics of fear and loathing. It rejects values of tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness, and seeks to stir up division and conflict. Latham argues that the drift of the Liberal Party to the fanatical right presents an opportunity for Labor. It has opened the door for Labor to re-establish its position as the party of mainstream Australia. But occupying the political centre doesn't mean abandoning core Labor values. It means changing with the times but retaining a fundamental commitment to the principles of social justice, opportunity and responsibility. Labor should always be the party that cares for people. On the other hand, the bullying and ranting of the New Right doesn't sit well with the Australian values of fairness and mateship. By occupying the political centre, Labor should always strive to be the sensible people in the room. In short, the Latham prescription for Labor involves a solid dose of community engagement, a focus on creating prosperity through opportunity, and staking a claim for the commonsense middle ground. That sounds pretty reasonable to me. Paul Howes is the national secretary of the AWU http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/we-really-need-to-listen-to-latham/story-e6frezz0-1226593818289?sv=69e24bc3c1f877ad0562794ffc1f6ea

Capstan

10/03/2013Jason - my main chubster man! Keep up all the positive spin you can, three-chin-man! You're dead meat! And that's it! This is not gloating or - what was Julia's special word? Oh yes! “Hyper-Bowl". Great new word that. This is just fact. Get used to it. I'll give you some fact back to you which will help raise your shredded, useless spirits: Labour will almost certainly win the next election in Victoria. That's just the way it is - Victoria is the throbbing, beating heart of the remnants of the national ALP - now that it's been decimated in Qld, NSW and WA and soon will be in Tas (and nearly was in ACT, in addition to being soundly beaten in NT). But the coalition government in Victoria under Bailleau was as useless and do-nothing as a kangaroo on the Nullarbor Plain at 2 am frozen in the spot lights of a Double B doing 120 kph - so ALP will almost certainly win the next state election in Vic. Unless Napthine’s government can turn things around – which probably won’t happen. That's the difference between me and you sad, sorry denialists in ALP fairy land - you will NEVER recognise the truth even when it's shoving its way fair up your collective left nostrils - I recognise reality. So here is reality: 1. The ALP under Gillard is dead as a dodo and will be smashed completely at the next Federal election. Your pathetic lot of stupid, criminal incompetents will not see any hope of regaining federal control for at least two Parliamentary terms. 2. And when the Royal Commissions are conducted after Abbot’s smashing victory into the HSU, the AWU, Fair Work Australia's criminal foot-dragging on Thompson etc etc - well, a whole bunch of ALP types are gunna spend some big time in the big house with Bubba. And all the laws pertaining to unions will change - no-one with a criminal conviction will be allowed to hold senior offices in any union - that's REALLY gunna flush the blocked turds out of the piping, isn't it? Who’s gonna head the militant unions when those laws come in? You blokes won't know what to do when unions have laws the same as companies have laws. 3. But the good news for you political dinosaurs is that you shall probably win the next Vic election. Have a good day, Labour Luvvy rusted-ons! I'm off to watch the ABC news about the WA election. The ABC - with the SBS, soon to be sold off and privatised under a coalition government coming to a Federal seat near you! Thereby saving the Australian taxpayers $1.2 BILLION dollars a year! If you guys want to save the ABC and the SBS - buy it for a song and pay for its on-goings yourselves. Byeee chaps of both genders!

Tom of Melboune

10/03/2013[i[I think the Coalition pundits, while being pleased at the outcome of the election, and at the poor showing by the Greens, will be concerned that under the favourable circumstances to them that existed in the WA election, they could erode the Labor vote by just 2.3%.[/i]” Really??? 1. What was the 2PP swing? 2. How accurate were the polls?

nasking

10/03/2013 THIS MORNING I ASKED MY WIFE WHO SHE THINKS SHOULD RUN THE FEDERAL LABOR PARTY...SHE KNOWS I'VE BEEN PUSHING RUDD...WHO SHE SUPPORTED FROM 2006...AND GOT IT RIGHT GOING BY THE 2007 RESULT...HE KNOCKED EGOMANIAC HOWARD OFF. TO MY SURPRISE THIS MORNING SHE SAID "WE HAVE TO GET AWAY FROM THIS GILLARD AND RUDD CONFLICT...WE NEED A THIRD PERSON TO LEAD THE ALP...I RECKON GREG COMBET IS A GOOD EXPERIENCED CHOICE". SHE MIGHT BE RIGHT. A COOL CALM CLARK KENT TYPE...NERVY AT TIMES...BUT ARTICULATE, DOWN-TO-EARTH...KNOWS ABOUT IR, CLIMATE CHANGE, DEFENSE, DEALING WITH UNIONS AND BIZ. NICE SMILE. BIT OF A BLOKE. YET SMART. CAN FIRE UP IN PARLIAMENT. WITTY. NICE FELLA. N'

nasking

10/03/2013 BTW, DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON I SPOKE TO A NUMBER OF NAT, LIB, LABOR AND GREEN VOTERS AROUND THE TABLE...MOST LET THEIR HAIR DOWN WITH A FEW DRINKS. YOU'D BE SURPRISED HOW MANY DON'T LIKE ABBOTT... HOW MANY DON'T LIKE GILLARD...NOR SHORTEN. THEY CERTAINLY DIDN'T WANT MORE RUDD VS GILLARD CONFLICT. BUT I GOT MANY POSITIVE NODS AND WORDS OF APPROVAL WHEN THEY GOT THINKING ABOUT GREG COMBET. N'

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10/03/2013Jason Thanks for the Howes piece. I've just got online again after hours of being unable to gain access. With all the visitors here over the Labor Day weekend the 3G system is overloaded. Maybe it will improve later tomorrow when they go home. I look forward to reading the Latham article.

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10/03/2013Folks I've had an enquiry about the source of my swing figures. It is here: http://www.abc.net.au/elections/wa/2013/

TalkTurkey

10/03/2013Algernon Looks like you'll be stuck with Hurricanes for a while yet. The F-35s John Howard ordered are not up to attacks by ME109s,and Spitfires are still in short supply. Good hunting! Pikiranku, other Croweaters : - (There must be more of you than just a couple of Jasons, a Janet and a J****, and moi!) REMEMBER! Swordies' Traditional Lunch! FRIDAY 15th at SKYCITY CASINO in the CAFE JUNCTION At NOOOOOOON Easiest way to get there is by train, the Casino is in the same building. Make it if you can Folks. I'll be wearing my grizzly gingerish greying beard and me flat cap and brown faux-suede slippers OK?

jane

10/03/2013Nas' the Rudd-Gillard conflict is a construct of the Liars party and their enablers in the msm, usually kicked off when Liealot's put his flipper in his ever expanding gob again. Gillard is a very good PM and possibly Combet would be too, but do you think for one nano second that the Meredochracy would allow people to know that? The public has been taught to hate Gillard and the government using the same insidious propaganda methods employed to pillory Obama-lies, smear, innuendo, false allegations, all while deliberately ignoring the egregious behaviour and corruption in the Liars Party. Remember who is at the bottom of the campaign against Thomson, the campaign against Slipper which prompted a Federal Court justice to say that he regarded the Slipper affair as an attempt to unseat the government. Then ask yourself why the msm has completely ignored that scandal and whether the msm would investigate the deep seated corruption and malaise at the heart of the Liars Party or trump up some bullshit against the Labor Party?

jane

10/03/2013BTW, it's great to see the Bear again.

nasking

11/03/2013 THNX JANE. I ADMIRE YOUR WRITING STYLE OF LATE. NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU YOU CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MANY DETEST PM GILLARD HERE IN QLD. I RARELY HEAR A GOOD WORD ABOUT HER. AND PEOPLE ARE SOOO SICK OF THE GILLARD VS RUDD COMPETITION. THE MEDIA CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN NEGATIVE TOWARDS THE GOVT...BUT I DO FEEL THERE IS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PUBLIC HOSTILITY TOWARDS PM GILLARD, AND GENERAL DISAPPOINTMENT WITH HER GOVERNING STYLE, THAT PROVIDES THE MSM WITH SOME JUSTIFICATION FOR THEIR ATTACKS. I JUST DON'T HEAR PEOPLE DEFENDING HER MUCH OUTSIDE OF CERTAIN BLOGS AND GLUED ON SUPPORTERS. IT'S VERY CONCERNING. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE RINEHART, MURDOCH FUNDED LOT ARE HAVING TOO MUCH OF A VOICE...MEET THE PRESS SOUNDED LIKE A MOUTHPIECE FOR THEM THIS MORN...AND OBVIOUSLY THE MINING TAX ISSUE...CORPORATE TAX RATE LEVELS...CARBON TAX...AND NBN MOTIVATES THEM TO ACT LIKE THE BACKERS OF A THIRLD WORLD DICTATOR. BUT...I JUST DON'T SEE HOW PM GILLARD HAS TRIED TO RECTIFY THIS MSM PROBLEM. I FEEL HER APPROACH IS HAMPERED BY THE FACT SHE FEELS THREATENED BY NEWS LTD ETC...AND IS UNWILLING TO STIR THINGS UP IN CASE THEY DIG DEEPER INTO HER PAST AND REVEAL MORE DIRT. CONSEQUENTLY, WE SEE A MEDIOCRE RESPONSE TO THEIR BULLYING. AND THE ALP CONTINUE TO HAVE CHUNKS OF FLESH TAKEN OUT OF THEM WEEK AFTER WEEK AS THE PM CONTINUES TO SPEND SPEND SPEND BASED ON VAGUE POLICY IN AN INSIPID ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE STORY. IT HAS BECOME A DEATH SPIRAL...TAKING THE PARTY WITH HER. AND THE VULTURES IN THE MSM HAVING TASTED BLOOD JUST FEED. THE PUBLIC LIKE THE CROWDS DURING THE FRENCH REVOLUTION URGE THEM ON, THROWING THEIR OWN BITTER COMMENTS HER WAY...EAGER FOR THE INEVITABLE BEHEADING. IT'S A SICK PLANET...SO MANY USED TO THESE TV SHOWS WHERE CHARACTERS ARE BELITTLED, SACKED. LIFE'S FRUSTRATIONS AND FEARS TURNED INTO FINGERPOINTING AND DISTASTE FOR AUTHORITY FIGURES... BUILD 'EM UP...AND KNOCK 'EM DOWN. EVEN ABBOTT WILL BE TORN APART SOON ENUFF. WE NEED A LEADER WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO GET THE RESPECT OF THE PUBLIC AND BUSINESS...WHO DOES NOT BIG NOTE THEMSELVES...HAS WIT...AND KNOWS HOW TO DEAL WITH MEDIA...AND IS NOT IN THE LIMELIGHT LONG ENUFF TO BE TORN DOWN BY BOTH MEDIA AND PUBLIC... RATHER GETS ON WITH THE JOB...GETS DOWN WITH THE PULIC...UNAFRAID...WILLING TO KEET AND GREET AND DRINK AND ATTEND A GAME WITHOUT SPENDING SPENDING SPENDING... BUT CAN DO ONE ON ONE SHOWS AND ARTICULATE THE POLICIES CLEARLY... AND IS WILLING TO STAND UP TO TONY ABBOTT WITHOUT LOOKING SCREECHY AND AS THO THERE IS SOME LONG-TERM PERSONAL FEUD THERE. JUST TAKES ON ABBOTT BY CALLING A SPADE A SPADE. AND EXPLAINING THE STRENGTHS OF HIS TEAM'S POLICIES COMPARED TO ABBOTT'S. I RECKON COMBET CAN DO THIS...APPEAL TO BOTH UNIONISTS...AND ASPIRING VOTERS. BE REAL. A GOOD BLOKE. N'

nasking

11/03/2013 WILLING TO MEET AND GREET AND DRINK AND ATTEND A GAME WITHOUT SPENDING SPENDING SPENDING.

jane

11/03/2013TT, I would love to come on the 15th, but I am sans transport atm as my elderly vehicle isn't feeling very well. In fact the old dear is a bit like the grandfather's clock. I think she got the huff because I sat in a young and more agile vehicle with stuff like a smart key, cruise control wot works, 4.6L/100km and rear passenger winders wot wind up. The old bitch stopped dead on Railway Terrace in Mt Gambier, stranding me and my insulin dependent diabetic 84yo m-i-l ending in a 2hr journey back home in a tow truck. Not happy, Jan. Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful time. I'll be thinking of you and scowling at my car. I'm starting to think that she votes Liars. Don't ask me why she's feminine, she just is.

TalkTurkey

11/03/2013jane What is your home area? No chance of public transport? It's the most central transport hub in Adelaide ... Bus, train ... See if we can work something out.

TalkTurkey

11/03/2013jane I realize that 2 hours this side of Mt Gambier is still a good way from Adelaide, still hope you might find a way. As for why cars are feminine, (it's the same with yachts and aircraft) ... All expensive ... flighty ... unpredictable ... Oh wait I'm not allowed to say that in 2013! It was OK when I first heard it in 1953 . . ! But I am allowed to say, beautiful and desirable!

jane

11/03/2013TT, unfortunately I'm 3½ hours from Adelaide and no public transport. However, if the old dear gets over the sulks, I could be a starter.

opal

11/03/2013@ian March 7. 2013 06:25 PM, Fabulous comment, well said.

lyn

11/03/2013Today’s Links An Open Letter to Michelle Grattan by @Vic_Rollison am sick to death of your campaign to fuel the fires of ‘leadership tension’ http://victoriarollison.com/2013/03/10/an-open-letter-to-michelle-grattan/ Tony Abbott’s “mini me” by @MigloMT Abbott was reconfirming his support for Newman’s style of governing http://theaimn.com/2013/03/09/tony-abbotts-mini-me/ “Politics Is Not an Easy Thing” By Lally Weymouth| Julia Gillard, Australia's first female prime minister, is fighting a two-front political war: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2013/03/julia_gillard_interview_australia How many House of Representatives votes don’t go to the big-four? by @davispg 1.3 million either go to minor parties on first preferences or are informal votes http://ausvotes2013.com/2013/03/09/how-many-house-of-representative-votes-dont-go Democracy, ethics, tolerance & public civility @margokingston1 role models for lying cheating deceiving ‘rorting’ http://australiansforhonestpolitics.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/democracy-ethics-toleranc WHY TED FLED: The faction master fell on his sword to put the knife into his foes @vexnews why does a Leader who had the numbers quit anyway? http://www.vexnews.com/2013/03/why-ted-fled-the-faction-master-fell-on-his-sword-to-put-the- Stacking the Deck by @archiearchive It seems that the members of the Press have been seduced by the Dark Side http://archiearchive.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/stacking-the-deck/ Please explain? by @AshGhebranious The ENTIRE purpose is to directly incite fear http://ashghebranious.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/please-explain/ Geoff Shaw MP the Frankstonstein monster (Part Two) by Tess Lawrence @independentaus http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/geoff-shaw-mp-the-frankstonstein- Life Under a Tony Abbott Conservative Government http://www.phonytonyabbott.com/blog/life-under-a-tony-abbott-conservative- Week in Review @JohnCookAdviser Julia Gillard spent the week in Western Sydney defending the Government’s 12 marginal seats there http://johncookadviser.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/week-in-review-25/ Mr Abbott as an economic forecaster by @TheKouk in May last year, Mr Abbott made the following claim: http://www.marketeconomics.com.au/blog Abbott denies faith will dictate politics ABC 60 minutes program that he did not say what he meant to and distanced himself from controversial comments http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-10/abbott-denies-faith-will-dictate-politics/4564188 Tony Abbott on abortion & homosexuality: ‘I’ve changed and I’ve grown’. @Mamamia Tony Abbott also used the 60 Minutes interview to clarify his position on abortion http://www.mamamia.com.au/news/tony-abbott-on-abortion-and-homosexuality-ive-changed What people are saying about Tony Abbott by @MigloMT a random sample of people think of Tony Abbott. http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/ The slow slide to the Fourth Reich @YosefAlbric in Australia we have the Murdoch-Abbot axis creating fear http://yosefalbric.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/the-slow-slide-to-the-fourth-reich/ The negative predisposition prism – Prime Minister Gillard’s major problem by Gordon Paul Keating was unpopular and won “the unwinnable election” in 1993 http://gordonsthoughts.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/the-negative-predisposition-prism WA election: Barnett and the Liberals do it easy by Ian Cook Australia’s largest state, and the engine room of the nation’s prosperity in many regards, is solidly conservative. http://theconversation.edu.au/wa-election-barnett-and-the-liberals-do-it-easy-12470 Little Red wolves in sheep’s clothing by @BaxterSally I wasn’t alone, of course, in falling for the propaganda. Millions did http://sallybaxter.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/little-red-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing/ Today’s Front Pages Australia Newspaper Front Pages for 11 March 2013 http://www.frontpagestoday.co.uk/index.cfm?PaperCountry=Australia

Truth Seeker

11/03/2013Morning Swordsters, after Liz Hayes asked the question on sixty minutes "Is Tony Abbott a changed man?", I felt compelled to answer with a resounding YES! http://truthseekersmusings.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/is-tony-abbott-a-changed-man/ Cheers :-) :-)

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11/03/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

2353

11/03/2013There is a God. [quote]Pell has no chance of top job[/quote] http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/pell-has-no-chance-of-top-job-20130310-2fu3x.html

nasking

11/03/2013 I RECKON THEY SHOULD HAVE 'EMOTIONAL APTITUDE' TESTS FOR POLITICIANS. PERHAPS WE'D END UP WITH MORE EFFECTIVE PARTY LEADERS...APPRECIATED BY THE MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC. HAVING AN ABILITY TO EMPATHISE WITH AVERAGE WORKERS, STRESSED SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND TRAINEES IS ESSENTIAL...SOMETHING THE PRESENT DAY ALP SEEM TO BE LACKING. OH THEY TALK THE TALK...BUT STRIPPING SINGLE MUMS OF BENEFITS...RIPPING AWAY ASSISTANCE TO CHRONIC DENTAL PAIN SUFFERERS...ELIMINATING FOR MANY THE DEPENDENT SPOUSE REBATE...IMPOSING HORRID CONDITIONS ON ASYLUM SEEKERS...THIS IS NOT A 'COMPASSIONATE GOVT'...IT'S ONE SO TERRIFIED OF TONY ABBOTT AND THE HOWARD OLD GUARD AND RUPERT MURDOCH AND THE MINING BARONS IT FEELS COMPELLED TO ACT LIKE MEAN BASTARD CLONES...WHILST SABOTAGING ITS OWN MINING TAX...AND MAKING REFORMS THAT DO LITTLE BUT KNOCK DOWN THE PROTECTIVE WALLS AND BUILD THE ENTRANCE FOR THE LIBERALS TO EVENTUALLY WALK THROUGH NEXT TIME IN GOVT MAKING IT FAR EASIER FOR THEM TO DO THE AUSTERITY MASSACRES...THE NAPLAN AND MORE POWER PROVIDED TO PRINCIPALS JUST TWO EXAMPLES. THEY WORRY ABOUT THE EMOTIONAL SUITABILITY OF TRAINEE TEACHERS...FAIR ENUFF. HOWEVER, WHAT ABOUT THE IMPACT OF EMOTIONALLY STUNTED, WOLF PACK JOURNOS AND SHOCK JOCKS WHO CONSTANTLY RUN EDUCATION IN THIS COUNTRY DOWN HAVING A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON TEACHER AND STUDENT MORALE? OR THE EMOTIONAL SUITABILITY OF THE BUREAUCRATS THAT IMPOSE UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ON TEACHERS...PROVIDING INSUFFICIENT TIME AND FUNDING FOR THESE SO CALLED 'BRIGHT IDEAS'. THOSE WHO TRANSFERS TEACHERS OUT OF SCHOOLS THEY ARE EFFECTIVE IN...WHERE THEY HAVE BUILT A USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL POPULATION AND PARENTS...ONLY TO BE SENT AWAY FROM THEIR SECURE BASE INTO A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE SOME BUREACRAT CAN'T BE BOTHERED INVESTIGATING THE DETAILS...TREATING TEACHERS AS JUST ANOTHER UNFAMILIAR NAME...A BAND...A NUMBER. AS FOR ABBOTT...AT LEAST HE GETS OUT THERE WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND LISTENS. ONLY PROBLEM IS...HIS ASS IS OWNED BY RUPERT AND GINA AND TWIGGY AND MR. SINGLETON AND MR. PELL AND THE LIKE. AND IF THEY SAY: "TONY WE WANT YOU TO FOCUS ON OUR NEEDS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MANY IN RETURN FOR OUR SUPPORT AND DOSH"...WELL, YOU CAN BE DAMN SURE OUR DESPERATE TO BE KING TONY WILL SALUTE AND GET ON WITH FEEDING THEM WITH BREKKY, LUNCH AND DINNER. ANYTHING TO FULFILL HIS MUM'S YEARNING FOR HER LAD TO BE TOP DOG. AND TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE TOP-END-OF-TOWNERS, THOSE 'INFLUENTIAL AS HECK' TYPES WILL PAT HIS FIRM ASS AND PECK HIM ON THE CHEEK IN APPRECIATION, WHISPERING INTO HIS EAGER EXCITED EARS: "WELCOME TO HEAVEN TONY" N'

TalkTurkey

11/03/2013Greetings Most, Here is a turnup or turndown whichever way you look at it Remember Crapstain pointed out that in August last year you could get $evens on Labor to win the next election, and I took out a bundle on us? Well then it went down to $2.85 by Novemmber! But NOW! You can suddenly get EIGHT$! http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/3/9/national-affairs/bet-lodge-abbotts-advantage !!! DO IT WHILE YOU CAN FOLKS! $50 gets you $400! $500 buys you a nice little s/h motor car! There's also a site on Betfair which was offering $11 on a [i]Gillard-led [/i]Labor victory, That oughta be at about $20s now I reckon!!! with the Media telling us She's gone for ALL money. But I lost the link to that, couldn't find it again, key words were something with BETFAIR, POLITICS, AUSTRALIA and NEXT PRIME MINISTER. Come on Comrades, do yourselves a favour, show some starch, take a little risk, WE [i]WILL[/i] WIN and YOU WILL ADORE YOURSELVES!

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11/03/2013Hi Lyn The Internet is working a bit faster for me today – the long weekend visitors to our delightful coastal resort town must be packing up and going home. So I’ve worked through your links – more great reading. I recommend Victoria Rollison’s [i]An Open Letter to Michelle Grattan[/i] to all. Grattan is an opinionista different from the vitriolic Niki Savva, yet more treacherous because of the reputation she established in the minds of her readers at Fairfax that she is ‘balanced’. She uses this reputation, admittedly now somewhat tarnished, to demonize PM Gillard under the cloak of balanced reporting, which is neither balanced nor is it reporting. Victoria makes the telling point that Grattan is pulling down the good reputation of [i]The Conversation[/i] where she now offers her malevolent opinion of our PM.

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11/03/2013Truth Seeker Yours was nice piece about that 'changed man' - Tony Abbott. 2353 That is good news, or should I say 'God news'.

Patriciawa

11/03/2013Error on my part with my name there. Can it please be erased so that [b]Patriciawa[/b]appears as usual? No one has responded to our old friend nasking and his most uncharacteristic comment which could be read to suggest that our wonderful PM has all sorts of failings which a 'good bloke' like Greg Combet doesn't have. Believe me, naskin, Julia Gillard is the woman of the hour and the leader the Labor party and this country needs if Rupert Murdoch and Newscorp are not to carry the Coalition to victory and seriously undermine our democracy. Please think again. Re-read this post by Ad Astra and others of people like Bushfire Bill at http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/03/03/among-the-true-believers/ and Miglo at ttp://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/conspiracy-update/

Pikiranku

11/03/2013TT We'll see you on Friday at noon, no worries. We have our big day out all planned. Having decided that we've Buckley's chance of finding a park in town during the festival and all the rest of it, we're going to do something we've long threatened to do but never done - we're going to take the bus. It leaves here at 6.45 a.m. so don't be too deeply offended if we fall asleep over lunch. We may be a bit dopey but we'll be there!

Truth Seeker

11/03/2013Ad, thanks for your feedback and kind words :-) As I said, I felt compelled to respond, and it seems to have struck a chord, as it's getting quite a few hits :-) :-) Cheers :-) :-) :-)

lyn

11/03/2013Hello lovely Patricia, I think I will work double tomorrow, if it means bringing you here. Thankyou as always for your very worthwhile informative posts. Ad Astra is a delight too, reading everything. Thankyou for your kind words and your opinion Ad. Tony Abbott has changed, what a load of rubbish. Did anyone notice how the poll results changed more or less immediately after the MSM advertised Tony Abbott had changed. Seems stupid really because he has admitted liability to his other nasty personality or otherwise how come he had to change. Couple of Abbott tweets:- krONik ‏ Tony Abbott reels as 60 Mins fluff cements with voters he's an unethical lying, misogynist, homophobic, power hungry bully! # Shelly Horton ‏ I don't think Tony Abbott is a reformed women-loving gay-accepting man. I just think he's been media trained to be polished liar #60mins Deb ‏ Not one news outlet has mentioned #60mins poll which states 70% of viewers distrust Tony Abbott. Phone polls are outdated :):):):)

DMW

11/03/2013Hey Nasking, good to see you back and in fine form with the words. I am not sure though if it is the wrong tree or the wrong bark, but I suggest many of those you have spoken to have been influenced by the media and some other things wash through the system. Labor is in a classic 'prisoner's dilemma' with the leadership question. The only way that there can be a change of leadership would be for the PM to resign. Even the slightest hint that she was 'tapped on the shoulder' or in in any way 'persuaded' by others to step down it would have repercussions that would be the definite end of this government no matter who was chosen. If the PM were to resign then Wayne Swan would also need to stand down as deputy. There may need to be a few other ministers that would also have to stand aside so a really 'clean slate' was available. It is difficult to imagine that the egos that are the PM and the Deputy PM would willingly stand down. The 'anger' that is directed towards the PM comes from a bigger angst in our country at the moment. The Possum (aka Scott Steele) pointed it out in his writings on 'The Great Unhinging' and Laura Tingle covered another aspect about our 'sense of entitlement'. There is another sense of anger and betrayal that is being directed toward government as people are starting to realise that governments can't do what they say they are doing. Governments do not create jobs, they do not control interest rates, the have little influence on prices and therefore inflation. So what the heck is it that governments do for us?. It wouldn't matter a lot who was leader at the moment or, for that matter, which party owned them, the general dissatisfaction would be laid at the feet of the PM and their government. Should Mr Abbott become PM within a quite short time he will suffer from the 'angst' as he won't be able to wave a magic wand and make everything better again. 'We', the people, are the real problem and 'we', the people need to make a new bargain with our political leaders about what it is we need and want our governments to do. The PM made a small step in that direction with her Press Club address in January but of course it all got overtaken by a new set of glasses. Problem is it is 'we', the people and in particular members of the press who need the new pair of glasses and we refusing to visit the optometrist.

BSA Bob

11/03/2013I can't rid myself of the notion that most if not all of the fourth estate's general negativity will cease with the demise of this Government. Someone (& we mostly know who that is) is paying the wages of these opinionistas. And that will largely dictate what they write about. Having assisted Abbott in the theft of a basically well functioning economy, their task will then be to talk up the already existing but underreported positives & to lower expectations. There's no reason why an Abbott government should be examined more than an Abbott opposition has been. Jobs could be found for some of these people in the continued persecution of Labor in opposition. Plus of course the big guns can simply fill their columns with pro Abbott opinion. And if any prove surplus to requirements, well that's their problem. The only aspect of the media's stance with which I agree.

2353

11/03/2013BSA Bob - I don't think the hostility towards the Government from the 4th Estate will change any time soon regardless of who's in power. While Newman has done some silly things, it was the MSM that effectively made Newman's choice for police minister resign a few days after the election for driving while disqualified. Soon after that Fairfax and NewsCorp were falling over each other to paint the Public Service job losses in the worst possible light. They have continued on this path ever since. The local MSM was just as nasty to Bligh and the ALP.

Patriciawa

11/03/2013Hi Lyn, was this the comment you followed up on earlier this morning? Ad Astra asked me to re-submit it because of an error. I'm glad to do that because I can follow up on your own lovely message. Yes, you do bring me here every day, and you also help me to get my thoughts in order. I'm sure that's true for many others. [quote][i]Hi Lyn, Thank you for getting me moving with my reading this, as every, morning. The interview with the PM is very interesting but that link falls away. Perhaps this might be stronger www.slate.com/.../...hind_in_the_polls.single.html I was disappointed by the way the carbon 'price' was discussed so casually as a carbon 'tax' by the PM without elaboration, which for me was confusing after insisting for so long out in the blogosphere that we had a carbon price and not a tax. As always PMJG doesn't buy into personal blame or negativity when asked about her rivals like Abbott and Rudd. Nor does she mention Murdoch and his relentless media campaign, in my view largely responsible for her character assassination. Is she keeping her powder dry? Or what? [/i][/quote]

LadyInRed

11/03/2013Lyn thanks for your great links. Good point about polls changing almost immediately after MSM started bleating that he had. [i] LIZ HAYES: Well, how offhand was your line about abortion when you said it was the easy way out. Short Answer: I could have said it better.[/i] Not changed. Along with selling his backside he can now add I'll even rid of myself (or con you into thinking I will rid myself) of long and deeply felt religious beliefs if it means I get the gig.

nasking

11/03/2013 DMW, AS FOR ABBOTT...THIS FROM MY FACEBOOK PAGE: Abbott is a divisive opportunist who has created too many enemies and left a path of carnage behind him...and he's set bad precedents...this will see him as PM under constant attack...and failing to live up to expectations...and create too much internal strife in the Libs...consequently undermining the governance job. So we'd probably see a lot of distraction tactics...not positive for a country in transformation. And he will be indebted to Murdoch's lot...and Rinehart's etc. Could end up looking like an uncompetitive third world dictatorship...but with rich barons dominating the show. YOU CAN'T CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT OF THAT MUCH HATE AND EXPECT TO UNIFY THE COUNTRY. IT WILL BE WAR. TOO MANY LOATHE ABBOTT AND WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO DISRUPT HIS PMship...THAT DOES NOT BIDE WELL FOR BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT. THERE WILL BE A RECKONING. BEST I RECKON TO VOTE IN A PARTY WITH AN ACCEPTABLE LEADER...ONE WHO HASN'T CREATED SO MUCH ANIMOSITY...AND LEFT A TRAIL OF CARNAGE IN HIS WAKE. THE COALITION WILL RUE THE DAY THEY CHOSE ABBOTT. AS FOR GOVT'S ROLE...DENTICARE, THE NBN, A DISABILITY SCHEME, AFFORDABLE TERTIARY EDUCATION, EFFECTIVE HOSPITALS AND AGREEMENTS ON TRAFFIC JAM BUSTING TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE ALL ESSENTIAL. LET THE STATES DEAL WITH THE MINING BARONS...COP THE BRUISING IF THEY DON'T GET ENUFF OUT OF THEM. STUFF THE CARBON PRICE...IT'S BETTER WE USE INCENTIVES THAT SHOW UP POSITIVELY ON THE ELECTRICITY BILL. PUT UP AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SALESMAN WHO KNOWS BUSINESS...THE MARKETS...SELL IT LIKE STEVE JOBS DID APPLE EQUIPMENT. THE ELECTRICITY COMPANIES CAN GET AWAY WITH MURDER THNX TO BLAMING THE CARBON PRICE. N'

Pikiranku

11/03/2013I'm having a lot of difficulty reconciling what I hear (e.g. from Nasking, from journos and commentators) and what I read (e.g. in polls and opinion pieces) with what I actually see. What I hear and read is that Julia Gillard is hopelessly and irretrievably unpopular and distrusted. What I see - and this is on MSM TV news services - is Julia in Western Sydney shopping malls being absolutely mobbed by well-wishers. People who want to greet her, touch her, speak to her. Scores of them. I also see Tony Abbott towing his daughter around by the hand, kissing a baby, and not another soul in sight! What's going on?

2353

11/03/2013Nas - you're right [quote]THE COALITION WILL RUE THE DAY THEY CHOSE ABBOTT. [/quote] The negativity that Abbott has generated (in following the "example" of conservative political parties elsewhere) will come back to bite the Australian conservatives when they get into power. They are the ones that have "authorised" those members of the public to actively vilify an elected Government. No Government (even a "good conservative Government" such as Howard's in the eyes of the 21st century conservative or Menzies in the eyes of a 20th century conservative) can physically change everything that "needs" changing overnight. Therefore the new Government will be vilified by the same conservatives when (say) money is taken from Defence rather than Education. The issue is how do they suddenly "de-authorise" vilification when it has been stock in trade for so long? Great to see you back by the way. Hope you are feeling better and looking after yourself.

Bilko

11/03/2013TT Can I just pop into ACTtab and place a bet?.I am rather naive when it comes to election betting, no probs on Melb cup day I can find plenty of help. Now I wish to put $50+ on Julia to win any help would be good.

Bilko

11/03/2013yippee my grav is back

BSA Bob

11/03/20132353 @ 3.55 Point taken & I hope you're right. If nothing else it'll be fun to watch them kill each other. But I fear that the commentariat, & perhaps more importantly its employers, has put too much into this effort to back off. Perhaps the question is who controls the commentariat? Is it simply a law unto itself, making & breaking governments for no reason other than that it chooses to? In which case there may be criticism, perhaps a lot of it, directed at Abbott should that be the commentariat's pleasure. But if they're doing their job & writing what they're told to I think they'll still be putting the boot into Labor. It's a given that Ltd News will. Criticism of an Abbott government would be along the lines of a sort of party organ gee-up- "Comrade Hunt needs to display more zeal in the performance of..." sort of stuff. Your post at 6.40 gives a good example-internal squabbling over the allocation of funds between traditional conservative sacred cows & other items. Cheers.

nasking

11/03/2013 2353, THNX...ENJOY READING YER CONTRIBUTIONS. I THINK IT'S ESSENTIAL WE ALP AND GREEN SUPPORTERS HAVE THIS INTENSE DISCUSSION. GET IT OUT OF THE WAY...SO WE CAN FOCUS ON THE CAMPAIGN. WORK OUT IF WE DO NEED A NEW LEADER...RETURN TO RUDD BY WAY OF A GILLARD RESIGNATION OR NOT...HAVE ACTS OF CATHARSIS ABOUT POLICY...DISCUSS WHY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CHANGE THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE THE PAST YEAR...AND GENERALLY WHERE THE HELL THIS COUNTRY IS HEADING...AND WHAT IF THE CHINA BOOM AND CONSEQUENTLY THE MINING BOOM CRASHES TO THE GROUND...AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO DEFEND AND PROTECT OURSELVES AGAINST THE CLIMATE CHANGE DISASTERS...AND WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SECURE AND GROW OUR COUNTRY IN A WORLD THAT GETS CLOSER BY THE DAY DUE TO INTERNET, TRANSPORT AND TRADE LINKS. LET ME TELL YOU VERY CLEARLY WHY I WORRY ABOUT PM GILLARD TAKING US INTO THE ELECTION. RARELY HAVE I SEEN A CONTEST OF HATE THE LIKES OF WHICH I'VE SEEN BETWEEN GILLARD AND ABBOTT...IT'S LIKE A CUSTODY BATTLE. FURTHERMORE, QLDers HAVE A LONG MEMORY...PARTICULARLY WHEN SLIGHTED...AS IN HAVING THEIR PM KNIFED. ALSO, I HAVE RARELY SEEN POLLS DIVE SO QUICKLY AFTER SO MUCH WORK GETTING THEM UP BECAUSE A LEADER STUMBLES...OR THE MEDIA CREATE THE PERCEPTION OF A STUMBLE ETC. THIS DOES NOT BIDE WELL FOR ELECTION FORTNIGHT...WE KNOW THAT NEWS LTD AND FAIRFAX PROBABLY HAVE SOME REAL DAMAGING STUFF ON GILLARD THEY'LL USE IN THAT LAST FORTNIGHT OR SO. IT WILL BE WORSE THAN THE LATHAM HANDSHAKE EFFECT. LASTLY, WHO DO YOU THINK IS GOING TO GET ACROSS THE LINE BASED ON PAST AUSSIE ELECTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO GENDER? RARELY A WOMAN SADLY. THIS IS A BLOODY OCKER COUNTRY...AND GILLARD IS NO DYED IN THE WOOL AUSSIE EITHER...NOR THE GREATEST COMMUNICATOR. THE VOTERS WILL BRING IN ABBOTT...EVEN IF IT'S JUST TO BASH HIM...GET HIM OUTA THE WAY. THEY KNOW WITH BULLIES SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LET THEM HANG THEMSELVES BY THEIR OWN ROPE. AND ABBOTT HAS CERTAINLY CREATED HIS OWN HANGMEN'S NOOSE. IF WE BRING IN A NEW DYNAMIC LEADER IN A WHIRLWIND ELECTION WE MAY BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE OUTCOME. GIVE THE PEOPLE THE RACE THEY WANT. N'

nasking

11/03/2013 BTW, IF THERE HADN'T BEEN SO MANY COCKUPS...AND WE HAD A DIFFERENT MEDIA LANDSCAPE...A WOMAN PM COULD MAKE IT. BUT THIS IS NOT NZ CIRCA LATE 90s, EARLY 2000s. N'

nasking

11/03/2013 FURTHERMORE, IT'S POSSIBLE MURDOCH'S NEWSPOLL WILL MASSAGE THE FIGURES SLIGHTLY BY EXPERT POLLING MEANS TO MAKE GILLARD LOOK LIKE HER POPULARITY IS RISING AGAIN IN ORDER TO TRY AND KEEP HER THERE. N'

Sir Ian Crisp

11/03/2013[quote][b] What I hear and read is that Julia Gillard is hopelessly and irretrievably unpopular and distrusted. What I see - and this is on MSM TV news services - is Julia in Western Sydney shopping malls being absolutely mobbed by well-wishers. People who want to greet her, touch her, speak to her. Scores of them. What's going on? Pikiranku [/b][/quote] "What's going on?" you ask. It's nothing to be worried about. It's a simple case of woolgathering. It will soon pass.

bob macalba

11/03/2013And the 'in your face but so what' rorting continues http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/government-defends-fundraisers-to-fight-unions-20130311-2fvka.html Lyn....again a big thankyou for all your links each day, Bilko.... im with you, going to put a lazy $50 on Labor, easy money Pikiranku.... i see it the way you do, abborts just the evil face of a nasty machine and the people do see through it, thats why putting my money on Labor cheers all

Sir Ian Crisp

11/03/2013[quote][b]2353, LET ME TELL YOU VERY CLEARLY WHY I WORRY ABOUT PM GILLARD TAKING US INTO THE ELECTION. RARELY HAVE I SEEN A CONTEST OF HATE THE LIKES OF WHICH I'VE SEEN BETWEEN GILLARD AND ABBOTT...IT'S LIKE A CUSTODY BATTLE. FURTHERMORE, QLDers HAVE A LONG MEMORY...PARTICULARLY WHEN SLIGHTED...AS IN HAVING THEIR PM KNIFED. ALSO, I HAVE RARELY SEEN POLLS DIVE SO QUICKLY AFTER SO MUCH WORK GETTING THEM UP BECAUSE A LEADER STUMBLES...OR THE MEDIA CREATE THE PERCEPTION OF A STUMBLE ETC. THIS DOES NOT BIDE WELL FOR ELECTION FORTNIGHT...WE KNOW THAT NEWS LTD AND FAIRFAX PROBABLY HAVE SOME REAL DAMAGING STUFF ON GILLARD THEY'LL USE IN THAT LAST FORTNIGHT OR SO. IT WILL BE WORSE THAN THE LATHAM HANDSHAKE EFFECT. N' nasking [/b][/quote] Gee NoKing, you sound glum and downcast. What happened to that bubbly bear who used to put on a brave face? Where has he gone? Here you are in happier times waxing unrestrained about the plight of the other mob of gangsters. [quote][b]Sir Ian Crisp, I have no probs with yer moniker... you could call yerself Sir Full Ofit for all I care. Spray like a cat...it's yer choice... Nothing will change the fact...the Coalition have stuffed up bigtime...virtually impossible for them to pull outa the dive now. They just don't have the experts with imagination to do it. Watched Contrarians the other night...example of the smug condescending idiots that dominate the right-wing of politics...and the pretenders' wing. If the Coalition keep heeding the old guard...the likes of Jones, Murdoch, Howard, Abbott, Krogers, Henderson, Bolt, Akerman, Singleton, recruited Paul Kelly, and so many other painful bores and ocker thugs yer gonna get yer asses kicked. Yer surrounded. Ya just don't know it yet. I larfed and larfed. Even Morris and Rove didn't get it. N' nasking [/b][/quote] Let’s hear ya larf and larf once more.

nasking

11/03/2013 I'D LIKE TO SEE ASSANGE RUN FOR THE SENATE. N'

nasking

11/03/2013 Sir Ian Crisp, A WORLD WHERE NOTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE. YOU AIN'T SEEN NUTHIN' YET. SOME OF US THINK YEARS AND YEARS AHEAD. N'

nasking

11/03/2013 [b]Yer surrounded. Ya just don't know it yet.[/b] INDEED. :D N'

nasking

11/03/2013 BRING ON THE RUDDSTER...AND IF HE HAS TO DO A DEAL WITH MURDOCH...SO BE IT. N'

2353

11/03/2013Nas - it's a shame the world has got more conservative since the 90's. Helen Clarke or Margie Thatcher wouldn't stand a chance of facing the electors these days. I suspect a lot of it has to do with the conservatives who treat Government like a business. Business and Government are miles apart - but the clowns who preach the Government has to make a dividend crap haven't turned into dinosaurs yet.

TalkTurkey

11/03/2013Pikiranku I've been on that 'bus ... Is it still called Birdseye's ? Anyway good on you it'll probably be cheaper easier and safer! Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said: [i]We are owned by our possessions[/i] A car in the city is a real liability, it costs just to walk away from it for a while! As well as the dings it gets from careless car-door openers .. at the small end. The big end, well that hardly bears thinking about. So the bus is a good option. And it's a Labor thing to use public transport too. Looking forward to meeting you/s! What fun. Now, Sgt Bilko! :) [i]"TT Can I just pop into ACTtab and place a bet?.I am rather naive when it comes to election betting, no probs on Melb cup day I can find plenty of help. Now I wish to put $50+ on Julia to win any help would be good. Bilko "[/i] Goodonyer Cobber! But I have 3 bits of bad news: One: I don't know about ACTtab or hardly anything at all about how to gamble! But my bet at $evens - (for a good bit more than $50 btw :) ) - was [i]online[/i] on Sportsbet, and the one I quoted at Eight$ earlier today was on Betfair. Two: I can't find the link again as I said, but you or someone will doubtless have the nous to find it, BUT, [i]Three,[/i] I see someone says Labor's IN again to $6 today! In fact it was Kouk himself I think. Because there ya go, [b]LABOR tonight is UP again in Newspoll +3% and Abborttians are down, so, not 45% - 55% but [i]48% - 52%[/i],[/b]... and there's Koukoulas yesterday saying wtte the election's all over bar the gnashing of Labor teeth. Be of good cheer Swordsfolks, WE START RIPPING THEIR BLOODY ARMS OFF TODAY! Enema Allerbitchi trying to gotcha Emmo a few minutes ago, kept interrupting as soon as he started to get to each point, reeled off 5 questions in tandem she had written down, he answered them all even through her interruptions. And she plainly didn't know about the fine new figures for Labor. Ha Ha. Striking distance, six months to peak. We will be there at the end. Dog Alfighty now it's Tikky Fullerton bagging Labor. Some old fart saying [i]Why don't they spend their money on hospitals and dams not on stuff that doesn't matter carbon tax carbon tax[/i] AND THEY'RE NOT EVEN PAYING BLOODY CARBON TAX! No challenge to the BS Oh they make me sick but WE WILL GET THEM!

jane

11/03/2013Nas' if in the unlikely event that Rudd is restored, it could only happen if there was no vote, given that pretty much the entire cabinet would resign because they will not work with Rudd. Rudd may be popular with Liars voters, but not within his own party, whereas they all seem to like Gillard very much and enjoy working with her. PatriciaWA has met the PM and found her very warm and personable. She also had the opportunity to speak with members of the Cabinet who were present and to a wo/man they had nothing but praise for her. If Patricia is reading this comment, I'm sure she will confirm what I am writing. The PM has been comprehensively demonised by the msm and it appears that some people have swallowed the msm's propaganda whole. I would also remind everyone that these tactics have also been used in the recent past to allow the slaughter of millions of people to pass unremarked, even cheered on. And only in the past few days we've seen this type of ugly and repellent propaganda campaign directed at asylum seekers in this country by the hypocrite and appalling liar Scott Morrison, who alleges that he is a Christian. I find that pretty hard to swallow as he sure doesn't appear to follow the teachings of the man he claims to follow. And I'm equally sure if Christ appeared today, Morrison and that other bunch of Hillsong hypocrites would be baying for his blood and knocking up crosses as fast as they could lick. We've also seen the destruction of John Kerry, a genuine hero of the Vietnam War, by the Swift Boaters, a group of utter cowards and an early version of the Tea Party imo, who had never even been to Vietnam. Not only did they destroy Kerry's reputation, but they convinced voters that he was a coward who had not received the Purple Heart but that George Bush Jnr, who avoided being called up to serve in Vietnam by hiding in Canada, was in fact a hero. This is why I place absolutely no credence in anything the msm or the Liars Party has to say about Julia Gillard and her government-whatever they say about her you can be sure the opposite is true. And frankly if Windsor, Oakeshott and Wilkie reckon she's the real deal, I'm satisfied it's true and correct. They have more integrity, honesty and moral fibre in their little fingers than in the entire msm, shock jocks and Liars party. We have to counter the msm propaganda with the truth. When friends and family start regurgitating Liars propaganda, or claim to hate our PM but are unable to articulate any reason other than the msm says, we have to set them straight.

jane

12/03/2013I should have added that if Gillard were to be replaced, her successor would be equally vilified and demonised by the Merdeochracy using their grab bags of lies, smear, innuendo and false allegations.

DMW

12/03/2013Katherine Murphy @ The National Times gets a bit reflective and makes some interesting points that tie in with some things I was alluding to in my comment @ March 11. 2013 02:38 PM [b]Remember voters, you can steer Australia's future[/b] Long-term policy reform is being lost in a Faustian pact for short-term political gain. [i]We elect governments as an investment in that long game, yet tear them to shreds for not delivering for us in the here and now. It's always been thus, an enduring perversity of expectation about politics, but I worry it's getting worse. I worry that politics is losing some of its capacity to stand its ground against the various toxicities in the media cycle, and dysfunctions within the parties themselves - that too many perverse incentives are being created to mortgage the future for the present. The most obvious symptom of this is the trashing of political leaders we've seen over the past few years. Politics is itself devaluing the currency of leadership in some Faustian bargain to remain one step ahead of opinion polls.[/i] http://www.nationaltimes.com.au/opinion/politics/remember-voters-you-can-steer-australias-future-20130310-2ftrg.html

Patricia WA

12/03/2013Absolutely, Jane. PM Julia Gillard is the real deal and not at all deserving of the treatment she is receiving from the Murdoch controlled media. You're right, if either Windsor or Oakeshott had reservations about her they would make them known.

DMW

12/03/2013... something I missed on Sunday (it seems so long ago) [b]…. and, we’re back for Election ’13![/b] from Larvatus Prodeo by Mark Bahnisch http://larvatusprodeo.net/archives/2013/03/and-were-back-for-election-13/ Never let it be said that this election will be boring ... ... tho' some days I do wonder about the reporting of it ;(

nasking

12/03/2013 [b]Because there ya go, LABOR tonight is UP again in Newspoll +3% and Abborttians are down, so, not 45% - 55% but 48% - 52%,... [/b] AHHH, THE MASTER AT WORK. NOTE THIS TOO: [b]The issue of Kevin Rudd is also still sticking around, with Newspoll showing a potential return to the former prime minister would boost Labor's chances at the federal election. A total of 47 per cent of Newspoll voters said they would vote for Labor if Mr Rudd returned as leader, while 39 per cent would vote for the Opposition.[/b] SO YOU CONTINUE DOWN THE SAME OLD ROAD...WORKING LIKE A PLOUGH HORSE... LET ME REPEAT: [quote]ALSO, I HAVE RARELY SEEN POLLS DIVE SO QUICKLY AFTER SO MUCH WORK GETTING THEM UP BECAUSE A LEADER STUMBLES...OR THE MEDIA CREATE THE PERCEPTION OF A STUMBLE ETC. THIS DOES NOT BIDE WELL FOR ELECTION FORTNIGHT...WE KNOW THAT NEWS LTD AND FAIRFAX PROBABLY HAVE SOME REAL DAMAGING STUFF ON GILLARD THEY'LL USE IN THAT LAST FORTNIGHT OR SO. IT WILL BE WORSE THAN THE LATHAM HANDSHAKE EFFECT. WHO DO YOU THINK IS GOING TO GET ACROSS THE LINE BASED ON PAST AUSSIE ELECTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO GENDER? RARELY A WOMAN SADLY. THIS IS A BLOODY OCKER COUNTRY...AND GILLARD IS NO DYED IN THE WOOL AUSSIE EITHER...NOR THE GREATEST COMMUNICATOR. [/quote] THEY ARE PLAYING WITH YOU. BE WARNED. N'

nasking

12/03/2013 [b]PatriciaWA has met the PM and found her very warm and personable. She also had the opportunity to speak with members of the Cabinet who were present and to a wo/man they had nothing but praise for her. [/b] JANE & PATRICIA, I'M SURE THE PM CAN BE A VERY WARM AND PLEASANT PERSON. THAT DOES NOT MEAN SHE CAN WIN THIS ELECTION. SHE HAS COURAGE...I WILL GIVE HER THAT. SHE HAS COPPED A LOT OF CRAP...AND DEALT WITH IT WITH DIGNITY...I WILL SAY THAT. SHE HAS NEGOTIATED WELL WITH THE INDEPENDENTS...UNLIKE ABBOTT, WHO OFT LEAVES A TRAIL OF CARNAGE...THAT CAN'T BE DENIED. SHE HAS GOT A LOT OF LEGISLATION THRU PARLIAMENT...THAT'S FOR SURE. SHE HAS GROWN IN HER JOB AS DIPLOMAT WHEN VISITING OVERSEAS...THAT'S OBVIOUS. SHE IS LEARNING TO GET DOWN WITH THE PEOPLE...GRADUALLY...AS DEMONSTRATED BY VISITS TO QLD AND WESTERN SYDNEY...INDEED. SHE GAVE A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MISOGYNY SPEECH...FEW COULD FORGET IT. BUT... N'

nasking

12/03/2013 [quote]Nas - it's a shame the world has got more conservative since the 90's. Helen Clarke or Margie Thatcher wouldn't stand a chance of facing the electors these days. I suspect a lot of it has to do with the conservatives who treat Government like a business. [/quote] 2353, INDEED. HELEN CLARK IS AN AMAZING WOMAN: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Clark [quote]Helen Elizabeth Clark, ONZ (born 26 February 1950) was the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand serving three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2008. She was the first woman elected, at a general election, as the Prime Minister, and was the fifth longest serving person to hold that office. She has been Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the third-highest UN position, since 2009. Clark's government presided over nearly a decade of economic growth, while still maintaining a large internal government deficit. [/quote] [b]WHEN CONSERVATIVE JOHN KEY CAME IN DIDN'T HE UP THE EQUIVALENT OF OUR GST?[/b] I FOUND THIS TO BE AN INTERESTING PROJECT PUSHED BY PM JOHN KEY: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cycleway_Project [b]Originally called the New Zealand Cycleway, and later the National Cycleway Project, it was initially conceived as a cycling route to run through the length of New Zealand, "from Kaitaia to Bluff". It was proposed by Prime Minister John Key as the 21st "surprise" item of the national Job Summit held by the New Zealand Government in early 2009.[/b] ABBOTT LOVES HIS BIKES TOO EH? N' N'

nasking

12/03/2013 AHHH YES, HERE WE GO: [b]Goods and Services Tax (New Zealand) [/b] Background GST was introduced by the Fourth Labour Government of New Zealand on 1 October 1986 at a rate of 10% on most goods and services. It replaced existing sales taxes for some goods and services. GST was a part of the economic reforms initiated by Labour Finance Minister Roger Douglas that were dubbed Rogernomics. GST was introduced in conjunction with compensating changes to personal income tax rates. Since its introduction it has had two increases, on 1 July 1989 the rate increased to 12.5% [b]and on 1 October 2010 it increased again to 15%.[/b] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goods_and_Services_Tax_(New_Zealand) HMMM... N'

nasking

12/03/2013 DMW WROTE: ... something I missed on Sunday (it seems so long ago) …. and, we’re back for Election ’13! from Larvatus Prodeo by Mark Bahnisch COOL. MARK AND TEAM WERE HIGHLY INFORMATIVE. I WONDER IF WE'LL HEAR MUCH FROM TIM DUNLOP? THE GOOD OLD DAYS EH? CERTAINLY WON'T BE BORING. THIS ELECTION SHOULD BE INVIGORATING. :D N'

lyn

12/03/2013Today’s Links Let them drive Comcars Ross Jones , @independentaus from Saturday16 April 2012 to Friday 22 April 2012, Tone racked up $2,706 in Comcar bills. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/let-them-drive-comcars/ Defining what you aren’t by defining what you are by Gordon that he’s changed is irrelevant as that’s not the purpose http://gordonsthoughts.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/defining-what-you-arent-by-defining- Don't blame Julia, blame Labor by @GrahamY voters at the moment are looking for performance, not promises http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=14779 The Men Conservatives Want In Power @guyberes The right might thrive on the hatred of their political enemies, but government can’t be powered by hate alone. http://newmatilda.com/2013/03/11/men-conservatives-want Nothing like a good ol’ fashion popularity contest @mtewhatu Tony Abbott & propensity for his gaffes to cost the Liberal Party the Federal election http://theproblemwithmondays.com/ Peter Costello, Tony Abbott, the Queensland LNP and privatisation by @MarkBahnisch Campbell Newman is actively working against Tony Abbott. http://larvatusprodeo.net/archives/2013/03/peter-costello-tony-abbott-the-queensland- Anger and Envy in Australia Today by @archiearchive Australia has its best financial situation ever http://archiearchive.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/anger-and-envy-in-australia-today/ King Of The Jailhouse @madwixxy Coalition helping big business (big party donors) crush small business. http://wixxyleaks.com/2013/03/11/king-of-the-jailhouse/ Open Cuts: Tearing the Heart out of the Upper Hunter by Janice corporate giants are nothing but kleptocrats http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/03/11/open-cuts-tearing-the-heart-out- @ShellyHorton1 on her Trending Tony Tweet by @margokingston1 whatever he had to say to get elected rather than what he actually believed http://australiansforhonestpolitics.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/shellyhorton1-on-her-trend Mark Latham and the return of the underclass by @donattroppo Latham argues that Labor’s future must be post-left http://clubtroppo.com.au/2013/03/11/mark-latham-and-the-return-of-the-underclass/ Green disaster in WA is the worst news for Labor @tcookAU a collapse in the Greens vote dragged the ALP's two party preferred vote down http://trevorcook.typepad.com/weblog/ Abbott: I Have Grown @TheHoopla can you take the trainee priesthood out of the man? http://thehoopla.com.au/abbott-grown/ “Carbon Tax” Successful Reframing at its Best by @Mothincarnate the spin, “carbon tax” has seem to have worked, http://newanthropocene.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/carbon-tax-successful-reframing-at-its-best/ Melbourne’s exceptional heatwave and climate change: this ain’t the weather your grandparents knew by @WTDeniers blistering summers and bone-chilling winters http://watchingthedeniers.wordpress.com/ They’re gonna die out anyway @MigloMT racism in this country and how it is being applied in the political http://theaimn.com/2013/03/11/theyre-gonna-die-out-anyway/ Today’s Front Pages Australia Newspaper Front Pages for 12 March 2013 http://www.frontpagestoday.co.uk/index.cfm?PaperCountry=Australia

TalkTurkey

12/03/2013Looking really rough today, No sticky-sweety smirk! Just looking thoughtful, Poor Leaky Burk!

nasking

12/03/2013 LYN, WHAT EXTRAORDINARY STAMINA YOU HAVE. I LOVE THIS LINE @ THE HOOPLA SITE: [b]You can take the man out of the trainee priesthood, but can you take the trainee priesthood out of the man? [/b] WORTH REFLECTING ON. N'

Michael

12/03/2013Today's Newspoll figures prove all over again that the more Australians see Tony Abbott, the less they like him. This Opposition Leader, who the last Newspoll told us would landslide demolish Labor in a Federal election, in just two weeks has provided over the loss of a double-digit two party preferred lead over the Government, losing more than half of that lead, AND seen his own 'preferred PM' figures cut back to once again trail the real PM. The penny has to drop for the Coalition party room soon. Abbott has nowhere to hide across an election year, and if the casual observation of the last two weeks so easily leads to him losing the crushing win he had in his pocket 14 days past, what will the blowtorch forensics of electoral-period scrutiny do? "Wither" covers it. Any dictionary will spell that out, but I suggest the headlines will be even more comprehensive.

nasking

12/03/2013 YEP: [b]Top U.S. Admiral: Climate Change Biggest Threat[/b] [quote]Fallout from the shifting global temperature "is probably the most likely thing that is going to happen ... that will cripple the security environment, probably more likely than the other scenarios we all often talk about," Navy Admiral Sean J. Locklear III told the Boston Globe's Bryan Bender on Friday. This not from some liberal tree hugger, but from the man who ran the maritime part of NATO’s war against Libyan dictator Muammar Gadhafi in 2011 and has since been tasked with responding to the frequent destructive weather events in East Asia and the Pacific Ocean. "You have the real potential here in the not-too-distant future of nations displaced by rising sea level," Locklear said. "Certainly weather patterns are more severe than they have been in the past. We are on super typhoon 27 or 28 this year in the Western Pacific. The average is about 17." Locklear's comments come after the Department of Defense released a Quadrennial Defense Review in which it described the shifting global climate as a national security threat and "accelerant of instability and conflict," placing the burden of response on militaries around the world. The military has also adopted a variety of clean energy projects in an effort to green its image and reduce the armed services’ carbon footprint.[/quote] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/11/climate-change_n_2855007.html?ir=Politics&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009 N'

nasking

12/03/2013 [b]Looking really rough today, No sticky-sweety smirk! Just looking thoughtful, Poor Leaky Burk![/b] TT, I REALLY DIG YOUR POETRY, YOUR STAMINA, YOUR PASSION, YOUR PERSEVERANCE, YOUR IMAGINATION, YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HISTORY AND LITERATURE, YOUR SENSE OF THE FAIR-GO. YOU HAVE MY RESPECT. YOU ARE INDEED A TRUE BELIEVER. N'

lyn

12/03/2013Hi Nasking, I meant to say yesterday how good it is to have you back on TPS. Pleased you liked the excerpt on the Hoopla link, I liked it too. Your comments are delightful as always. ABC breakfast is having trouble with the polls, so therefore have to accentuate the Margin of Error, which by the way when the Coalition goes up in the polls no mention then. Makes me feel so much better to laugh at them. Michael see Abbott's split personality is not working for him ha ha, love your post. Bob Macalba x:):):) Jane bravo to you :) :):):):)

BSA Bob

12/03/2013Just looked in at the Hoopla link. The shot of Abbott displays clearly what I call his "gunfighter's eyes". Calculating, in instances like this coming across as "what do I have to say to you right now?"

nasking

12/03/2013 CHEERS LYN. NICE TO RETURN AND READ THRU YER USEFUL LINKS AND SEE THAT CHEERFUL GRAVATAR OF YOURS. [b]ABC breakfast is having trouble with the polls, so therefore have to accentuate the Margin of Error, which by the way when the Coalition goes up in the polls no mention then. Makes me feel so much better to laugh at them.[/b] YES I NOTICED SAME...IS LATIKA A LIBERAL BY ANY CHANCE? SHE LOOKED VERY DISPIRITED. :D WELL, I GUESS RUDDY'S NOT GOING TO MAKE A MOVE. PROBABLY FOR THE BEST...I HAD A DREAM LAST NIGHT...MUSTA BEEN WHAT DMW WROTE...SUDDENLY THE FEDERAL ALP WAS IN A SHAMBLES...RUDDY WAS LEADER BUT HEAPS WERE RESIGNING...SOME COMING OUT SAYING THEY WERE LEAVING POLITICS AT THE END OF THE TERM...CONROY RESIGNED IN A HUFF...THE NBN ROLLOUT SLOWED DOWN...RUPERT MURDOCH DID A DEAL WITH RUDDY AND THEN BACKSTABBED HIM. THE HORROR...THE HORROR. STILL...I HOPE THE GOVT TAKES ON BOARD MY CAUTIONARY TALE...AND RAMPS UP ITS STRATEGIC DEFENSES. AND THERE IS PLENTY OF POSITIVE INFO THERE TOO. AND SOME COMMENTS...WELL, YOU HAVE TO READ BETWEEN THE LINES. I GUESS IT'S 'ALL THE WAY WITH PM GILLARD'! SO BE IT. TIME TO TAKE THE LIB STATES APART A LITTLE MORE. AND GIVE ABBOTT, HOCKEY, ROBB, PYNE, MORRISON AND BISHOP ETC. A ROASTING. DID YA SEE LATHAM GO AFTER ANDREW ROBB LAST NIGHT ON SKY NEWS? BOY OH BOY DID HE GO BALLISTIC ON HIM. SOMETHING ABOUT ROBB'S BOOK AND HOW HE LIED TO TURNBULL TO GET ABBOTT IN...DECEPTION 100%. N'

nasking

12/03/2013 THE LATHAM ATTACK WAS RELATED TO THIS: [quote]The most revealing section of Robb’s book is chapter 16, “An Act of Treachery”. Here he explains how, in late 2009, he deceived his leader Malcolm Turnbull about the true state of his condition and the impact of his medication. He exaggerated his circumstances as part of a cunning manoeuvre to roll Turnbull in the Liberal party room on the question of supporting the Rudd government’s emissions trading scheme. This effectively ended Turnbull’s leadership, hence Turnbull’s well-made accusation of an “act of treachery”. This was also a shockingly cynical act by Robb, a strategy to milk his illness for political advantage. In reading his book, it is difficult to have sympathy for him. He comes across as an opportunist, seeking out the fastest and most convenient route to high office. He will say and do anything to get ahead. It is appalling to think that Right-wing barrackers and elements of the mental health industry are now trying to position him as untouchable. Given Robb’s track record of treachery and cynicism, he deserves more scrutiny than other federal MPs — not less.[/quote] http://www.crikey.com.au/2013/03/04/latham-i-only-said-what-robb-had-said-himself/ STRANGE DAYS INDEED. N'

nasking

12/03/2013 I NOTICED CHRIS PYNE WAS PROMOTING SO CALLED 'PRINCIPAL AUTONOMY' ON Q&A LAST NIGHT. IS THIS CODE FOR: FUTURE PRINCIPALS BEING CHOSEN BASED ON THEIR 'FAITH'...BELIEF IN RELIGION...AND BUSINESS. AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE COALITION. SACKING ANYONE WHO DIDN'T LIVE UP TO THEIR IDEALOGICAL EXPECTATIONS... AND WHO REFUSED TO BUY THE SOFTWARE THAT MADE LIBERAL MATES FINANCIALLY GLEEFUL? WEE FIEFDOMS. N'

Bilko

12/03/2013Nasking Robb is cast in the same mold as Abbort and the rodent. Imho it started with Malcontent Fraser who after being in power, party wise for 20+ years, could not face the humiliation of being in opposition, born to rule syndrome. Poor GW honorable man that he was, did not think that Mal could be so dishonorable, but the thirst for power overcomes all else. If Abbort had control of the senate he would have stopped supply if he thought it would get him the lodge keys, he has tried everything else bad gov etc etc and failed.

Bilko

12/03/2013AA It might be time to re-evaluate what Abbott stands for, he has done so many backflips I don't think even he knows. On the other hand we know what Julia stands for, her vision for the future. The media are in a frenzy over Rudd restoration all crap of course urged on my Murdoch as they scrape the bottom of the barrel to keep Abbott afloat.

42 long

12/03/2013Abbott would do anything. We ALL know that. The trouble with attacking Andrew Robb ( and making him answerable for what he says and does) is that you will be made out to be hitting a guy who is recovering from depression and may harm him. The allegations will come from the same people who would have been happy to drive Slipper or Thoms(no "P")on to suicide. Principles and good character are disposable items when the "hypocrite" Abbott needs to achieve his political aims. The "real" Abbott is pretty "unreal". Latham can be a "GEM". Richardson is revolting.(in the commentry stakes)

nasking

12/03/2013 [b]If Abbort had control of the senate he would have stopped supply if he thought it would get him the lodge keys, he has tried everything else bad gov etc etc and failed.[/b] BILKO, I AGREE. HE'S HUNGRY FOR THE JOB. LIKE A PRINCE WHO BELIEVES IT IS HIS DIVINE RIGHT TO TAKE THE THRONE EVENTUALLY...WILLING TO DO A HATCHET JOB ON ANY COMPETITORS AND THE EXISTING MONARCH...ABBOTT IS SCHEMING 24 HOURS A DAY. HE RECKONS HE'S CHANGED. BUT I RECKON HE'S MORE POLISHED. REMINDS ME OF A HOUSE THAT IS FULL OF MOULD AND CRACKS AND THE FOUNDATIONS ARE ROTTEN...BUT A FEW COATS OF PAINT, A NEW CARPET, SOME PLUSH FURNITURE...LOOKS LIKE NEW. YA GOTTA LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE...PEEL AWAY THE FACADE...EXAMINE THE HISTORY... AND ALL SHALL BE REVEALED. N'

42 long

12/03/2013Some political "scientist/historian ) should compile a list of quotes and actions of the LieNP on matters economic with a view to assessing the nett total damage to the australian economy done by their negativity, distortions and lies over the period of the longest dummy spit in political history by the Abbott "born to rule" MOB and the manipulative Murdoch press who never question him, thereby allowing the myths to have legs. Democracy NEEDS/ REQUIRES an honest fair minded investigative journalism structure. Gillard hasn't had this and has had to contend with the most manipulating and deceitfull opposition I can recall whose main aim nowis to undo EVERYTHING the Parliament has achieved in its term, IF it gets power. Not only will it do that but will target the type of people who voted Labor/ Green. Despite the most obvious intensive efforts to rubbish the Labor brand and the person by the "persuaders" aligned with the rewards of electing a government for the already powerful, Gillard is still there and punching and Bailleau is gone. Don't write Labor off. They have considerable talent in their ranks. ( in contrast to their opponents in the parliament)

nasking

12/03/2013 [b]Pass or fail? Kiama mum grades the NBN By GLEN HUMPHRIES March 11, 2013 ‘‘The internet has come a long way since Telstra introduced dial-up internet in Kiama in 1995,’’ Country Wide area general manager for the Illawarra Michael Marom said. ‘‘Back then customers could look forward to blistering download speeds of 28Kbps. Today our NBN customers enjoy download speeds up to thousands of times faster.’’ Mr Marom said that speed is creating ‘‘Gen NBN’’ – youngster who will never know a world without near instantaneous high-speed internet. ‘‘Instead of watching TV or listening to the radio, Gen NBN is streaming their music and TV online,’’ he said. ‘‘They’re Googling answers to questions, Instagraming photos to scores of friends and Skyping relatives across the globe. [/b] http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1356891/pass-or-fail-kiama-mum-grades-the-nbn/?cs=12 BRING...IT... GEN NBN... NEW WORLD. :D N'

nasking

12/03/2013 JUST WATCHED RECORDING OF SKY NEWS AGENDA...DAVID BRADBURY DID A TOP JOB PROMOTING THE GOVT'S AGENDA AND ACHIEVEMENTS ETC. BRADBURY HAS COME ALONG WAY OVER THE YEARS...REALLY GROWN ON ME. HIGHLY ARTICULATE, DETERMINED, COURAGEOUS IN STANDING UP TO CRITICISM, PERSEVERES, AMIABLE, CALM COOL AND COLLECTED...OBVIOUSLY LOVES HIS ELECTORATE...SMART AS. NOT UNLIKE OBAMA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bradbury N'

Pikiranku

12/03/2013Nasking It's great to see you back and I'm pleased that you seem to have, at least temporarily, abandoned the Ruddstoration push. There are a couple of points I'd like to make about that subject: Firstly, why Rudd? With a Cabinet absolutely brimming with talent, why is there such an obsession with going backwards, back to someone whose limitations obviously made him difficult, if not impossible, to work with? If you're all hell-bent on a Queenslander up there, why don't you start barracking for Craig Emerson? Me, I'm with Jane, I think Greg Combet is one of the most impressive people in the parliament and would make an excellent leader some time down the track, a far more promising proposition than Rudd. Though, as I've said before, I think the most capable and talented politician in Canberra is the brilliant Penny Wong - but unfortunately she'd probably be a step too far for the Australian electorate at this stage. Secondly, don't ever, ever underestimate Julia Gillard. She negotiated a Labor government against all expectations; then she'd definitely be gone by Christmas 2010; then she was going to get rolled by mid-year; and so on and on and on. And we all know what those confident predictions have come to. Meanwhile the Labor government has managed to pass over 400 pieces of legislation, some of them nation-changers. She's a women, you know - they're good at multi-tasking. She can run the country and defend her back at the same time. And she might just win an election while she's doing all that as well. Venceremos!

TalkTurkey

12/03/2013The Day Tony Read A Book http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151535578945797&id=274330505796 And Da Schnozz read an even bigger one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlsQIEIEeKA

nasking

12/03/2013 [quote]Me, I'm with Jane, I think Greg Combet is one of the most impressive people in the parliament and would make an excellent leader some time down the track...[/quote] Pikiranku, I AGREE. I'M A FAN OF GREG COMBET. AS IS MY WIFE. :D [quote]She's a women, you know - they're good at multi-tasking. She can run the country and defend her back at the same time. And she might just win an election while she's doing all that as well. [/quote] HE HE...I DIG THAT. MY WIFE IS GREAT AT MULTI-TASKING TOO. IT'S SO MUCH EASIER FOR ABBOTT...HE DOESN'T HAVE TO GOVERN...HE CAN JUST VISIT PLACES AND SPREAD NEGATIVITY. [b]YOU CAN SEE THAT HIS TIME WITH THE MSM RUBBED OFF EH? ALL BORING REPETITION, HYPERBOLE, SENSATIONALISM, ATTENTION-SEEKING TO THE POINT OF MAKING YOU WANT TO VOMIT, FAUX SINCERITY, STUNTS, BS WORKING OVERTIME, SUPERFICIAL...FEAR-MONGERING...INCONSISTENT...RUTHLESS...WEATHERVANE...[/b] N'

TalkTurkey

12/03/2013 Tune: Puttin' On The Agony Lonnie Donegan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxKVFW347uM Bagging our Economy, Slagging Our PM! Making a cacophony and Spitting hate and phlegm! Spare us all your bonhomie! You're just one of Them! Bagging our economy, And slagging our PM!

jane

12/03/2013Thanks, Patricia WA. And it appears that as more Australians meet her they are also impressed by her charm, honesty and down to earth attitude. Nas', I appreciate your argument, but as I observed above, even if Labor removed Gillard and replaced her with Rudd, Shorten or Glinda the Good Witch, the msm would still conduct the same ferocious campaign of lies, smear, innuendo and false allegations against them. I still remember with disgust the gutless personal attacks on Therese Rein-on her figure, her hair (which I personally found amazing) and her success as an independently wealthy, very savvy, highly intelligent, business woman. I doubt that Kevin Rudd would want to wish that on her again as you can be sure that the msm would again take every opportunity to savage her. Contrast Therese Rein's treatment by the msm with Margie Abbott's. No gutless and hypocritical savaging of her appearance, clothes or the fact that she's also a very successful, very savvy, intelligent, independently wealthy business woman And they're now attempting to mount a smear campaign against the First Bloke. There are no depths too Stygian or too depraved for Rupert's mob; I still vividly recall the appalling conduct of the American Press when they savaged poor Chelsea Clinton, a child of 12. They crave respect, validation, gravitas and acknowledgement as movers and shakers, when in fact they are just nasty disease carrying insects. As for new and more lurid smears against the PM, I think they would have already aired them by now in an attempt to unseat her. Let's not forget the effort that bag of sleaze and corruption Larry Pickering has been putting in to no avail. And the chaff bag cabal, Anal, Hadley, Smith et al sinking the slipper with all their considerable and very unattractive weight behind them. Have you ever seen anything more vomit inducing than Anal? He looks like a contagion waiting to infect someone. A barge pole would be too close for comfort. Somebody should buy him a Weight Watchers membership and a face and personality lift. Maybe we should pass the ht around but even then, he would provoke disgust. Ditto the rest of those lard @rses, with their ghastly portraits in the attic, disfigured by corruption and disease. [quote]YA GOTTA LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE...PEEL AWAY THE FACADE...EXAMINE THE HISTORY... AND ALL SHALL BE REVEALED.[/quote] Got it in one, Nas'. BTW, that excerpt on Robb is a real eye opener. Here he's been, all sad droopy eyes, when he has cynically exploited his illness in a political coup against Turnbull. Are there any more depths to plumb by this mob? Bilko, you're absolutely right, although I think Fraser has had a long hard think about his behaviour in 1972. As for Liealot, I doubt he is capable of any sort of introspection and self evaluation. He's that screaming kid in the supermarket whose mother you wish would give the little shit a slap. 42 long @10.34am, got it in a nutshell. We are not being served well by our 4th estate on any measure. There needs to be a clean sweep and reporting without fear or favour, not sycophantic bullshit, which, far from the effect they desire, is driving people away from these self titled pundits in increasing numbers and turning to the 5th estate for truthful, objective reporting. And we need clearly designated well researched opinion pieces, not just biased, unresearched ignorant opinion dressed up as fact. Where is the investigative reporting that led to [i]"The Moonlight State"[/i]? We don't want to be dished up endless rejigs of [i]E News[/i], or [i]Celebrity Whatever[/i]. World Championship Wrestling has more integrity and honesty than what passes for "serious" , I hesitate to use the word journalism, when it is just scandal mongering of the worst sort. All potatoes and no meat.

nasking

12/03/2013 [b]Contrast Therese Rein's treatment by the msm with Margie Abbott's. No gutless and hypocritical savaging of her appearance, clothes or the fact that she's also a very successful, very savvy, intelligent, independently wealthy business woman [/b] GOOD POINT JANE...AND HOW THEY TREAT PM GILLARD. IT IS INCONSISTENT...IN FACT, REVEALS A BIAS. [b]Have you ever seen anything more vomit inducing than Anal? He looks like a contagion waiting to infect someone. A barge pole would be too close for comfort.[/b] ROFL...A CONTAGION WAITING TO INFECT SOMEONE...HAHAHA....SO TRUE...SO TRUE...OH HOW I'VE MISSED YER IMAGINATIVE AND BLUNT ASSESSMENTS JANE. GOOD STUFF. :D N'

jane

12/03/2013Cheers, Nas'. I'm very happy to see you back commenting again and ferreting out what's going on o/s and here. Although someone as noble as a bear could hardly be thought of as ferreting, I guess. :D

Pikiranku

12/03/2013Nasking As an ex-renovator (among other things) I really appreciated your rotten house analogy. Very apt! Unfortunately we're surrounded by slick salespeople who are determined to sell us this lemon. Let's hope there aren't too many gullible buyers out there. We'll all go down with them if there are. I join you in your enjoyment of Jane's posts - so pertinent and so expressive. Thanks Jane.

Janet (jan@j4gypsy)

12/03/2013 Morning all, and I wanted to pick up on some themes running here across the last couple of days that seem to have followed the continuation of Lib/Nat Government in WA. First, let’s remember Ad’s earlier post: ‘Don’t mention the polls’. Why? Because, Ad, I think it’s time for a new post from you along similar lines, only this time titled: ‘Don’t mention a change of leadership!!’ Nasking, it is indeed so nice to have your thinking back with us. But, :-), well, I’m glad other swordies found some time to argue with you about kicking off the ‘nobody loves our PM’ meme and the ‘therefore we better have Bob, or Alice, or Ted, or whoever instead’ sub-meme. Now is no time to waver, particularly in any public space such as this blog, on support for a PM who has grown enormously in two years and earned my/our/half of Australia’s ever-increasing respect. I’m with the thinking of Jane and DMW and Piriranku and PatriciaWA. Now is no time to make a change. Reams have already been written by pollies and pundits and posters and bloggers about why not: it can’t be Rudd because no-one will work with him, etc; to stick in Rudd is to change the entire front bench, etc; no one ALP Minister or pollie is going to risk, now, that level of change: it would destroy any perception of stability this government has worked to achieve, etc; and the voting public ‘ain’t gonna’ be up for it either; etc. It’s been said, but let’s say it again: we hurt only ourselves when we buy in to what now has been almost certainly proven a Murdoch-driven ‘conspiracy’ (and I never thought I’d use that word and mean it – ever). If we needed any further proof, the yet-again outburst of headline hysteria, replete with regurgitation of ‘falling on sword’ metaphor, following the WA election result Saturday has been almost proof enough. Conversely, in the last few days we’ve begun to see a bunch of good ministers get real time on old media (some of you are commenting on this here today, and Emmo was brilliant last night on Lateline) and it looks as if the ALP is starting to work a successful strategy for getting the competent ministerial communicators talking clear, straight and hard to the #msm. So, I think we need to think about and be careful about ‘vox popping’. We all do it, but we ALL know, I am sure, a ‘vox pop’ commentary does not reflect the half of the 6 million voters in this country who will vote for, and vote in a Labor Govt. Vox popping around those we know or love or meet on the street is just that: what you get back will depend on both demography and geography, or who and where. Vox popping isn’t a poll or any kind of fair sample. It’s a conversation – AND THAT IS ALL. Consequently, plunging into despair or panic because you’ve had a run of ‘vox poppery’ that doesn’t favour the PM is to channel energy in quite the wrong direction, and to fall for the same trick as plunging into despair about one poll (as opposed to keeping a watchful eye on trending polls). I’ve vox-popped across the country from Newcastle to Adelaide in the last few weeks. If I were to base my own analysis/predictions on the conversations I’ve had across the country I’d have given up in Griffith (home town), revived a tad in Robinvale and floated on air in Adelaide :-). Have had marvellous conversations with a ‘broad demographic’, and none of them have reflected anything but complex responses by individuals to a complex political situation. In Griffith I connected mainly with rellies and a bunch of old school mates. The 87-year old uncle watches Channel 7 – and the split second the PM came on the TV he was scathing…with every word he spoke an echo of what we hear on the #msm. The aged Uncle’s not for turning (and I wouldn’t out of respect, try). And the schoolmates (female)? They’re all, except one, ‘conservative voters’; the one is a swinging voter (and she is the only one amongst that group except moi with post-secondary quals). Notable response from all was a quite visceral dislike of Abbott. Equally notable response was stated mistrust of Turnbull, because he was ‘too far left and might as well be ALP’. Consternation. But those women felt they were nevertheless likely to vote as they always had. The swinging voter and I had a later chat. She expressed a dislike for the PM. Why?, I asked. She couldn’t say. Truly. We talked some more. I offered some non-#msm reading online. She ‘didn’t have time’ just now, although she was angry at the inadequacy of the #msm. (You might also remember that Griffith is the regional city that supports the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and which staged the public burning of the initial Murray-Darling plan.) In Robinvale I wound up camping on the Murray, as you do, next to a weekend fisher-bloke, who, it turned out had decided he was going to vote informal because there was no point because his local member was Greg Hunt and because he the fisher-bloke was a Labor voter, so what WAS the point! I think I lost that argument. Frankly, if anyone can jot me down five quick dot points on the value of voting even if you think your vote won’t count, that would be helpful for future such ‘conversations’ :-). And in Adelaide? Well, apart from meeting up with swordsters soon (exciting thought!), just had several days at the WOMAdelaide Festival (world music). It’s a pity the PM didn’t stage a visit. She’d have been mobbed :-). Does any of this tell me how the election will pan out? Nope. I think the purpose of ‘vox popping’ and the point of my little rant is (as has been said quite often on this blog in response to a number of Ad’s recent posts), to take the opportunity when it offers to question, provide a little new information, point to alternative reading, state one’s own views, be able to justify them, and be clear, pleasant and solid in them. But not to read each vox pop chat as ‘election tea-leaves’ :-). Back soon with some long overdue Twittertalk, stuff and verse.

Janet (jan@j4gypsy)

12/03/2013 And here we are with Twittertalk, 'tho QT calls :-). [b]Twitterati[/b] [i]The Mongrel News ‏@MongrelNews[/i] Newspoll preferred PM: Juliar-ing Witch 42%; Tony Abbott (Rhodes) fighting fires, rescuing kittens & ironing 38%; Satan 20% #auspol [i]Zac Spitzer ‏@zackster[/i] Tonight on #abc730, we furiously backpedal on last night's#leadershit because #newspoll [i]Mark ‏@markjs1[/i] RT @GhostWhoVotes: #Newspoll Preferred ALP Leader (L/NP Voters): Gillard 12 Rudd 42 Shorten 24 >>L/NP voters SHIT scared of Julia #auspol [i]Whit Goughlam‏@leftocentre[/i] @DrHugoZHakenbus No probs mate. Yes, she's a looker. With a mile of ticker and smarts to boot. :-) [speaking of the PM] [i]Jennifer Pescud ‏@JennyPescud[/i] @PeterFosterALP Peter I've said all along that WA Labor needs to embrace Julia. She's across all Govt issues & works very hard. Good Poll. [i]Craig Emerson MP ‏@CraigEmersonMP[/i] @CoatTales @veromeanstruth Labor can win! I have always believed that. [i]Craig Emerson MP ‏@CraigEmersonMP[/i] .@veromeanstruth Abbott polices already being inserted into post-election Audit Commission to conceal them from the public. Just like Newman [i]margo kingston ‏@margokingston1[/i] I am an hour behind in Queensland - at last can Richo be not heard? He is corrupt and always has been. [i]Bruce Potts ‏@seaton1941[/i] If the MSM succeed the lights will dim for 10 years. If they fail Labor must ensure this attempted Coup D'tat never happens again. [i]Barry Tucker ‏@btckr[/i] Have strong feeling a news media backlash is developing. It starts with 1 polly, then another & momentum builds ... [b]Twitterverse[/b] [i]borysSNORC ‏@borysSNORC[/i] Makes you wonder how #Abbott would actually be depicted if we had an unbiased and balanced media. #auspol https://twitter.com/borysSNORC/status/311278171729309697/photo/1 [i]Wendy Bacon ‏@Wendy_Bacon[/i] Better poll for #labor & #Greens. What might it be if media were halfway fair? She survived that week.What's next? http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/latest-newspoll-reveals-signs-of-hope-for-labor/story-fn59niix-1226595097628 … [i]Equitist ‏@OzEquitist[/i] MT @australian Signs of #Newspoll spin: JULIA Gillard never lost lead over Tony Abbott as preferred leader... http://bit.ly/14N0Tvf #AUSpol [i]Stan Steam ‏@StanSteam2[/i] Gippsland Nationals MP Darren Chester has called for the personal attacks on the PM to cease. Good on him! #auspolhttp://embedle.com/e/8iyuh2cnI#..http://www.news.com.au/national-news/kevin-rudd-needs-to-sto-stalking-police-lightweight-prime-minister-says-darren-chester/story-fncynjr2-1226595350935 … [i]John H ‏@knarfnamduh[/i] The only people interested in what Latham has to say are the MSM seeking the stupid inappropriate viewpoint! http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-11/rudd-should-be-given-ministry-latham/4564956 … @abcnews [i]IndependentAustralia ‏@independentaus[/i] Graham Jackson: 'Dial M for Murdoch: into the court of the Sun King'. #limitednews http://fb.me/1UKAcCm0b [i]Bushfire ‏@BushfireBill[/i] If Hartcher is the "future" of Fairfax, then it's not hard to see how the company got in the shit #auspol http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/03/08/dydd-gwener-raffles-nos/comment-page-3/#comment-25809 … [i]Barry Tucker ‏@btckr[/i] @Hermeswitch @kayepayne Pardon me. TruthinMedia Resources, Info, Empowerment http://bit.ly/Z1XUC0 We MUST act on media bias. [i]HannahQuinn ‏@NannaHannah[/i] What? A longer nose? >> ABBOTT: I HAVE GROWN.http://thehoopla.com.au/abbott-grown/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=March+11+The+Hoopla&utm_content=March+11+The+Hoopla+CID_05bd6352f24d103519fbec4f18d39a77&utm_source=Email+marketing+software&utm_term=Read+Now#.UT17Zhuvnuw.twitter … [i]Harry Larsen ‏@berkeleyboy[/i] Rinehart & Abbott will use #457visas as a tool to tear apart Australian Federation for a quick buck http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/457-reasons-for-reform-20120528-1zf6y.html …#ABC730 #auspol [i]Margaret ‏@Margy011[/i] John Faulkner speech #thedrum Want to see corruption/lies/rorts/smears/scandals/Ministerial sackings? :http://www.senatorjohnfaulkner.com.au/file.php?file=/news/HQRYPBHXRQ/index.html … #auspol Expand [i]Chimaera Chillies ‏@josh1782[/i] Gillard's got a new carbon weaponhttp://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/3/12/politics/gillards-got-new-carbon-weapon?utm_source=exact … via @BusinessSpec [i]Angry Granny ‏@AngryGranny1[/i] “@katherinetu: great news, declining use of coalhttp://www.theage.com.au/business/carbon-economy/coal-use-is-declining-on-national-grid-20130310-2fu86.html … #climate #nonewcoal #auspol” < Don't believe Greg Hunt's lies. [i]Cate Faehrmann ‏@greencate[/i] RT @NewcastleGreens: @greencate has written a fantastic article on Hunter air quality. Please read and sharehttp://catefaehrmann.org/2013/03/clear-the-air-in-the-hunter/ … RT [i]David Horton ‏@watermelon_man[/i] How could this be happening? “@abcnews: As Victoria swelters, Melbourne is on track to notch up a record hot spellhttp://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-11/melbourne-on-track-to-notch-up-a-record-hot-spell/4565870?section=vic …” [i]LarvatusProdeo ‏@LarvatusProdeo[/i] Peter Costello, Tony Abbott, the Queensland LNP and privatisationhttp://wp.me/p109kT-6Ve [i]Jackie Woods ‏@jackiewoods[/i] Essential Report: Privatisation on the nosehttp://essentialvision.com.au/opinion-of-privatisation … for everythinghttp://essentialvision.com.au/services-better-run-by-government-or-private-sector … [i]Sortius ‏@sortius[/i] Pass or fail? Kiama mum grades the #NBNhttp://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1356891/pass-or-fail-kiama-mum-grades-the-nbn/?cs=12 … | According to@turnbullmalcolm this family don't need simultaneous internet [i]Tony Windsor ‏@TonyWindsorMP[/i] How one uni is using the NBN to develop projects 'outside the box' that help everybody from kids to grandparents:http://www.une.edu.au/faculties/professions/fibre-enabled/ … [i]Ben Eltham ‏@beneltham[/i] Me in @newmatilda on Bob Carr's attempts to dissociate himself from Eddie Obeid http://bit.ly/ZCJru3

Bilko

12/03/2013AA I have often complained about media coverage of Parliament QT where for 2-3 yrs ABC coverage of QT ends at 3pm whilst QT continues for almost another 30 mins in both houses and one unfortunately has to go to Foxtel to continue viewing or watch play school which makes more sense sometimes. It seems to me that the ABC scheduling needs revising to accommodate this change my son advises me it is because of some law that this occurs, can anyone enlighten me/us on such legislation.

nasking

12/03/2013 [quote]Unfortunately we're surrounded by slick salespeople who are determined to sell us this lemon. Let's hope there aren't too many gullible buyers out there. [/quote] Pikiranku, INDEED. IMAGINE THE PUBLIC MOVING INTO ABBOTT MANOR...AND WITHIN MONTHS IT TURNS INTO DECREPIT OLD HOUSE... INTEREST RATES CREEP UP...CRACKS SHOW UP...CREAKING ECONOMIC FLOORBOARDS...GST INCREASES WHILST STURDY FURNITURE IS REMOVED AND SOLD OFF TO RICH IN ANOTHER PART OF TOWN...REPLACED WITH SHONKY FURNISHINGS. WOOD ROT DISCOVERED...ALP BLAMED BY INSPECTOR COSTELLO WHO RECOMMENDS AUSTERITY TREATMENT...AND SELLING OFF OF ANYTHING VALUABLE IN HOUSE...RENTING OF ROOMS... MOST OF PUBLIC CROWDED INTO A FEW ROOMS...CRAVING SLEEP WORKING OVERTIME... ANY CRITICAL MEDIA LOCKED IN BASEMENT... HOUSE GETS STUFFIER...NO WIND OF CHANGE...JUST BABIES SCREAMING IN THE NIGHT... 'WAR ON TERROR: THE FOREVER WAR' PLAYS ON FOXTEL OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN... BLESSED BY PELL... UGLY HOUSE...UGLY HOUSE. N'

nasking

12/03/2013 JANET, YOU ARE ANOTHER WITH SUCH STAMINA OFFERING UP USEFUL INFO. HAD A GOOD LARF AT THIS: The Mongrel News ‏@MongrelNews Newspoll preferred PM: Juliar-ing Witch 42%; Tony Abbott (Rhodes) fighting fires, rescuing kittens & ironing 38%; Satan 20% #auspol N'

nasking

12/03/2013 SCOTT MORRISON LIKE CRAZED BOGEYMAN IN CLOSET...FEW TIMES A WEEK POPS OUT AND GOES "BOO"... SOON THE KIDS WHO GET SCARED WILL GROW UP AND START THINKING HE IS A BORING OLD FART. N'

Ad astra

12/03/2013Hi Lyn Thank you for another great set of links, which I'm still working through. I've been busy with family over the Labor Day weekend right up until this morning, and I've been trying to also find time to write my next piece, which is now complete and proof read as usual by my wife. I’ll post it later this afternoon. Janet Thank you too for your Twitterati; they are such an interesting collection. I’ll work through these later. I’ll soon post something that might fulfill your wishes. Bilko It’s good to see your Gravatar back. QT is also on ABC24, which runs it to its end, and features the House of Representatives even when the Senate is on ABC1 It was a pretty tame affair today with the usual boring questions on the surplus and the debt, and several on 457 visas. The Coalition lacked verve today. Scott Morrison opined that Government members would be talking about the WA State election outcome rather than [i]Newspoll[/i], but it looked as if today’s poll had knocked some of the stuffing out of the Coalition. I imagine they were anticipating another awful poll for Labor, which coupled with the WA result, would give them an opportunity for a right cross to the body and a left hook to the jaw. Instead they simply shadow boxed. As Michael points out, [i]Newspoll[/i] must have been a big disappointment to the Coalition, who were hoping to see further deterioration for Labor and PM Gillard. Politicians whose mood swings with the polls deserve all the ups and down that pointless exercise brings upon them. Abbott is whatever he needs to be to please his immediate audience; he is a classic chameleon who gets his marching orders every morning from Peta Credlin, and a gold star in the evening if he does what she orders him to do. nasking It’s good to see you back in such fine form. I hope you are feeling well. We miss you when you take a spell. jane, Pikiranku, TT, 42 long and others Thank you all for your thought provoking contributions that keep the site purring along while I’m preoccupied elsewhere.

nasking

12/03/2013 CHEERS AD. I DID NOT THINK MY EYES WOULD ALLOW ME TO RETURN...BUT FORTUNATELY I CAN STILL SEE THE WORDS...JUST...IT'S LIKE VIEWING GHOST WORDS THAT FADE IN AND OUT ON A GLARING WHITE BACKGROUND...AS THO THEY COME AND GO IN THICK FOG. CAN GET QUITE DIZZY AT TIMES...AND GET ONE HECK OF A HEADACHE. BUT I KNOW THERE ARE MANY WHO HAVE TO DEAL WITH WORSE. ONE EYE IS NOW NOTHING BUT BLURRING...THE OTHER HAS BEGUN TO SHIFT QUICKLY IN THAT DIRECTION. TOGETHER IT'S THAT FOG EFFECT. SO PLEASED THO I CAN STILL SEE. AMAZING WHAT ONE ADAPTS TOO. JUST GOTTA TRY AND KEEP THE BLACK DOGS AT BAY...CAN FEEL A BIT ISOLATED SOMETIMES. SO NICE TO BE BACK. I STILL POST ON MY FACEBOOK SITE. TRY TO LINK AND COMMENT ON A REGULAR BASIS: http://www.facebook.com/nick.king.1232760?ref=tn_tnmn KEEP UP THE GREAT POSTS. YOU ARE ONE INFORMATIVE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE POSTER. AND LIKE SOME OTHER CONTRIBUTORS ON HERE, DEMONSTRATING REAL STAMINA AND PERSEVERANCE. I SALUTE YOU. WILL BREAK NOW. EYE FATIGUE SETTING IN. BEEN FUN. CHEERS N'

jane

12/03/2013Cheers Pikiranku. I loved the rotten house analogy, too. Paper over the cracks and hope to God it sells quickly. Unfortunately for that particular house it'll be a long time before its next viewing and the roof could well be leaking. :D Janet, a very interesting comment. I agree that constant vox popping has no real meaning and only serves to have you up in the boughs or in the slough of despair. Better to ignore them. Oddly enough, I have sort of engaged in some vox popping myself today. A friend in the hospitality industry bought some product from us and blamed the PM for a poor long weekend-a dearth of tourists. I introduced the weather as a deterrent, too bloody hot and went on to point out that the economy is strong if patchy and we enjoy low unemployment, low inflation and low interest rates. She then said that the Liars look after the small farmers etc and once again I told her that small farmers have always done better under Labor, reminded her about the fate of small dairy farmers under the Rodentochracy and that the Liars and the Nats only care about big business. The next crack will see me reminding her which party wants to lower the tax burden on small business and who said he would vote against it. People have been brainwashed into thinking that if they're in business the Liars will look after them. What they fail to understand is that the Liars only look after big business and pay lip service to small business support. Then a phone call from a builder friend from Qld who was on his way to Bundaberg to solicit flood damage work. Apparently, the mining industry is not sacking people and the rental market is suffering, all of which he blamed the PM for. The super profit tax, carbon "tax" and everything to the death of his aunty's cat. I cut in and reminded him that the government has only collected $126m, so it can't be the mining tax, that the miners aren't paying the carbon price, so it can't be that and that his aunty's cat was run over by Liealot's Commonwealth car and that Liealot was rorting the expenses. And said that if Julia Gillard's car had run over his aunty's cat, she would have paid for its funeral after she'd tried unsuccessfully to give it mouth to mouth. Well, the bit about the cat didn't happen, but that's the sort of PM we have in this country and who'd want to trade her in for a vicious cat killer rorting his expenses? I didn't have time to wonder if Newman had jacked up royalties and that could be the problem, because he had another call. I'll save the cat and the knife in Can't Do's side for another time. I find it interesting that most people you spoke to really don't like Liealot and as we have all suspected hate the PM because the msm told them to and could offer nothing more concrete than that. That's why whenever we get the opportunity we must ask them their reasons for hating the PM and as you say provide truthful information and be able to back it up with facts. We just have to sow seeds of doubt, some will always be impervious to the truth, but we can probably open a small crack in the mindset of others, it may lead to them acquainting themselves with the facts.

Ad astra

12/03/2013Folks I’ve just posted [i]Cool courage trumps cringing cowardice[/i]. http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/03/12/Cool-courage-trumps-cringing-cowardice.aspx
T-w-o take away o-n-e equals?