Political hatred: its genesis and its toll

We’ve known for ages that there are pockets of political hatred in the electorate that fester away and erupt from time to time, pouring their purulent discharge over the political discourse, offending many with its stench. But how many of you can remember such an exhibition of hatred as we have seen recently?

For me it came to a head after Julia Gillard wept in parliament when introducing the final piece of legislation to enshrine the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Not long before, she had witnessed the situation of a 17 year-old boy Sandy, severely disabled with cerebral palsy, and that of a 12 year-old girl Sophie who has Down syndrome.


As she recounted these encounters, she was moved to tears – genuine tears. Tears of sadness at the plight of these children and their families, tears of relief that at long last the parliament of Australia was legislating a scheme that would support them not just now, but in the future when their carers were no longer able to care for them, and perhaps tears of regret that so few Coalition members were present to witness the introduction of this historic legislation, a bill they supported. As far as one could see, only the shadow minister and one other of the Coalition were in the House – for the others it seemed to be not important enough to warrant their presence.


Even some hard-nosed journalists acknowledged the genuineness of her tears, and some Opposition members, when questioned, did too.

But talkback radio was a different matter. One caller said they were ‘crocodile tears’, adding that Julia Gillard ‘couldn’t lie straight in bed’. Jon Faine reported on ABC Melbourne radio that two-thirds of the many text messages he received on this matter accused PM Gillard of faking her tears for affect, of using them to foster sympathy. Two-thirds! Another caller, appalled by such vicious, vitriolic, venomous comments asked why these people had such hate in their hearts, why, when people were ‘celebrating in the streets’ the advent of the NDIS, there were ‘craven, mean, petty-minded characters saying such awful things’, adding: ‘what’s inside the people who say these horrible things’. Indeed, what’s inside them?

This piece posits that this hatred is cultured, that it has been cultured ever since Tony Abbott became Opposition Leader, and all the more so after Julia Gillard outmanoeuvred him to gain the support of the Independents to form a minority Government. The evidence to support this proposition follows.

Abbott has always maintained that he should have been PM, that the Gillard Government is illegitimate, and that he would do everything in his power to bring it down, something he envisaged would be easy and swift, and The Lodge his by Christmas. That was two Christmases ago, and with each passing day his anger heightened and his campaign of vilification intensified.

Before any of you tell me that politics is a rough and tumble business, that conflict is at its very centre, that such hatred is the norm, reflect on when you have previously seen such intense hatred. We all remember the unpleasant things that were said about some of John Howard’s policies, about some of his statements, about some of his ideological positions, about some of his reversals – ‘core and non core promises’ – even about his eyebrows, but can you recall such a level of hatred, such vitriolic hatred, being expressed? Older readers will remember some of Paul Keating’s colourful language, but can you recall him emitting hatred such as has been directed to Julia Gillard?

I have not witnessed such hatred as we now hear in the language that Opposition members and some commentators use, and see in the angrily contorted faces of Tony Abbott, Christopher Pyne, Joe Hockey, Julie Bishop and other Opposition members in parliament and in interviews.





I point the finger of blame for the genesis of the hatred we now see in politics, and in particular the hatred aimed at our Prime Minister Julia Gillard, directly at Tony Abbott, an attack dog from way back and more viciously so since the 2010 election.

I also blame his Coalition colleagues, particularly Christopher Pyne, Julie Bishop, George Brandis, Eric Abetz, Joe Hockey, Andrew Robb, Mathias Cormann, Sophie Mirabella, Bronwyn Bishop and Kelly O’Dwyer for echoing the Abbott hatred. I blame his sycophantic media shock jocks that spew venom from their radio and TV shows: Alan Jones, Ray Hadley, and Andrew Bolt, who not only echo the hatred, but add to it. I blame his many media supporters, who in a subtler way echo Abbott hatred, and who by their sins of omission fail to admonish Abbott for his hate, who fail to pull him up and question his behaviour, often preferring to congratulate him on the ‘success’ of his vitriolic conduct. I blame media proprietors and editors for fostering hatred through their pages, particularly their front pages.

How has the hatred come about?

From the moment of his defeat seventeen days after the 2010 election, the Leader of the Opposition labelled the Gillard Government as illegitimate – a ‘bastard’ government. He labelled Julia Gillard’s Prime Ministership illegitimate, a ‘bastard’ Prime Ministership. He insisted minority government was unworkable and destined for failure, and relentlessly set about ‘proving’ it so, repeatedly insisting it was a ‘failed experiment’ almost as soon as it began. He created a seething environment of loathing of minority government.

This festering atmosphere of hatred was the ideal milieu that allowed, even fostered, the genesis of one of the most potent progenitors of hate – the use of LIAR as a label for PM Gillard. We all know how it came about: “There will be no carbon tax under a government I lead”, a clip replayed hundreds of time to underscore Abbott’s insistence that this PM is a liar. The other things she said during the 2010 election – that she was determined to put a price on carbon prior to introducing an emissions trading scheme – were given virtually no prominence. It was her ‘promise’ not to introduce what everyone insisted on calling a carbon tax, and her subsequent decision to introduce one temporarily as part of her negotiations with the Greens in forming minority government, with transition in a couple of years to a market-based emissions trading scheme that fuelled the ‘liar’ accusations. For the Coalition, it was simple: ‘She made a promise – she broke her promise – she is a liar.’ As if ‘liar’ was not potent enough, ‘untrustworthy’ was added. How many hundreds of times have you heard ‘liar’, ‘untrustworthy’, ‘broken promises’ used against our PM? It is a mantra that has assumed almost a religious fervour. It’s easy to envisage drum-beating, cymbal-clanging Coalition advocates chanting these words.

As if the Coalition’s attack on our PM’s integrity was not enough, Alan Jones entered the fray with his insulting interview of Julia Gillard on 2GB, first reprimanding her for being ten minutes late for a radio interview with someone as august as Jones, then insolently calling her ‘Ju-liar’. But Jones was not finished. He expressed his utter disdain for our nation’s leader when he said she should be placed in a hessian bag and taken out to sea. He demeans her day after day and his listeners lap it up. There’s more – Jones was a sponsor of carbon tax rallies in Canberra that sported placards with ‘Ditch the Witch’ and ‘Bob Brown’s Bitch’ emblazoned on them, placards in front of which Tony Abbott, Bronwyn Bishop, and Sophie Mirabella stood, placards they denied seeing!


What began as an accusation of lying rapidly escalated into a hate-filled exhibition of contempt, derision, and scorn. The vision of those placards, the remembrance of that appalling episode in our political history, has been etched into the memory of the electorate. Is it surprising then that such hatred still burns in the hearts and minds of so many, so deeply imprinted that it evoked venomous comments about Julia Gillard’s tears last week?

Alan Jones is not alone. His 2GB colleague Ray Hadley has a vicious tongue that he uses to lash our PM, and many others. This week’s Australian Story on the ABC about this shock jock revealed that Hadley ‘encourages people to loathe’ – think of that: ’to loathe’. Is it any surprise that hatred lives in the hearts and minds of his listeners?

Here on this blog we have a few visitors whose singular message is that Julia Gillard is an untrustworthy liar, something they tell us endlessly, no matter what the subject. The language they use, the derogatory labels they apply to her, and the venom and sarcasm with which they write of her bespeaks their loathing of our PM. They reflect the hatred that has been generated in the community by the Coalition and its media sycophants.

Hatred grows. The Coalition has added even more to the loathing of Julia Gillard. It was not enough to call her an untrustworthy liar who broke promises. If an aura of incompetence could be added, how much more loathsome she would seem to be. From the early days of the Gillard Government, Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey, Christopher Pyne, and their colleagues steadily built up an image of incompetence, poor decision-making, disorder, chaos, confusion, back-flips, dysfunction, an inability to govern, indeed an image of ‘a bad government, getting worse’, one that practises dirty, low politics. They have managed to do this even in the face of over 450 pieces of legislation already passed by the Gillard Government, much of it ground-breaking reform; even in the face of a Government that has successfully managed a $1.5 trillion economy through the greatest financial crisis in 70 years, an economy that is by far the best in the developed world, and acknowledged so with its three triple A ratings. All of this excellent achievement is negated by the spurious overlay of incompetence and chaos. The recent budget is portrayed by the Coalition as ‘an emergency’, as ‘chaotic’, loaded with ‘debt’ and ‘spin’. It is painted as unbelievable, its projected surplus as unattainable, and spending and savings figures as fictitious. Treasury’s estimates, and even its integrity, are queried. Gross incompetence is overlaid on everything the budget is proposing to achieve. Those who already hate our PM could only loathe her more as she goes about ‘wrecking the economy’, and those still with an open mind have any doubts amplified.

To add to this sorry scene, Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey, and indeed the whole Coalition finance team, have been talking down the economy for years, no matter how destructive they know this talk to be. Demeaning PM Gillard and Treasurer Swan is their objective, whatever the cost to the economy. Is it any wonder that consumer and business confidence is wavering?

This loathing manifests itself in unexpected ways. Talkback callers insist they cannot bear to listen to her, that her voice is like fingernails scraping down a blackboard. Even pro-Government commentators like Mungo MacCallum and Mike Carlton have unkind things to say about her voice and delivery: ‘droning’, ‘school-marmish’, condescending, boring, repetitive, lacking ‘cut-through’. Yet, John Howard’s voice was hardly inspirational. Tony Abbott’s cackle is grating, his angry barking repulsive; Joe Hockey’s bellowing is jarring; Christopher Pyne’s yapping repugnant; George Brandis’ sarcasm sickening; Julie Bishop’s feline spite shrill; Sophie Mirabella’s nastiness nauseating, and Eric Abetz's whining repellant. But have you heard criticisms of their voices and delivery from the commentariat? No, it’s Julia’s voice that we are encouraged to despise, to loathe, to hate, along with her nose, her dress, and her posterior. Hate grows.

It should come as no surprise that vox pops comment includes: ‘I’ve stopped listening to her’ and ‘I don’t believe anything she says’, which enables journalist after journalist, commentator after commentator, to insist ‘that the people have stopped listening’, a nihilistic conclusion, based on little but ephemeral comment. How many poll questions have you seen that address this matter?

All of this hate would have limited penetration had it not been for a compliant media, that virtually everyone now acknowledges is set upon the destruction of the PM and the Gillard Government. The ideology of the Labor Government and its pursuit of fairness spread across the community don’t fit with the ideology of commerce and industry, which is aimed at profitability. Labor’s emphasis on fair work conditions, strong superannuation, good education even for the disadvantaged, and universal health care does not align well with the aspirations of the commercial world, which is focussed on cost cutting, profit, expansion and competitiveness. Any attempt to have the prosperous sectors pay a fairer share is resisted with multi-million dollar public campaigns, as we have seen. Any attempt to raise the salaries of the lowest paid is habitually greeted with ‘commerce and industry cannot afford more than a modest increase’ and ‘jobs will be lost and sent overseas’ and ‘competitiveness will be destroyed’. These sentiments are expressed through all forms of the media, all the more strongly when the Opposition berates every move the Government makes and promises to reverse it in government.

Clearly most of the Fourth Estate favours Coalition policies and is doing whatever it can to have the Coalition in government. This was all the more obvious when their own industry was threatened, as it was with the Finkelstein Inquiry, the Convergence Review and the subsequent moves by the Government, moves that were resisted almost to the level of apoplexy by News Limited’s chief executive, Kim Williams.


Watch him here in action on Lateline!

So overwrought was he with the Government's proposals, that he portrayed the responsible minister, Stephen Conroy, as Stalin in one of his tabloids, a radical action he airily dismisses in his Lateline interview.


The media contribution to the hatred and contempt of PM Gillard, her ministers and her Government, was yet again exhibited starkly in the Front Pages after the budget.


Illustration from Crikey.

Notice how the inevitability of the defeat of Labor is embedded in these headlines. This is another element of the media’s strategy. The message is: How could you vote for this loathsome Labor Government, with its inept PM and its incompetent Treasurer? No one else will be voting for it. It is finished, set for a massive defeat, singing its ‘Swan song’, hopeless. The implicit message is: don’t waste your vote; get onto the winner – the Coalition. Overlay this sentiment onto the already hate-acculturated electorate and a powerful message is transmitted – vote this awful Gillard Government OUT.

This week, Mr Denmore began a superb piece Damned Lies and Journalism with a Tweet from Rupert Murdoch: “Oz polls show nothing can save this miserable govt. Election can not come soon enough. People decided and tuned out months ago. – Rupert Murdoch(@rupertmurdoch) May 19, 2013”. Is there any more convincing evidence of the genesis of this message? Is there any more powerful progenitor?

Reflecting the language of the Fourth Estate, particularly the Murdoch press, Mr Denmore’s first paragraph reads: “'The nation is drowning in debt. The federal government has lost control of public finances. The NBN is a disaster. Business is struggling because union thugs are destroying productivity growth. We are being overwhelmed with illegal boat arrivals. Refugees are living on welfare and bleeding us dry.'” Note how these themes, although gross misrepresentations and distortions of the facts, accentuate the ‘incompetence’ line. Here is his piece in full.

The strategy adopted by the Coalition and echoed by a largely compliant and supportive Fourth Estate, and by many in business and industry, is not new or unique. In Germany in the early thirties of the last century, the Nazi Party used the prevailing anti-Semitic sentiment to ‘blame’ the Jews for the loss of the First World War, (the ‘stab in the back’ myth) and for the poverty, the hyperinflation, and the unemployment that beset the republic at that time. Hatred and loathing of Jews was thereby accentuated. This was heightened by institutionalized persecution of Jews and Jewish businesses, which were subject to increasing vilification and restrictions. So much loathing of this group of people was generated that the obscenities of the Holocaust were able to take place under the nose of the German people with scarcely a murmur of protest. Therein was the terrible toll of hatred.

Joseph Goebbels oversaw that propaganda campaign. Here are some of his sayings. Read them and reflect.

The background to his campaign against Jewish people is encapsulated here: “A Jew is for me an object of disgust. I feel like vomiting when I see one. Christ could not possibly have been a Jew. It is not necessary to prove that scientifically - it is a fact.”

The basis of his propaganda strategy is captured by: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” and “The bigger the lie, the more it will be believed." Goebbels went on to say: “The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.” Reflect on: ‘the truth is the greatest enemy of the State’.

Reflect now on two other statements Goebbels made: “The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly - it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over.” and “Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play.”

I need add no comment for these statements to be understood; nor need I spell out any comparison with what we are witnessing in this country day after day. It is all too obvious. Note though that I am NOT labeling the Coalition as ‘Nazi’; I am simply drawing attention to the striking parallel between the Goebbels propaganda strategy of the Nazi era and what we are seeing unfold here before our very eyes. And I am drawing attention to the toll that this strategy brings in its wake.

The thesis of this piece is that there has been a carefully orchestrated campaign by the Coalition and much of the media to establish a culture of loathing and hatred of PM Gillard and her Government. The panoply of lies, broken promises, incompetence, chaos, ineptitude, mismanagement, an economy being wrecked by profligate spending and overwhelming debt leading to an aura of hopelessness, has been etched into the image of a Government in terminal decline, moribund, and needing to be put down.

I place this evidence before you and invite you to reach your own conclusions.

For the genesis of this campaign of hatred I point the finger at Tony Abbott and his media managers, for the dissemination and accentuation of it I point the finger at Coalition members, at the Fourth Estate, and at vested interests in commerce and industry.

This is no trivial matter. Our nation will suffer an awful toll. Look at the venomous hatred that infects our community now, hatred that promises to become overwhelming and even more toxic in the months ahead, and be afraid. This hatred threatens to be our national ‘grapes of wrath’.

Here is the woman the haters long to loathe.



What do you think?

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Ad astra

26/05/2013Folks I’ve posted this piece a little earlier that the usual Sunday post, as after lunch we are leaving for a few days up-country, where 3G transmission may not be brilliant. I will respond when I’m able, but I might not be around much until the end of the week. I look forward to reading your comments and opinions [i]en route[/i], 3G permitting. This piece addresses a serious issue – political hatred – a problem that threatens the very fabric of our society as we approach the September 14 Federal election.

Gravel

26/05/2013Ad Astra There is nothing I can find to quibble about in this piece. I sums up exactly what has happened in the last three years, and the price the Australia people will pay if they are sucked is will be a long time of suffering. We will end like the general populace of Germany, living with shame and regret that will take many generations to heal.

Lorraine

26/05/2013I agree with Ad Astra Gravel first to comment above. Excellent, and I have also posted this widely to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ Wordpress, Blogger and LinkedIn. I will repost at a later date for others who missed it this time.

KHTAGH

26/05/2013 A great piece Ad Astra. I too am very worried as to how the Lieberals are using the tools of hate, anger, abuse, & racism to help them get elected. There is one major trouble when you unleash these low base attitudes into politics's you cant put them back into the jar once you release them as they will find out if they succeed in their attempt to steal this upcoming election. It will be a real case of "they will reap what they sow". Paul Keating was very clever at bring his opponents down without the hatred we see from Abbott's vile team. When he got stuck into his opponents people laughed at his ability with words, not having to become a bitter twisted person to get his views across. 42 long Re post May 25. 2013 06:43 PM Sorry to carry this answer over from the previous post. Your so right about war & especially nuclear war, I love science documentaries & watch them all the time on SBS & ABC. A month or so ago I was watching a series on the periodical tables, how they came about & what they mean. They even got into how & what enriched uranium is how Plutonium is made & some of the newer radioactive metals that are being made in the world via the use of the new colliders & cyclotrons. There was one nuclear physicist interviewed he actually mentioned a fact that shocked me beyond belief. He used a dime in his example but a 10cent piece will make a pretty good representation too. Take a 10cent piece in your hand, then imagine it cut into 10 equal pieces (like a pie) just one piece is roughly the size of the amount of uranium that was used in the 2 bombs dropped on Japan to end the 2nd world war. Now think of how much of the stuff is spread around the world, does that make you shiver with fright? That's pretty volatile stuff hey? In case you are now wondering why were those 2 bombs so large then, that was now much high explosive was needed to compress the uranium to reach critical mass & cause the nuclear chain reaction. Now they use shaped charges to achieve it.

Shirley Green

26/05/2013I agree completely with this excellent article. As a frequent viewer of Question Time last year, it was appalling to see the ugliness being mouthed each and every session by Abbott, Pyne, Bishop, and Hockey and their colleagues. It was uncivilized to say the very least, unkind, consisting of lies and troublemaking statements and accusations. Yet these people may be the leaders of our nation. I hope not. They have changed tack this year, but that is nothing more than a political manoeuvre to hopefully convince the voters that they are really good people. They will never convince me.

Ad astra

26/05/2013Lorraine and Shirley Green I think you may be newcomers here so welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family. Thank you for your supportive comments; do come again. Gravel, KHTAGH Thank you too for your comments. We all ought to fear an escalation of the Abbott hatred, which will be even more apparent should he become PM. We are about to get on the road now, some I’ll be off the air until this evening.

Annie

26/05/2013So glad I have read this. You strike a chord with my own thinking and you have made clear some of the hard to define thoughts. Thank you. I have not seen such appalling, mean, vicious and lying attacks directed at a Prime Minister ever before. Outrageous and unforgivable.

Patriciawa

26/05/2013 Thank you, Ad Astra! The disturbing thing about what is happening here in Australia is that one individual has bought up and now controls most of our so called free press. That 'press' about which Goebbels suggested we [i]“Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play.”[/i] So, it is not yet our government which is playing on that great keyboard. But it could well be that within a few months a Coalition government could be continuing the campaign of hatred and loathing you so credibly describe above. Fortunately as well as Murdoch's huge army of professional messengers employed within the Fourth Estate of our Australian media industry we also have the rapidly developing network of an effective opposition to him in the Fifth Estate, in the blogosphere, on Facebook and Twitter. We have limited time but we must use it to resist his campaign of hatred if we are to preserve our democratic institutions.

Mark Mitchell

26/05/2013Horribly true, cogently expressed and modestly so, one cannot help but find neither comfort nor relief in a perspective so entirely at one with my own. It is distressing in its implications measuring the degree to which a people can be beguiled and manipulated. I am not partisan but I like to observe closely almost invariably finding little inspiration in any party's world view. Thank you for the quality of your work, Mark

Sandra Searle

26/05/2013Hi Ad, haven't commented in a while, but this article has really hit a chord with me. I am a 'half full glass' sort of person, believe that you should listen to all sides of an argument. It has dismayed me that this complete vitriolic hatred has taken society by the neck. It makes me ashamed when I hear people just 'parroting' what the shock jocks are spewing forth with & it makes me even more ashamed when I read this stuff in the so called 'newspapers'. The amount of misinformation, disinformation and the like is appauling. How and when did this become so prevalent? Of course it was done by stealth, slowly but surely, by allowing the rules that used to govern media ownership percentage wise to change so that people like Rupert Murdoch could buy up at least 70% of ALL outlets like Newspapers, TV etc. The whole thing is insidious now with Fairfax joining in with another 20% leaving the remaining 10% to those who contribute to the 5th Estate. Having got that off my chest, the question remains, just how can we combat the propaganda machine. Stephen Conroy tried to let us all know what was going on and look where it got him. The optomistic side of me says that because the LNP & all of the right wing media outlets are so brazenly declaring that they will be the 'winners' of the election, that they are so vicious & hateful against our PM and the ALP, it is starting to really grate people up the wrong way. What we have to do to combat this stuff is to keep working through social media and spreading the real truth about just how successful this government has really been. We need to be loud & we need to keep hammering out the message that we are being taken for stupid idiots, being led by the nose by people who really don't give a damn about you or me or what happens to out country. They only care about power & money. I just hope that enough sensible people out in the real world that see through this b******t to at least give us another hung parliament if not an outright win.

cornlegend

26/05/2013Joined so I can congratulate you on a fine article. I will send this link everywhere

Barbara Riordan

26/05/2013Yes an excellent read just sit in horror as to how we pensioners and the underprviledged will fare under a Liberal Govt. Barbara.

Patriciawa

26/05/2013I think you were too kind AA when you regretted above that [quote].....so few Coalition members were present to witness the introduction of this historic legislation, a bill they supported.[/quote] My sense rather was that Abbott merely [b]claimed[/b] to support it, so determined is he not to give the government an edge in winning voter sympathy.

J.Fraser

26/05/2013The hatred permeates down through all of Australian society. And "Slick' Abbott, Murdoch and Gina Rinehart et al have the most to answer for it.

Tom of Melbourne

26/05/2013This post contains lots of evidence - evidence that Ad Astra has lost the plot. Ad Astra carps on (almost) endlessly, blaming the press, while ignoring the fact that there are half a dozen examples of dishonesty by Gillard about the Carbon Tax alone. Overlay this with all the dishonesty about “the real Julia” the knifing of a popular Prime Minister, the economic incompetence, the lies about the surplus, the lack of support of some of the most talented members of her own caucus. It’s a disaster of Gillard’s own making. This government generally, and this Prime Minister specifically, has a well deserved reputation for duplicity. But here, Ad Astra just blames the media.

Jason

26/05/2013Tom of Melbourne Sigh!same shit different day.

Bilko

26/05/2013Tom There was no lie from Julia she has been taken OUT of context from day one as you well know but why let the truth get in the way of a beat up. One day you will read the full sentence and reflect on all the crap that followed from it and the spivs that profit from it. Then maybe some honest reflection on your part will come to the front and center, IF Abbott gets elected and you watch as he drives this country into recession for his blessed surplus. I too pray each week but unlike Abbott not for my gratification but for the future of this country under Julia and Labor none of which Abbott and co are fit to sit in the same room with let alone on the treasury benches.

Tom of Melbourne

26/05/2013[i]” There was no lie from Julia…[/i]” You see, so many miss the point. Even if I don’t bother to debate the “there will be no carbon tax…” there is just so much more. • Gillard abandoned the ETS for political reasons before the 2010 election. • She then changed her position after the 2010 election for political reasons. • She committed to spend the term “building community consensus” • She promised a big committee. • She promised not to introduce any change before end of June 2013 (that is, we shouldn’t even have one yet) That’s just a few of the broken commitments of carbon policy, there are so many more on just about every other policy area. Gillard is simply dishonest, and the press report this, much to the annoyance of her disciples.

Kim Wright

26/05/2013WOnderful article. I'm a hardened warrior but the tears came. I weep for our society. I suggest you add Simon Crean to the email list. Sadly I think Simon has been letting his misogynist side out of the bag.

Maureen

26/05/2013Ad Astra thank you for a great piece. You are spot on in your analysis of the culture of hate developed by the Murdoch cult. The Murdoch cult's disgraceful strategy to use fear and hate to create a sense of economic and community chaos and division, and then offer Tony Abbott,Joe Hockey etc as the only solution. Hopefully there will be a growing awareness of what is going and more people will choose not to participate in hate.

nasking

26/05/2013 OUTRAGEOUS! RUPERT MURDOCH'S NEWS CORPORATION & FOX NEWS COVERUP USE OF MONSANTO'S GROWTH HORMONE THAT COULD CAUSE CANCER... THAT COULD BE IN SCHOOL KIDS' MILK, YER EVEYDAY DROP IN TEA & COFFEE... BY FORCING ONE OF THEIR DOCUMENTARY TEAMS OUT BECAUSE APPARENTLY THEY WOULDN'T LIE TO PROTECT THE MONSANTO ADVERTISING DOLLARS. AND THE CORPORATE COURTS BACKED FOX. IT'S CRIMINAL!!! ENUFF IS ENUFF. WHEN CABLE NEWS ADMITS THAT THE AD DOLLARS COMES FIRST... AND THAT THEY WILL TELL INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS WHAT IS THE NEWS, YOU KNOW THAT THE PUBLIC GOOD AND INTEGRITY HAS BEEN THROWN OUT THE WINDOW. SHAME MURDOCH...SHAME! NOT SURPRISED HE STARTED PUTTING MONEY INTO A CHILDREN'S CHARITY... RUNNING SCARED HE'D ALLOWED HIS NEWS CHANNELS TO COVERUP CHEMICAL USE THAT CAN DAMAGE KIDS' DNA, CELLS...AND GIVE THEM CANCER LATER. RUPERT IS ALWAYS SCHEMING AND TRYING TO COVER HIS ASS. HE SHOULD BE MADE ACCOUNTABLE. AND THE TEAM THAT COVERED UP THE TRUTH. SHAME ON THE CORPORATE CRIME PROTECTING COURTS. SERVING THE CORPORATE ARISTOCRACY...NOT THE PEOPLE. [b]FOX NEWS REPORTERS FIRED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH:[/b] http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=tcjzdoiL0j4&feature=player_embedded&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded%26v%3DtcjzdoiL0j4 DESPICABLE! FAUX NEWS. N'

cornlegend

26/05/2013Julia Gillards interview with Paul Bongiorno 10 network “There will be no carbon tax under a government I lead, but lets be absolutely clear. I am determined to price carbon”. Very deceptive, but typical of the right wing rabble, MSM, shock jocks etc to put a full stop where a comma is.

Bilko

26/05/2013Tom the press just repeat what the opposition says and if a lie is constantly repeated it becomes the accepted norm, those in the know understand this but you are happy to continue the theme because it suits you.

helenmarg

26/05/2013Wonderful. The LNPare unbelievable so bitter and insulting.We can not have them running and ruining the country.Thank you.[quote][/quote]

A male voter

26/05/2013Julia Gillard is no angle. Her shrill misogyny attacking dog style really turned me off.

Sam Hemphill

26/05/2013Well done, Ad Astra for articulating that which has been concerning me for some time. I only wish that the broader society could be more exposed to your reasoned argument than that of the unreasonable and hate-filled shock jocks. I will repost your piece as widely as I can.

Marilyn

26/05/2013Oh dear, she cried over Australian disabled kids while jailing Syrian and Iranian disabled kids possibly for 5 years without trial or charge. She currently has 3,000 kids jailed because their parents wanted to save their lives. Last Sunday we saw the story of this child being denied a Nintendo because it has a small camera in it. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/asio-backs-down-on-threat-ruling-20130522-2k0uz.html The day of the ridiculous speech she was passing laws to persecute single parents and their kids and just last week repeated that it was designed so harshly because everyone knows that kids are better off if their parents are working so starving them until such time is quite rational. She has robbed nearly $1 billion from starving kids in the world to jail other kids here without cause, and I got this email from Pamela Curr on Mother's day, This past week I have met mothers who have demonstrated this powerful love for their children by making decisions and taking risks which saved their lives. They will not be getting flowers and breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day in the Broadmeadows camp but they have surely earned the love and respect of their children. Sara, a woman from Syria took her three children from the relentless bombing in Damascus across the world to safety. With her younger sister and her father she hid in rooms in Indonesia for months with her baby, four year old boy and six year old daughter who has severe autism and cannot speak. They travelled by boat for three days and three nights through rough seas sitting up in a tiny fishing boat to Christmas Island. The children vomited continually and the little girl was confused and terrorised by the boat and the dark seas. Any Australian parent of a child with autism can imagine how hard it was for this young mother to keep her safe and comforted in a crowded boat. Now they are living in a donga (demountable caravan) in the detention camp at Broadmeadows with 220 other families hoping for release. Between a waking baby and a terrified autistic child this young mother has little sleep but her love for her children keeps her going. Another mother made this journey by boat alone with her eight children aged from 18 years to 18 months and her frail eighty year old mother. Having fled the brutal persecution of the Taliban in Afghanistan, this mother has waited in Indonesia for ten years after fleeing Afghanistan. Five years ago the family was finally processed by UNHCR in Indonesia and recognised as refugees. They have been waiting for five years for resettlement. When her husband went missing she decided that she had to take her children from this precarious life where they had no future, no chance of schooling or a country to call home. These are heroic women putting the lives of their children above all else and taking decisions not for the faint hearted. With no safe places to hide in their own countries they set off in search of safety and security. Sara and her family made it out of Syria just before the airport was closed. Australia only accepts refugees referred by UNHCR. As Palestinians they have no right to UNHCR access. Therefore they are not considered for resettlement even though their position in Syria is beyond desperate. With her mother and sister already in Australia it was the only choice they had to make a run for it. There are no safe camps between Syria or Afghanistan and Australia for people to wait for an invitation. Hazaras who have fled Afghanistan to Quetta are being bombed and gunned down on the streets. Those who waited in Indonesia for the Australian Embassy to offer resettlement have waited in vain. Only 266 visas have been issued since August 13 last year when the “No Advantage” policy was introduced. Nineteen hundred Refugees are waiting for resettlement, with their positive Refugee determination from UNHCR. Others are no longer even trying to get a token from UNHCR for an interview. As we think with love and care of our own mothers, let us not forget those many mothers in camps across Australia and offshore places whose children depend for survival on their strength and endurance. These mothers have no luxuries, dressed as they are in camp clothes, lining up for unfamiliar canteen food and trying to encourage their children to eat the same meals day after day. Their courage and gutsy determination has got them to safety in Australia but insecurity and uncertainty, living in camps with children is no mother’s paradise." So Gillard can cry for one disabled child but destroy many others in her racist quest to eliminate refugees from our precious golden soils. Ad, you really need to stop looking at the hate just from the Liberals, the bloody ALP are pretty damn nasty as well.

nasking

26/05/2013 [quote]Note though that I am NOT labeling the Coalition as ‘Nazi’; I am simply drawing attention to the striking parallel between the Goebbels propaganda strategy of the Nazi era and what we are seeing unfold here before our very eyes. And I am drawing attention to the toll that this strategy brings in its wake.[/quote] Ad, makes sense. I would sure like to know where the Murdoch empire...shock jocks...current affairs programs...and tabloid papers got their ideas, style,attack dog approach from. I imagine Goebbels was one influence. But also communist Chinese and Stalinist propaganda. Starting with THE TABLOIDS you'd have: the sensationalist, boy catering...scary graphic approach of the old PENNY DREADFULS. Include the influence of Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Harmsworth,_1st_Viscount_Northcliffe THE DAILY MAIL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daily_Mail THE DAILY MIRROR: http://www.scribd.com/doc/26869993/History-of-Tabloid-Newspapers-in-England SUPERMARKET TABLOIDS LIKE: The National Enquirer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Enquirer Rupert Murdoch's STAR http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Magazine GLOBE http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globe_(tabloid) I mentioned Murdoch's THE SUN on the previous thread of comments. Also, the influence of [b]Propaganda and political posters[/b] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poster#Propaganda_and_political_posters Just for starters. N'

Patriciawa

26/05/2013Marilyn, I might be inclined to read your own comments, were they less vituperative and at times hate filled too. It is possible to express strong moral concern without the abusive language you so often use.

Kevin

26/05/2013The ALP bought into the politics of hatred by its continued vilification of asylum seekers

David

26/05/2013another shameful Labor Stalwart, blaming everything, everyone and the opposition for the absolute disgusting, shameful group of people we as Australians have to call the GOVT. I feel sorry for people who are so one eyed, so blinded by stupidity they cannot tell fact from fiction.... this is a GREAT piece of fiction...... !

lyn

26/05/2013Hi Ad, Thankyou so much for your article it is truly magnificent, love your attractive presentation . The pictures tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Your article has attracted 6 or 7 new commenters I see, well done. A big welcome to all the new commenters and thankyou we appreciate your comments very much. The hate is truly awful, etched on their faces, in their tone, gestures and actions. Their warped tactics are despicable, accusing the Government of doing and saying what they do and say themselves. For example accusing ABC of being Left wing,Twitter is all lefties, Government has stolen our policies, budget emergency, Government in crises, they are outrageous statements and bare faced lies. Here are some tweets you have received:- Notice some have been tweeted to Julia Gillard. Equitist ‏ #MustRead @daveyk317 “...this hatred…has been cultured ever since Tony Abbott became Opposition Leader…” http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx … #AUSpol PeterFosterALP The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#.UaGss0Qx1hF.twitter … #auspol #ausvotes svetlana ‏ The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#.UaGzN8t_Mo5.twitter … great post on right-wing hatemongering #auspol grace pettigrew ‏ Really worth a read: The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#.UaGOxQ9Y3oN.twitter … Sandra Searle ‏ The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#comment … This reflects on society as a whole & we tolerate it David Horton ‏ The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#.UaGIQvjQ2AM.twitter … Neil W ‏ The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#.UaGHh11uiaI.twitter … AINT THIS THE TRUTH Shirley Green ‏ The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#.UaF-0n95Qg4.twitter … EXCELLENT READ.TRUE.I saw the hate on QT ad nauseum. paddy bts ‏ Bravo RT @Adastra5 Posted on The Political Sword: ‘Political hatred: its genesis and its toll’ by Ad Astra. http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx … Jennifer ‏ Have said coalition using Goebbellian propaganda tactics for 3 years. Ad Astra agrees: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx … David Kirkpatrick ‏ The strength, grace & humility of our Prime Minister @JuliaGillard against this has been truly extraordinary. http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx … #auspol AnnieMOnline 'the truth is the gretest enemy of the State - Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://buff.ly/10UGW3f a thought provoking read Paul B ‏ I point the finger of blame and in particular the hatred aimed at our P M Julia Gillard directly at Tony Abbott http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its- Glenn Waters The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx#.UaG9OmFLvh9.twitter … #auspol #pmagenda Jan Mahyuddin ‏ #auspol This piece is a clarion call to 'see': 'Political hatred: its genesis and its toll': http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/05/26/Political-hatred-its-genesis-and-its-toll.aspx … Pls send on to journos. 22 minutes ago - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid...id... 1 hour ago – "We've known for ages that there are pockets of political hatred in the electorate that fester away ... The Political Sword | Political hatred: its genesis and its toll ... Ad you have also appeared on the Roule report here http://paper.li/RouleReport/1334728962 Here is an article by Miranda Devine who sees leftist bias crazy isn’t it. Their ABC The leftist bias is patently obvious to everyone, and denials from within the ABC are laughable, even to themselves http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/mirandadevine/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/their_abc/ :):):)

Mike Wilkinson

26/05/2013History will applaud Julia Gillard and her government as being one of the best Australia has ever had. It is a shame this will only be seen in retrospect. I sincerely hope that come September the electorate shakes itself like a wet dog, wakes up and thinks "what the hell was I thinking... intending to vote for Abbott."

Jason

26/05/2013I feel sorry for people who are so one eyed, so blinded by stupidity they cannot tell fact from fiction.... this is a GREAT piece of fiction...... ! And you are????

Jean

26/05/2013Such a well & clearly written article. I have been feeling very disappointed in the way our PRIME MINISTER has been constantly attacked in all media forms these past few years. Those men just can't hack it can they ? To have a Labour Govt. in charge is bad enough for them, but to have a WOMAN telling them what will be done is totally sending them around the bend, they just don't know what else to do to win peoples vote , so they have the BIG money men in corporate Aust. telling us EVERYDAY in their paper's, radio & TV, JUST HOW BAD SHE IS. GREAT SHAME on all of you in the opposition benches. Secretly, I feel the Liberals are pleased deep down that our PM is passing such tough, but fair laws that they couldn't or wouldn't pass when they were in power. I have never taken to Mr. Abbott, and never will, especially after the shameful affair about his " unknown son ". You and your crowd in your Uni days must have been a real clean living lot, and your girlfriend or was it your "one night stander " who decided to pop up after 25 years to deliver "your son " to you, and you like an idiot told us how "proud of him you are ". Maybe someone advised you to have a paternity test done to make sure , then your ex girlfriend told the world " she wasn't sure as she had sex with other men too at the same time as doing it with you "!!!! NO MORALS or VALUES there Mr. Abbott, and I for one would never vote for you after that. LIKE A LOVING & TOUGH MOTHER our PM HAS HAD TO DO THINGS THAT ARE BEST FOR ALL THE AUSTRALIAN FAMILY, NOT JUST FAVOUR THE BIG GUYS WITH ALMOST ALL THE MONEY & POWER HERE. She has made some blunders, so tell me which Liberal PM / Govt. hasn't, and why should you single her out for such vile treatment, GREAT SHAME & DISGUST at you all, you are so appalling to watch in Parliament, that I switch channels rather to see your vitriolic attacks on her ESPECAILLY. SHE IS DOING A GREAT JOB IN A VERY TOUGH TIME INTERNATIONALLY, BUT TO BE ABUSED AND RIDICULED IN HER OWN COUNTRY LIKE SHE IS, MAKES ME SICK.

Doug Evans

26/05/2013An excellent summary of how we got to where we are. That's bad enough but even more worrying is what we will probably be confronted with post September 14. For a preview cast your eye over the IPA's 75 great ideas for Australia and remember the degree of influence they have over the Liberal Party and their policies. 1 Repeal the carbon tax, and don't replace it. It will be one thing to remove the burden of the carbon tax from the Australian economy. But if it is just replaced by another costly scheme, most of the benefits will be undone. 2 Abolish the Department of Climate Change 3 Abolish the Clean Energy Fund 4 Repeal Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act 5 Abandon Australia's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council 6 Repeal the renewable energy target 7 Return income taxing powers to the states 8 Abolish the Commonwealth Grants Commission 9 Abolish the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 10 Withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol 11 Introduce fee competition to Australian universities 12 Repeal the National Curriculum 13 Introduce competing private secondary school curriculums 14 Abolish the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) 15 Eliminate laws that require radio and television broadcasters to be 'balanced' 16 Abolish television spectrum licensing and devolve spectrum management to the common law 17 End local content requirements for Australian television stations 18 Eliminate family tax benefits 19 Abandon the paid parental leave scheme 20 Means-test Medicare 21 End all corporate welfare and subsidies by closing the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education 22 Introduce voluntary voting 23 End mandatory disclosures on political donations 24 End media blackout in final days of election campaigns 25 End public funding to political parties 26 Remove anti-dumping laws 27 Eliminate media ownership restrictions 28 Abolish the Foreign Investment Review Board 29 Eliminate the National Preventative Health Agency 30 Cease subsidising the car industry 31 Formalise a one-in, one-out approach to regulatory reduction 32 Rule out federal funding for 2018 Commonwealth Games 33 Deregulate the parallel importation of books 34 End preferences for Industry Super Funds in workplace relations laws 35 Legislate a cap on government spending and tax as a percentage of GDP 36 Legislate a balanced budget amendment which strictly limits the size of budget deficits and the period the federal government can be in deficit 37 Force government agencies to put all of their spending online in a searchable database 38 Repeal plain packaging for cigarettes and rule it out for all other products, including alcohol and fast food 39 Reintroduce voluntary student unionism at universities 40 Introduce a voucher scheme for secondary schools 41 Repeal the alcopops tax 42 Introduce a special economic zone in the north of Australia including: a) Lower personal income tax for residents b) Significantly expanded 457 Visa programs for workers c) Encourage the construction of dams 43 Repeal the mining tax 44 Devolve environmental approvals for major projects to the states 45 Introduce a single rate of income tax with a generous tax-free threshold 46 Cut company tax to an internationally competitive rate of 25 per cent 47 Cease funding the Australia Network 48 Privatise Australia Post 49 Privatise Medibank 50 Break up the ABC and put out to tender each individual function 51 Privatise SBS 52 Reduce the size of the public service from current levels of more than 260,000 to at least the 2001 low of 212,784 53 Repeal the Fair Work Act 54 Allow individuals and employers to negotiate directly terms of employment that suit them 55 Encourage independent contracting by overturning new regulations designed to punish contractors 56 Abolish the Baby Bonus 57 Abolish the First Home Owners' Grant 58 Allow the Northern Territory to become a state 59 Halve the size of the Coalition front bench from 32 to 16 60 Remove all remaining tariff and non-tariff barriers to international trade 61 Slash top public servant salaries to much lower international standards, like in the United States 62 End all public subsidies to sport and the arts 63 Privatise the Australian Institute of Sport 64 End all hidden protectionist measures, such as preferences for local manufacturers in government tendering 65 Abolish the Office for Film and Literature Classification 66 Rule out any government-supported or mandated internet censorship 67 Means test tertiary student loans 68 Allow people to opt out of superannuation in exchange for promising to forgo any government income support in retirement 69 Immediately halt construction of the National Broadband Network and privatise any sections that have already been built 70 End all government funded Nanny State advertising 71 Reject proposals for compulsory food and alcohol labelling 72 Privatise the CSIRO 73 Defund Harmony Day 74 Close the Office for Youth 75 Privatise the Snowy-Hydro Scheme

Ad astra

26/05/2013Annie, Mark Mitchell, cornlegend, Barbara Riordan, J Fraser, Kim Wright, Maureen, helenmarg, Sam Hemphill, Mike Wilkinson, Jean If my memory serves me right, you are all newcomers here, so welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family, and thank you for your supportive comments. I cannot recall so many new commenters coming here at the same time. This piece seems to have struck a chord. Why is it that we never see such commentary in the Fourth Estate? I suspect it is because many, if not most journalists hope for a Coalition victory, and those that don’t are fearful of getting the boot from their editor or proprietor should they write such a commentary. I hope you will come again and leave your comments; it is comments like yours that give heart that we, and you, are not alone in opposition to the menace of hatred perpetuated every day by Coalition members and their sycophantic media supporters. We must continue to make our small voices heard through the Fifth Estate, and in converse with friends, colleagues, and workmates. Every comment counts. Welcome back Sandra Searle and thank you too for your comprehensive comment. Patriciawa, Jason, Bilko, nasking, thank you too for your helpful comments; you are always there to support the cause. Thank you Lyn for your kind comment and for the Tweets – I’m astonished that the piece has spread so far, so quickly. Many people feel the same as we do. We must pull together to overcome the threat to our society that hatred brings in its wake. Folks, do read what Tom of Melbourne has to say, if for no other reason than to get a grip on how PM Gillard’s antagonists think and write. ToM writes the same old stuff, as Jason points out, no matter what the theme of the piece might be. His antagonism is unremitting. Read too what some other newcomers write, commenters whom ToM would no doubt applaud – A male voter, Kevin and David. That is what Labor supporters are up against. Know thy enemy. There’s not much reasoning there to hang one’s hat on, just standard anti-Labor, anti-Gillard rhetoric. If they return, as they are welcome to do, I hope they will advance cogent reasoning to support their position. I hope they will attempt to argue why this piece is incorrect, as clearly they believe it is, rather than just shooting at the messenger, or telling me that ‘I’ve lost the plot’, as Tom often does, whatever that inane slogan means. Marilyn, I read what you say, and understand the points you make, but agree with Patriciawa. If you were to moderate your language you might attract more readers. I’m up country now, and the G3 seems to be working reasonably well. But I’ll be out and about for the next few days, so I will have limited opportunity to respond.

Nuggy

26/05/2013I read this & it makes me want to weep at just how completely the Australian public have been brainwashed by Murdoch, Reinhard, , the coalition and their media lackeys. It's quite terrifying how unrepresentative the media is in this country,one could almost compare it to the communist state extreme. The language used by the Liberals et al bears much resemblance to the republican extremes in the USA and the trouble is there is no mainstream voice for Labor to balance this despicable bile. How did this happen? Julia Gillard has an excellent reputation outside these borders but that's of no use when the public have been so definitively manipulated.

Julie Gerrish

26/05/2013Such a well put together piece. Thank you. It's great to have the picture painted so clearly. It is easy to become flustered and tongue tied when faced with the irrational "arguements" of the opposition camp. This information will be very helpful. I will share widely.

J.Fraser

26/05/2013@Jason I thought you had a full stop after your first derogatory "Comment" and you wouldn't be back today. @Doug Evans I think it was Mike Seccombe on today's "Insiders" who put forward the question "If the Carbon 'tax' is dumped will energy companies drop the price of energy" (read electricity and gas). Be nice to know what the answer "Slick" Abbott has to that .... because obviously after all this time of saying that he would dump the Carbon Initiative he must have an answer.

Jason

26/05/2013J.Fraser I thought you had a full stop after your first derogatory "Comment" and you wouldn't be back today. I can see why you wouldn't be hired as a thinker in residence!

Gorgeous Dunny

26/05/2013An outstanding piece, Ad Astra. it complements Mr Denmore's great post, as you mentioned. Coincidentally, there was another at Independent Australia echoing the same theme http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/business/media-2/rupert-murdochs-journalistic-cancer/ Every Australia needs to be aware of what is being imposed on us. The techniques was already used in the US to install George W Bush. It must be resisted if we value our own autonomy.

John Bloomfield

26/05/2013Thank you Ad astra for an article that so clearly describes the shameful disgusting 'Goebbel' like tactics that are destroying our democracy. So called "conservative" politicians have collaborated and aligned themselves with rapacious corporate quasi fascists in waging a propaganda war on truth and political decency in Australia. I fear the fires of discontent they have so carefully stoked and fanned will not easily be extinguished. If Murdoch's campaign for "regime change" succeeds, Australia's ship of state will have sustained severe damage, so much that it may never recover its stability. It will serve as proof to corporations the world over that any functional democracy can be commercially "conquered" by controlling, manipulating and propagandising news media. The 'Genie' of unfettered capitalism is almost out of the bottle!

Callie Ge

26/05/2013I have said it all along The only policy that the LNP has is to undo all the good that the ALP has done over the last 6 years, any one with half a brain can see the good that The gillard Govt has done and is continuing to do, no I don't agree with everything that is done but for the majority we are all better off, the politics have been put aside and what is best for us as a country is being implemented, Tony Abbott has never gotten over being beaten by a woman, a woman in a position of power goes against every fundamental belief he has and he has a lot of mental ones. I can see the storm forming on the horizon and I hope that I am in the majority and not the minority who knows that an LNP government come the September election, will be a disaster of monumental proportions for us all. Voting for Tony Abbott because you hate Julia Gillard would be like eating dog shit because you hate spinach.

janice

26/05/2013A great piece, Ad astra. Yes, it has struck a chord and all that you've written is the reason why the abbott will not win the election. The abbott's attempt at a complete make-over after three years of trashing our Parliament, our government, our economy and our Prime Minister has only highlighted his unsuitability for high office. The man has shown himself to be a thug, a bully and con-man par excellence and his sudden U-turn to cover his abhorrent behaviour in and out of Parliament since 2010 has allowed people to see him for what he is - a nasty extremist who will trash, burn and destroy everything in his path in order to gain the authority, power and prestige he craves.

Catspan

26/05/2013Ad astra - are you serious? About hate? Let me see if I've got this right - you reckon "hate" speech is condemnable and appalling. And Tony Abbott is to blame. Mate - you're off with the flipping fairies. Whatever medication you're on - you need to double the dose! Do you really want me to trawl through your archives and come up with scores of sickening examples of hatred endlessly spewed forth by many of the regulars on this strange, sad little blog site? I'm referring to your regular sickos like 'Nasking, Jason and Talk Turkey - just to name three. The putrid, offensive filth they regularly vomit on to this site - under your smiling, patient, understanding indulgence, is truly sickening. Which is why it is my duty to come back here at regular intervals - to make sure you flogbags get back just as good as you're prepared to dish out. Ad Astra - hypocrite of the year - tosser and poseur extraordinaire.

Misst

26/05/2013Hello Ad and everyone, <wave> Another newcomer who has been reading this site for a good while and couldn't resist saying just how good this article is. Ad, you nailed it! I feel exactly the same, the antics of the coalition are truly shameful. Labor would never get away with it and I hope they wouldn't ever be so deceitful, so 'ugly'. Yes I know they're not perfect, but I'm desperate to find a way of contributing. Thanks again Patricia ... checked the Labor website and can't see anything about the Freo fundraising event with Julia and Ben Elton ... who just happens to live around the corner from us ;)!

Garry Starkey

26/05/2013Abbott is simply not the right person for PM. He’s not an honourable politician either representing poor value for MONEY$$ because among other things; after the 2010 election he should have accepted the result and knuckled down to forming a well thought-of opposition; but he didn’t!!!! the spoilt brat decided if the game couldn’t be played his way he was going to wreck everything, smash the board with his delinquent “no-no-no-no” policy and ruin everyone else’s effort to govern in the process. We pay our politicians a hell of a lot of money and we bloody well expect they will do their job acceptably and I agree with others this is where Abbott has done himself damage, Australia is tired of the lowered political quality he has generated in taking politics down the toilet. He has let Australia down badly costing us $$$ greatly in the process. It is a measure of Abbott and just how little he wants to sincerely contribute when things do not suit poor little Tony. NO THANKS PHONEY we need proper politicians not imbeciles.

Tom of Melbourne

26/05/2013Hilarious – [i]” The pictures tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.[/i] So do these- http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8209673.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/aus.jpg http://thedailytrash.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/164918-julia-gillard.jpg?w=600&h=337 Giving the finger is a common habbit of Gillard- http://www.restoreaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/JuliaGillardFinger-300x168.jpg It’s funny.

DoodlePoodle

26/05/2013Another great post AA. This post sums up what we all have known for some time. It is great to see that the message is being spread throughout the various blog sites. This venom has spread like a cancer among voters. My parents were farmers and voted Country Party (National Party). My daughter was an adviser to Helen Coonan. Another friend an adviser to John Howard. Many of our friends have always been Liberal voters. We have always voted ALP. We all have respected each others views. Now as ALP supporters one gets the feeling that people are no longer interested in what is really happening. The opinion is that the Libs win is a lay down misere and no discussion need be entered in to. May the voters wake up before it is too late.

denese

26/05/2013my father took me to the movie Dorian Grey, I may have been as young as ten years old. It had such an effect on me for days I thought of about it and at night I would lay there wondering how this person turned in to such an ugly being. One forgets and time moves on, when I got older, I remembered the movie, and now realise it was the soul of the person in the movie that reflected in the painting. I remember in class the nuns saying something like, ' thy face does reflect ones soul', every time I see the PM Julia Gillard, I see concern and love, and so much peace on her face, and in her eyes, a lady happy with her life and what she is doing,,,, her face surely does magnify her soul.

Catspan

26/05/2013Yes, denese - the face of Julia Gillard ... The face of a confirmed liar who will do ANYTHING to retain power. The grim, stony face off which you could strike sparks. The face of a haridan who stabbed Rudd in the back. And who will ruthlesslessly knife anybody else who gets in her way (anybody seen Crean lately?) In keeping with her political obsession (and rumoured abortion). "Concern", "love" "peace" - what on earth are you smoking? The face of one who is doomed.

TalkTurkey

26/05/2013Ad astra You have more than touched a chord, you have rung a warning bell to rally those who treasure truth and hate what is being done to our society by harbingers of hate. [i]We will defeat them[/i]. Our great quiet army is made of a majority of women. That is special. Never before as far as I know has a greater proportion of women than men intending to vote Labor, and similarly more women intend to vote Labor than to vote LNP. And women talk a lot. Talk, Women, Talk! Talk to your neighbours and friends and workmates: if they get snaky, well you tried, and they were probably rusted on haters anyway. It's the misinformed and approachable waverers who we can help decide simply by telling them Truth. Tell people fearlessly and directly, because it is not only the way we will win this election, it is the way we will heal the hate fomented by that evil bastard Abborrrrtt, and create the sort of society we need. Talk up your support for the Labor Party. Wear your allegiance on your sleeve. It's Our Party, (and it doesn't cost much to join btw. If you ever think about it, don't just think about it. Do it now.) We will win, Comrades, but we will win only because you will do all you can to helping us win. And most of that is talking to people. So Talk! Great lead Ad. Hi Lyn, what a spotter, hey that rhymes! Welcome to all the Newies! WE are our warriors. [b][i]:) VENCEREMOS! :)[/i] [/b]

denese

26/05/2013catspan I can tell the difference between good and evil sadly you must not be able to, the right make me laugh, if they thought their lot was so good and positive they would not have to troll the blogs and try to prove it. only makes me smile when I read posts like catspan. goodness always triumphs over evil and we will.

Ginckgo

26/05/2013Having grown up in Germany where the nazi legacy is ever present in people's minds, I usually despise comparisons of current events with that regime. However, I have for months now seen the striking parallels of the methods adopted by Abbott's Liberals in this campaign with those perfected under Goebbels, just look up the list of propaganda techniques on Wikipedia, and every single one is being employed by the Liberals against Gillard. It's not just disgusting, it's very, very scary.

Tom of Melbourne

26/05/2013More of the photographic proof! Gillard giving the finger, yet again- http://t.qkme.me/3ra236.jpg …and another, yet again- http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AXhWXW1FFeA/TG0YnzVUKXI/AAAAAAAAKMY/WqRFbnjfNMw/s1600/julia+gillard+and+the+bird.jpg What is it with Gillard and her compulsion to give the finger while she’s in parliament? Is this behaviour becoming for Prime Minister? Is it hateful?

J.Fraser

26/05/2013Ahhhh "Jason" you are a troll. Now I understand. Say goodnight Irene.

Gordonwa

26/05/2013Hi J.Fraser, I fear you have misunderstood Jason's post. He was quoting a troll to expose him not support him. Jason is one of the good guys as, I believe, are you J.Fraser, judging by your thoughtful posts on other sites. I'm sure you and Jason will speak for yourselves but I hate to see you get off on the wrong foot. We need to remain allied against the 'axis of evil' that is LNP/MSM/ABC

Jenny

26/05/2013Catspan:"The face of a confirmed liar who will do ANYTHING to retain power." Mr Abbott revealed that "in the heat of discussion" he sometimes went further with a promise than he should. Quizzed about his broken promise not to increase taxes, Mr Abbott said sometimes "absolute weight" could be placed on what is said and other times it was just the "give and take of standard conversation". "I know politicians are going to be judged on everything they say but sometimes in the heat of discussion you go a little bit further than you would if it was an absolutely calm, considered, prepared, scripted remark," he said. "The statements that need to be taken absolutely as gospel truth are those carefully prepared scripted remarks." and then we have Windsor calls out Abbott: 'You'd do anything but sell your arse' Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national-news/windsor-calls-out-abbott-youd-do-anything-but-sell-your-arse/story-fndo4eg9-1226452005882#ixzz2UOktixoF not to mention Tony's undying support for Malcolm Turnbull the day before standing against him in a leadership spill that saw Tony win by 1 vote.

Reality

26/05/2013What a total load of shit this article is. Julia actually can't lie straight in bed. Never before in the history of Australian politics have so many bare-faced lies been told to the Australian public. Labor supporters should hang their heads in shame. Pathetic.

Jenny

26/05/2013I think the thing that really annoys me is being treated like an idiot. A prime example is the focus on our debt. We see raw numbers reported for our debt, deficit and interest payments. The numbers have a lot of zeroes. Sadly they are never quoted in any form of context. They take no account of inflation or GDP or revenue or interest rates or population growth, not to mention the turbulent world economy. Quoting raw numbers also precludes comparison to other countries or to our own historical data. If I had a debt of 1 million dollars I would be very concerned. Gina Rinehart earns that in half an hour so I doubt she would feel the same concern. Paying 7 billion a year in interest sounds like a lot until you realize it's about 1 week's revenue. Australia's private debt is far greater than it's public debt so, by preying on people's concerns about their own debt, the Coalition and media have somehow bred an undercurrent of feral economists who have never before in their lives thought about government debt or deficit and have no understanding of them as economic tools. Their basis for comparison is paying off their mortgage and saving for their retirement...hardly relevant to the governing of a country which must provide services, infrastructure and a safety net for the nation.

jaycee

26/05/2013Well said AA. ...If I may cross-post this I wrote on another site..: On reading the posts from the right-wingers here, one can see they have truly inherited the Liberal Party habits of turning grand ideas into little fears, great vision into short-sightedness and honest integrity into scheming mendacity….They are indeed the inheritors of tawdry ideals and small dreams!

Catspan

26/05/2013The words of Julia Gillard: "There will be no carbon tax under a government I lead" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "There will be a surplus in 2013" "Arrrrrrr Fck it! There WON'T be a surplus in 2013!"

sulphurcrested

26/05/2013Thanks, Ad Astra. An outstanding piece. I also don't comment often, but always appreciate and value your excellent writing, reasoned thoughtfulness and perception. There is so much excellent quality in online indie media. It is an oasis.

Lorraine H

26/05/2013I'm pleased someone is addressing the concerns I have been feeling for sometime. I have been following politics for 50 years and I have never seen such hate and vitriol directed to individuals in the political parties as we have experiencing over the last few years. I think it is a big worry for us as Australians, that so much hate is being incited and fear that we will end up with incidents that we leave us shamed as a nation. In a democracy we all have to live with governments we don't like and decisions we don't agree with but remember, we voted for these people and we expect them to govern for the betterment of us all. That goes for all persuasions. The last few years have seen little of that responsibility being taken by the Coalition. We also have a role to play in our democracy as well. We should be active in putting ideas and concerns to our elected reps and if things don't change we vote them out and vote in fresh faces more aligned to what the country needs. That is our power, the ballot box. We need to protect that at all cost. Inciting and encouraging hatred may one day mean we no longer have that privilege. It's happened before and we should learn from history so the mistakes are not repeated.

Ad astra

26/05/2013Nuggy, Julie Gerrish, John Bloomfield, Callie Ge, Misst, Garry Starkey, Ginckgo, Gordonwa, Jenny I haven’t got my list of previous commenters with me because I’m up country, but from memory I believe you are newcomers. So welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family, and thank you for your supportive comments and insights. Do come again. You are right Gordonwa – Jason is one of the really good guys who post here; it seems J Fraser may have misunderstood one of Jason’s posts Gorgeous Dunny, janice, DoodlePoodle, denese, Talk Turkey, jaycee, sulphurcrested, Lorraine H May I thank you regulars for your comments. It is gratifying to realize how much unanimity of thought and feeling there is out there about the hate that has been injected into politics since Tony Abbott lost the 2010 election, and the damage it is inflicting on the electorate. Bloggers such as Catspan and Tom of Melbourne come here to put us down, to deride us, and PM Gillard and Labor, but instead illustrate the depth of antagonism and loathing that lives in their hearts and minds. They dismiss our feelings and thoughts as the product of deranged minds, always a contemptible defence. Today ‘Reality’ turns up and illustrates the very point this piece is making. ‘Reality’ sounds just like one of Jon Faine’s talkback callers – the words are almost identical. These people are the living exemplars of loathing. The more they write their spiteful comments, the more they reinforce the message of this piece. I suppose we should thank them!

Fiona

26/05/2013Ad Astra, I join in the chorus of most commenters here: a superb piece, which nails the appalling behaviour of the Coalition and sheets home the ultimate responsibility to their puppetmaster, Mr Murdoch (not to mention his acolytes at Fairfax and the "independent" ABC). Despite the confections that have led to such unprecedented hatred, I'm not giving up hope yet, and will fight tooth and claw - and will continue to do so after 14 September IF (still only an IF) the ALP loses government. This country is not for sale to the highest bidder.

Ad astra

26/05/2013Fiona Thank you too for your comment. You are right. The election is still around four months away. That will be a testing time for Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey and indeed for all Coalition spokespersons. It is their time to come up with answers to serious policy problems. Let see how well they do. Beyond slogans, Abbott seems out of his depth. Superficiality shows, and it's ugly for a would-be PM.

Bill Filson

26/05/2013Thanks for this article "ad astra". It is the best description and analysis that I have read. I have never in 70 years seen anything in Australian politics as what I see happening today. The "big lie" has been told and repeated time and time again. You have described it well. More strength to you pen! I feel we should be out on the streets as we did in the 60's as this is so serious. The hate and loathing which has been set in place could make the street a very dangerous place. I don't think this madman and his fools know what they are risking. The divisions they are creating may well destroy this great country. We may yet see sights on Sydney streets which are, at present, only on our TV screens. I despair for our country. I can only hope that your attempt using "social networking" will spread the facts, tell the truth and change the course of events. Otherwise democracy is dead in this country.

Ad astra

26/05/2013Doug Evans Comments have been coming so thick and fast that I missed yours. Apologies. Thank you for listing the 75 IPA ideas for Australia. They are the epitome of hard right conservative thinking, typical of the thinking in which the US Tea Party revels. Tony Abbott runs away from many of these ideas because he knows they are too radical for our electorate. But the Coalition does employ Tea Party electioneering tactics. Cory Bernardi is a keen student of the Tea Party and has travelled to the US to study them and bring back here their ideas and strategies, which is what we are seeing day after day. Bill Filson I think you too are newcomer to comment here, so welcome to you also. Do come again. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I share your apprehension about our nation with the hate that exists and threatens to worsen in the months ahead. It's been a tiring day folks, so I'm calling it day.

Toni

26/05/2013I don't recognise my own country anymore. We use to be a thoughtful, caring, understanding people, our motto was "No Worries mate". I was at the hospital the other week waiting for my disbled brother in law to wake from surgery in the waiting room. I was watching TV and there was an elderly man sitting opposite me. The 9 news came on with a student had thrown something at the PM on her visit. We looked at each other and I said that is so disrespectful but then I was in shock at his reply. This man said, " if it was me I would have thrown a brick at her". I almost fell off my seat, I didnt know what to say. I have thought long and hard and have come to the conclusion that I thank my stars this man is not part of my family and I feel sorry for any children who may be in his care. The hatred is alive and we need to kill it off before our society becomes numbed to abuse. We cry about Facebook hate pages, we cry about how hate pages attack RIP sites, we cry that a teenager has committed suicide because of hatred yet as it stands today the majority of people in our country condone the slander, abuse, hate and lies from a man and political party who wish to manage our country. I say to people what kind of society do we want? I am worried and frightened for my country and my children if Mr Abbott and LNP were to form government. The way it seems atm if Ms Gillard was to have an accident or get hurt in anyway the majority of people would be overjoyed. This is becoming the Ugly Country not the lucky country that we are.

jane

26/05/2013Have tweeted the post Ad astra. The more people who read it the better. It may even wake some people up to the appalling behaviour of the Liars and their media hacks wrt JGPM. Quite frankly, the appallingly childish behaviour of the opposition in and outside parliament should be a bright red flag for the voting public. It clearly shows a group of schoolyard bully boys doing their best to intimidate and humiliate a female classmate. Liealot in particular, has demonstrated his violent hatred for any woman who denies him what he desires and his complete lack of empathy and total disregard for anyone who is poor, sick, disabled or disadvantaged. This is confirmed by his abuse of the dying Bernie Banton and treating John Brogden's suicide attempt as a joke. Worse still, is that he can't understand why this is repellant behaviour. And the rest of his bully boy coterie is no better. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if they torture animals. However you view their behaviour and actions, they are all completely unfit even to clean public toilets. [quote]My sense rather was that Abbott merely claimed to support it, so determined is he not to give the government an edge in winning voter sympathy.[/quote] Patricia, I believe you are absolutely right. Liealot doesn't give a toss about the disabled. Like some of the vicious comments to Stella Young. It astonished me that there are so many people who think the disabled bring their disabilities on themselves-yeah right soo many foetuses just beg to have cystic fibrosis or motor neurone disease or autism or a host of other congenital diseases and don't deserve any help. People whining at the cost of a wheelchair, instead of being grateful they don't need one. This nasty mean spirited, spiteful attitude comes directly from Liealot, those Howard has beens on the shadow front bench and their hateful barrackers like Anal Jones and Ray Hadley. I know one shouldn't wish a disaster on others, but they're two people I'd love to see lose all everything including their jobs. I'd be happy to kick their begging bowls over. Bilko, ToM knows very well what the PM said wrt the carbon price, but he chooses to ignore it because it doesn't fit with the Liars meme he's peddling. That goes for all the Liars barrackers peddling the same old Meredoch shite day in day out. Amazingly, they seem to think the wizened foreigner is an upstanding citizen. Hacking murdered children's phones, bribing police, blackmail, leaking health information about politician's infant children is apparently the act of an honourable person. Go figure. [quote]Never before in the history of Australian politics have so many bare-faced lies been told to the Australian public.[/quote] We all know that Liealot, Prissy, Sloppy, Brandis & co are more than a little economical with the truth. I'm sure you were as angry as anyone with even one moral scruple to be fed the core & non-core promise line along with Phone Card's embezzlement, Liealot's slush fund, children overboard, AWB.....the list just keeps growing. Generations of birds have built nests on their noses. Ad astra Kevin, a male voter and David add weight to your post mindlessly spewing forth Rupert's, Anal's and Hadley's propaganda. Jenny, you have very ably put the debt nonsense being spruiked by the likes of Hockey into context. Thank you for that.

Ken B

27/05/2013Thank you Ad astra for this op ed. It is very welcome, specially after reading similar articles from The Failed Estate and Independent Australia. I have felt this way for a long while, but it is very uncomfortable to put your head above the parapet, when the foreign press is saying positive things about our country and our economy, yet the dead tree press, the idiot box and our work colleagues are arguing exactly the opposite. When someone rants on about the replacing of Kevin Rudd by Julia Gillard, please just relate how underhanded the Northern Territory County Liberals deposed Terry Mills. He was in Japan negotiating gas a project. He went into the meeting a Chief Minister, only to be told by a journalist, after he came out of the meeting, that now he was just an MLA. How humiliating for an ok Liberal. The Liberals probably taught us how to dump leaders. Didn't the liberals hand Whitlam an easier 1972 election win, when they held a spill against John Grey Gordon in 1971? At least K. Rudd was in town and probably had an inkling of what was going down. Finally thanks Cornlegend for the full "...I'm determined to price carbon." quote. I've watch the clip too many times and had problems catching and imprinting that last very important clause to memory.

Patriciawa

27/05/2013Msst Re Ben Elton in Conversation with PM Julia Gillard, June 12th at 7pm in Fremantle To buy your tickets, contact Joseph on 0410 002 659 or via melissa.parke@australianlabor.com.au Good luck.

Patriciawa

27/05/2013Hello to all these new names here today! Hello to old friends too, particularly Talk Turkey, for whom here's a belated pome re Joe's BIR, delayed by Migs at CW being suddenly desperately ill with an allergic reaction to medication. Recovering now and on the mend. His site moving again with Min's help. [b]Joe Hockey, Less Weighty, Still Cocky![/b] Responding to Treasurer Swan’s Budget To journalists in Parliament’s Great Hall He seemed so anxious to fudge it He forgot – pride comes before a fall! He spoke at length of his sadness For a cousin who’d hit the wall, Weighed down by Government madness, Rules and red tape. (Not that tax after all?) Not that he was offering tax cuts, Like Labor to later recall. The Liberal Party has guts. They’ll audit, any false hopes forestall. No dodgy Treasury statistics; His own will be true, line ball, Straight shooting like Tony’s ballistics With Aussies again walking tall. From reports in that evening’s news His oratory failed to enthral. Next day’s media collective views Seemed to be he’d said bugger all. http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/joe-hockey-less-weighty-still-cocky/

jane

27/05/2013[quote]I don't think this madman and his fools know what they are risking.[/quote] Unfortunately Ben Filson, they know but they don't care. Crapstain, it's lucky there isn't a carbon tax, aren't we? Another example of Liars Party bullshit. They just can't help themselves; compulsive lying is in their DNA. Crapstain, the day you can provide a credible and convincing argument in favour of a budget surplus is the day I'll be sorry there isn't one.

Casablanca

27/05/2013[b]Fault lines in the federal fourth estate [/b] Dr Helen Ester writes of [quote]the perennial tension between journalists and governments. In fact, politicians’ abiding desire to avoid the media and talk directly to voters is as old as our system of democracy itself and although the fourth estate has become a distinctive product of it, its role was centuries in the making.[/quote] Australasian Parliamentary Review, Autumn 2011, Vol. 26(1), 122–130. http://www.aspg.org.au/journal/2011autumn_26_1/11-EsterFinal.pdf

Truth Seeker

27/05/2013Ad, thanks for another fine piece, and something that needed to be said, nay not only said but screamed from the roof tops, which it appears you have been able to do :-) You have certainly struck a chord with this piece, and rightly so, as the fourth estate is dancing to Murdoch's tune as many here in the fighting fifth have been expressing for a long time, including myself. The politics of hate is the new norm because of Abbott and his sad bunch of spoilt cronies, and the MSM have are writing their own obituary by supporting these bottom feeders, as more of their readership look for the truth as opposed to the spin. I don't think there is much hope for those that listen to the likes of Jones, Hadley and Bolt, but they will eventually become irrelevant in the scheme of things, as surely deserve to do. Keep up the great work, and there are links to this piece everywhere, including on my site :-) Cheers :-) :-)

lyn

27/05/2013Today’s Links Fact-checking arrives on Australian television by @PolitiFactOz The nation’s leading TV news network, Channel Seven, will deliver political fact-checking into the homes of millions of Australians after signing an historic deal with PolitiFact Australia.PolitiFact’s Truth-O-Meter ratings will be used by the broadcaster in the lead-up to September’s federal election.o http://www.politifact.com.au/truth-o-meter/article/2013/may/26/Fact-checking-arrives-on-Australian-television/ Mr Abbott Stark Raving Naked in Collins Street! by rossleighbrisbane @MigloMT Mr Abbott has told us what he won’t back. When does he plan to tell us what he will back? Closer to the election has been the refrain from the LNP for the past three years, but how much closer can you get? http://theaimn.com/2013/05/25/mr-abbott-stark-raving-naked-in-collins-street/ What kind of bias is Rebecca Weisser worried about? by @donattroppo The debate over bias at the ABC is not about how to make the national broadcaster a more "impartial clearing house for our ideas, and a stimulant to our thought", it’s about a struggle between rival elites. http://clubtroppo.com.au/2013/05/26/what-kind-of-bias-is-rebecca-weisser-worried-about/ A cooler century? Wait and see by @Jarrapin New research suggesting the Earth may be warming a little more slowly than expected does not mean climate change is a false alarm, reports Alex Kirby from Climate News Network http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/environment/a-cooler-century-wait-and-see/ The Cracking of the Wall by @archiearchive But the margin is the margin, unless you look at a recent Sydney Morning Herald poll which asked the simple question. “Will Tony Abbott’s Coalition win the September federal election?” 59% of the more than 6000 who responded said “NO!” http://archiearchive.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/the-cracking-of-the-wall/ Government blueprint for TV self regulation of sports gambling ads by @margokingston1 The Gillard Government has demanded that Australia’s broadcasters amend their broadcasting codes in the following ways to ensure a reduction in the promotion and advertising of gambling during sport: http://australiansforhonestpolitics.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/government-blueprint-for-tv-self-regulation-of-sports-gambling-ads/ Disinformationists & Disrupters by C@tmomma @HillbillySkill I don’t know about you, but I find it incredibly frustrating when I come up hard against a commenter on the internet whom I consider a ‘Disinformationist’ or a ‘Disrupter’ . http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/05/26/disinformationists-disrupters/ Julia Gillard's restrictions on live betting odds to be implemented by television networks by Simon Cullen Ms Gillard had earlier said if the industry did not impose a complete ban, the Government would introduce legislation to enforce it. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-26/tv-networks-to-comply-with-gillard-live-betting-restrictions/4713476?WT.mc_id=newsmail Why we'll learn to love the higher GST by @1petermartin Hands up if you think the GST is going to stay at 10 per cent.Treasury boss Martin Parkinson put it starkly this week. He said we would need to either pay more tax to government or expect less from the government. http://www.petermartin.com.au/2013/05/why-well-learn-to-love-higher-gst.html Hockey fails his own honesty test by @1RossGittins by using such a weak excuse to keep the electorate in the dark about his plans until the last moment, he's not off to a good start. The next honesty test will be whether his costings are checked by the Parliamentary Budget Office or by some back-street accountant who has http://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/1528287/hockey-fails-his-own-honesty-test/?cs=9 Structural budget reveals tax cuts are the problem by @1RossGittins See what this means? The Libs keep saying the problem is Labor's unrestrained spending but, in fact, it's almost all on the tax side. The tax weakness arises overwhelmingly from Costello's eight delivered or promised tax cuts. Swan's main failings were to actually http://www.rossgittins.com/2013/05/structural-budget-reveals-tax-cuts-are.html Election 2013 Hearts and Minds by @FairMediaAllian Perhaps the most troubling thing for me in the run-up to this election is the way people on ‘my side’ have allowed themselves to be duped into believing that Tony Abbott has already won. http://fairmediaalliance.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/election-2013-hearts-and-minds-2/ Even Martians say ABC journos are Lefties by @btckr Less than two thirds of those surveyed revealed their political preference. It did not survey all journalists and you, Miranda, do not lean Left. I do, like a man in a tug-of-war struggle against the media bias of the Right. http://truthinmediaresourcecentre.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/even-martians-say-abc-journos-are-lefties/ Joe Hockey, Less Weighty, Still Cocky! by Patricia wa Joe, Tony Abbott and Co, supported by the might of Rupert Murdoch’s money and his News media minions, have been insulting the intelligence of all us for three years now, so what more did I expect? http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/joe-hockey-less-weighty-still-cocky/ Abbott’s Mini Me Rides Again (Abbott’s a NewMan!) by Truth Seeker On these and many other areas of service provision, Abbott’s Mini Me Rides Again, and despite all that we keep hearing about how Abbott is a changed man, the truth is that Abbott isn’t a New Man, Abbott’s a Newman, and Newman is Abbott’s Mini Me. http://truthseekersmusings.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/abbotts-mini-me-rides-again-abbotts-a-newman/ Social media for conference reporting, evidence-based practice, self-care (and more…) by Melissa Sweet This Analysis by nurse, educator and social media enthusiast Paul McNamara gives some useful insights into why conference organisers generally should build Twitter into their planning. http://blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2013/05/26/social-media-for-conference-reporting-evidence-based-practice-self-care-and-more/ Federal Opposition claim regarding NSW school funding by PM’s Press Office Christopher Pyne claims NSW schools are not getting a better deal under the Labor Government’s National Plan for School Improvement. http://pmopressoffice.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/federal-opposition-claim-regarding-nsw-school-funding/ Today’s Front Pages Australian Newspaper Front Pages for 27 May 2013 http://www.thepaperboy.com/australia/front-pages.cfm News headlines http://www.hotheadlines.com.au/

Paul of Berwick

27/05/2013The Guardian is here at last (inc Lenore Taylor, Greg Jericho, etc) ... http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/insideguardian/2013/may/26/welcome-to-guardian-australia?CMP=twt_gu And their standard home page ... http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia

Ad astra

27/05/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

Sir Ian Crisp

27/05/2013Once again ALP fabulist Ad Astra is caught out sleepwalking. Parenthetically, a group of psychologists consider sleepwalking to be an extreme form of absent-mindedness. Ad Astra’s theme of lashing anyone or anything not in lockstep with the bird of paradox and the ALP is responsible for cultivating TPS’s “hate club”. Ad Astra, did you forget this type of hatred from the alleged ‘progressive’ side of the political debate? [quote][b]30 seconds after Thatcher took her last breathe this planet got a lot cleaner and hell got a lot dirtier. May she rot like the pure evil she was. ian The world is well rid of that appalling creature Thatcher. Now we have to wait for the wizened foreigner to pop his clogs. Won't there be a weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth from the Liars when that joyful event occurs? jane Just think of the party Aussies can have when the Lying Rodent follows Thatcher to his reward heh heh heh, And if any folks think I'm about to apologise for that, Well I 'll rejoice when they do too. I'd rather be ungracious than hypocritical. TalkTurkey Sir Ian, And may the old bitch rot in hell! Jason Ding Dong, the witch is dead http://www.youtube.com/v/3GwjfUFyY6M bob macalba [/b][/quote] [quote][i][u]The media contribution to the hatred and contempt of PM Gillard, her ministers and her Government, was yet again exhibited starkly in the Front Pages after the budget. Ad Astra. [/u][/i][/quote] The Front Pages you refer to do not convey hatred. They do convey an assessment of a government that is floundering.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Toni, Ken B If you are newcomers to commenting here, as I think you may be, welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family. Do come again. Thank you for your poignant story Toni, which reflects the intensity of the hatred that has been generated in the community by the Coalition, aided and abetted by a sycophantic and malicious Fourth Estate. Ken B, you remind us of the way in which the previous NT Chief Minister was dispatched. To the LNP, that was ‘orderly’, as was the dispatch of Ted Baillieu, but when Labor changes leader it is a dastardly process. Truth Seeker, thank you for your kind comment and encouragement, and Patriciawa for your pome, so apt, and jane for your comprehensive addition to the debate. Paul of Berwick, thanks for the Guardian links, which I’ll read later. We may get some decent reporting from it, which will drag the standard of the Fourth Estate out of the pit into which it has sunk, just a little anyway; Casablanca, I’m looking forward to reading the Ester link. Thank you for it.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Hi Lyn We’ll be out and about today with our daughter and son-in-law and three-year-old grandson, so I’ll read your fascinating set of links on the iPad as opportunity arises. They look delectable, to be relished quietly like a banquet.

Gravel

27/05/2013Ad Astra It is wonderful how alive TPS is at the moment. It confirms that we regulars here are not alone. Welcome to all new commenters. It reminds me of the 'united we stand' saying and let us hope there are many more people out there that are feeling the same. Congratulations again on this great piece, it complements all your other fantastic writing beautifully.

2353

27/05/2013Well written AA and certainly relevant. I believe there is a correlation between the "business ethics" common in the "Greed is Good" 80's and the infiltration of big business ethics into politics, sport and a most of society. Certainly there is hate an bile in politics that never used to be there - but I suspect it is a larger issue where people will do anything to "destroy" the opposition. It is evident by the salaries paid to (whatever code) footballers or cricketers today while 30 to 40 years ago most "elite" sportspeople would play the game on Sunday afternoon and front up at work on Monday. Our society has changed and the simpler and gentler society of 30 to 40 years ago does have some lessons we are yet to learn.

TalkTurkey

27/05/2013Ad astra In the time I have been writing on TPS - just after the last election - no lead article of yours has drawn such a coming~out of new contributors. One has the feeling that many of these are frequent readers here, and their reason for showing their heads is the fear of Abborrrrttianism stalking the country. Speak out People. Don't be 'shame. Staying silent Plays their game! recaptcha : " andfcu original " :)

Terence

27/05/2013I'm new to this site but, like many Australians I am growing increasingly concerned about what is happening to our political discourse and I am in complete agreement with your thoughtful and well researched comments. It seems that we are being played by a deeply biased media, led by the Murdoch press, to elect a new government that is more to the liking of Rupert Murdoch and big business interests rather than in the interests of the Australian people. What I find deeply troubling is the way the Murdoch media completely ignore balance and impartial reporting and will fail to report anything that is against their own interests. For instance,you may have noticed, in the Fairfax press over the weekend, a report on Australian companies who use tax havens around the world to hide profits and avoid taxation. One of the major offenders is News Ltd and its subsidiaries but nowhere will you find this reported by News Ltd outlets in Australia. The tax avoidance of major corporations alone is deeply troubling but equally worrying is that, by failing to report this independent analysis, News Ltd is manipulating what is reported in accordance with their determinations of what is in the public interest. At the same time News Ltd continue on a campaign of denigration against a democratically elected Australian government; a change of government may be in the interests of Rupert Murdoch but not necessarily in the interests of the Australian people. This is a link to the report that appeared in the Age: http://www.theage.com.au/business/island-allure-the-tax-secrets-of-big-business-20130524-2k6u6.html

nasking

27/05/2013 I'VE BEEN A RUDD SUPPORTER FOR YEARS...BUT I HAVE TO SAY GILLARD IS GROWING ON ME...I'M HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT TRYING TO BRING RUDD BACK... I HATED HIS LOT LEAKING TO CONSERVATIVE CHANNEL NINE AND LAURIE OAKES, THAT WAS DESPERATE MALICIOUS STUFF THAT GAVE US MINORITY GOVT AND ALMOST LET THAT BACKWARD DICKEAD ABBOTT IN. YEP, GILLARD HAS SHOWN A LOT OF COURAGE...COPPED A LOT OF SH*T AS FIRST WOMAN PM...AND SHE'S KEPT ON...GETTING THE JOB DONE... PUSHING AND DOING THE RIGHT THINGS...NBN...DISABILITY SCHEME...GONSKI EDUCATION REFORMS FOR ALL KIDS... TRYING TO BALANCE NECESSARY CLEAN ENERGY CHANGE WITH THE DEMANDS OF THE COAL INDUSTRY...AND EVOLVING GAS INDUSTRY... AND CREATING JOBS...DURING GLOBALLY UNCERTAIN TIMES. AND STILL PROTECTING WORKERS. EVEN BEING TUFF ON ASYLUM SEEKERS TO TRY AND SAVE THEIR LIVES. AS THO ABBOTT COULD STOP THE BOATS...WHAT A MURDOCH JOKE. HOWARD GOT LUCKY THE ASIAN TSUNAMI WIPED OUT THE BOATS DURING HIS TERM. SAD FOR THE INDONESIANS THO. THESE CONSERVATIVE GUYS CREATED THE WARS THAT DISPLACED THESE REFUGEES IN THE FIRST PLACE. ALL I KNOW IS, ABBOTT AND HOCKEY WANNA BRING ON A RECESSION SO THEIR STATE MATES CAN BRING IN AUSTERITY MEASURES... INCREASE THE GST... CUT AND PRIVATISE SERVICES... WHILST GIVING GINA RINEHART AND MURDOCH A TAX CUT OR TWELVE. FCK THAT FOR A LARK. GILLARD'S TEAM IS [b]THE BETTER WAY[/b]: THIS FROM THE BRAND SPANKING NEW VOICES BUT ALSO WITH RESPECTED OLD VOICES [b]GUARDIAN AUSTRALIA[/b]... HALLEFCKNLUJAH!!!: Gillard claimed Tony Abbott’s signature policy for women, his $4.3bn paid parental leave offering mothers 26 weeks’ leave at their full wage – a benefit worth up to $75,000 – was in fact an anti-women policy, and against Australian values. The scheme – which has been strongly backed by some feminist commentators – is to be paid for by a 1.5% levy on big business. Gillard said the levy would be passed on to citizens and “would require the poorest women in our society to pay more for things they buy in order to benefit upper income women”. She added: “The Australian way has been either we share benefits equally like Medicare … or we give a fair go to people who need a fair go the most. This scheme upends Australian values and asks the lowest paid to pay a benefit to the most generously paid.” She rejected the argument that the levy on business meant it was not a welfare program, but rather a worker’s entitlement, like annual leave. “It is not funded by business … business will pay an extra tax which will go into government revenue. How do we normally pay social benefits out of government revenue? Well, we give them to everyone equally … or we share so that people at the bottom end get the biggest advantage.” She said the Coalition’s policy to abolish Labor’s low income superannuation contribution scheme was also a policy that would hurt women because they made up most of the scheme’s 3.6 million beneficiaries. The prime minister also contested the Coalition’s central political attack that her government could not be trusted because she had reversed policy pledges, saying there were now “broken promises littered on both sides” of politics because both she and Abbott had been forced by economic circumstances to change their minds. “According to the leader of the opposition, if he changes his mind then it is simply that, a change of mind; if I change my mind then it is something going to character and honesty. Well we can all play this game. Is it broken promises littered on both sides or is it that people have had to respond to the facts?” she asked. She cited Abbott’s promise that there would be no “adverse changes” on superannuation before he deferred for two years an increase in compulsory employer superannuation payments from 9 to 12%, and the Coalition’s previous vehement opposition to cuts to the baby bonus for second and subsequent children, which the shadow treasurer, Joe Hockey, said late last year was a policy that had been “tried in China”. “This is the same leader of the opposition,” she said, “who said we will always protect the baby bonus and there was Joe Hockey wittering on about China’s one-child policies, only now to say, ‘We’ll endorse Labor’s abolition of the baby bonus,’ and actually it looks like they will go further and take more away from people who have a new child from the family payment system.” In 2012 the Coalition opposed Labor’s proposal to cut the baby bonus for second or subsequent children, but in the light of what it calls a “budget emergency” it is now supporting Labor’s plan to axe the payment. Last week Hockey confirmed the Coalition was also likely to scrap Labor’s smaller replacement benefit – a means-tested family payment worth $2,000 for a first child and $1,000 for subsequent births, although that decision is opposed by some in the shadow cabinet. Gillard also said she was disturbed that abortion law was again emerging as a political issue, with DLP senator John Madigan seeking to legislate to ban “gender selection abortions” and vowing to pursue the issue if he gained a balance of power vote in the Senate after the election. “I think it is always possible for abortion to become a political issue and it always disturbs me when I see the start of what looks like voices once again coming out in the debate to try to create community sentiment so that women no longer have the ability to govern their own bodies and make their own choices. I don’t think as women we can ever rest easy on this, we always have to always be mindful there are forces in Australian political debate and Australian political life who would seek to impose the alternative: no choice for women,” she said. After a term in office wracked with leadership tension and political scandals, Gillard also reflected on the challenges of political leadership and her personal feelings during the last botched challenge to her leadership, which rival Kevin Rudd did not, in the end, join. She conceded it was difficult for leaders to meet public demands that they present themselves as “real people” when they were often judged harshly for showing any sign of the doubts or second thoughts that most people feel. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/26/julia-gillard-refuses-commit-election OH YEA...GILLARD BROUGHT ON THE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO CHILD ABUSE. DAMN GOOD THING TOO...AND [b]ABOUT TIME[/b]...I'M LOOKING AT YOU...PAST PMs. [b]GO THE BETTER WAY!!![/b] N'

Ad astra

27/05/2013Folks I wondered how long it would be before Sir Ian contributed to the debate. He has once more enlightened us with a chronicle of past utterances, in this instance a chronicle that he believes refutes the thrust of this piece. Is he arguing that since some publically rejoiced at Margaret Thatcher’s death, or posted details of these events, that the ‘other side of politics’ is as guilty of hate as the conservatives, and therefore that excuses hate from ‘that side of politics’. Are we in a ‘who hates most’ race? He sees no hatred in the Front Pages of the post-budget press! But he does see me, and presumably all of you who agree with me, as ‘sleepwalking’. Shooting at the messenger is always a good opener for those whose subsequent argument lacks strength.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Gravel, Talk Turkey, 2353 Thank you for your comments. It is exciting to see how many newcomers to commenting here have emerged with this piece. There is great strength of feeling in the community, not just the hatred that this piece describes, but an abhorrence of this hatred by many out there who are tired of it and alarmed at what damage it is doing to the fabric of our society. As you point out TT, we who abhor the hatred that infects politics here today must speak out, here, and on every occasion with other citizens who seek a fair and just society in which to live.

Pappinbarra Fox

27/05/2013I was watching the Whitlam doco on ABC last night. One point caused me to think- Whitlam was able to convince the voters to vote for him at the election because they could see he was genuine. We do not make enough of this word. Genuine. Fair Dinkum. Genuine. [quote]As she recounted these encounters, she was moved to tears – [b][i]genuine[/i][/b] tears.[/quote] I do not believe that we, as an Australian community and commonwealth of people have lost our innate ability to detect what is genuine and what is not. If we have lost this common sense capacity then we will vote for LOTO in the numbers being predicted by the polls. We will do this because LOTO has muddied the clarity with which Australians have previously been able to detect the non-genuine article. Forget differing ideological viewpoints. Ideology does not matter if the spruiker is not genuine. If we can no longer detect what is not genuine, if we cannot distinguish the ridgy didge from the authentic then we are indeed in serious trouble as a society - and consequently a LOTO government can take us anywhere and the people will not be able to complain because they just will not understand the thorny road we are being led down. I am more optimistic than that and believe that we have not lost the capacity to detect the false prophets of LOTO, that we can at least see that he is not genuine, not one skerrick little bit. Even if we have doubts about the PM (for whatever reasons) the alarm bell ringing, red light flashing, jet engine roaring signals about LOTO cannot be mistaken for anything but non genuine precious pleading. He is not genuine, he is not genuine, he is not genuine.

Gorgeous Dunny

27/05/2013Same old with Tom, but if he was serious, as distinct from reciting Liberal talking points, how does he explain this, reported by editors Shanahan and Kelly not noted for Labor sympathies. reported on election eve. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/julia-gillards-carbon-price-promise/story-fn59niix-1225907522983 The way I read that, she hasn't even broken a promise, much less lied. We couldn't say the same for her main accusers, Abbott and Alan Jones.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Terence Welcome to you too to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family, and thank you for your thoughtful comment. You make sound points about the Murdoch influence, and its capacity to manipulate what the people get to know. If you watched the documentary about Whitlam last night, you would have seen that as far back as the early seventies, Murdoch regarded himself as a the ‘king-maker’, one who believed his political judgement should prevail. Nothing has changed, except for the worst. nasking, PF Thank you for your comments. I see PF that you watched the Whitlam documentary. You are right – genuineness is an essential political attribute. I believe Julia Gillard has it, and shows it again and again, but her enemies deny this. I believe Tony Abbott lacks the genuineness a national leader needs, and shows this again and again. All it would take for the electorate to see this would be an honest, objective and balanced press.

Tom of Melbourne

27/05/2013I've posted 3 separate images of Gillard 'giving the finger' to her opponents, while in parliament. There are plenty more. Does Ad Astra agree that this demonstrates her distain/hatred for her oponenents? Or her disrespect for parliament? Do images such as these, and the ones you have posted, provide proof?

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013Perception is everything and Gillard has a reputation for dishonest behaviour. The opposition has tapped into that. In order for Abbott to stand in front of a "ditch the witch" sign (distasteful as it was) there must first be a member of the public holding a "ditch the witch" sign. [quote]You are right – genuineness is an essential political attribute. I believe Julia Gillard has it[/quote] Right - like when she genuinely stood behind Kevin Rudd and pledged her loyalty, when genuinely stated asylum seekers would be processed in East Timor. The genuine promise of a budget surplus (genuinely idiotic that is). When she genuinely berated Abbott's double standard on sexism, then genuinely cosied up to Kyle Sandilands for a photo op. [quote]I believe Tony Abbott lacks the genuineness a national leader needs, and shows this again and again.[/quote] Agreed - pity he's odds on to be PM. [quote] All it would take for the electorate to see this would be an honest, objective and balanced press.[/quote] That photo is a bit small and low-res for me to work out if the hat you're wearing is tinfoil or not. But judging by the paranoia it probably is. The problem with the government for some time has been cowardice which has resulted in a some sneaky political too-clever by half games with unfortunate longer-term consequences.

nasking

27/05/2013 [b]I believe there is a correlation between the "business ethics" common in the "Greed is Good" 80's and the infiltration of big business ethics into politics, sport and a most of society. [/b] 2353, Spot on. I lived in Nth America during the late 70s and part of the early 80s and saw the buildup to that excessively greedy period of the 80s where finance industry characters and corporate predators took cocaine to boost their courage...it turned them extraordinarily arrogant...taking plenty of dumb risks...these men acted like barbarians in suits...thought they owned the world...unconcerned about the damage they wrought on others...some women tried to emulate them...too much booze and cocaine...corruption thru the roof...the evangelical Christians were just as bad...pontificating whilst sucking in the money for their grand palaces...raging against gays and lesbians...farting on about 'family values', bloody hypocrites...some turned out to be gay or disloyal to their partners. Whilst the AIDS epidemic was tragically virtually ignored by that dreadful Reagan govt...funding research help came sadly for way too many good people. The infiltration of sports and religion and the public services and every aspect of life by grotesque advertising and gambling at that time has come back to burn society...kids became adults addicted to crap...over-the-top consumers with massive personal debt...with little ability to discriminate between what they 'need'...and what they 'desire'. Corporate aristocracy permitted to control political parties...or at least, lots of politicians. The undermining of effective, robust govt... undermining the fair-go approach partly created under 'The New Deal'... And all that macho competitive crap...pushed via the share markets...and the irresponsible car demolition derbys...faux wrestling...ad obsessed grid iron (American football)...the list goes on. As far as I can see it, John Howard permitted the same insanity to happen here...this govt has been trying to bring responsible balance back...more rational society. N'

Ad astra

27/05/2013Folks You will see that Austin 3:16 had joined ToM in defending the Coalition’s actions. ToM posts pictures of Julia Gillard ‘giving the bird’, but the context is missing. I wonder what might have provoked such a gesture. Was it another Abbott insult? Was it another episode of Abbott abuse? Was it either of those provocations from Coalition frontbenchers? Or was she practicing just in case? Austin 3:16 seeks to excuse Abbott, Mirabella and Bishop for standing in front of the ‘Ditch the Witch’ signs on the grounds that a member of the public must have been holding them. That excuse plumbs the depth of lameness. And for good measure, he tries on the ‘shoot the messenger’ stunt by reference to my hat in my Gravatar. There seems to be no limit to the inventiveness of those who use the ‘shoot the messenger’ device. I usually avoid responding to such visitors, but in this instance I have pointed out how well they exemplify the main thrust of this piece. They are the subject of the piece, as their responses illustrate. It is tiresome responding though, and as I’m having a few days with the family exploring mid-Victoria, I won’t bother any more.

nasking

27/05/2013 [b]If you watched the documentary about Whitlam last night, you would have seen that as far back as the early seventies, Murdoch regarded himself as a the ‘king-maker’, one who believed his political judgement should prevail. Nothing has changed, except for the worst.[/b] Ad, I am convinced that Rupert Murdoch is the worst thing to have happened to Australia, America and the UK the three decades... and that's taking into account the many tragic disasters...and some pretty horrid leaders, terrorists and serial killers. I state this without reservation due to the fact that he has grown a massive media empire that has been used to undermine effective governments, promote bogus and grotesque wars, continue the obsession with tax cuts, helped justify the politics of bigotry and religious extremism of certain groups, perpetuated Afro-American, Latino, China, Muslim baiting... vilified valid asylum seekers... attacked unrelentingly unions and collective bargaining... schemed 24-7 to find ways to push on the public the likes of Sarah Palin and The Tea Party, UKIP...and any other loopy libertarian minor party who have used tactics disastrous for social harmony and the world economy... in order to push governments further to the right so they can try to implement the policies that will suit Rupert and his NAPOLEONIC-like ego and insatiable hunger for influence... all wrapped up in moments of faux balance...occasional sexist language and imagery verging on misogyny...softly spoken scumbag attitudes that lack sincerity yet ooze with cornball patriotism...using sports and political cartoons and comic strips and such to dupe the average worker into believing this super rich elitist living in a super expensive New York high rise with homes and tax havens everywhere...owning everything from child-aimed propaganda shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons to the Fox News channel is someone who actually gives a sh*t about them. Yea, that's why THE GFC AND AUSTERITY MEASURES happened under his media watch...tax cut after tax cut for the rich...the undermining of public services...irrationally exuberant markets... the grotesque, expensive Iraq War... you name it. MURDOCH IS A BAD DUDE. N'

Laurie Keet

27/05/2013It was obviously a Non Core promise from Phoney when he told us that Australia would only have a Paid Parental Scheme over his dead body. I do wish he would have been true to his word. Then again he didn't write it down did he . Must have been a Non Core promise from Tone with his rolled gold,rock solid , iron clad guarantee not to increase the Medicare Levy. Wish he would have been truthful then too. In your guts you know he's nuts.

Tom of Melboune

27/05/2013Ad Astra - [i] Austin 3:16 had joined ToM in defending the Coalition’s actions.[/i] Why is it that you are so inclined to be untruthful? Demonstrate where I have defended the Coalition’s actions, otherwise you are being duplicitous. I’ve pointed to your own inconsistency in analysis, using photographic images to “prove” a point, while the photographic evidence is that Gillard engages in the type of silly spiteful and needling behaviour normally associated with 16 year olds. Gillard routinely gives the finger while in parliament, is this appropriate from a national leader?

nasking

27/05/2013 Should be: [b]I am convinced that Rupert Murdoch is the worst thing to have happened to Australia, America and the UK in the past the three decades...[/b] NOT TO MENTION THE UK PHONE HACKING SCANDAL... AND USE OF NEWSPAPER ATTACKS TO BRING DOWN POLICE...BRIBE THEM TOO. AND TRYING TO STOP OUR NBN...SO HE CAN BENEFIT. AND UNDERMINING THE BBC AND OTHER FREE SPEECH TO SUIT THE CHINESE GOVT. N'

2353

27/05/2013Nas, The horrible thing is that the economic markets around the world learnt nothing from the 80's where high flyers crashing was a regular news item. The who thing was repeated during the GFC where once again the lure of eternal riches overtook the reality (and some foolish Governments wound back the regulation of the 80's because "the market" would self manage). TO Howard & Costello's credit Australia didn't and the expenditure packages released by the current Government effectively eliminated most of the fallout.

denese

27/05/2013por tom of Melbourne is a blog browser they seem to have to go every where to defend their abbott and the lnp so if they believed the polls they would be just going about their normal business, we are here to alert people that your party the LNP> have NO policies, and want aust. and austl; woman to stay in the dark about a progressive life. only the top15 percent will qualify for abbotts parental leave scheme the labor one will go, has that been in the media, the PENSION this is will be dwindled away by NO increments folks.if the media cared about you that would be on the front page of the dailies, don't you think? the NBN will keep us older people in our homes and this frees up our children why would you vote your pension away and your supper ,and supper will be short of around 200th when u retire, that's why labor people blog to get out that the policies you will lose. will medic care of the pbs go, we just don't know as abbott has no policies, only take Gonski is the way the schools will be funded, but abbott says its going, so what is he going to do with the school funding so will the private schools get even more with abott also saw the gst 20 percent is going on health and schools, only policy abbott has abbott has is to take your life back to serfdom

Janet (jan@j4gypsy)

27/05/2013 Ad, so many people who commented here since yesterday midday have expressed what I also feel about your piece on the genesis of political hatred. Your ability to trigger a discussion through superb writing and analysis is without compare. I want only to say that it is the most brutally brave piece I think I may have ever seen in this kind of context. It is brutal because it pulls not a single punch (and it marvellous to have visuals included to help pack that punch). It is brave because it is on a subject that no-one anywhere else in any part of old or new media has been willing to address so fully and openly: how human behaviours are driven by emotion and how Australians have been so horribly misled through the palpably deliberate manipulation of negative emotion. The refusal in the fourth estate to deconstruct the kind of frameworks they operate within in order to address what you have is utterly unbelievable and, as others have said here repeatedly, frightening in its own way. The nearest attempt to do so in the last three years is perhaps Anne Summers who has attacked, and is still fiercely attacking misogyny and sexism in the political realm: see today's The Hoopla piece [http://thehoopla.com.au/equality-inclusion-respect/ ] I refrained from Twitter Talk yesterday as TPS was so running over with worthy comment. Here's a taste for today (and I should add that your piece continues simply to run wild on Twitter with numerous tweeps tweeting it on to journos and pollies). [b]Twitterati:[/b] The advent of [i]GuardianAus[/i] kicked off the following exchange on Lenore Taylor's interview piece on the PM with 'that gotcha headline': [i]Jane Cattermole‏@janecat60[/i] A candid PM speaks to @lenoretaylor in her debut piece for @GuardianAus http://m.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/26/julia-gillard-refuses-commit-election … #ndis #Gonski #crean [i]Trevor Cook ‏@tcookAU54m[/i] @janecat60 @lenoretaylor @GuardianAus yet the headline stresses her so-called refusal to comment on her future [i]Jane Cattermole ‏@janecat6044m[/i] @tcookAU Hmm hadn't noticed that actually. An oft repeated lament is "we don't write the headlines" so maybe.... @lenoretaylor @guardianaus [i]Trevor Cook ‏@tcookAU41m[/i] @janecat60 @lenoretaylor @GuardianAus hope so, the interview overall didn’t warrant the snide gotcha in the headline [i]Denise Allen ‏@denniallen21m[/i] @janecat60 @tcookAU @lenoretaylor @GuardianAus but they PROMISED fair, balanced and independent journalism....not gotcha headlines. [i]Jane Cattermole ‏@janecat6015m[/i] @denniallen I don't think it was a gotcha headline. I posted it because I thought it was an excellent piece @tcookau @lenoretaylor [i]Joe2 ‏@eatatjoe213m[/i] @denniallen @lynlinking @janecat60 @tcookAU @lenoretaylor @GuardianAus headline was tedious & same old crap; made me a bit sad, actually. [i]Lenore Taylor ‏@lenoretaylor12m[/i] @eatatjoe2 @denniallen @lynlinking @janecat60 @tcookAU @GuardianAus did anyone read the story?? [i]Joe2 ‏@eatatjoe26m[/i] @lenoretaylor @denniallen @lynlinking @janecat60 @tcookAU @GuardianAus yep, mostly liked it but retirement angle made big deal from nothing. [i]Jane Cattermole ‏@janecat604m[/i] @lenoretaylor Yes my original tweet was this... https://twitter.com/janecat60/status/338798894081261568 … I just got tagged into the others. I thought it was excellent Bushfire Bill had this to say both on PolitiFact getting into bed with Channel 7 and on the GuardianAus launch: [i]Bushfire ‏@BushfireBill 1h[/i] 7 News + @PolitiFactOz adds cred to both. In #Auspol, hijack the word "fact" & you've got it made. But who are they? http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/05/26/disinformationists-disrupters/comment-page-2/#comment-55467 … To add a comment: like many others I was disappointed that [i]GuardianAus[/i] had found yet another way of bringing in the 'inevitable ALP loss' meme, this time by asking the PM what she'd do if she lost! In the circular echo chamber of media this is now a headline on all ABC news announcements including radio – i.e. the PM won't say if she'd stay on. There's now a 'breaking' press release by the PM on [i]GuardianAus[/i] stating she would serve a full term – it is put positively: she intends to win and would serve a full term, etc. I would say this: in the launch edition of [i]GuardianAus[/i] there are now at least four pieces on the PM, including her own addiction to 'Game of Thrones'. They are essentially positive or at least humanising of the PM (and are not putting the boot of hatred in – even Katherine Murphy's restarted political blog that begins with the PM's approach to the Waterhouse issue 'ain't all bad'). But the real point is, there's nothing have picked up yet on the LOTO. The numerical weight of [i]Guardian[/i] focus is on the PM today, and on the whole it's a positive, kind of 'normal' and a 'this is a real and not a bad person' one. These are some early G[i]uardianAus[/i] headlines (leaving out the 'will she retire' one) [http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia ]. 20 people, 20 questions for the PM A giraffe-loving PM sticks her neck out Gillard: Abbott's policies are anti-women Gillard reveals Game of Thrones addiction I think the PM is rightly getting some attention she hasn't had and that we've been yelling for. So, I'm keepin' me powder dry on [i]GuardianAus[/i], for now :-). More Twittertalk anon.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Laurie Keet Welcome to you also to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family. Do come again. ‘Truth’ seems to be an optional extra for Tony Abbott – to be used when convenient, and discarded when embarrassing. nasking ‘All of the above’. 2353 It is astonishing that the financial markets have made the same mistake over and again. But as they rely on the belief that they should be rescued out of the public purse when they crash, but when they do well they should pocket the profits, they have little to lose! denese You make many good points. If only the conservatives would listen!

Ad astra

27/05/2013Janet Thank you for your most complimentary remarks. The reaction to this piece has surprised me. As far as I can tell, around twenty new commenters have posted on this piece, and from what you, Lyn and others have said, it has been disseminated widely on Twitter. Over a hundred have commented here in just twenty-four hours, and so far, twenty-eight have rated the piece, which I think is a record. My hope is that having evoked such a response, there will be a wider dialogue in the community on the issue of hatred in politics, and the toll it is extracting in our society. Clearly many are disturbed by it, and worried about its effect. Thank you for your Twitterati. [i]Guardian Australia[/i] promises a more balanced press, yet already we have (presumably) some subeditor extracting a headline that does not reflect the substance of the Taylor article. If this new arrival is to muster respect from a discerning readership, it had better get its editorial act together, or it will soon disappear out of sight into the morass in which so much of the Fourth Estate has sunk. Thank you for your continuing support of [i]TPS[/i].

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013Hey Ad, [quote]You will see that Austin 3:16 had joined ToM in defending the Coalition’s actions[/quote] That's what I did - amazing I never knew it. [quote]Austin 3:16 seeks to excuse Abbott, Mirabella and Bishop for standing in front of the ‘Ditch the Witch’ signs [/quote] Well I only mentioned Abbott and I also called it distasteful. But don't let the truth hold you up. Bit of a "do as I say not as I do" moment ? [quote]I usually avoid responding to such visitors,[/quote] So how was this any different - you didn't respond you just went off on some bizarre tangent of your own.

nasking

27/05/2013 2353, the research I did on ROAD TO SURFDOM blog and elsewhere prior to the GFC told me that the HOWARD/COSTELLO govt if they had won the 07 election would've used the opportunity to let the country go into a nigh on year long RECESSION... then introduced even more draconian industrial relations laws... worked with the states to increase and broaden the GST (no way would they have done the egalitarian stimulus funding for public schools)... given corporations and the rich significant tax cuts...and Superannuation benefits... permitted the Super Fund to be a candy shop for chosen big business characters and companies... cut back on any enviro regulations that prevented mining companies to go fullbore... destroyed any opportunity for unions to ensure workplace safety... austerity measures for the public service... lots of opportunities for their chosen religious charities...using a war on drugs to vilify people and use privatised prisons as cash cows for their business mates... plenty of funding for the baby bonus...and for media and govt ads to promote pregnancy...ensuring men continued to dominate...particularly religious patriarchs and bossy bosses. The lack of justice and healing opportunities for those abused by characters in the Catholic Church would've continued... and using fear-mongering tactics to pile more and more money into DEFENSE...increasingly infiltrated by corporate interests... shock jocks given license to do whatever they liked...provided they supported the Howard govt... no NBN... no or minimal age pension increases privatisation of ABC and SBS. Bloody nightmare. N'

nasking

27/05/2013 [b]If this new arrival is to muster respect from a discerning readership, it had better get its editorial act together, or it will soon disappear out of sight into the morass in which so much of the Fourth Estate has sunk.[/b] Ad, agree wholeheartedly. I find the headlines across the MSM sometimes don't reflect the content appropriately. Not on. N'

MWS

27/05/2013KHTAGH, @1.19PM yesterday: To clarify, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima contained 64kg of Uranium 235 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Boy). The critical mass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_mass) of U235 is 52kg. This is slightly bigger than a tenth of a ten-cent coin. However, only 0.6g of the U235 in the bomb was converted into energy, using Einstein's famous E = mc(squared). E = energy, m = mass lost and c is the speed of light (300,000km/s). While the mass lost is very small, the speed of light squared is a very large number, so the energy released was huge. Perhaps the ten-cent coin analogy refers to the mass lost, not the size of the bomb?

Laurie Keet

27/05/2013Hey Austin boy, how can defend the indefensible?

Tom of Melboune

27/05/2013[i]you just went off on some bizarre tangent of your own[/i] = Ad Astra has lost the plot

Ad astra

27/05/2013Folks For anyone who can muster enough interest to understand the blog-botherers who come here, fortunately in small numbers, do read a informative analysis on [i]The Pub[/i] titled: [i]Disinformationists & disrupters[/i] by c@tmomma. http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/05/26/disinformationists-disrupters/ The piece lists eight telltale early signs of a ‘Disinformationist’. The only sign I would add would be ‘Inclined to shoot the messenger’. One paragraph is relevant to our blog-botherers: [i]“…as a service to us all I just thought I might outline some of the ways they do this so you can tell them apart from people who genuinely have a different point of view to you. Basically, so that you don’t waste your precious time and energy on trying to change their minds, with facts and rational argument. Such people will never change their mind because that is not the reason they are where they are, interacting forcefully with you. They are trying to spread manure in the garden to burn the flowers and allow the weeds to grow and take over.”[/i] You have seen them spreading manure over this piece, but, perhaps unintentionally, they have exemplified the very points this piece is about. They are the living testimony to the extent of the hatred phenomenon. They seem not to realize this; they keep coming back to spread their manure and thereby reinforce what this piece is about.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Folks I'll be out and about for the rest of the afternoon.

2353

27/05/2013I was just looking at "The Queensland Plan" website which is an attempt to develop a 30 year plan for Queensland supported by the current State Government. So far they have had a meeting of some 400 people in Mackay to determine what the questions were - it seems to be a similar process to the Federal Government's process a few years ago. From memory, each MP in Queensland was to invite 3 or 4 people to the talkfest - so there is probably some bias (from both sides) that was evident in the meeting. The interesting this is the first question that came out of the talkfest. [quote]In the context of living in the community, how do we move our focus from me to we?[/quote] It is interesting in terms of the current discussion here. There seems to be an admission here that "it's all about me" is meeting a significant degree of community resentment and there is some acceptance of the need for thinking about others. I'm still amazed that this question survived a conservative government's process and saw the light of day.

2353

27/05/2013What I didn't get to above is that the general acceptance of "Greed is Good" or "its all about me" has lead to the vindictiveness in politics, sport and business not only here but around the world. I've said here before I have a fear that when a group of people realise that the next Government can't "fix" their particular issue first, they will turn violent. Politicians have fed people the politics of greed for a long time (tax cuts, middle class welfare and so on), unfortunately we reap what we sow.

nasking

27/05/2013 [quote]Migs at CW being suddenly desperately ill with an allergic reaction to medication. Recovering now and on the mend.[/quote] Patricia, good to hear Migs on the mend. Allergic reactions can be so dangerous. Going thru all the interesting comments above...and checking out LYN'S LINKS: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx Lyn puts a huge effort in every day to link us to various sites and articles... I enjoy Janet's posting of Tweets too. They are both valuable contributors to this blog. N'

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013 [quote]Hey Austin boy, how can defend the indefensible?[/quote] Is this a trick question?

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013Hey Ad, [quote]I'll be out and about for the rest of the afternoon.[/quote] Searching for the moral high-ground I take it.

Jason

27/05/2013Austin 3:16, So while Ad is looking for "high moral ground" I assume you will be taking your glass jaw off for repairs?

nasking

27/05/2013 FROM THE UK: Over the last two weeks the Met Police Child Abuse Investigation Command has been secretly running a new investigation into alleged child abuse involving former schoolboys who went to primary and secondary schools run by the Roman Catholic Salesian Order in England and Scotland. http://davidhencke.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/exclusive-met-police-launch-nationwide-child-abuse-investigation-into-catholic-order/ PELL SAID TODAY THAT HE THOUGHT PART OF THE REASON WHY THERE WAS SO MUCH ABUSE WAS THE FACT THEY LOOKED AFTER SO MANY KIDS. HMMM... N'

jane

27/05/2013[quote]Perception is everything and Gillard has a reputation for dishonest behaviour. The opposition has tapped into that.[/quote] I disagree wrt how Gillard has been labelled as dishonest. The opposition didn't tap into it, they created the reputation when they tried on the AWU crap for the umpteenth time, hoping they could manufacture something, [b]anything![/b] in the way of proof of malfeasance. Then of course, we've got the broken promise meme wrt the carbon price. We all know that there is no carbon tax but there is a price on carbon emissions as promised. So the opposition, the msm and the barrackers are all deliberately lying to further smear the PM. Of course they are very cagey about Liealot's less than savoury reputation wrt honesty and truthfulness; the get Hanson slush fund lies while serving as a minister in the Howard government is one instance. The broken promise wrt medicare is another, although he excused it by saying circumstances had changed. They had indeed, but he and his sycophants seem to believe that for Labor to claim changed circumstances is unacceptable. Hypocrisy writ large, but typical of the Liars and their lick spittles. Then there are the raft of lies wrt Alcoa, BHP, the destruction of Whyalla and other towns etc, elcetricity bills and so on. All of which adds up to a LOTO who wouldn't know the truth if it bit him on the bum. And wot denese said.

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013Hey Jason, Yeah I'm a real sensitive petal. Out of curiosity do you [i]ever [/i]have anything of substance to say ?

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013Hey Jane, It's a weird thing perception, sometimes it doesn't map to reality very well. Take the example of John Howard being a "conviction politician" - well he probably was on gun laws and maybe was on East Timor but that's spreading the conviction thin over 11 years in office. [quote]The opposition didn't tap into it, they created the reputation[/quote] Maybe - my thoughts are it goes back to the rolling of Rudd, the leaks during the campaign and the "Real Julia". [quote]We all know that there is no carbon tax but there is a price on carbon emissions as promised.[/quote] You don't think that there's a chance that splitting hairs this finely is part of the problem?

Jason

27/05/2013Austin 3:16 " Out of curiosity do you ever have anything of substance to say ? " Too you No!

Tom of Melboune

27/05/2013Jane – “ [i] We all know that there is no carbon tax but there is a price on carbon emissions as promised.[/i]” I’ve routinely pointed out that there at least 4 or 5 other examples of political dishonesty about carbon policy alone, so let’s ignore the one about “there will be no carbon tax…” How about you address the other specific examples of her dishonesty on carbon policy? Then have a crack at her (and Swan’s) political dishonesty that a surplus had already been delivered. …and after that, maybe a discussion about her complete dishonesty on asylum seekers. Let’s face it, there is plenty of evidence that Gillard has a well earned reputation for dishonesty, and all the “look over there at Abbott and the media” doesn’t make her any more honest.

nasking

27/05/2013 JANE...CHECK OUT: PhonyTonyAbbott - the truth about Tony Abbott http://www.phonytonyabbott.com/lies-and-deceptions/lies-deceptions MORE THAN A BIT OF A BULLSH*TTER IF YOU ASK ME. N'

Miglo

27/05/2013Thanks Patricia/Nas. You never know when you'll get that tap on the shoulder. Who would have thought how deadly an allergic reaction to penicillin could be? Bright and bubbly one minute, two hours later in a coma for 24 hours and on life support for 48 hours. If the call to the ambulance had have been delayed 30 minutes then CW and The AIMN would have been on the lookout for a new blog master. Apparently my strong heart got me through. There must be plenty of fight left in me yet. Keep on punching.

nasking

27/05/2013 TONY ABBOTT WANTS TO GIVE EVEN MORE POWER TO CHURCHES AND PRINCIPALS IN SCHOOLS... AFTER LISTENING TO GEORGE PELL'S TESTIMONY THOSE ABBOTT IDEAS GIVE ME THE SHIVERS. HOW MANY PRINCIPALS IN THESE CATHOLIC CHURCHES REPORTED THE RAPE AND FULLBORE ABUSE? THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM WHEN IT COMES TO DEALING WITH ABUSE SOUNDS LIKE A SHAMBLES GOING BY WHAT I'M HEARING FROM PELL. THE CHURCH HAS TOO MUCH POWER RELATED TO SCHOOL GOVERNANCE...AND HAS UNDERMINED APPROPRIATE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN ITS CARE. AND FANCY PELL LIVING IN A 30 MILLION PLACE IN ROME...AND THE AUSSIE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAVING BILLIONS...AND PAYING SUCH A MEASLY AMOUNT TO VICTIMS. N'

nasking

27/05/2013 [b]Who would have thought how deadly an allergic reaction to penicillin could be?[/b] Migs, I'm allergic to penicillin too...they accidentally gave it to me in hospital once...terrible reaction...so I can relate. Keep well. N'

nasking

27/05/2013 HMMM...MORE FROM THE ABUSE INQUIRY INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE PELL: He said he did not believe there had been a culture of abuse. "[b]I think the bigger fault was that nobody would talk about it, nobody would mention it. "I was certainly unaware of it. "I don’t think many, if any, persons in the leadership of the Catholic Church knew what a horrendous widespread mess we were sitting on[/b]." [b]Cardinal Pell agreed that placing pedophiles above the law and moving them to other parishes resulted in more heinous crimes being committed.[/b] "There's no doubt about it that lives have been blighted. "[b]There’s no about it that these crimes have contributed to too many suicides."[/b] Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fear-of-scandal-led-to-coverup-pell-20130527-2n6pk.html#ixzz2UTLwbS8d SHAKES HEAD. UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE N'

Jason

27/05/2013ToM, "Let’s face it, there is plenty of evidence that Gillard has a well earned reputation for dishonesty" This from a card carrying member of the Democrats who votes informal and wants to lecture others on honesty and ethics! It wouldn't matter what this government done you'd still hate it!

2353

27/05/2013Nas/Minglo, Know the feeling. I've been in hospital twice because I've inadvertently eaten nuts. Its not pleasant. And the worst thing is you feel horible for the next few days.

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013Hey Jason, Fair enough, you gotta play to your strengths I suppose. Whatever the heck they are. :)

Ad astra

27/05/2013Miglo Now that we have the full story from you personally about your close call, you certainly had a torrid and dangerous time. Thankfully you have recovered, and can continue to make your input into the Fifth Estate, which is even more substantial with AIMN. I presume that you have a full set of instructions about preventing another episode. Take great care. You are precious.

nasking

27/05/2013 I'D LUV TO HAVE BEEN A FLY ON THE WALL DURING SECRET CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN TONY ABBOTT AND GEORGE PELL. N'

nasking

27/05/2013 BERNARD KEANE @ CRIKEY: Tony Abbott’s struggle with the truth BERNARD KEANE | MAY 18, 2010 The best spin I’ve seen about Tony Abbott’s disastrous 7.30 Report interview is the fact he’s willing to admit he lies reflects a commendable honesty, much better than most politicians who lie without ever acknowledging it. Abbott has boldly broken down the fourth wall of politics, turning to the audience and pointed out that he’s just working to a script, not actually saying what he means. In short, Abbott is authentic and honest because he admits you can’t believe him. Nice. The “all politicians lie” theme is a distraction — especially given Abbott’s claim a script is a guarantee he’s not lying hardly stands up to the reality that politicians deceive a whole lot more when making speeches than when answering questions. All politicians might lie, but prime ministers are held to a different standard. Like treasurers, their words have to be carefully chosen. They speak with the authority of national leadership, and their words have impact — economic and financial impact, for starters, but impact even beyond that. The idea that any words not uttered in the course of a scripted speech — does that include ad libs in speeches? — come with an asterisk can’t apply in that role. But Abbott’s more pointed problem is that twice in the space of four days he has been subjected to mild pressure by journalists and both times he has lost control. Talking on Friday with Neil Mitchell about being rolled by shadow Cabinet over his handout to stay-at-home mums should have elicited “I don’t discuss what happens in shadow Cabinet” — a legitimate answer at which he eventually arrived — but instead he ummed and ahhed and said yes, and no, and maybe. And when grilled by O’Brien on the juxtaposition between insisting he’d have no new taxes, and his paid parental leave levy, instead of emphasising the temporary nature of the levy and the long-term benefits to business of lifting the participation rate and the need for it because Labor had sent the Budget into deep deficit, he decided to confess that when he’s pressured in interviews, sometimes he says things that aren’t true, or goes too far in his statements. Dead set, Tony? We’d never have guessed. Getting carried away in the heat of the moment was also Abbott’s explanation for why he didn’t really mean it when he described climate change science as “crap”, although his climate action policy seems to suggest he was being pretty honest. What would Abbott be like representing Australia in international negotiations? What would he be like dealing with business? It’s not only the media that subjects political leaders to pressure. The other issue is that there is long-term context to Abbott’s remarks. In my follow-up piece today, I refer to John Howard’s remarkable capacity to backflip on beliefs he’d held for decades, but still be perceived by voters as a bloke who stood for what he believed in. I was going to include Abbott in that, as one who had learnt well from his mentor. But the difference is that while most of Howard’s back flips took place over a period of years, Abbott’s take place over weeks, as if by being younger and subject to an ever-faster media cycle, Abbott had accelerated the process. While he took several years to change his mind on parental leave, his reversal from dogged advocate of the Malcolm Turnbull ETS strategy to die-hard opponent happened over a matter of months, and his no-new-taxes promise barely last a few weeks. But Abbott also has long-term form in struggling with the truth in interviews. In 1998, he — commendably — undertook a personal mission to destroy One Nation, partly by funding a disgruntled member, Terry Sharples, in legal action. Trouble was, he later denied to the ABC ever funding Sharples — a blatant lie he was sprung on in 2003. [b]Then there was his curious denial of meeting George Pell during the 2004 election campaign, until Tony Jones jogged his memory and Abbott suddenly recalled that he’d met him the previous week.[/b] Other Abbott credibility gaps haven’t been his fault — such as when his “rolled gold” Medicare safety net election promise was overruled by Cabinet (which would appear to disprove the idea that scripted remarks will always be honoured). http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/05/18/tony-abbotts-struggle-with-the-truth/ NO LONGER EYES WIDE SHUT N'

Jason

27/05/2013Austin 3:16 Since you bought it up earlier today, why is it a "crime" to some for the PM to be seen with Kyle Sandilands yet Allan Jones who's as equally disgusting nothing is said about Abbott being seen with him! Neither is much made of Jones being an MC for Liberal functions and he'll host another rally outside parliament house where "Outspoken Liberal MPs plan to defy publicly the official party line by attending a Tea Party-style anti-wind-farm rally at Parliament House" Yet a photo opp with Sandilands who also has an "audience" is out of bounds! Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/libs-defy-party-on-wind-farms-20130525-2n3rn.html#ixzz2UTds2iuo

Ken

27/05/2013I am amazed at the extent of comment, particularly by those who appear to be new to TPS, that this post has generated. It certainly seems to have hit a chord. And, of course, it has also drawn the trolls out of the woodwork. Agree entirely that the current level of invective is new to politics in Oz. There have always been people with sharp tongues – Whitlam and Keating are prime examples but it was often coupled with wit and humour. In the past, wit and humour were more common – Jim Killen and Fred Daly. People from both sides of politics formed friendships – Whitlam spoke a eulogy for Killen and was in regular contact with him up to his death. Where are the cross-party friendships in the current parliament? I doubt there are any (or very few). I believe that the descent began under Howard. I can’t quite put my finger on it and would need to do some research, but the quality of the Ministers and their approach (a la Reith and the dogs on the wharf), and the “race card” being played with the Tampa and the “children overboard”. It was also something to do with Howard’s demeanour – there seemed no humour there! Despite his other shortcomings, I think one reason Rudd was initially popular was that there was a certain “lightness” in his speech and demeanour which contrasted markedly with Howard. Abbott has built on his apprenticeship and turned it into an artform. Details of his past indicate this is also his natural style. Beating Abbott requires not just better policies, nor matching his invective, but it requires ridicule. As Hawke said of Fraser’s claim before the 1983 election that people would need to put their money under their beds if Labor won - there is no room under the bed because the Reds are already there. The current parliament seems to lack humour and friendly rivalry between the parties as existed in the past. Bring back the wit, even the sarcasm, and allow politics to flourish as a genuine rivalry not a spiteful vaccum.

Mal Kukura

27/05/2013Here is some more background info on the Goebells' use of keyboards for propaganda. It did not end with Goebells. It became standard procedure in 1949 for CIA and the CCF which gave birth to the Australian IPA and Quadrant Magazine. It was the brainchild of the "Park Avenue Cowboys" - Henry Luce was the chief of that posse. Who took over Luce's role in media when he died in the sixties? A clue. First name Rupert. News Corp is not a media company. That is a front. It is a private surveillance, intelligence-manufacturing and propaganda for hire company built on the foundations of Luce's Time Life (now Time Warner). What is a wurlitzer? The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, usually referred to as Wurlitzer, was an American company that produced stringed instruments, woodwinds, brass instruments, pipe organs, band organs, orchestrions, electronic organs, electric pianos and jukeboxes. Over time Wurlitzer changed to producing only organs, pianos, and jukeboxes. Carl Bernstein writes: When Newsweek was purchased by the Washington Post Company, publisher Philip L. Graham was informed by Agency officials that the CIA occasionally used the magazine for cover purposes, according to CIA sources. "It was widely known that Phil Graham was somebody you could get help from," said a former deputy director of the Agency. "Frank Wisner dealt with him." Wisner, deputy director of the CIA from 1950 until shortly before his suicide in 1965, was the Agency's premier orchestrator of "black" operations, including many in which journalists were involved. Wisner liked to boast of his "mighty Wurlitzer," a wondrous propaganda instrument he built, and played, with help from the press.) Phil Graham was probably Wisner's closest friend. But Graharn, who committed suicide in 1963, apparently knew little of the specifics of any cover arrangements with Newsweek, CIA sources said. In Nicholas Von Hoffman’s Feb/Mar 2008 Play It Again, Sam on bookforum.com we learn: In his 2009 book: The Mighty Wurlitzer How the CIA Played America, Hugh Wilford chronicles the CIA’s use of front groups. The Mighty Wurlitzer is not about CIA cock-ups. Instead, it concerns itself with the agency’s use of front groups, principally American front groups secretly sustained and often directed by this famous branch of the federal government. The Wurlitzer of the title comes from a quote by Frank Wisner, said at a time when the Soviets had made subversion and espionage by front groups one of the darker art forms: “It was against this background,” Wilford writes, “that the CIA constructed an array of front organizations that Frank Wisner, the Agency’s first chief of political warfare, liked to compare to a ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’ organ, capable of playing any propaganda tune he desired.” To the extent there is one, Wisner is the star and central figure of this book. As has so often been the case with agency personnel, Wisner was a lunatic. “For months on end,” writes Tim Weiner in Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA, “Frank Wisner had been brooding in his lovely house in Georgetown, drinking from cut-glass tumblers filled with whiskey, in a dark despair. Among the CIA’s more closely held secrets was that one of its founding fathers had been in and out of the madhouse for years. Wisner had been removed as chief of station in London and forced to retire after his mental illness overtook him once again in 1962. . . . On October 29, 1965, Wisner had a date to go hunting at his estate on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with an old CIA friend, Joe Bryan. That afternoon, Wisner went up to his country house, took down a shotgun, and blew off his head.” Wilford also discusses Wisner’s mental health, or lack thereof, but without the color and force Weiner provides; then again, Wilford is an academic (he teaches history at Cal State, Long Beach), and the strictures of his profession may have put him on guard against an overabundance of verve.

nasking

27/05/2013 Lousy job by The Drum examining today's testimony by George Pell...at times the host sounded like an apologist for Pell. Nothing about the damning letters that were read out. Nothing about the shonkiness of the Catholic school system regarding oversight and reporting of child abuse. Poor effort by John Barron, sadly. I've come to expect this kind of whitewashing by some in the ABC...it's what you would expect from 2GB or 2UE. N'

FPA von Dreger

27/05/2013https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tony-Abbott-will-never-be-prime-minister/274330505796

Austin 3:16

27/05/2013Hey Jason, The PM made a huge stand against sexism and misogyny. Even lectured Abbott for his double standards in the area - according to the PM "this kind of hypocrisy must not be tolerated" she also told the parliament that "what I will never stand for is the Leader of the Opposition coming into this place and peddling a double standard." and "Sexism should always be unacceptable. We should conduct ourselves as it should always be unacceptable" So with all that on the record isn't it just a teeny, weeny bit of an ol hypocritical double standard for the PM to cosy up to Sandilands ?

nasking

27/05/2013 ANTHONY BYRNE CRITICISING THE GOVT TODAY...MATE OF KEVIN RUDD...HAS CONVINCED ME THAT RUDD WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET POWER BACK...IT IS DESPICABLE STUFF. IS KEVIN WILLING TO DAMAGE THIS GOVT AGAIN FOR HIS OWN AMBITIOUS PURPOSES. DOESN'T SURPRISE ME THIS COMES ON THE DAY OF PELL'S TESTIMONY...IT WAS RUDD WHO HELD PROMOTED THAT WORLD YOUTH DAY IN 2008 FEEDING MORE YOUTH TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. I AM BEGINNING TO REALISE THIS MAN IS NO BETTER THAN PHONEY TONY BLAIR. I TRIED TO BELIEVE IN RUDD...BUT NOW I SEE HE IS JUST A FRONT MAN FOR SOME BAD PEOPLE. NO WONDER THE ALP WANTED HIM OUT. I INTEND TO DO SOME INTENSE RESEARCH ON RUDD AND HIS TRAITOROUS TEAM. AND THEIR LEAKS TO CHANNEL NINE AND MURDOCH JOURNOS, N'

Catching up

27/05/2013Does one noticed, all that disagree with this post, do so in a hateful and gutter level language. I wonder if the realise, they, by their words, prove the truth of the post.

Mal Kukura

27/05/2013Yes - political hatred in Australia is an genuine emergency - not the budget. A pandemic of mental illness has engulfed the Abbott gang Is the politics of hatred new to Australia and where did it come from? It was Ken who observed earlier that it began to get worse with the war criminal Howard - but why and how? An observation from me - after more than three decades that this Australian resided in the United States, then was let loose in Australia in late 2004. The intensity of the politics of hate was then on the rise but only half as savage as today in 2013. I would in 2005 remark privately to family and friends that the hate I could see even then was unlike the Australia I remembered from the past and that it reminded me of the hatred I had been observing in America especially since Reagan and Bush began their fascist neo-liberal laissez-faire counter revolution. Is it only coincidence that Rupert Murdoch relocated to the USA in the mid seventies? What was his reward for doing the bidding of Kissinger Nixon and Ford by using his media influence to smear Gough Whitlam and elect Fraser? The close resemblance of the Abbott gang hate speech and their American controllers suggests to me they go to training sessions at five star resorts in Florida and Hawaii to be taught by the likes of Carl Rove how to be savage ruthless and brutal like uncivilized criminal hyper-predators are. Nietzsche was right about them being culturally subhuman. He was right about 200 years of geisterkrieg - psychological war. This is it. In the Darwinian evolutionary struggle for life between the cultural race of subhuman fake-conservatives and the mutant cultural race of superhuman advocates of a sustainable culture, it is the spiritual versus materialist conceptions of self and human history that are pitted antithetically against one another. If one of the two cultural races is already endangered and on the road to extinction then I hazard a guess it is the one that hates sustainable behaviour and that the othr that advoctaes sustainable practices has a chance of survival - only a chance - we'll have to fight for it. The pigs belong in the pig pen.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Mal Kukura, FPA von Dreger I think you too are newcomers, so welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family, and thank you for your contribution. The background information on Goebells' use of 
keyboards for propaganda was interesting, Mal. Catching up You say: “[i]Does one notice, all that disagree with this post do so in a hateful and gutter level language.

 I wonder if they realise, by their words, they prove the truth of the post.”[/i] I too wonder. Maybe they are just intent on tossing manure on our garden.

Ad astra

27/05/2013Ken What you have to say makes a lot of sense. Abbott's behaviour warrants ridicule, but we won't see that much of that in the Fourth Estate.

Tom of Melbourne

27/05/2013Catching Up has proven to be either ignorant or dishonest on this very site on 2 occasions in recent weeks. I really wouldn’t bother to endorse anything she has to say, it’s bound to be either ignorant or dishonest.

nasking

27/05/2013 NOT ON: Prior to his first visit to Israel as Foreign Minister, Rudd informed The Australian newspaper of a new policy position on Israeli nuclear facilities, saying that they should be subject to International Atomic Energy Agency inspection. Wikipedia N'

bob macalba

27/05/2013Great post Ad, after reading most of the comments and the shared outrage being expressed im sure the 'evil empire' are worried, i also notice the more than usual number of trolls and white ants, which i see as a compliment to your post ah they try so hard but we know their work and we just ignore....cheers Yo Austin...white ant, man you were no surprise, your an amateur

Eldred

27/05/2013<b.DON'T FEED THE TROLLS,</b> Truly, it is the warning message that comes down from the so-far 'Ages of the Internet' through its various evolving incarnations that I've witnessed. Like bulletin boards on 28 and 56K modems, public forums on BBCode, now readily created Wordpress sites and informative blogsites. In every one, the 'shit-disturber' wrestles in, not to debate on any issues but to act contrary to the general culture by attacking the members. Nothing can make them more angry than to be ignored, so do it. They 'sit there on their loathsome spotty behinds, not caring a tinker's cuss' typing negative irrelevencies to the article in question just to get a reaction. It's why they rely on their conglomeration of backslapping opinion and are ready to dash out and get behind enemy lines to astroturf a naysayer or two. They're easily recognized by the 'one liners' and the follow-on bum-buddy who backs them up. In the old days the Moderator had the 'big button' to banish them and their IP address forever. As Ad Astra has noted, there are a few good examples of 'shit-disturbers' in this thread to demonstrate his spot-on accusations. Scroll the Trolls.. I say

bob macalba

27/05/2013A big cheers to all the new folk who have appeared with positive honest comments, the Fighting Fifth is whats gonna make the difference.....spreading the word VENCEREMOS

nasking

27/05/2013 GRRR: Thanks to former ALP leader Mark Latham’s pugnacious 2005 memoir, Rudd’s leaking – particularly to Oakes – was already infamous. Latham outlines in The Latham Diaries how he suspected Rudd of being the source of numerous damaging leaks before and after the 2004 federal election – “his pompous language is a give-away” – and details a curious trap he set by feeding Rudd false information. The information, concerning nonexistent focus groups, was prominently reported in Oakes’ Bulletin column the next week. THE MONTHLY FRANKLY, I DON'T GIVE A CRAP IF HE LOSES HIS SEAT NOW. I DECIDED TO PRETEND I WAS SUPPORTING A RUDD COMEBACK IN ORDER TO SEE WHAT KIND OF COMMENTS WOULD COME UP ON CERTAIN RUDD-BASED FACEBOOK SITES... AND WHICH JOURNOS WOULD GET EXCITED. I LEARNT A LOT IN THAT FEW WEEKS. PM GILLARD NEEDS TO BE VERY CAREFUL OF THAT LOT...THEY ARE WORKING WITH CERTAIN JOURNOS...AND HOPING TO TAKE HER DOWN...SOON. I CAN NO LONGER KEEP UP THE PRETENCE...EXHAUSTING. IF IT DAMAGES MY CREDIBILITY I DON'T GIVE A DAMN...AT LEAST NOW I KNOW FOR MYSELF HOW TRAITOROUS THIS GROUP IS...SAD, BECAUSE I WAS ONCE A RUDD SUPPORTER. POLITICS IS INDEED A VICIOUS GAME FILLED WITH EGOMANIACS AND TURNCOATS. PEOPLE WILLING TO SIDE WITH MEDIA DEVILS TO GAIN TRACTION...AND GET REVENGE. IT SICKENS ME. AD ASTRA ON THIS SITE HAS GREAT INTEGRITY...LISTEN TO HIM. THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW HOW BRAVE JULIA GILLARD AND THEIR TEAM HAVE BEEN...AND KNOW ABOUT THE CRAP THEY HAVE HAD TO PUT UP WITH FROM ALL SIDES. GO WITH THE BETTER WAY...IGNORE THE REST. I HOPE NOT TO BRING THE RUDD ISSUE UP AGAIN...BUT BY GAWD KNOW THIS RUDD TEAM...IF YOU TRY TO SABOTAGE THIS ELECTION LIKE THE LAST I WILL COME DOWN ON YOU LIKE A TON OF BRICKS. THAT MIGHT SEEM MEANINGLESS...BUT I'M SURE I WON'T BE THE ONLY ONE. AND ANY POSITIVE LEGACY WILL BE TURNED TO DUST. DON'T SCREW WITH OUR ONE HOPE FOR A MORE ROBUST AND HEALTHIER DEMOCRACY. N'

John of Northlakes

27/05/2013I have been reading this blog for a while now. I often find myself agreeing with the writer. I am a middle aged swinging voter. I have often despaired at the state of the national debate in this country in recent years. I was always an admirer of politicians of the calibre of Jim Killen, Fred Daley, Bob Menzies, Harold Holt, Gough Whitlam & in recent times, Paul Keating. These were men who could hold differing political views, hold passionate debates, deliver calculated insults with wit & intellect yet were still able to do all this in a respectful manner. They did not indulge in the politics of personal insult & hate that is so prevalent in todays parliament & media. The state of our politics today reflects very badly on our political class & our media. The advent of the internet has allowed many people to express objectionable views about the politics & personal attributes of others. Democracy has it's limitations. Unfortunately personal abuse & bullying has become the norm in News Ltd & Fairfax blogs. I have noted on this blog that there a small number of people indulging in the practice of personal abuse in order to make a political point. I say to those persons that abuse of this nature says much more about the character & intellect (or more likely the lack of a moral code & intellect) of the person making the abusive comments rather than the character & intellect of the person that you are commenting upon.

Catching up

27/05/2013Thanks for the love Tom. I am sure most on those other sites, some where you are no longer welcome, can make up their own mind. I am still in the dark, to what I have done to get under your skin. Still, that is your problem, not mine. People are free to disagree with me, anytime they like. I am not in the market. of imposing my views on anyone. The post is very good.

Catching up

27/05/2013John, Northlakes, NSW Central Coast?

Ad astra

27/05/2013Eldred, John of Northlakes, Welcome to you both to [i]The Political Sword[/i]family and thank you for your thoughtful comments. I see that you too find offensive the abuse offered by a few here, abuse that reflects the abuse that this piece describes. These ‘blog-botherers’, as I think we should label them, afflict many blog sites; we have to tolerate them, but as you indicate, ignoring their effusions is the best approach. bob macalba Thank you for your kind comments, and your welcome to the newcomers here. I note you too find our ‘blog-botherers’ irritating, and best ignored. nasking I’m sure many will identify with your comments at 8.40 PM. I’m now calling it a day to watch Q&A.

Miglo

27/05/2013Thank you, Ad Astra. They were wonderful words. I love your work. Catching up, I love yours too. You have a witty way in responding to the irritants.

Fiona

27/05/2013Mr Miglo, I am delighted to learn that you have recovered. Please - don't <b>ever</b> do anything silly like that again!

nasking

27/05/2013 As you know, I didn’t do secondary school here, went to a publc high school in Canada, so it came as quite a shock to me how many private schools we have in Australia… and it continues to astound and frustrate me how much this Catholic school and church abuse has been covered up by many in the media, police, politics, schools and the church itself. Does it have something to do with misplaced loyalty on the part of ex-students of these schools and others of this religious persuasion in authority positions? Seems to me the reporting system and oversight related to child abuse in the Catholic school system has been sorely lacking…yet few seem to be prepared to discuss it. I wonder if it has something to do with the amount of private schoolers in media and politics in Australia. Furthermore, I am beginning to realise that the multiple layers of supervision and regulation of teacher and student behaviour in the public school system is somewhat beneficial in that abuse claims can make their way to said various levels…even unions can be informed of abuse by another concerned teacher. Another reason why I am concerned with this obsession of giving too much power to principals and PNCs…we all know that under the LNP oft more religious principals are put in place…and it is oft the CONCERNED FAMILY VALUES CHRISTIAN(S) who dominate the PNC. Could be disastrous. N'

Curi-Oz

27/05/20131) [quote]With reference to the photo of the HoR Chamber on May 15th: According to the Votes and Proceedings, the NDIS Bills were presented on Wednesday 15 May 2013. http://tinyurl.com/nov2rlw It appears from the Hansard record and the video of the chamber broadcast that Mr Kevin Andrews MP was deputising as manager of Opposition Business at the time.[/quote] 2) [quote]As for ToM's photo-gallery, I would suggest that all those apparent 'finger gestures' are common to people who gesticulate as they speak, as lawyers are trained to do, and emotionally mature people tend to. And isn't the PM a lawyer and an emotionally mature person? Besides, we just don't get to see the stupid faces the LNP pull all the time in Parliament to the same extent - just watch QT to see them *snorts dirisively* [/quote] 3) [quote]I've just completed an induction course at work and given the context of this piece, there are certain members of both the Parliament and the MSM who would fulfill almost all the criteria with regards to bullying and intimidation. Please note, this is stuff one needs to comply with in the workplace. Would it not be choice if they had to comply with the actual laws they have passed!?[/quote] Regards

Curi-Oz

27/05/2013Goodness gracious Ad Astra, I think you really hit the mark in this. Even our usual self-identified offence-takers seem to be writhing on the point that you've made! Thank you for laying it out so clearly - count me as another spreading it more widely.

jane

27/05/2013Austin @3.55pm, read the post. The opposition and their enablers in the msm have been braying about Gillard's "lie" wrt the non-existant carbon tax ever since they decided to ignore most of what she said. There is no carbon tax. The biggest CO2 emitters have to pay for the pleasure until they manage to reduce them below a predetermined level. And instead of bitching and moaning, most are taking steps to reduce their emissions. Some have already done so and have found that they have reduced their running costs significantly. Needless to say they do not pay the emissions price. if it were a tax, they could reduce the tax they pay, but not avoid paying it altogether. There is no carbon tax. Jason, Sandilands is a boofhead of the first order, but Anal & Hadley are in a class of vileness far beyond anything the oaf Sandilands could possibly aspire to. There is a corrosive viciousnes and hateful quality about the latter two which is must be damaging their psyches. You can see the corruption etched into their faces, as though they have spent too much time with the great corrupter, Meredoch. Sandilands can't even come close to that. NAS' SO THEY HAVEN'T GIVEN UP. NO WONDER YOU'RE EXHAUSTED READING THEIR CRAP AND BEING WORN DOWN BY THEIR DISLOYALTY AND HUBRIS. DOES RUDD STILL NOT UNDERSTAND THAT HE HAD HIS CHANCE AND BLEW IT BIGTIME? DOES HE STILL NOT UNDERSTAND THAT HE COULD STILL BE FM IF HE HADN'T BEEN SO TREACHEROUS? WHILE THAT SORT OF SINGLE MINDED DETERMINATION CAN BE ADMIRABLE, BUT TAKEN TO EXTREMES, FUELLED BY HUBRIS & IDIOTS STROKING HIS EGO, IT CAN ONLY LEAD TO ANOTHER HUMILIATING DEFEAT.

KHTAGH

27/05/2013MWS Yes this would be right. However, only 0.6g of the U235 in the bomb was converted into energy. The biggest problem with nuclear weapons is they destroy more fuel in the detonation than is converted. Hence the theoretical max of 100 meg/tons size. who's gunna argue when you sent of 100, million tons of TNT.

ian

27/05/2013Terrific piece AA. Incisive, cogent and very valid. The added bonus has been the spluttering, confected, apoplexic and deluded rantings of our right-wing friends. The poor luvvies really cannot grasp the reality of truth. Perhaps Prime Minister Gillards education revolution will help?

nasking

28/05/2013 [b]WHILE THAT SORT OF SINGLE MINDED DETERMINATION CAN BE ADMIRABLE, BUT TAKEN TO EXTREMES, FUELLED BY HUBRIS & IDIOTS STROKING HIS EGO, IT CAN ONLY LEAD TO ANOTHER HUMILIATING DEFEAT.[/b] JANE, THNX FOR USING THE CAPITALS...THE LATER IT GETS THE MORE WHITE EVERYTHING GOES WITH THESE CATARACTS. WEIRD THING IS THERE ARE TIMES IN THE DAY IF I'M SQUINTING WITH MY HALF GOOD EYE AND THE OTHER BLURRED ONE IS CLOSED AND I HAVE MY MAGNIFYING GLASS-LIKE READING GLASSES ON AND ABLE TO ZOOM IN ON THE PAD I CAN GET THRU LOTS OF WRITING...AND CONTRIBUTE MYSELF...BUT THERE ARE MOMENTS LIKE NOW WHEN THE WORDS ARE SO DISTANT...FADING IN AND OUT THRU A DEEP FOG...AND IT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN I'M TIRED. ANYWAY, BACK TO THE RUDD THING. I HAD MY SUSPICIONS SOMETHING WAS UP A FEW WEEKS AGO...NEGATIVE STUFF ABOUT THE PM STARTED POPPING UP ON FACEBOOK VIA A SITE CALLED 'TRUE BELIEVERS'...INITIALLY I THOUGHT THIS A KEATING ORIENTED SITE...BUT THE MORE I CHECKED IT OUT THE MORE IT CAME ACROSS AS ANTI-JULIA...WITHOUT BEING RELATED TO KEATING. A FEW WEEKS BACK I GAVE THEM A BOLLOCKING... BUT, I BEGAN TO SEE MORE SITES ACTING SIMILAR RELATED TO RUDD...NOT SO MUCH THE POSTS...BUT THE COMMENTORS...AND THEY WEREN'T BEING REMOVED OR CORRECTED BY THE RUDD TEAM... SO I DECIDED TO ACT OUT THE ROLE OF A BIG RUDD SUPPORTER, JOINED UP, CALLED FOR THE PMs RESIGNATION, TALKED ABOUT A RUDD COMEBACK TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN... LO AND BEHOLD, MY FEARS WERE CONFIRMED. I WON'T GO INTO DETAILS...BUT I NOTICED WHILST THERE MORE LEADERSHIP TYPE ACTIVITY...AS THO MEANT TO COMPETE WITH THE PM. RUDD SUDDENLY BACKFLIPPED ON GAY MARRIAGE. WAS IN THE MEDIA MORE. PLANNED MEETINGS WITH CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS...ONE IN PARTICULAR. THE COMMENTS GOT MORE AND MORE NEGATIVE ABOUT THE PM...THEN PYNE MADE HIS PREDICTION... THIS TOLD ME THE MOVE WAS ON AGAIN. AND THE RUDD TEAM HAD NOT LEARNT ITS LESSON. STILL SORE LOSERS. I KNOW IT WAS A TACTICALLY NAUGHTY ACT ON MY PART... BUT YA SEE, I GAVE A LOT OF HOURS OVER TO THE RUDD ELECTION AND DURING THE TIME HE KICKED A LOT OF US PROGRESSIVES IN THE GUTS. WHEN HE WENT DOWN I WAS PISSED FOR AWHILE...BUT THE MORE I SAW HOW HIS GROUP UNDERMINED THE ALP AND GOVERNMENT...THE MORE IT MADE ME DETERMINED TO PREVENT A COMEBACK...EVEN IF THAT MEANT PRETENDING I SUPPORTED IT AT TIMES...THEN DOING A SUDDEN REVERSAL SO THE PM COULD SMASH THEM DOWN. WITH THE AID OF OTHERS OF COURSE. I DON'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT...BUT WHEN AN EX-LEADER TURNS ON HIS OWN...USES HIS SHOCK TROOPS TO LEAK AND DAMAGE THE ALPs PROSPECTS...USES THEM ACROSS THE MOST VILE OF MEDIA...SKY NEWS, CHANNEL NINE, THE MURDOCH PAPERS...EVEN HALF DECENT SHOWS LIKE THE DRUM AND Q&A...AND OF COURSE THERE IS 7:30 AND SUNRISE... I HAVE NO REGRETS. I'M GLAD I COULD FINALLY ADMIT IT...IT HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL ON MY HEALTH... EVEN SOME CRITICISMS OF PM GILLARD WERE MEANT TO ALERT HER TO AREAS I THOUGHT THE MSM AND RUDD TEAM WOULD GO AFTER DURING THE BUILDUP TO THE ELECTION. IT IS PLEASING TO SEE PM GILLARD HAS LEARNT, ADAPTED, EVOLVED OVER TIME... NOW A TREMENDOUS LEADER. FAR MORE INSPIRATIONAL. HER WORK WITH THE DISABILITY SCHEME AND EDUCATION REFORM HAS BROUGHT OUT THE BEST IN HER. I CAN NOW REST FOR AWHILE KNOWING THAT WE HAVE A TOP PM. N'

nasking

28/05/2013 WHY DO MUSLIMS AND ARABS IN GENERAL KILL EACH OTHER SO MUCH? IT IS SAD TO SEE THE MODERATE AND RATIONAL MUSLIMS, SECULAR ARABS BEING UNDERMINED BY RELIGIOUS EXTREMISTS AND AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES. CERTAINLY BUSH'S WARS HAVE NOT HELPED... BUT...THIS IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR SUNNIS, SHIAS AND OTHER SECTS AND TRIBES TO START MURDERING ONE ANOTHER...INCLUDING MANY CHILDREN. IT LOOKS INSANE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD. IT IS PART OF THE REASON WHY I UNDERSTAND ISRAEL'S RESISTANCE TO COMPROMISE... THO SAD... THIS ONGOING VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSIVITY AND SEEMING NEGLECT OF THE CHILDREN IS A REASON I HAVE BECOME LESS TOLERANT OF MIGRATION FROM THESE AREAS... AND CAN UNDERSTAND WHY THE GOVT IS GETTING TOUGHER ON ASYLUM SEEKERS. THEY MAY NEED TO GO FURTHER. I ALSO DESPAIR AT THE BIGOTED ATTITUDE TOWARDS LGBT INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES...AND THE OPPRESSION OF WOMEN IN SOME OF THESE COUNTRIES. THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR THE ATTITUDE OF SOME IN THE CHRISTIAN AND OTHER ORTHODOX COMMUNITIES. I'M LOOKING AT YOU RUSSIA, UKRAINE...EVEN SOME IN AUSTRALIA. FURTHERMORE, I AM TOTALLY OPPOSED TO ANY FORM OF RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL EXTREMISM THAT CAN LEAD TO HATE BEING EXPRESSED ON OUR STREETS...IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. WE CAN MAKE OUR VIEWS HEARD WITHOUT VILLIFYING AND ATTACKING PEOPLE PHYSICALLY. PARTIES WHO DELIBERATELY TRY TO GENERATE RELIGIOUS AND RACE AND ANTI-SAME SEX HATE PROTESTS IN ORDER TO GET POLITICAL TRACTION SHOULD BE CONDEMNED. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/27/syria-eu-weapons-embargo-deadlock N'

lyn

28/05/2013Today’s Links Morgan Poll: ALP primary vote highest since mid-February by @independentaus Last weekend’s multi-mode weekly Morgan Poll shows support for the L-NP down 0.5% at 54.5% over the past week (since May 17-19, 2013) against the ALP 45.5% (up 0.5%) on a two-party preferred basis. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/morgan-poll-alp-primary-vote-highest-since-mid-february/ Guardian Australia launches with promise of 'fresh and independent view' by @marksweney deputy editor of the Guardian, promised to deliver an independent perspective on Australian and world news using "digital storytelling" to spark debate and put readers at the heart of the discussion. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/may/26/guardian-australia-launch-julia-gillard Will Abbott's 'campaign of no' make him prime minister material? by @Drag0nista For political analysts and pundits alike, Tony Abbott is the Impossible Opposition Leader. Never before have we seen an alternative prime minister run such a relentlessly negative campaign for so long. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/may/27/abbott-campaign-no-prime-minister Julia Gillard to stay on in politics, win or lose by @lenoretaylor The prime minister’s office has has issued a statement saying Julia Gillard will serve another full term as a member of parliament whether she wins or loses the 14 September election. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/27/julia-gillard-stay-win-lose?CMP=twt_gu Goodbye MSM, it’s not me, it’s you. I’m just not that into you. We need to break up. by @turnleft2013 Lucky for me, there is a sleek new player in town. One that is more responsive to my needs, one that knows how to keep a girl happy. The Guardian, with just a touch of Cool Britannia. The Guardian might not be perfect, but at least it is trying something new http://theaimn.com/2013/05/27/goodbye-msm-its-not-me-its-you-im-just-not-that-into-you-we-need-to-break-up/ Great Expectations by @watermelon_man Now this is the kind of gotcha journalism (including those weasel words “declines to confirm” and, in a separate piece later, “tight-lipped”, an even worse cliche) that the recent narrative thrives on. It’s the classic “have you stopped beating your wife, yes or no?” question http://davidhortonsblog.com/2013/05/27/great-expectations-2/ The secret of the Howard Government’s surpluses by @macro_business Little-by-little, inch-by-inch, the common misconception that the Howard/Costello Government were fiscal superheroes is unravelling and the truth is being revealed. http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/05/the-secret-of-the-howard-governments-surpluses/ A bully in paradise by @independentaus Living on one of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands may seem close to paradise, but residents are up in arms by the local council levying extra money from them to pay for a new transport link http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/australian-identity/queensland/a-bully-in-paradise/ The Humbug Martyrdom of Andrew Bolt by Gummo Trotsky , @donattroppo in Senate Estimates are all signs of the kind of governance we can expect if Tony Abbott succeeds in selling himself as the very model of modern Aussie Prime Minister. It’s an ugly prospect. http://clubtroppo.com.au/2013/05/27/the-humbug-martyrdom-of-andrew-bolt/ Macquarie University funds the first twitter–based election coverage by a professional journalist by @NoFibs Kingston was the first Australian journalist to use online media to bring the voice of citizen journalists into the mainstream media with her Sydney Morning Herald- based website Webdiary. Her new project will build on this legacy http://nofibs.com.au/macquarie-university-funds-the-first-twitter-based-election-coverage-by-a-professional-journalist/ Abbott is not playing fair – Removing super contribution will hurt working poor by @ConversationEDU This scheme, which provides a credit of up to $500 directly back to the superannuation accounts of workers earning less than $37,000 per year, would be scrapped if the Coalition is elected in September “because that’s also funded from the (mining) tax that isn’t raising any revenue”. http://theconversation.com/abbott-is-not-playing-fair-removing-super-contribution-will-hurt-working-poor-14604 Cuts to existing programs will hurt Direct Action by Tristan Edis For Direct Action to succeed it will require 10+ year investments. No one will proceed with such investments if the Coalition simultaneously tears up CEFC contracts, and reinterprets its commitments to renewable energy legislation. http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/5/27/policy-politics/cuts-existing-programs-will-hurt-direct-action#ixzz2UShk02c1 Interview- Oliver Yates on Coalition “myths” about CEFC By Giles Parkinson Imagine a world where every infrastructure project in the country will need to consider an environment that contracts could be ripped up by incoming governments that don’t like the project. It is not a world we want in Australia. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/interview-yates-takes-to-coalition-myths-about-cefc-83503 More than $160,000 for Page Electorate community projects courtesy of Federal Labor by @no_filter_Yamba Three local community groups have received a total of more than $160,000 in Community Landcare Grants as part of the Australian Government’s Sustainable Agriculture stream of Caring for our Country. http://northcoastvoices.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/more-than-160000-for-page-electorate.html What a pity Tony Abbott didn’t stay in the seminary;Tony Soprano, & Moby by @NoPlaceforSheep We’ve watched Tony play the part of a highly offensive, sociopathically aggressive ambassador from the planet of negativity, whose speech patterns gave one reason to ponder whether or not the man was severely linguistically challenged. http://noplaceforsheep.com/2013/05/27/what-a-pity-tony-abbott-didnt-stay-in-the-seminarytony-soprano-moby/ Coalition NBN plan to deliver “25 gigabit”: Rural MP by @renailemay A rural NSW MP from the National Party has inaccurately claimed that the Coalition’s National Broadband Network policy will guarantee speeds of “at least 25 gigs” to all Australians by 2016, with Labor’s policy to deliver a mere “100 kilobits” in comparison, as inaccurate comments about the two policies continue to proliferate. http://delimiter.com.au/2013/05/27/coalition-nbn-plan-to-deliver-25-gigabit-rural-mp/ The Power And The Passion – A Personal View by @mfarnsworth I won’t be voting Labor this year. A track record of voting that began with Whitlam’s re-election in 1974 and continued through another 14 federal and 11 state elections will be interrupted on September 14. Thirty years membership of the ALP will be sidelined. http://australianpolitics.com/2013/05/27/the-power-and-the-passion.html Don't Cry For The Production Lines by @newmatilda Car manufacturing has been unprofitable in Australia since 2004 - and would be even with free energy and cheap labour. Where should manufacturing go after Ford, http://newmatilda.com/2013/05/27/dont-cry-production-lines Today’s Front Pages Australian Newspaper Front Pages for 28 May 2013 http://www.thepaperboy.com/australia/front-pages.cfm News headlines http://www.hotheadlines.com.au/

nasking

28/05/2013 THIS IS A BETTER APPROACH TO DEALING WITH ISSUES: Muslim leaders at York Mosque invited members of the English Defence League (EDL) in "to talk over a cup of tea" after receiving agressive threats in the wake of the Woolwich attack. Professor Mohamed El-Gomati, who is an elder at the mosque, told the York Press that EDL members threatened to hold a demonstration outside the mosque, angry at the Muslims worshipping there and connecting the death of Lee Rigby with Islam rather than terrorists. The York University Professor of Electronics told the paper: “We have already condemned that in the strongest language. Every right-minded person in the UK is angry but the anger should not be at your neighbours, the anger should be at the culprits who committed this heinous crime. "[b]If people sat down and talked, they may come to common, shared ground rather than shouting from a distance and not hearing what the other person is saying.[/b] “[b]Rather than have a shouting match outside we have invited people in to have a discussion and show solidarity over a cup of tea with us and see exactly what we are doing to dispel any myths. There is nothing better than knowledge."[/b] http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/05/27/edl-york-mosque-cup-of-tea-woolwich-_n_3341891.html?1369660965&utm_hp_ref=uk GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. N'

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hey Jane, [quote]if it were a tax, they could reduce the tax they pay, but not avoid paying it altogether.[/quote] Based on this reasoning the GST isn't a tax either - if you only buy GST exempt items you'll never have to pay it. Or income tax isn't a tax - after all if you reduce your income enough you don't have to pay it.

Dianne

28/05/2013The comments above are disturbing. They reflect what I am feeling, that something has changed substantially in this country. Like the majority of writers I am incensed by unfair, unbalanced reporting in the mainstream media. I used to read all the dailies in the city in which I live but I have now given up that practice. Political news and comment has turned into propaganda. Comment has become news. News is comment. If, and it is still a big if, for me, the Libs are elected in September, will the Murdoch papers in particular suddenly gaze benignly on the new government. They will resemble propaganda sheets more than ever if they do. Grinning politicians and headlines about good times when people are losing jobs and having services cuts might fool a few but will enrage many others. Propaganda works for a while but in the end its repitiveness bores. One glance at the heading above certain political columns and I can tell immediately what has been written below. Those columnists write the same thing all the time. Julia is bad, Tony is good, Kevin wants to get Julia, Malcolm wants to get Tony, the ALP will be thrashed, the AlP deserve it because they are hopeless, Tony will save us and so it goes on day after day. Journalists who once tried much harder to give us unadorned facts are now delivering sermons. Some of them sound like 'end-of-days' prophets. Who do they think they are!

nasking

28/05/2013 WORTH THINKING ABOUT: MODERATOR: OK. I will now turn to you, Jesus, for your viewpoint. So many words have been put in your mouth by so many people. When we look at the vast multi-billion-dollar global Jesus industry, we can see so many vested financial and power-based interests that we can be forgiven for wondering what is your real point of view. The big problem has always been that you, Jesus, left no account of your life or your teachings in your own hand. Your sayings, which you spoke in Aramaic, had to wait for many years to be written down in Greek and Latin. What we have to go on was recorded by your disciples and your disciples’ disciples so we can only make educated guesses about the accuracy of your sayings after their subsequent translation and editing. Do you see our problem? JESUS: Yes, of course, I do. http://www.crikey.com.au/2013/05/27/jesus-v-pell-what-the-catholic-founder-said-about-child-abuse/ SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE!!! N'

Ad astra

28/05/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

nasking

28/05/2013 SADLY, MANY KIDS AND ADULTS NOW ADDICTED TO FAST FOOD WILL SUFFER POOR HEALTH AS THEY AGE...IT WILL EAT INTO THEIR BUDGET...AND BE A HUGE BURDEN ON GOVERNMENT REVENUE AND THE HEALTH SYSTEM...WHICH IS WHY FAST FOOD COMPANIES NEED TO BE TAXED MORE TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE THEY HAVE WROUGHT...AND CELEBRITIES AND SPORTS STARS NEED TO BE MORE RESPONSIBLE: Disturbingly, if an adolescent is obese, the chances of staying obese during adulthood are high. Some of the medical consequences are well known - increased risk of heart attack, diabetes, cancer and premature death. Indeed, best projections suggest that the current generation of school children may be the first since Federation to experience a shorter lifespan than their parents. The quality of this contracted lifespan may also be diminished, for less well known are links between obesity and mental health issues such as depression and, of course, the burden of excess weight on the self esteem of young minds. Fast-food advertising during prime time and children's TV is contributing to this state of affairs. Certainly, there are several factors weighing on this complex issue, but the bottom line is energy imbalance. Children are consuming far too many more calories than they are burning in their day-to-day activities. Solutions must therefore deal with both sides of the equation. On the consumption side, most parents and medical experts agree that TV advertising of high-energy and low-nutrition food is adding to ''food pressure''. Regulation of fast food advertising is certainly needed as one part of a co-ordinated response. As a community, we also expect that high-profile and inspirational public figures, especially sports figures, play their part. KFC is among Cricket Australia's main commercial partners. The company heavily promoted its ''tower burger'' during the Ashes campaign. Nutritional information about this product is not available on the KFC website. But an inquiry revealed it to contain 605 calories. A hash brown, cheese, mayonnaise and fried chicken burger represent about a third of a typical child's daily energy requirements, or two to three hours of continuous cricket. Shane Warne's recent association with McDonald's is even more exasperating. The ''Legend'' chicken burger was launched this summer, and again - despite eight pages of nutritional information on its website on everything from Big Macs to the type of water it sells - there was nothing from McDonald's on this product. Again, an inquiry elicited information: there are 588 calories in a burger with fried chicken, bacon, cheese and mayonnaise. With 34 per cent of an average adult's daily fat requirements and 66 per cent of one's daily sodium, this burger won't be getting a Heart Foundation tick of approval. One of our most famous cricketers spruiking McDonald's during a match is really a low blow to kids and parents trying to favour healthy fresh food over fatty food consumerism. The number of McDonald's and KFC advertisements every hour during the cricket is overwhelming. Rather than help reverse the ''obesogenic'' modern environment that has made Australia one of the fattest nations on earth, our cricket heroes appear content to make matters worse. What's the alternative? Imagine the galvanising force and health promotional bonanza of our cricket heroes repudiating fast food sponsorship. It would be the talk of the nation, and no doubt grab the attention of many youngsters. There is precedence, if not in the cricket world. Arguably the greatest football team on the planet, Barcelona FC, proudly promotes the United Nations children's charity UNICEF on its shirts, rather than any commercial organisation. The ledger is, of course, not all bad for the Aussies. Sports stars, by nature, represent fitness, athleticism, excellence and teamwork - all worthy traits. It is therefore an even greater shame that those with the best credentials for leading the charge against obesity in our schoolyards undermine their positive physical activity message by representing fast food. They can do better - and should - for our children's benefit. Who knows, it may even help with their on-field performance. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/cmon-aussie-enough-of-the-junk-food-ads-during-the-cricket-20110202-1adri.html#ixzz2UXEZDjUp MY GRANDFATHER KING GOT TO THE AGE OF 94... [b]HE BELIEVED IN MODERATION AND MASTICATING...[/b] AS IN TAKING YER TIME WITH EATING FOOD...CHEWING YER FOOD...CHEWING MULTIPLE TIMES. HE HAD LITTLE TIME FOR FAST FOOD. HE ALSO WALKED A FEW TIMES A WEEK WHICH HE HAD GOT USED TO IN THE ARMY... AND ROBUST GARDENING...IF TIRED, EVEN POTTING AROUND WAS FINE...AS LONG AS YOU GOT OUTDOORS REGULARLY. HE LOVED THE BIRDS AND WEE CREATURES THAT VISITED HIS GARDEN...HAD A NICE BIRD FEEDER. N'

Tom of Melboune

28/05/2013Catching Up – [i]” what I have done to get under your skin[/i] Nothing at all. I find your commentary hilarious! It is very entertaining the way you provide a comment, then when challenged, will make a comment that is diametrically opposed to the previous one. Equally entertaining is that you post so confidently about issues that you have no idea about – you know stuff like airline and aircraft safety. It’s all made up, dishonest or ignorant. I wouldn’t miss it.

Ad astra

28/05/2013Dianne Welcome to [i]The Political Sword[/i] family, and thank you for your comment. Do come again. I agree with all you have written. You have summed up the position precisely. With still months to go, and with the pressure now on Abbott and Co. to perform and produce the policies they would implement, and their costings, the political scene will change, although, as you suggest, this will unlikely be reported in the Murdoch media, which has just one object, the destruction of the Gillard Government and the installation of an Abbott government.

nasking

28/05/2013 LYN, TOP JOB WITH THE LINKS...ENJOYED THIS ONE BY TURNLEFT: Could our relationship be salvaged? Is there any point giving you a second-chance, even though I know you will only lie to me more and let me down? What do your friends say? they know you better, Malcolm Turnbull (‘The Minister For News Limited‘), your wingman came to your defence, told me I shouldn’t listen to our democratically elected government, told me that only you could save me, told me you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Mr Turnbull told me that the ALP Government’s media reform laws (technically: Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Convergence Review and Other Measures) Bill 2013, Television Licence Fees Amendment Bill 2013) would hurt me. He said The Daily Telegraph is free to be as biased as it likes. Its readers can decide not to read it, they can be appalled by it, they can cancel their subscription, they can throw it in the bin or do whatever they like, but it is free to do that. Source: Hansard But I know that he doesn’t have my best interests in his heart. Throw it in the bin? Sounds like it should be a good idea, except that would involve paying for it first in order to have it in my hand to throw it in the bin. Even this faux-freedom from you still has a price to be paid, and that is not real freedom, is it? The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, had some advice, on how you could win me back. “Don’t write crap, It can’t be that hard” (NPC, 18/07/11) but as it turns out, you did keep writing crap. Clearly you didn’t want to win me back, you just don’t want anyone else to have me. Lucky for me, there is a sleek new player in town. One that is more responsive to my needs, one that knows how to keep a girl happy. The Guardian, with just a touch of Cool Britannia. The Guardian might not be perfect, but at least it is trying something new. And now, MSM, I’ve moved on. After all this time, everything we saw, everything we did, I have only one thing to say to you: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish & Chips wrappers. http://theaimn.com/2013/05/27/goodbye-msm-its-not-me-its-you-im-just-not-that-into-you-we-need-to-break-up/ TAINTED LOVE... THNX TO MR. MURDOCH AND CLONES... N'

Ad astra

28/05/2013ian, Curi-Oz Thank you both for your complimentary remarks. This piece has struck a respondent chord with many. I hope readers who agree with the feelings expressed in this post will talk to others and say how angry and dismayed we all are with the behavior of Abbott and Co., and distressed at the damage they are doing to our society. There must be a better way. What might the remedy be?

nasking

28/05/2013 I NOTICED A LOT OF HATE MONGERS ON THE STREETS OF LONDON LOOK LIKE THIS BAD MEMORY: White power skinhead From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia White power skinheads are a white supremacist and antisemitic offshoot of the skinhead subculture. Many of them are affiliated with white nationalist organizations. The identity of skinheads in the 1960s was neither based on white power nor neo-Nazism, but some skinheads (including black skinheads) had engaged in "gay-bashing", "hippy-bashing" or "Paki bashing" (violence against random Pakistanis and other Asian immigrants). The skinhead revival in Britain included a sizable white nationalist faction, involving organizations such as the National Front, British Movement, Rock Against Communism and later Blood and Honour. Because of this, the mainstream media began to label the whole skinhead identity as neo-Nazi. The racist subculture eventually spread to North America, Europe and other areas of the world. Groups soon emerged, such as the Hammerskins, and racist skinheads gained acceptance among other organized hate groups such as Church of the Creator, White Aryan Resistance and the Ku Klux Klan. In 1988, there were approximately 2,000 neo-Nazi skinheads in the US. The majority of American white power skinhead groups are organized either at the state, county, city or neighborhood level; the Hammerskin Nation (HSN) is one of the few exceptions, due to its international presence.[18] According to a 2007 report by the Anti-Defamation League, groups such as white power skinheads, neo-Nazis, and the Ku Klux Klan, have been growing more active in the United States in recent years, with a particular focus on opposing non-white immigration, specifically from Mexico. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_power_skinhead TELLS ME SOMETHING ABOUT THE TORIES AND THE MAYOR OF LONDON THAT THIS LOT ARE PERMITTED TO RISE FROM THE SEWERS AND INTIMIDATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN THE NAME OF A POOR DEAD SOLDIER. NO LONGER EYES WIDE SHUT N'

42 long

28/05/2013No-one in History seems to have found out how to give themselves good government. Currently more than ever in history we need the BEST governments possible around the world because more than ever before, the consequences of getting it wrong have never been more dire. Australia keeps telling itself that it is a smart country yet it lets a second rate opposition get away with the most deceptive, negative, destructive performance ever and allows a non citizen discredited Monopoly newsmedia person persuade us that what he wants is GOOD for us. I really cannot understand why there are not street marches against this self serving propaganda organisation. Turdball's comments are insulting. IF what is in newspapers does not enable persuasion/control why would people put adverts in them? Why would Murdoch continue to run the "Australian" without making a profit for so long? Because it is his BIG GUN and serves his political ends well. Gillard's got everything stacked against her and is still well and truly in with a chance. wake Up Australia!!

nasking

28/05/2013 KNOW WHAT YER GOVT HAS ACTUALLY DONE... NOT WHAT THE MURDOCH EMPIRE AND ITS CLONES WANT YOU TO BELIEVE: ALP achievements/bills since they came to office in 2007. • NBN (the real one) – total cost $37.4b (Government contribution: $30.4b) • BER 7,920 schools: 10,475 projects. (completed at less than 3% dissatisfaction rate) • Gonski – Education funding reform • NDIS/DisabilityCare • MRRT & aligned PRRT • Won seat at the UN • Signed Kyoto • Signatory to Bali Process & Regional Framework • Eradicated WorkChoices • Established Fair Work Australia • Established Carbon Pricing/ETS (7% reduction in emissions since July last year) • Established National Network of Reserves and Parks • Created world’s largest Marine Park Network • Introduced Reef Rescue Program • National Apology • Sorry to the Stolen Generation • Increased Superannuation from 9 to 12% • Changed 85 laws to remove discrimination against same sex couples • Introduced National Plan to reduce violence against women and children • Improvements to Sex Discrimination Act • Introduced Plain packaging of cigarettes • Legislated Equal pay (social & community workers up to 45% pay increases) • Legislated Australia’s first Paid Parental Leave scheme • Established $10b Renewable energy fund • Legislated Murray/Darling Basin plan (the first in a hundred years of trying.) • Increased Education funding by 50% • Established direct electoral enrolment • Created 190,000 more University places • Achieved 1:1 ratio, computers for year 9-12 students • Established My School • Established National Curriculum • Established NAPLAN • Increased Health funding by 50% • Legislated Aged care package • Legislated Mental health package • Legislated Dental Care package • Created 90 Headspace sites • Created Medicare Locals Program • Created Aussie Jobs package • Created Kick-Start Initiative (apprentices) • Funded New Car plan (industry support) • Created Infrastructure Australia • Established Nation Building Program (350 major projects) • Doubled Federal Roads budget ($36b) (7,000kms of roads) • Rebuilding 1/3 of interstate rail freight network • Committed more to urban passenger rail than any government since Federation • Developed National Ports Strategy • Developed National Land Freight Strategy • Created the nations first ever Aviation White Paper • Revitalized Australian Shipping • Reduced transport regulators from 23 to 3 (saving $30b over 20years) • Introduced NICS – infrastructure schedule • Australia has moved from 20th in 2007 to 2nd on OECD infrastructure ranking • Awarded International Infrastructure Minister of the Year (2012 Albanese) • Awarded International Treasurer of the Year (2011 Swan) • Introduced Anti-dumping and countervailing system reforms • Legislated Household Assistance Package • Introduced School Kids Bonus • Increased Childcare rebate (to 50%) • Allocated $6b to Social Housing (20,000 homes) • Provided $5b to Support for Homelessness • Established National Rental Affordability Scheme ($4.5b) • Introduced Closing the Gap • Supports Act of Recognition for constitutional change • Provided the highest pension increase in 100 years • Created 900,000 new jobs • Established National Jobs Board • Allocated $9b for skills and training over 5 years • Established Enterprise Connect (small business) • Appointed Australia’s first Small Business Commissioner • Introduced immediate write-off of assets costing less than $6,500 for Sm/Bus • Introduced $5,000 immediate write-off for Small Business vehicles over $6,500 • Introduced Small business $1m loss carryback for tax rebate from previous year • Legislated Australian Consumer law • Introduced a national levy to assist Queensland with reconstruction • Standardized national definition of flood for Insurance purposes. • Created Tourism 2020 • Completed Australia’s first feasibility study on high speed rail • Established ESCAS (traceability and accountability in live animal exports) • Established Royal Commission into Institutional Sexual Abuse • Established National Crime Prevention Fund • Lowered personal income taxes (Ave family now pays $3,500 less p.a. than 2007) • Raised the tax-free threshold from $6,000 to $18,200 • Australia now the richest per capita nation on earth • First time ever Australia has three triple A credit ratings from all three credit agencies • Low inflation • Lowest interest rates in 60 years (Ave mortgagee paying $5,000 less p.a. than 2007) • Low unemployment • Lowest debt to GDP in OECD • Australian dollar is now fifth most traded in the world and IMF Reserve Currency • One of the world’s best performing economies during and since the GFC • Australia now highest ranked for low Sovereign Risk • Overseen the largest fiscal tightening in nations history (4.4%) • 21 years of continuous economic growth (trend running at around 3%pa) • 11 years of continuous wages growth exceeding CPI • Increasing Productivity • Increasing Consumer Confidence • Record foreign investment • Historic levels of Chinese/Australian bilateral relations • First female Prime Minister • First female Governor General • First female Attorney General http://theaimn.com/2013/05/28/judging-gillard-and-the-labor-government/ THAT'S A HECKUVA LOT OF THINGS... BUT YA WOULDN'T KNOW IT GOING BY MUCH OF OUR PATHETIC MSM (MAINSTREAM MEDIA) N'

TalkTurkey

28/05/2013 Comrades Here's a bit mental exercise, you might like to sharpen your MSM-dulled senses on. I do not count my own self very sharp by the way. I am often the last to pick up on things about people, sometimes not at all, but sometimes first too. It's sort of People Chess we play all the time without realizing, anyway I reckon we are all sharper as a result of exposure to such stuff as this blog and it goes without saying, especially, Ad's leads and all of Lyn's Famous Links. We are more properly and intelligently sceptical (because we have better intelligence!) I remember one of Ad's leads not so long ago was about the nature of questioning. I have no way of referring back to it, sorry, but it was very instructive about the sorts of nuances there are to be found in questions. Like all Ad's pronouncements it was glowingly clear, yet so obvious, as soon as you thought about it, that really you don't need to look back and find that article, it's sort of listen-to-your-critical-faculties stuff. Now: Yesterday the [b]Guardian[/b] came online at last, and the Star Attraction was a face-to-face interview with PM Gillard by [b]Lenore Taylor[/b]. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/26/julia-gillard-refuses-commit-election?CMP=twt_gu The videoclip is 11 minutes long, and it was followed in print by Ms Taylor's article. (I haven't seen an actual transcript). First day, first article, front page. Pretty important to the Guardian Online! Here's Lenore Taylor, ex-[i]Main[/i]-MSM into the fresh hopeful independent sparkling new medium of 5th Estate social journalism - See how you think she went. No real need to wonder how *J*U*L*I*A* did btw - she was radiant and perfect all the way through. What I'm inviting you to do is to look critically at Lenore's interview yesterday with Prime Minister Gillard. Some others' opinions - Watermelon Man and Bushfire Bill included! - have already been published and make fascinating reading, but I'm glad to say they are both emphatically [i]though independently[/i] in agreement with my own earlier expressed opinion. Other stories and opinions already go with this too, and I'd be very interested to hear what others here think of the interview. In fact that's what I'm hoping for. Tx in anticip ... [i]Pat[/i]ion.

nasking

28/05/2013 I HOPE THE QLD GOVT REALISES THIS...SMALL, INDEPENDENT FARMS REPLACED BY FACTORY FARMS...BIG CORPORATE CONNECTIONS...INCLUDING DEMANDING FAST FOOD COMPANIES: How Factory Farms Impact You...Factory Farm Map | Factory Farm Map www.factoryfarmmap.org [b]Huge meat companies have steadily driven down the prices farmers receive for the livestock they raise, forcing farms to “get big or get out.” Small farms have been replaced by factory farms that pollute nearby air and water, undermine rural economies, and reduce the quality of life for neighbors. [/b] Small, diversified farms that raise animals as well as other crops have always used manure as fertilizer without polluting water. The difference with factory farms is scale. They produce so much waste in one place that it must be applied to land in quantities that exceed the soil’s ability to incorporate it. The vast quantities of manure can – and do – make their way into the local environment where they pollute the air and water. Manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus and often bacteria that can endanger the environment and human health. Manure lagoons leak, and farmers over-apply manure to their fields, which allows manure and other wastes to seep into local streams and groundwater. Residential drinking wells can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria that can sicken neighbors and the runoff can damage the ecological balance of streams and rivers. In some cases, manure spills that reach waterways can kill aquatic life. Large quantities of decomposing manure doesn’t just stink, it can be a health hazard as well. Noxious gas emissions from manure holding tanks and lagoons – including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and methane – can cause skin rashes, breathing problems and headaches, and long-term exposure can lead to neurological problems. For children, senior citizens and adults with other health problems, exposure to these fumes can cause even more problems. Spreading Disease Industrial livestock operations also can create public health hazards in other ways. The facilities are over-crowded and stressful to animals, making it easy for disease to spread. When thousands of beef cattle are packed into feedlots full of manure, bacteria can get on their hides and then into the slaughterhouses. Contamination on even one steer can contaminate thousands of pounds of meat inside a slaughterhouse. In 2010, the crowded, unsanitary conditions at two Iowa egg companies caused a recall of more than half a billion potentially Salmonella-tainted eggs. Overuse of Antibiotics Factory farms can create public health concerns beyond foodborne illness. Because over-crowded animals are susceptible to infection and disease, most industrial livestock facilities treat the animals with low-levels of antibiotics to prevent illness and also promote weight gain. By creating a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the sub-therapeutic dosages used on millions of factory-farmed livestock can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics for human patients. The feed used for livestock can also introduce public health threats. Broiler chickens often receive arsenic-based feed additives to promote pinker flesh and faster growth, and beef cattle continue to be fed with animal byproducts, which increases the risk of mad cow disease. Animal Welfare These unhealthy conditions and additives not only pose threats to the environment and public health, they are also detrimental to the animals themselves. Most factory-farmed hogs and chickens have no access to the outdoors and never see daylight. Beef cattle and dairy cows spend time outside, but they are crammed onto feedlots with no access to pasture or grass, which is what they are built to eat. The lack of outdoor access, inability to express natural behaviors, health problems and stress caused by production practices, and breeding designed to maximize weight gain or egg and milk production take a toll on animal welfare. Independent Farmers Suffer Nor do most farmers benefit from the shift to factory farming. The number of dairy, hog and beef cattle producers in America has declined sharply over the last twenty years as the meatpacking, processing and dairy industries have pressed farmers to increase in scale. Most farmers barely break even. In 2007, more than half of family farmers lost money on their farming operation.iii The tiny handful of companies that dominate each livestock sector exert tremendous control over the prices farmers receive, and they micromanage the day-to-day operations of many farms. The real price that farmers receive for livestock has fallen steadily for the last two decades. The rapid transformation of livestock production from hundreds of thousands of independent farmers with reasonably sized operations to a few thousand mega-farms did not evolve naturally. Factory farming was facilitated by three policy changes pushed by the largest agribusinesses: A series of farm bills artificially lowered the cost of crops destined for livestock feed; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ignored factory farm pollution; and the Department of Justice allowed the largest meatpackers to merge into a virtual monopoly. http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/problems/ INDEED. N'

Ad astra

28/05/2013Hi Lyn I'll be out for the rest of the day. I'll take the iPad and try to catch up with your links [i]en route[/i]. As usual, they look very interesting.

Catching up

28/05/2013Tom, I am really glad to supply so much amusement for you. Cannot say the same for you though, one who cannot let a grudge go. Tom, do you realise, you base all your opinions on grudges from the far past. Still, I will keep on amusing you. At least my comments are appreciated by you. Must be, if I entertain you. Tom, I do ask you to consider others. I am sure none are interested in this interchange of comments. I suggest you keep your comments to that other place, where it gives you all something to talk about. I do not believe that many here are interested. People are capable of making their own minds uo to the value of what I say.

Tom of Melbourne

28/05/2013How odd Catching Up, it's you that has a demonstrated (but entertaining) history of either ignorance or dishonesty, but you want me to stop commenting! You routinely contradict yourself. Which is really funny, and I don't see a reaon to stop pointing this out. Get over it Catching Up, if you don't want stupid comments being pointed out - it's simple -just stop making stupid comments.

Catching up

28/05/2013Tom, your hatred of me is so great, you will not be happy until I ma banned from all sites. At least be honest to yourself. Tom, please drop it. People are capable of judging for themselves what I write about. Your comments have naught to do with this post. There is little point in replying to your comments, that will be the case from this point on.

Tom of Melbourne

28/05/2013Hate you?! Not at all Catching Up, I wish you would post more, it is so thoroughly entertaining. I think the stuff you post is highly illustrative, and I'm usually polite enough to reply to a comment directed to me. Keep it up, soon enough you're bound to post a comment that entirely contradicts your earlier one.

nasking

28/05/2013 MEMORIES: [b]Detention and removal of Scott Parkin, 2005 [/b] [b]In September 2005, the VISA of American citizen, Scott Parkin, was cancelled after Director-General of Security, Paul O'Sullivan, issued an adverse security assessment of the visiting peace activist.[/b] [b]Parkin was detained in Melbourne and held in custody for five days before being escorted under guard to Los Angeles, where he was informed that he was required to pay the Australian Government A$11,700 for the cost of his detention and removal[/b]. Parkin is challenging the adverse security assessment in the Federal Court in a joint civil action with two Iraqi refugees, Mohammed Sagar and Muhammad Faisal, who faced indefinite detention on the island of Nauru after also receiving adverse security assessments in 2005. [b]Prior to his removal, Parkin had given talks on the role of U.S. military contractor Halliburton in the Iraq war and led a small protest outside the Sydney headquarters of Halliburton subsidiary KBR. The Attorney-General at that time, Philip Ruddock, refused to explain the reasons for Parkin's removal, leading to speculation that ASIO had acted under pressure from the United States.[/b] This was denied by O'Sullivan before a Senate committee, where he gave evidence that ASIO based its assessment only on Parkin's activities in Australia. [b]O'Sullivan refused to answer questions before a later Senate committee hearing after his legal counsel told the Federal Court that ASIO did not necessarily base its assessment solely on Parkin's activities in Australia.[/b] Wikipedia ------ INTERESTING: [b]Scott Parkin (b. 1969, Garland, Texas is a peace, environmental and global justice organizer, community college history instructor, and a founding member of the Houston Global Awareness Collective. He has been a vocal critic of the American invasion of Iraq, and of corporations such as Exxonmobil and Halliburton. Since 2006, he has worked as an organizer for the Rainforest Action Network, organizing campaigns against Bank of America, Citibank, TXU and Wells Fargo Bank.[/b] MUCH MORE HERE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Parkin HMMM... PUPPET RUDDOCK EH? WORKING OVERTIME FOR WHO? N'

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hey Bob, [i]Yo Austin...white ant, man you were no surprise, your an amateur [/i] What? If there's a point here I'm missing it. C

Miglo

28/05/2013Catching up, I must say that I admire your level of maturity in not responding to the predators with personal insults, such as they delight in administering. I don't see a reason as to why this should not be pointed out.

jane

28/05/2013Austin, your "argument" is bullshit. 42 long, the opposition are only able to fool the voting public because the OM is dishonest in the extreme. They allow the likes of Liealot, Prissy, Sloppy etc to openly lie without question and either lie about the government or fail to report anything at all, good or bad about its achievements or fitness to govern. They are also openly campaigning for the election of the Liars Party, not because, with a few notable exceptions, they think the Liars would be a good government, but because the wizened foreigner has decreed it will be so.

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hey Jane, Wow, nice detailed rebuttal there. Hope you didn't [i]tax [/i]yourself too much coming up with that :) If you want to base your definition of tax on something that's avoidable rather than merely reducible then income tax is not a tax. Try a simple experiment duck over to the Tax Withheld Calculator at the ATO http://www.ato.gov.au/scripts/taxcalc/calc_standard_hire.aspx Enter gross weekly earnings of $300.00 the result will look like this: Gross Weekly Earnings: $300.00 Tax Applicable: $ 0.00 Less Tax offsets: $ 0.00 Less Medicare Levy Adjustment: $ 0.00 Tax Withheld: $ 0.00 Net Pay: $300.00 So there you have it - nil income tax would be paid. ie the tax would be avoided all together therefore by your argument provided earlier income tax is not a tax. And here's the thing when you start playing cute little semantic games such that you can redefine a tax so it's not a tax - it's a charge or a levy or a price etc then it doesn't really help with any reputation for disenguity. It's a bit like pledging your support for the PM just a month before you roll him it looks a bit dodgy.

42 long

28/05/2013KPMG defined it as a price. Their standing should be of some significance.

Tom of Melbourne

28/05/2013"predators with personal insults" This place is a gold mine of hilarity! Perhaps you or Catching Up would post another graph which proves the opposite of the point being made. It really is entertaining when CU does that. Or talks about aircraft safety with such compelling authority.

Janet (jan@j4gypsy)

28/05/2013 Greetings, as Question Time finishes in the background. Always a joy to watch the PM getting stuck in :-). TT: Just to say won't respond to your comment on the Lenore Taylor PM interview as have done so for you in Twitter (sent tweets this morning about 9 a.m. and included Watermelon Man link and a couple of other [i]GuardianAus[/i] links that interested me because they, a bit indirectly, but nevertheless clearly, are questioning a vote for the LOTO – you may have missed m'tweets). We're on the same page about the [i]Guardian's[/i] Day 1 interview, but … am watching exceedingly closely all of what we're getting from [i]GuardianAus[/i] overall and reserving judgment on how they are doing generally. Might do a comment later on their first week. Selected [b]Twittertverse[/b] now, from the last two days (lots more reading, if you have time, across diverse issues, and yes, am picking up some [i]GuardianAus[/i] refs for the moment:-)): [i]Alex Ellinghausen ‏@ellinghausen[/i] PM @JuliaGillard reacts to statements made by LOTO @TonyAbbottMHR #qt https://twitter.com/ellinghausen/status/339239827595751424/photo/1 [i]Jane Cattermole ‏@janecat60[/i] An excellent @jonkudelka today on #abuseinquiry http://www.kudelka.com.au/2013/05/the-details/ [i]Robert Oakeshott MP ‏@OakeyMP[/i] OK - recognition in Aust's constitution of 40,000 years of history is now on. Please consider, and vote YES. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o35BOTm-Fq8 … [i]David Marler ‏@Qldaah[/i] The age of media bias is at an end. @GuardianAus is here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/australia  [i]ABC The Drum ‏@ABCthedru[/i]m Welfare should be redistributed away from the middle to allow the bottom to be properly funded, writes Ali Winters http://bit.ly/15dO13l  [i]Katharine Murphy ‏@murpharoo[/i] Five myths of the Australian economy: big welcome for @GrogsGamut http://gu.com/p/3g5d2/tw  via @guardian #politicslive #guardianAUS [i]Lenore Taylor ‏@lenoretaylor[/i] Hope caucus has met people like these - No advantage, no work, dwindling hope: the asylum seeker's lot http://gu.com/p/3fp43/tw  via @guardian [i]Monica Attard ‏@attardmon[/i] How fantastic to have David Marr back writing in a newspaper, albeit online. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/28/george-pell-cardinal-abuse-inquiry … On Pell at Victorian sex abuse enquiry. [i]Stavros ‏@dodona777[/i] Welcome to Comment is free Australia | Jessica Reed http://gu.com/p/3g2t4/tw  via @guardian [i]Sandra ‏@abissicus[/i] "These people".....so says Pell. @NoPlaceforSheep is weary and so am I. http://noplaceforsheep.com/2013/05/28/george-pell-these-people-language-yet-again/ … [i]Susan Ryan ‏@SusanRyanADC[/i] Congratulations to Older Workers Magazine and their first issue featuring Ita Buttrose and myself. Download a copy! http://bit.ly/Z7GRww  [i]PMOPressOffice ‏@PMOPressOffice[/i] .@TonyAbbottMHR: "why not just do it with a simple tax?" Watch: http://goo.gl/Yh46y  #somethingishappening #QT #auspol [i]Michael Gilliver ‏@MGilliverALP[/i] The NBN is rolling out, beating its June targets, and will eventually reach your home (unless Abbott wins). http://www.itnews.com.au/News/344524,nbn-co-to-beat-its-june-rollout-target.aspx … [i]TheFinnigans天地有道人无道 ‏@Thefinnigans[/i] BBC Podcast (MP3) : Strike up the Broadband 25 May 2013 - http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio/worldbiz/worldbiz_20130525-0050a.mp3 … - why we need FTTH @JuliaGillard @Senator_Conroy [i]John Pratt ‏@Jackthelad1947[/i] Direct action set to be a Coaltion climate headache - The Drum. #auspol http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4716804.html … [i]Paul Syvret ‏@PSyvret[/i] Wind power in the sights of shadowy climate change deniers: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/wind-power-in-the-sights-of-climate-change-deniers-the-australian-environment-foundation/story-e6frerdf-1226651595470?sv=74d0c0bc36b5bb291643652ecaf12b2#.UaQ5GFiAI2Y.twitter … via @couriermail Who is driving @StopTheseThings? [i]John Pratt ‏@Jackthelad1947[/i] “@bencubby: Australia is facing a massive budget deficit. http://bit.ly/11smfkX  #climate” #auspol #climatechange [i]Toastman ‏@toastman51[/i] Labor elder criticises political donation changes http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-28/labor-electoral-funding-row/4716374 … @abcnews John can see the evil associated with US style politics. [i]Mel Thomas ‏@photogramel2[/i] 50 yrs after Mapoon's indigenous were forced from their homes by gunpoint to make way for a bauxite mine: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/5/27/newman-government-recognises-traditional-ownership-of-mapoon …  [i]Stephanie Dowrick ‏@stephaniedowric[/i] Beautiful words from beautiful Gillian Mears. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/gillian-mears/4706630 … @LNLonRN @AllenAndUnwin [i]Wendy Bacon ‏@Wendy_Bacon[/i] In this week's post, @AdeleHorin updates us on issue of nursing home neglect. Blog essential reading on aging issues. http://adelehorin.com.au/2013/05/27/sue-dodgy-nursing-homes-to-improve-care/ … [i]IndependentAustralia ‏@independentaus[/i] IA's tribute to Hazel Hawke, by history editor Dr Glenn Davies. http://fb.me/NnkJh1Na

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hey 42 Long, [quote] KPMG defined it as a price. Their standing should be of some significance. [/quote] Within the field where KPMG has expertise certainly it should. But are KPMG the source of that definition or have they merely adopted the Government's ? On the other side the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants seem to have no problems calling it a carbon tax - should there standing also be of some significance ? From their web-site (my bolding) [quote]The Carbon Pricing Mechanism (CPM) came into operation on 1 July. It comprises a fixed price phase (‘[b]carbon tax[/b]’ phase) from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2015 in which permits (carbon units) have a fixed price set by the federal government; and a flexible price phase from 1 July 2015, in which permits would be traded. The CPM envisages an ‘annual compliance period’ from 1 July to 30 June.[/quote] Now it's nice to compare experts, one to the other and for specialised use it's probably a smart thing to do. But the ordinary folk who aren't accountants might use something like a common dictionary definition? [quote]Tax noun 1. a sum of money demanded by a government for its support or for specific facilities or services, levied upon incomes, property, sales, etc [/quote] Also for the layman ages ago the ABC set out to explain things http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-07/explained-carbon-taxes-emissions-trading-and/2785736 I never like it when John Howard as PM introduced levy after levy - no new taxes mind you just new levies. It probably helped his government get it's "mean and trick" reputation.

Miglo

28/05/2013Or perhaps one of your sock puppets would like to do the same, oh font of all knowledge.

Tom of Melbourne

28/05/2013No idea about sockpuppets, I only note that you (falsely/inaccurately) speculate about them on occasions. It is funny though - 'the sockpuppets are after me" then CU lecturing about aircraft safety, and posting a link that shows an increase in government revenue, which she claims shows a decline! There should be more of it.

Mal Kukura

28/05/2013What do you get when you cross a wizened yet virile octogenerian Rupert Murdoch with a global Wurlitzer propaganada survellance and artificial intelligence manufacturing organization? A MURD-URLITZER Well paid under-cover Murdurlitzer mercenery agents are very active on this blog and all over the fighting fifth. While they seem to think they are invisible just because they are spiritual blind - we who are authentic lovers of universal liberty and the English Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - can smell them a mile away. Thank you Ad for your insightful focus on the hateful mental orientation of the Abbott-Pell gang that has infiltrated and taken over the LNP. Thank you for the welcome to this blog and TPS family. The hard Zimmerman rain forecast in 1961 is falling now but we have umbrellas, rain coats & shelter here at TPS. Above all we have and are the spirit of freedom - alive and well. Lebensgeist

Miglo

28/05/2013What, No idea about sock puppets? Now who said that? Was it the red Tom of Melbourne, or was it the green Tom of Melbourne? Was it the ToM who posts from the Melbourne ISP address or the one who posts from the Brisbane ISP address? Or is it the one from Indonesia who left spiteful comments at CW while ToM just happened to be on a surfing holiday in Bali? Or maybe from one of the three ISP addresses that had seen you black listed by the ISP provider for spamming. You'd be surprised what tools are available for tracking people. And they're very easy to track when they keep dropping so much crap on the ground. I don't own this blog and I acknowledge that it's not my duty to say this, but the world would be a better place if you just sunk back into the gutter. As much as your pathetic rants amuse me, yes, we all laugh at you, I won't bother with you anymore. You passed the point of being a joke about 7 years ago. You will respond to this, of course you will. That'd give everyone here much amusement. Clowns can be funny.

Tom of Melboune

28/05/2013Hilarious!! I use a couple of different devices to comment, some have different email addresses, and yes, I've posted as "Tom of Melbourne" from a range of places overseas. Haven't you? No idea what you're on about, but you should get over it.

Jason

28/05/2013Thanks Miglo for proving ToM "the sock puppet of Melbourne is nothing but the troll we all thought he was!

Miglo

28/05/2013Jason, I've been scrolling the troll so tell me, has he still lost the plot?

Jason

28/05/2013Miglo, Never had it to begin with!

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013From Wikipedia (not the greatest source yeah I know) [quote]Carbon pricing is the generic term for putting a price on carbon through either subsidies, a carbon tax, or an emissions trading ("cap-and-trade") system.[/quote] Ok so carbon pricing can be ether via subsidies, carbon tax or ETS. Lessee we in Australia have a carbon price therefore it must be in the form of subsidies, tax or ETS. Now subsidies are the “direct action” path of the LNP and we don’t have an ETS (thanks Gillard and Swan). By the process of elimination that leaves us with a tax. Encyclopaedia Britannica – entry on Julia Gillard (if you want a more respectable source) [quote]Nevertheless, Gillard’s standing dipped further in July 2011 when she reversed herself on a campaign promise and introduced plans for a tax on carbon emissions. The scheme, which was a priority for the Green and independent MPs in Gillard’s minority government, would impose a flat tax on every metric ton of carbon produced after July 1, 2012. The flat tax would be replaced with a market-driven emissions trading platform in 2015. The increased costs to Australian consumers would be offset with tax cuts and direct financial assistance. Although the minority coalition strongly opposed the legislation, Gillard’s plan was poised to succeed where Rudd’s had failed.[/quote] SBS http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1492651/Factbox-Carbon-taxes-around-the-world They reckon it’s a carbon tax too. From clean energy future.gov http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/clean-energy-future/securing-a-clean-energy-future/chapter-3-putting-a-price-on-carbon-pollution/ [quote]The carbon pricing mechanism will start with a fixed price on carbon [b]like a tax [/b]and will then transition to an emissions trading scheme.[/quote] (again my bold.) And lastly David Pannell Director, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy at University of Western Australia. 30 June 2011, 2.36pm EST - https://theconversation.com/au [quote]I haven’t seen them try to argue that their carbon pricing system is not a tax. In the circumstances, this is probably wise. Even though, technically it involves purchase and surrender of emission permits rather than a tax, in practice the effect is basically the same as a tax. For that reason, I think it’s good that they haven’t tried to fight a semantic battle about this.[/quote] So yep if you want to play cute little semantic games it’s technically a permit system not a tax, it just looks like at tax and according to the federal government acts like a tax. So Gillard kept her no carbon tax promise by introducing a permit scheme which just acts like a tax. Who would ever have thought that there could be a possible electoral downside to being that "clever".

Tom of Melbourne

28/05/2013I really have no idea why anyone would come here and specifically make me the subject of their commentary. Bizarre and obsessive it seems.

Jason

28/05/2013Austin 3:16, Thanks for that!

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hey Miglo, Well done - comprehensively "owned" him as the young-uns might say.

Miglo

28/05/2013Thank you Austin. The man is sick and in desperate need of treatment. This needs to be pointed out. Regularly.

Ad astra

28/05/2013[b]Folks I’ve just returned from a pleasant day in the country to find a lot of dialogue between our regular blog-botherers and some of you. Have glanced through their comments, they are off-theme and offer nothing worthwhile. PLEASE IGNORE THEM. They come here simply to DISTRACT from what began as a serious discussion of the political hatred that we suffer day after day in political discourse and in the Fifth Estate. As no one will ever move them from their entrenched position, DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME. All they do is to contaminate the site with their inanities; if I may use one of their favourite expressions, ‘hilarious’ inanities. If you want this site to be a place of rational comment, don’t encourage the irrationalities they offer. I can’t sit all day at the computer deleting their silly comments; but you can give them NO encouragement by totally ignoring them. Let’s try ignoring them completely for the rest of the week. I know they will come back in another feeble attempt to rebut what I have said and requested of you, but IGNORE THEM TOTALLY to show them how worthless their contributions are.[/b]

nasking

28/05/2013 TELLS YOU A NEW FORM OF WORKCHOICES AND PRIVATISATION IS COMING IF YOU VOTE FOR THE COALITION... LIBERALS FUNDED BY MONEY BAGS EXPECTING A RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT: [b]Coalition funding comes from high-wealth individuals and companies that feel they’ll do worse under Labor (think miners, big pharma, private hospitals)[/b]. At the 2010 election, Clive Palmer tipped in $300,000 (now he’ll give them “not a cent”), controversial Tory Michael Ashcroft $270,000, and the Pratt clan $150,000 (the Pratts have been less forthcoming since Richard Pratt died). In 2011-12, private hospital baron Paul Ramsay gave just over half a million to the Liberals, the Australian Hotels Association kicked in half as much, and ad-man Harold Mitchell got out the credit card. Gina Rinehart has made small donations via Hancock Coal. Don’t forget the party’s associated fundraising entities like the Cormack Foundation (a Liberal investment company), the Free Enterprise Foundation, and the Millenium Forum (a NSW-based John Howard baby). Key fundraisers are party president Alan Stockdale and treasurer Philip Higginson (plus Loughnane). One insider says the treasurer is chosen to raise money (think Ron Walker and Malcolm Turnbull): “They simply walk the street, they talk to their friends—it’s very much a personal endeavour. They go to their mates on the company board and say they want the money.” Liberal pollies Tony Abbott, Julie Bishop and Joe Hockey have been flying around attending fundraisers that can fetch $10,000 a head. [b]Fly to Perth, roll out the white tablecloths and let the older white men come.[/b] http://www.crikey.com.au/2013/05/28/the-power-index-election-deciders-the-moneybags-at-7/ [b]THE ALP SHOULD DO LIKE OBAMA AND GO WITH THOUSANDS OF SMALL DONATIONS[/b]... CALL IT THE [b]KEEP ABBOTT OUT FUND[/b]. WE'D GIVE TO THAT. SOME RICH WOMEN MIGHT TOO. :) N'

nasking

28/05/2013 MUST WE HAVE THIS TROSH ABOVE. SOUNDS LIKE SILLY BATTLES FROM PREVIOUS BLOGS. PLEASE RESPECT THE OTHER READERS. N'

42 long

28/05/2013regarding the effect of the price or tax it is NOT on electricity per se as represented by the abbott It is a price on carbon used to produce electricity in some power stations. Electricty from some sources would attract no tax (or price) at all. It's not a lot of difference to charging a "tip price" for garbage. Up till now you could DUMP CO2 into the atmosphere for free. With a price on it you pay for the privilege. In another (not long ago) age the LOTO would have seen the price/tax as the way to go, but in a world where GILLARD BAD Abbott does the opposite. Removing the carbon price (going to an ETS) will be among the most STUPID things the LOTO has done (and THAT IS saying something.

Catching up

28/05/2013I apologize Astra, it is a fight I do not want. Ignore most, but when directly named and insulted, one has to take a stand. I have apoligised to those here and ceased replying already.

Catching up

28/05/2013Nasking, I will be at the head of the queue. I have already donated, admittedly small amounts to some sites.

Ad astra

28/05/2013Janet Thank you for your Twitterverse, which keeps us in touch with what’s happening in the real world of politics and commentary. This is what enhances this site, not the inane comments of the blog-botherers. Paul Syvret’s article in [i]The Courier Mail: Wind power in the sights of climate change deniers the Australian Environment Foundation[/i] http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/wind-power-in-the-sights-of-climate-change-deniers-the-australian-environment-foundation/story-e6frerdf-1226651595470?sv=74d0c0bc36b5bb291643652ecaf12b2#.UaQ5GFiAI2Y.twitter%C2%A0 begins: “[i]Duane Gish was an American biochemist, best known for his unshakeable belief in creationism over evolution. “When debating his detractors, he would seek to overwhelm them by spewing forth a torrent of pseudo-science, half truths and utter fancy rapidly shifting over a multitude of angles, leaving his opponents little hope of refuting the barrage of BS in any reasoned or logical fashion, and certainly not within the confines of a formal debate. "The technique has come to be known as the "Gish Gallop", which Project Reason founder Sam Harris once described as "starting 10 fires in 10 minutes" and leaving your opponent no opportunity to douse every falsehood, no matter how brazen the untruth.”[/i] [b]These paragraphs explain just what the blog-botherers do when they come here with their off-theme comments. This is obvious. We should not let ourselves get sucked in to their version of ‘Gish Gallop'.[/b]

Catching up

28/05/201342 long. Most business do spend a large amount, in disposing of their waste. Yes, carbon emission are no different. I believe that was the basics of Hunt's argument, in his university thesis. One is obligated to pay for the waste one produces. Nothing new in that. Why putting a price on harmful carbon emissions is any different is beyond me. One does have the option, of moving onto renewals, where no emissions occur. Then one does not have to pay. Power generators need to move quickly, before they find themselves out of the picture, by customers by passing them altogether, creating their own power generation. Taking themselves off the grid altogether. I suspect that will occur, whether Abbott gets in or not. Some are finding, being free of the power companies is indeed not being beholden to them. This will happen, regardless of whether one believes in man made climate change or not. The move to renewals is expensive in the short run, but makes sense in the long run. Why would most businesses, some that benefit from the CEF want the present system to change. A scheme that has not destroyed the economy. What business wants the economical and political uncertainty, that any attempts at removing it will bring. Very few see any sense in the more expensive for the taxpayer, and inefficient Direct Action. No stunts once again in QT. No "no confidence" motion moved. Once again, a bag of hot air.

Min

28/05/2013Ad Astra, I believe that in some cases it should be pointed out to readers in such worthy establishments as the ever insightful TPS, that a particular contributor might have a considerable history of making defamatory comments against contributors - the only plausible reason (at least just in my opinion) is to act as a deterrent to particularly worthy people from commenting. When this occurs over a number of blogs one could consider this to be stalking. Clearly the person with such a fixation which has numbered into years against very benign person/s should be considered at bare minimum to need help . It's when anger turns to revenge that we start to note such behaviours. The MSM is not just angry, it is revengeful.

42 long

28/05/2013The ONE thing the "industry " needs is some form of certainty. Smash all abbott has done his best to not deliver this essential situation for the suppliers of electricity and some state governments (like VIC where they are against wind power ) are a factor not helping anyone. Eventually the Deniers will look even more foolish, but how much damage will they do in the meantime? They all read the SAME MANUAL. It's identical. Funding from the energy (Coal and OIL) interests heartland institute USA, and the denier Murdoch press support plus Reinhart and the miners poor out lies and disinformation constantly. If someone had told me THIS would happen years ago I would have laughed at the suggestion.

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hey Ad, Well the way things currently stand preaching to the converted will have you reaching about 30% of the population. Best of luck with that. Look on the bright side, come September second isn't such a bad result. You might even find some consolation in it.

nasking

28/05/2013 JANET, GOOD WORK...THAT KUDELKA CARTOON IS A GOODIE. COOL: The urban farm opened in 2011 with Ms. Price’s group describing it as the first serious planting at the Battery since the 17th century. The idea for a modern-day farm began with the environmental club at Millennium High School on Broad Street, a short walk from the park. Education has become a focus for the conservancy: some 2,000 students from more than 30 schools have now signed up to plant, water and tend the crops. “For the families of those 2,000,” Ms. Price said, “we are not just a tourist park, as we are for the thousands who walk by during the day. The continued residentialization of Lower Manhattan means there are people in a live-and-work environment here.” As the temperature soared last week, some urban farmers were planting, and some were already harvesting. On Tuesday, students from Public School 3, the Charrette Elementary School on Hudson Street, planted bibb lettuce. Students from Public School/Intermediate School 276 in Battery Park City harvested turnips, radishes and pea tendrils. And the first graders, from Public School 397, also known as the Spruce Street School, prepared the soil with watering cans made from yogurt cups with holes they had punched in the bottoms. “We told them they’re rainmakers,” Ms. Hammer said. “We used to use a watering can, but they’d fight over who got the watering can. And this uses less water.” Anna Ellis, the conservancy’s farm educator, said that digging and planting makes an impression on schoolchildren. She said one class that had been to the farm was later assigned to do a how-to guide. The children could choose any object they wanted. “They all did how to plant a carrot,” she said — something they had learned at the farm a few days earlier. And how do you plant a carrot? On this farm, children are taught to use their fingers as measuring tools, she said. “They have to know how far down to dig the hole — down to the knuckle in your pointer finger,” she said, “and every carrot is three fingers apart, using their fingers as a ruler.” http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/urban-farm-by-barron/?src=recg GREAT THAT CITY KIDS ARE GETTING THEIR HANDS IN THE SOIL...MUNCHING ON FRESH FOOD FILLED WITH NUTRIENTS. WORKING HARD IN THE SUN. N'

Catching up

28/05/2013Those who comment here might be the converted. Those who pass through, without comment, might just be some of those high numbers of undecided, which are in great number in all polls. Most Australians, whether that interested in politics or not, do take the responsibility of voting seriously. They will over the next few weeks, take time to look. When one looks back over the polls for the last year or so, it will not be a matter of changing votes, but garnering the undecided. There is much disconnect about what the Coalition and MSM say about the PM. What is written, is not supported by what one sees. The opposite is true for Mr. Abbott. When one looks, there is much to raise concern. I cannot remember a time, when there has been so many undecided, over such a long length of time. I could be wrong in this belief. Could even be wishful thinking, who knowe.

nasking

28/05/2013 GLAD I LIVE HERE THAN IN AMERICA...THEY CAN HAVE THEIR HEALTH SYSTEM. EVEN HOWARD WAS AFRAID TO SCREW TOO MUCH WITH MEDICARE... BUT HE TRIED BY SHIFTING TOO MUCH FUNDING INTO PRIVATE HEALTHCARE... HE WAS TAKING US INCREMENTALLY TOWARDS AMERICAN HEALTHCARE... WHICH APPARENTLY OBAMA IS TRYING TO FIX... GOING BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY CHEST BEATING AND FOX NEWS BELLOWS THIS IS 'SOCIALIST MEDICINE'... WHAT A JOKE... THE BIG COMPANIES WILL STILL BE MAKING HEAPS: FROM PAUL KRUGMAN @ THE NY TIMES: [b]Also, some people are too poor to afford coverage even with the subsidies. These Americans were supposed to be covered by a federally financed expansion of Medicaid, but in states where Republicans have blocked Medicaid expansion, such unfortunates will be left out in the cold.[/b] Still, here’s what it seems is about to happen: millions of Americans will suddenly gain health coverage, and millions more will feel much more secure knowing that such coverage is available if they lose their jobs or suffer other misfortunes. Only a relative handful of people will be hurt at all. And as contrasts emerge between the experience of states like California that are making the most of the new policy and that of states like Texas whose politicians are doing their best to undermine it, the sheer meanspiritedness of the Obamacare opponents will become ever more obvious. So yes, it does look as if there’s an Obamacare shock coming: the shock of learning that a public program designed to help a lot of people can, strange to say, end up helping a lot of people — especially when government officials actually try to make it work. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/opinion/krugman-the-obamacare-shock.html?hp&_r=1& STILL...IT'S A START. NICE BUNCH THE REPUBLICANS EH? APPARENTLY ABBOTT IS RIGHT INTO THEM... HE SURE ACTS LIKE THEM. N'

Tom of Melbourne

28/05/2013It’s a particularly odd individual who bans someone on their own site, so that they don’t have to put up with discussion, but then follow them to another site to continue it. It is entirely within the power of Miglo to have his discussion on any of 3 other sites, but he chooses to bring it here to one completely unrelated to his problems with me. That’s a special level of oddness.

Ad astra

28/05/2013Catching up I know exactly how you feel. I have had insults and abuse directed to me repeatedly by our blog botherers. They often label me a hypocrite, insist that I have ‘lost the plot', whatever that means, and so on their insults go. There is a great temptation to respond, but it is pointless. They seem to sit at their computers all day and get their childish pleasure from annoying serious bloggers, keen to debate important issues. Min has an important message for us at 6.43 PM. There is no other way to counter them than to make their comments irrelevant by totally ignoring them. Let’s all agree to do this.

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hi nasking Here's another one to add to the list - Australia is the happiest OECD naton http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/australia-is-the-happiest-finds-oecd-better-life-index/story-fneszs56-1226652479544

nasking

28/05/2013 LOL...JOE HOCKEY...MEMORIES: [b]Hockey wants Reserve to be referee on rate cuts[/b] January 31, 2012 Phillip Coorey THE shadow treasurer, Joe Hockey, says the Reserve Bank of Australia should act as a referee to help end disputes over whether the banks could afford to pass on interest rate cuts. As a fresh stoush brews between the government and the big banks before an anticipated official rate cut next week, Mr Hockey said the Reserve Bank was best placed to judge whether passing on reductions was affordable. The bank was privy to the sensitive information regarding each banks' funding profile and it could include in the monthly statements it issues with rates decisions a line on the affordability of any rate cut that may be announced and whether it should be passed on, Mr Hockey said. ''I would like to see the RBA take on a greater role as a referee and in their statement include whether the banks should pass [rate cuts] on in full or in part,'' he said. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/hockey-wants-reserve-to-be-referee-on-rate-cuts-20120130-1qpq7.html#ixzz2UZsH3SDI POPULISM...TYPES LIKE PALIN AND HANSON USE IT... PERHAPS JOE COULD WRITE A BOOK...GO ON FOX NEWS...DO A DANCING SHOW...MAKE A CRAPPY REALITY SHOW...? WRAP HIMSELF IN A [b]MURDOCH LOVES THE MONEY FROM THE SIMPSONS[/b] DOONA? GET SOMEONE FROM CRIKEY TO SYCOPHANTICALLY TAKE A PIC OF HIM AND RUPERT SMILING TOGETHER. N'

nasking

28/05/2013 THE RELIGIOUS FUNDIES IN THE LIBERAL PARTY ARE AT IT AGAIN...ACTING LIKE FRED NILES IN NSW... THEY HAVE LOST THE PLOT...NOT INTERESTED IN GIVING STUDENTS CHOICE: The Coalition will try to stop the Gillard government from giving ethics classes in schools the same tax deductions as scripture classes. The shadow assistant treasurer, Senator Mathias Cormann, said the Coalition would try to amend a taxation bill to remove the extension of tax deductibility to ethics classes because the change was “too broad” and “too rushed”. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/28/coalition-tax-school-ethics-classes?CMP=twt_gu REALLY GETS YOU THINKING ABOUT THE THE INFLUENCE OF EXTREME RELIGION ON THE ABBOTT TEAM. I WONDER IF GEORGE PELL HAD A WORD IN ABBOTT, PYNE, HOCKEY'S EAR? N'

nasking

28/05/2013 DAVID MARR @ THE GUARDIAN EXAMINES GEORGE PELL'S TESTIMONY: No one rose when he came into the room. He was in civvies: white shirt, no jewellery, his head bowed under the weight of the mitre he wasn’t wearing. A fortnight shy of his 72nd birthday, [b]Pell is a big man with strength in reserve. His voice is masculine but oddly refined: Oxford over Ballarat[/b]. [b]Everything about him except his testimony spoke of power. “I am not the Catholic prime minister of Australia,” he assured the committee. He downplayed his authority; his friendship with Benedict XVI, and his influence in Rome and his hold over his fellow bishops. He spoke of the church in Australia as if it were an ungoverned archipelago of parishes and diocese and religious orders.[/b] He admitted his church had covered up abuse for fear of scandal; that his predecessor Archbishop Little had destroyed records, moved paedophile priests from parish to parish and facilitated appalling crimes. He agreed Little’s behavior was reprehensible, not Christlike. “[b]Did you ever transfer a priest about whom you knew there were allegations of child abuse?” asked pugnacious former journalist and deputy chair of the committee, Frank McGuire. “I don’t believe I did. I never meant to. I don’t believe I did. And therefore I’m quite happy to say I didn’t[/b].” “[b]Did you in any way cover up offending?” “No.”[/b] “Were you guilty of wilful blindness?’’ “I certainly wasn’t.” [b]But as archbishop of Melbourne he had, he conceded, continued to pay a stipend to Father Ronald Pickering who vanished to England in 1993 after child abuse allegations began to be made. Pickering refused to assist the police, refused to help the church insurers and refused to come back to Melbourne to face the music. But Pell kept paying his “frugal” allowance.[/b] “As long as a priest is a priest,” he explained to the committee, “canon law requires a bishop to support them.” Pell’s successor, Archbishop Denis Hart stopped the payment and initiated an investigation in Pickering’s old parish to see if there were other victims. Pell regretted not having done so himself: “It was far from perfect.” As the cardinal sees it, the problem is not a culture of abuse in the church but a culture of silence. “[b]I’ve sometimes said, if we’d been gossips – which we weren’t – and we had talked to one another about the problems that were there we would have realised earlier just how widespread this awful business was.”[/b] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/28/george-pell-cardinal-abuse-inquiry IS IT JUST ME...OR IS THERE THE DISTINCT SMELL OF BOVINE DUNG IN THE AIR? N'

Austin 3:16

28/05/2013Hey nasking, There is far too much pandering to religion in this country from both sides of politics. The "no jab no play" push that's on at the moment - will there be a religious objection clause inserted there? I certainly hope not but wouldn't bet against it.

John Bloomfield

28/05/2013Nasking, Add Illegal Logging Timber Import Regulation to your list of ALP achievements.

ian

28/05/2013 It's very hard to analyse blind, unreasoned hatred. Even harder to understand it. Like the vast majority of baby boomer Australians I grew up not understanding the nature of hatred. Our parents certainly did, they fought a world war because of it. In hindsight I think they, perhaps, should have explained the nature of the hate they faced and fought more fully. I understand why they didn't. They needed to protect us. The horrors of war are not easily forgotten. Some memories best remained buried. If such a thing can be said: they fought with an honest hatred. What we have now is totally different. The hatred the LNP have developed, promoted and, like a mongrel dog rolling in a turd, reveled in, is borne of fear and cowardice. The fear of social change. The cowardly option of not being able to face that change. The fear of knowing that those who control them and their destiny can rid them at a whim. The cowardice of kowtowing, or, as in Abbotts example, kneeling before two billionaires. A glaring example of the shallowness of the character of the LNP, their financiers and supporters. It would seem that the weakness of their character is a void filled, joyously, with hate. Unreasoned, blind and destructive hatred. They have nothing to offer this society. They have nothing to offer future generations. They, sadly, have nothing to offer themselves. You are right, AA, when you say don't engage them. They have nothing to offer us.

Catching up

28/05/2013nasking, a smell that has been around for a long time. One that badly needs cleaning up. As for Gonski and Pell has come out against it. We know, that earlier, Catholic Education came in behind the PM. I know for a fact, first hand from someone high up in CE, they are very happy woth the moves that this PM has taken over the last few years. Very impressed. Going to a wedding Saturday, will checkup on how they feel now. I would like to add, after listening to every word of the Cardinal yesterday, he carries no authority in the church. If that is true, it matters not which side he comes out on. I wonder, how the new Pope, trained scientist, with capitalism in his sights, get on with Pell. Pell who is a self professed denier, and supporter of the capitalist class. As a great admirer of our first prince of the church, Cardinal Gilroy, one can only hang their head in shame.

nasking

28/05/2013 BILL GATES LIKE WARREN BUFFET THINKS THE RICH SHOULD PAY MORE TAX...HE THINKS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS UNDERMINED THE GOOD IT HAS DONE IN POOR COUNTRIES BECAUSE OF ITS FUNDY STANCE ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ISSUES...WHICH IS ALSO ABOUT CONTRACEPTION...APPARENTLY HIS WIFE HAS SPOKEN UP ABOUT THESE ISSUES: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2013/s3769440.htm I NOTICED THERE IS CONFLICT BETWEEN TWO ARMS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN KENYA...APPARENTLY SOME WANT TO USE CONDOMS TO STOP THE SPREAD OF AIDS... BUT THE IGNORAMUSES IN THE CHURCH HAVE BULLIED AND OSTRACISED THEM. CONDOMS ARE A NO-BRAINER IN THE 21ST CENTURY...BUT I GUESS SOME STILL LIVE IN FEUDAL TIMES. N'

Ad astra

28/05/2013ian Thank you for your thoughtful comment, with which I agree.

nasking

28/05/2013 Catching up, this from Wikipedia: Ordination of women and priestly celibacy [b]Pell supported Pope John Paul II's view that the ordination of women is impossible according to the church's divine constitution and has also expressed his opinion that abandoning the tradition of clerical celibacy would be a "serious blunder".[/b] NO WONDER HE AND ABBOTT GET ON. [b]IT'S A MAN'S WORLD...IN CATHOLIC TOWN.[/b] BTW, I WONDER IF THEY ARE PERMITTED TO MASTURBATE? OR IS THAT A BIG NO NO TOO? I WONDER WHO IRONS GEORGE PELL'S CLOTHES? N'

Michael

28/05/2013Here http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/28/coalition-labor-baby-bonus-replacement Tony Abbott explains to his Coalition Party Room how something set up as as a tax avoidance rort will also work as an Abbott-style Paid Parental Leave rort. In short, the article lays out how wage and salary workers will be done over by a 'philosophy' of society that the Coalition holds dear, explains without a blush its rorting of lower paid workers, and then puts this 'explanation' out into the public sphere as if it's a good thing. Here's the core of the article above: "But families spokesman Kevin Andrews and National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce were worried that [the Abbott PPL scheme] would be unfair to mothers not in the paid workforce. Abbott told his party room more women would get paid parental leave than they might think because there were “very few women not in some form of paid employment”, giving as an example a farming wife on the payroll of the agricultural company." The farmer's wife paid for fabricated work - and believe me, I know how much real work women on the land actually do - but how much of that is accurately recorded on the "the payroll of the agricultural company"? Yet another example of how Abbott thinks, that he can treat us all as mugs, that nudge nudge wink wink will do when it comes to leading a nation.

Catching up

28/05/2013I worked as a governess in central Queensland back when I was 19. I am now 71 but believe not much has changed. The station was run by the son-in-law. Everyone, including a uncle were paid wages by the company. I was hired as a governess, which was lowly paid, but had status. Yes, I did teach but also cooked. Mainly because it helped keep ones sanity in that household. Would have been paid three times as much as a cook. The wife, the daughter and real owner of the staion was also paid to cook. The setup meant, that every penny that family spent on food and household goods became a tax deduction. Yes, ones food was seen as a taxation deduction. Yes, the caramd the petrol thgat run it I believe the rest of the profit was somehow tied up in a family trust. The grandfather had divided the stations among his family. I think death duties might have still existed then To add tp the story,m this woman had mental problems. All the household work and care of the three very young boys fell to me. Yes, under Abbott's plan, this woman would get PPL. At a very high rate, if I am not wrong. A woman, who had never done a days work in her life. Wages earners, in general, have no idea of the legal lurks available to those not on wages. PS. I was the only one employed outside the family. The uncle was to old to be of much use, in regard to work. Yes, Abbott is correct, only low paid woman, not working, will miss out. Most likely those that are already at home caring for a young child. One doing the right thing for her family. Reading the early days of the Obied saga, is proof that all the profits in that family are handed out through family trusts. I think Obeid's mother was asked what she did, to earn the money. It appears, she did not know. Yes, the PM is indeed right to add 500 workers to the taxation department. They are badly needed.

Catching up

28/05/2013Sorry, not to but too. Pell was told the man's world went back to medieval time. He replied early than that, back to the beginning. Once again he was wrong or lying. In the first few centuries of the church, women and men were treated equally. Not saying they were ever priests. but the roles were of equal value. I believe it was about the seventh century and an infamous pope that changed this. Yes, it wa church or cannon law that bought about the change. Much of what many object too in the church, is cannon or man made law. Pell has also mistakenly said this canot be changed., Pray tell me, why not. I am a very lapsed Catholic. I do know , according to God, we have free will and much at all times, exercise our conscience.] Pell has done great harm to the church in this country. I wonder, as he is 71, we might have an early retirement. Especially so, as he, being the only rep on this Continent, a special adviser to the pope. It appears our only saint, was expelled from the church, for standing up for victims of sexuaL abuse, priests, of her day. Pell. does not get it. It was the inability of many like him, that either turned a blind eye, or refuse to believe, that allowed the abuse to exist. Pell, lived with one of the worse predators. Yes, the one, he felt it was appropriate to accompany to court. Not even to asked what the many charges were.

Catching up

28/05/2013No, it is not impossible. Cannon Law is man made, If man made it. Man can change it.

Fiona

28/05/2013NASKING, IN DEFERENCE TO YOUR CATARACTS - AND AM SORRY I WASN'T AWARE OF THEM EARLIER - I'M TYPING LIKE THIS. [blockquote]I WONDER WHO IRONS GEORGE PELL'S CLOTHES?[/blockquote] DUNNO - BUT WOULD GUESS THAT IT'S A WOMAN. I DO, HOWEVER, REMEMBER READING AN INTERVIEW WITH A WOMAN WHO FOR WHATEVER REASON HAD BEEN INVITED TO DINE WITH MR PELL. SHE WAS THE ONLY WOMAN AT THE TABLE (THOUGH A WOMAN WAS SERVING THE FOOD), AND AS SUCH HELPED HERSELF TO THE DISH NEAREST HER. ONLY TO BE CHASTISED BY MR PELL - WTTE "IN THIS HOUSE I AM SERVED FIRST.' CHARMING. GOBSMACKINGLY CHARMING.

Fiona

28/05/2013PS, Sorry about the html confusion :(

paul walter

28/05/2013I will omit Marilyn from my targets here, because she deals with symptoms of a cultural blind spot that afflicts most prosperous western nations, and is right across aussie society. This is despite the fact I continue to find find her singling out of Gillard, who is more an example of the median than the few, distasteful. I will content myself with the observation that the post is palliative of the obnoxious, self absorbed rubbish represented here through Tom of Melbourne, dominant in the tabloid media and press and across the senile political right of Australia.

lyn

29/05/2013Today’s Links Haters want to hate by @Vic_Rollison They only have bile to spew at Gillard. Ad astra is right, propaganda directed at the Gillard government is spreading hatred throughout the electorate. This hatred is making the electorate crazy. Here’s a challenge for any Abbott supporters who come across this post and decide to make a comment http://theaimn.com/2013/05/28/haters-want-to-hate/ Five myths of the Australian economy by @GrogsGamut The word "emergency" is getting tossed around a fair bit. In his budget reply speech, Tony Abbott declared a budget emergency and later he also said the Government didn't have a revenue problem, it had a spending one. Logically, then, he could pledge a surplus in his first year in government just by cutting all that flabby spending. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/grogonomics/2013/may/28/australia-economy-myths-gfc?CMP=twt_gu Why Public Broadcasting Must Survive by @newmatilda The pitch to privatise the ABC and SBS by Victorian Liberals and the conservative think-tank the Institute of Public Affairs is the latest shot in a never-ending cold war. Knocking Australia's two public broadcasters is a rite of passage for some on the political right. While they believe the call for full privatisation may get some traction http://newmatilda.com/2013/05/28/why-public-broadcasting-must-survive Judging Gillard and the Labor Government by @saint13333 On a daily basis, the mainstream media paint a bleak picture of Gillard and her government. Hardly if ever do they offer any praise and worse still, they rarely substantiate their onerous claims http://theaimn.com/2013/05/28/judging-gillard-and-the-labor-government/ A bribe by any other name by @fakeedbutler Of course, these payments are not a bribe in the sense that there is no cash-stuffed briefcase, and no shady character asking for a specific favour in return for the injection of funds. But it is impossible to believe that companies who hand this money http://ausvotes2013.com/2013/05/28/a-bribe-by-any-other-name/ Tony Abbott claim election will be referendum on the carbon tax by PM’s Press Office The Australian newspaper reports that only one in five undecided voters want the carbon tax repealed and only one in three people still support a repeal once given basic information. http://pmopressoffice.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/tony-abbott-claim-election-will-be-referendum-on-the-carbon-tax/ What to ask the PM? by @NGruen1 Katharine Murphy contacted me and asked me for an economic question to put to the PM. It was nice of her to ask, and I thought it a worthy challenge, but couldn’t really come up with much for a day or so. I didn’t want it to be a typical ‘gotcha’ question, and http://clubtroppo.com.au/2013/05/28/what-to-ask-the-pm/#more-23262 Building our way out of the mining capex hole by @macro_business the more recent addiction to running surpluses has precluded such longer-termed investment, with most governments happy to take the sugar hit to growth from a growing population without concern for the negative longer-term consequences on infrastructure capacity, http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/05/building-our-way-out-of-the-mining-capex-hole/ Political donation reform: watered down, and with a price tag by @BernardKeane Fancy that: $50 million-plus to do a report twice a year and keep better track of small donations that the parties used to have to keep track of before the Howard government lifted the threshold. http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/5/28/politics/political-donation-reform-watered-down-and-price-tag#ixzz2UZ3BtpRT Mixed Greens: Swing voters want carbon price to stay – poll by Sophie Vorrath Only one in five undecided Australian voters support the Abbott-led federal opposition’s plan to repeal the government’s carbon pricing scheme, according to new national polling released on Tuesday. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/mixed-greens-swing-voters-want-carbon-price-to-stay-poll-65575 Direct action set to be a Coalition climate headache by @jackiewoods Creating fear and uncertainty about a toxic tax has worked a treat, but the Coalition may find establishing a credible climate policy alternative is a different ball game. http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4716804.html An Accomplished Woman and a News Corporation- So Unfair, So Unbalanced by Utherssay when Australia earned its Triple-A credit rating with all agencies for the first time ever, Murdoch’s Daily Telegraph was telling Australians that “the last four years have been disastrous for Australia… There have been broken promises, billions lost and wasteful spending and economic mismanagement and sheer incompetence http://utherssay.com/2013/05/27/an-accomplished-woman-and-a-news-corporation-so-unfair-so-unbalanced/ Futility, Earners, Cows, Elevenses, Enumerations And That Bloody Rat by @knarfnamduh the mind turned to Gina Rinehart’s recent tragic loss of seven or eight BILLION dollars. Leaving the poor lass with only about 22 BILLION dollars in the slush fund. ‘Tragic’, I thought, http://deknarf.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/graphical-manipulations-36-futility-earners-cows-elevenses-enumerations-and-that-bloody-rat/ Why we can’t say ‘good bye’ to MSM by @EmpoweringFem Then I check how other MSM have interpreted it. More often than not they have twisted, misrepresented and invented a new pseudo truth. Now this is what happens when MSM interviews an ALP MP. http://alternativeviewstomsm.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/why-we-cant-say-good-bye-to-msm/ George Pell. “These people.” Language. Yet Again. by @NoPlaceforSheep “These people” means people who are not like me, or us. Once again, as I pointed out in this piece on Clementine Ford’s use of “we” and “our” when discussing survivors of sexual and domestic abuse, language is (unconsciously) employed to manufacture a divide http://noplaceforsheep.com/2013/05/28/george-pell-these-people-language-yet-again/ Oh, how awful by @minkelCA awful Tony Abbott, the awful prospect of an Abbott Government, awful Joe Hockey, the awful media, the awful prospect of climate change etc etc. Yes, they’ve all been awful. http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/oh-how-awful/ No advantage, no work, dwindling hope: the asylum seeker's lot by @lenoretaylor The seven nervous Afghan men sitting on the floor along one wall of the tiny, dark flat in Melbourne’s outer west are the forgotten cargo from the boats that couldn’t be stopped. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/27/no-advantage-asylum-seekers-limbo?CMP=twt_gu Today’s Front Pages Australian Newspaper Front Pages for 29 May 2013 http://www.thepaperboy.com/australia/front-pages.cfm News headlines http://www.hotheadlines.com.au/

Ad astra

29/05/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

Doug Evans

29/05/2013Remarkable response to this excellent piece. Although I have (perhaps temporarily) retired from the online writing gig I'm going to be presumptuous enough to put a couple of links to short pieces I wrote on Earthsign mid last year that strongly relate to AA's piece. George Orwell's 1984 and Us http://duggyvans.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/there-are-some-spooky-similarities.html and Truth Truthiness and the Big Lie http://duggyvans.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/truth-truthiness-and-big-lie.html

Michael

29/05/2013I posted the following text late last night, and am doing so again just in case it's been 'lost' in the flurry of today's new day. The post directly after mine, above at Tuesday 9:38 by Catching Up, confirms my post through that poster's direct experience. Every which way the Coalition can look after it's 'own people', it will. The rest of us can go jump. Re-post: Here http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/28/coalition-labor-baby-bonus-replacement Tony Abbott explains to his Coalition Party Room how something set up as as a tax avoidance rort will also work as an Abbott-style Paid Parental Leave rort. In short, the article lays out how wage and salary workers will be done over by a 'philosophy' of society that the Coalition holds dear, explains without a blush its rorting of lower paid workers, and then puts this 'explanation' out into the public sphere as if it's a good thing. Here's the core of the article above: "But families spokesman Kevin Andrews and National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce were worried that [the Abbott PPL scheme] would be unfair to mothers not in the paid workforce. Abbott told his party room more women would get paid parental leave than they might think because there were “very few women not in some form of paid employment”, giving as an example a farming wife on the payroll of the agricultural company." The farmer's wife paid for fabricated work - and believe me, I know how much real work women on the land actually do - but how much of that is accurately recorded on the "the payroll of the agricultural company"? Yet another example of how Abbott thinks, that he can treat us all as mugs, that nudge nudge wink wink will do when it comes to leading a nation.

Doug Evans

29/05/2013Having just viewed it again. The little video of Orwell talking about 1984 on his deathbed that I placed in 'George Orwell's 1984 and Us' is chillingly appropriate to this discussion. http://duggyvans.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/there-are-some-spooky-similarities.html OK enough self promotion.

nasking

29/05/2013 THIS FROM WA LABOR: [b]During the election campaign Colin Barnett advertised his promises as ‘fully funded and fully costed’. He is now backing away from this commitment and is telling Western Australians not to take his promises literally.[/b] INTERESTING THAT THE PEOPLE CRITICISE THE GILLARD GOVT FOR SAME AND THREATEN NOT TO VOTE FOR THEM... YET, THE LNP IN WA AND QLD CAN DO ADJUST THEIR COSTINGS BASED ON CHANGING ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES...AND THEIR POLLING IS FINE. TELLS ME THAT THE MURDOCH NEWSPAPERS AND THEIR SHOCK JOCK AND TV CLONES ARE CREATING A FALSE PERCEPTION OF OUR PRIME MINISTER AND HER GOVERNMENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS...OFT SPINNING THEM AS FAILURES...OR NOT REPORTING THEM FACTUALLY. EVEN TONY JONES ON Q&A LAST NIGHT HAD THE GALL TO SAY ABBOTT WOULD PROBABLY WIN...IGNORING OUR PM. JONES IS YET ANOTHER ARROGANT TOFF WHO WENT TO A SUPER WEALTHY PRIVATE SCHOOL. HE SHOULDN'T COUNT HIS CHOOKS BEFORE THEY'RE HATCHED. I'M NOT SAYING Q&A DIDN'T PROVIDE SOME USEFUL QUESTIONS DURING THE GATES' SESSION... CERTAINLY HIS VIEWS ON TAXES AND CONDOMS AND HOW AID WAS UNDERMINED BY A BOOK AND INHERITANCE WERE VALUABLE... BUT HE SHOULD NOT USE A FORUM WITH MASSES OF STUDENTS TO SPRUIK TONY ABBOTT, IGNORE OUR PM GILLARD LIKE SHE IS A PIECE OF TRASH (CONSIDERING SHE HAD THE GUTS AND DECENCY TO GO ON HIS SHOW)...AND PRESUME ABBOTT WILL BE THE NEXT PM. NOT ON! SO MUCH FOR BALANCE IN THE PUBLIC BROADCASTER. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 should be: [b]YET, THE LNP IN WA AND QLD CAN ADJUST THEIR COSTINGS BASED ON CHANGING ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES...AND THEIR POLLING IS FINE. [/b]

Ad astra

29/05/2013Hi Lyn I finished reading yesterday’s links in bed last night, but have read most of today’s already. There’s such a lot of good reading there. I enjoyed Victoria Rollison’s piece, which is in tune with the [i]TPS[/i] current piece. Katherine Murphy’s interview with Julia Gillard is essential viewing. This is the woman Coalition supporters long to hate. The hatred continued in QT yesterday according to Eleana in [i]Alternative Views to MSM[/i]: “[i]Did anyone hear the venom spewed forth from Julie Bishop’s mouth in Parliament this afternoon? She went on and on. I have come to the conclusion that all LNP MPs have got together and made a list of vitriolic words that they must use whenever addressing parliament or the press. Because the same wording gets recycled over and over. Let’s see, shambolic government, diabolical mess, incompetent, nothing achieved over past 5 years, liar, broken promises, even when no promise was ever made. All are blatant untruths.”[/i] Déjà vu all over again! Greg Jericho has an excellent piece in his new series Grogonomics in [i]The Guardian[/i], the Australian edition of which promises to leave much of our MSM in its wake. The AIMN piece on [i]Judging Gillard and the Labor Government[/i] has a great list of achievements for the record. Thank you again for a feast, this time for breakfast!

nasking

29/05/2013 I SEE ON ABC 24 AND ELSEWHERE THEY ARE TRYING TO KEEP THIS PROFITABLE WAR ON TERROR GOING... REGARDLESS OF THE FACT SOOO MANY ARE KILLED BY GUNS IN AMERICA... SOOO MANY ARE KILLED IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS...INCLUDING BY TRUCK COLLISIONS... SOOO MANY DIE DUE TO ALCOHOL ABUSE... SOOO MANY DIE PARTLY DIE TO THEIR ADDICTION TO FAST FOODS AND HIGH FAT, GREASY FOODS... SOOO MANY DIE DUE TO SPORTS INJURIES... SOOO MANY DIE DUE TO BASHINGS BY MEN ON STEROIDS... IT'S SOOO IMPORTANT THAT WE DIG DEEP IN OUR POCKETS AGAIN...AND AGAIN...AND AGAIN...AND AGAIN...AND AGAIN... TO KEEP THE PROFITABLE CORPORATE WAR ON TERROR GOING. NO WONDER RUPERT MURDOCH HAS BEEN TWEETING FURIOUSLY TRYING TO BUILD UP THE HATE...THE FEAR...THE ANTI-MUSLIM FERVOUR... RUPERT HAS A CRUMBLING PAPER EMPIRE... HE PROFITS FROM GLOBAL CONFLICT AND FEAR-MONGERING. MURDOCH COMMITS HATE CRIMES CONSTANTLY...BY WAY OF HIS TWEETS...AND HIS STAFF. ALL SO HE CAN HEAR KERCHING! KERCHING! [b]RUPERT MURDOCH IS A PSYCHOPATH. [/b] N'

Austin 3:16

29/05/2013Hey Nasking [quote]YET, THE LNP IN WA AND QLD CAN DO ADJUST THEIR COSTINGS BASED ON CHANGING ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES...AND THEIR POLLING IS FINE. [/quote] Dunno about the WA situation but why on earth would you say that the polling is "fine" for the LNP in Queensland?? Both the LNP government and Premier Newman are recording strong "dissatisfaction" figures to the point where the net approval for both is in the negative. Ol Possum Polytics describes Newman as "crashing and burning like no other leader of a new government has in recent history." I don't really see how that would be "fine" by any stretch of the imagination. [quote]SOOO MANY DIE DUE TO SPORTS INJURIES... SOOO MANY DIE DUE TO BASHINGS BY MEN ON STEROIDS[/quote] How many exactly ? The ABS lists the leading cause of death and I can't see either sports injuries or being bashed by steroid abusers on their list. If you want a realistic cause of death to add to your list can I suggest air pollution ? [quote] Air pollution was responsible for more deaths among Australians than road accidents, the nation's leading science body said today. "Mortality due to air pollution in Australia is higher than the road toll," CSIRO Atmospheric Research scientist Tom Beer said in a statement. "Each year, on average, 2,400 of the 140,000 Australian deaths are linked to air quality and health issues - much more than the 1,700 people who die on our roads. "That's an average of a death every four hours. This number increases if long-term effects of air toxics on cancer are included."[/quote] SMH March 2, 2004

nasking

29/05/2013 [b]SHE WAS THE ONLY WOMAN AT THE TABLE (THOUGH A WOMAN WAS SERVING THE FOOD), AND AS SUCH HELPED HERSELF TO THE DISH NEAREST HER. ONLY TO BE CHASTISED BY MR PELL - WTTE "IN THIS HOUSE I AM SERVED FIRST.' [/b] FIONA, CHEERS FOR THE CAPITALS. :) YA KNOW, I SEE THE SAME KIND OF ARROGANCE AND BORN TO RULE MENTALITY AS GEORGE PELL IN TONY ABBOTT, GEORGE BRANDIS, CHRISTOPHER PYNE, SCOTT MORRISON, CORY BERNARDI, MATHIAS CORMANN, STEVE CIOBO, HELEN KROGER, MALCOLM TURNBULL, TONY JONES, ANDREW BOLT, PIERS AKERMAN, DAVID SPEARS, BARNABY JOYCE, ALAN JONES, RUPERT, JAMES AND LACHLAN MURDOCH, JAMES PACKER... SAME IN MIRANDA DEVINE, BRONWYN BISHOP, JANET ALBRECHTSON, JULIE BISHOP, SOPHIE MIRABELLA, KELLY O'DWYER, SUSAN LEY, MICHAELIA CASH, CONCETTA FIERRAVANTI-WELLS, GINA RINEHART...SOME ON CHANNEL NINE... PERHAPS IT'S THE FACT I SPENT A DECADE IN CANADA...BUT I REALLY FIND THESE PARTICULAR POSITIONS ANNOYING... REAL PRIVILEGED PRATS...OR ASPIRING TO BE TOFF WANKERS... WHO SPEAK LIKE THEY OWN THE WORLD. EVEN THE SO CALLED DOWN-TO-EARTH TYPES LIKE BARNABY HAVE AN AIR OF PRIVILEGE...SOMETHING 'SUN SHINES OUTA MY ASS' ABOUT THEM. I RECKON AUSSIE POLITICS WOULD BE BETTER WITHOUT THEM ALL. WE NEED FRESH AIR. SURE, GOUGH WHITLAM WAS A BIT OF AN ARROGANT WANKER TOO...BUT HE BONA-FIDELY GAVE A SH*T ABOUT THE PEOPLE... AND WASN'T ALL TWISTED BY RELIGION, MURDOCH, THE DESIRE TO TURN AUSTRALIA INTO SOME CATHOLIC OR OTHER RELIGION TOFFVILLE WHERE ARROGANT ELITIST DYNASTIES THOUGHT THEY COULD POINT AND THE SERFS DID. JUST BECAUSE THE MURDOCHS AND PACKER AND OTHERS TAKE OFF THEIR SUITS NOW AND THEN AND HAVE A DRINK AND A PUNT IT DOES NOT MAKE THEM ANY MORE UNDERSTANDING OF THE DAY TO STRUGGLES OF THE AVERAGE PERSON... THE FACT THAT THEY HOPE TO BRING DOWN SO MANY HARD WORKING COMMITTED ESSENTIAL SERVICE WORKERS SO THEY CAN GET MORE TAX CUTS WHILST INCREASING AND BROADENING THE GST ON THE REST OF US TELLS ME THEY HAVE NO EMPATHY FOR US. WE ARE BEING CONNED... [b]THE COALITION AND THEIR MEDIA AND RICH BUSINESS SUPPORTERS ARE PUTTING THE STING ON THE AUSSIE PUBLIC.[/b] N'

nasking

29/05/2013 should be: [b]PERHAPS IT'S THE FACT I SPENT A DECADE IN CANADA...BUT I REALLY FIND THESE PARTICULAR PEOPLE ANNOYING... REAL PRIVILEGED PRATS...OR ASPIRING TO BE TOFF WANKERS...[/b]

nasking

29/05/2013 Should be: [b]JUST BECAUSE THE MURDOCHS AND PACKER AND OTHERS TAKE OFF THEIR SUITS NOW AND THEN AND HAVE A DRINK AND A PUNT IT DOES NOT MAKE THEM ANY MORE UNDERSTANDING OF THE DAY TO DAY STRUGGLES OF THE AVERAGE PERSON...[/b]

Doug Evans

29/05/2013Actually - Now that I've cranked myself into action I'm moved to venture into slightly more risky territory (on this blog at least). The Political Sword regularly carries some of the best political analysis and opinion on Australian politics to be found anywhere. Ad Astra's pieces are inevitably well put together and regularly draw me back here to read and occasionally comment. I share the despair over the right wing hijack of the MSM. I am as appalled as anyone here over the likely election of Abbott and his goon squad. Perhaps I do not come back often enough and have simply missed important pieces - if so please enlighten me. If I have not however I do not understand the unwillingness of intelligent articulate wordsmiths to critically address the shortcomings and missteps of the Gillard government alongside its (admittedly) largely unsung strengths. To me these would include shifting 84,000 single parents onto Newstart to minimize the political damage accruing from the failure to deliver on an unnecessary promise to return to surplus this financial year http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/single-parents-struggle-after-shift-to-newstart-20130521-2jyyp.html while continuing to funnel $10 billion annually to mining and fossil fuel power industries in the form of various fuel subsidies and tax incentives. https://www.tai.org.au/node/451 They would certainly also include the colossal and shameful balls up that this government has made of the asylum seeker issue. Surely no link necessary here. Further, to my knowledge (again I'm happy to be corrected) TPS has not engaged in the important debate around the structural failings of the ALP. If progressive politics is to have a future in Australia I would have thought that this discussion is critical not just within the Party but in the broader public also. Now it may be that commenters will respond with links to pieces I have missed but I am tempted to comment in advance that even if this is so the News Limited MSM also counters accusations of bias by reference to occasional articles running the opposite line but there is no mistaking the partisan and utterly self interested intent to overthrow this government. The unmistakeable tenor of TPS is that the government and especially the PM have done/are doing a wonderful job and any apparent failings are fabrications of a lazy, self interested conservative MSM simply parroting Abbott's slogans. I will not continue along this line but I hope the point is made. My purpose is not to condemn this government which has strengths and weaknesses like any other and is infinitely preferable to the revolting alternative, but to urge contributors to TPS not to be satisfied with singing the praises of this government and ignoring the huge problems within the Party it represents but to apply their skills to the WHOLE picture. Mark Latham had plenty of interest to say about one possible future for the ALP in his Quarterly Essay. Andrew MacLeod had some important points to make in his Fairfax piece Why I quit the ALP http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/why-i-quit-the-alp-20130526-2n50x.html Where on TPS is the objective rational critique of such points of view? One comment of Macleod's that resonated with me in respect of this discussion is " to me, loyalty is to principles first, party second and leadership third. Many in the Labor Party appear to have forgotten this." Perhaps TPS disagrees with this rank ordering of priorities? Or perhaps the contributors might choose to recalibrate. TPS via its disseminate Post capability aims to influence the debate. It apparently aspires to be a 'player'. I applaud this aspiration - go for it. But lift your heads above the parapet you need to do more than comfort those inside the tent by blaming it all on the boogie-man. Stand up and fearlessly confront the issues all of em not just the most comforting selection. This discussion is too important for that.

Ad astra

29/05/2013Doug Evans Thank you for your kind comment and for providing the links to the George Orwell interview, which everyone should play. It is short but prescient. His prediction that in the world ‘there will no emotions except fear, rage, triumph, self-abasement…’ is frightening. Are we seeing that unfold before our very eyes right now? http://duggyvans.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/there-are-some-spooky-similarities.html

Tom of Melbourne

29/05/2013Doug, that's a series of very thoughtful observations. This is a site that specifically shuns reasonable analysis of the ALP. For example, I've never seen a thread from Ad Astra critical of any of the range of policies of the government on asylum seekers. There is never critical analysis of the archaic ALP structure, or the shady means of weilding control. To his credit, Ad Astra rarely bans or deletes comments, but this is hardly an independent site, and certainly does not meet the objective of its tag line.

TalkTurkey

29/05/2013Dog I can't keep up with the reading and thinking! Ad how you manage is a matter of wonder to me. Replying to everyone as well as writing your original stuff and mowing a quarter of Victoria and relating to the hordes of your progeny . . . Amazing. And you have made a rod for your back with this post. But of course there's [i]something more[/i], including push factors and pull factors as they say. The people coming here to TPS, being as we are relatively politically-aware, are [i]not subject[/i] to the fear that Abborrrtt is fomenting to the many politically-uninformed: we simply don't believe it so [i]that[/i] sort of fear doesn't personally touch us. Ours fear is far worse. For us it is different, a deeper, darker dread, that Australia will forever be controlled by the Lying Fearmonger tribe whose temporary tool Abborrttt is. Well may we fear Fear itself, but it is the ignoramuses' fear of Boat People or Public Debt confected by the IPA and hyped by the MSM that we fear, for if we cannot calm the frightened people about those issues it will cost us the country. For good.* So that's one reason so many people have come out: Dread, a Push factor. But the Pull factor that *J*U*L*I*A* is counting on is that the Fear is actually her psychological ally in this gigantic election campaign, focusing this stiffnecked people on the issues, the NDIS, NBN, Carbon Dioxide action, MRRT, Plain Packaging, all that wonderful legislation, with Gonski her favourite subject and Schools her favourite battleground. For our PM every school is a potential soapboax for all her plans and Labor policies, primarily but not exclusively Education, while surrounded by deservedly-adoring youngsters and genuine adults, as opposed to the astro-turf paid rabble Abborrrtt's mob has to trot out. She has always planned on this. She plays People Chess. She has planned on this long campaign, this issue in particular, and now we are into the long straight headed for the line, she has hit her second-top stride - in her Red Caviar persona, full gallop - but she still has the final dash to come. And the crew she commands is now at Attack Speed - but not yet at RAMMING Speed. Woe to the Abborrrrtian hordes when that time comes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXh1tW16V-8 That time coming, the Campaign Proper, Comrades, is going to be something to behold. As for our Dread, well I feel it too, but do what you can around you, talk to the friends and neighbours and workmates and bigots you overhear in shops where even if you can't change their minds you can at least isolate the bigot from the surrounding listeners and get the sympathy on our side. That may be [i]all[/i] we can do, [i]but it will be enough[/i], and it is the right cure for the Fear. *What a weird expression, *for good*, in such a case! Not good at all! But you get things like that in our dear old ever-new cranky wonderful language. As in: "Straight down the crooked lane, then left, right 'round the square!"

Jason

29/05/2013Tom of Melbourne,Brisbane Indonesia "I've never seen a thread from Ad Astra critical of any of the range of policies of the government on asylum seekers. There is never critical analysis of the archaic ALP structure, or the shady means of weilding control." Nor have we ever seen you offer to write one!

nasking

29/05/2013 GRRR: A member of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot has been taken to hospital after starting a hunger strike in jail last week. Maria Alyokhina, 24, began her protest after being barred from attending her own parole hearing. She and two other band members were sentenced to two years in prison after breaking into Moscow's main cathedral to perform a protest song against president Vladimir Putin. Western governments and entertainers including Madonna said the sentences were disproportionate, but [b]Mr Putin said the state needed to protect the faithful.[/b] http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-29/pussy-riot-woman-taken-to-hospital/4719248 WHAT A LOAD OF HORSE SH*T!!! PUTIN IS A VAIN, MISOGYNISTIC, CONTROL FREAK TREATING DISSENTERS LIKE ANY TYRANT WOULD... HE'S A FREAKIN' DISGRACE...AND BACKED BY THE MOST BIGOTED CHURCH GROUPS IN RUSSIA AND THEIR EX-UNION STATES. WHY THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE PUT UP WITH THIS OPPRESSION AND USE OF VILE, BARBARIC TACTICS IS BEYOND ME. CAN'T THEY THINK FOR THEMSELVES? ARE THEY SO BLOODY KOWTOWED THEY CAN'T EMPATHISE WITH STRONG WOMEN RAGING AGAINST RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY? THE IDEA THAT THIS PUTIN-OBSESSED COUNTRY IS ANYTHING LIKE THE BRAVE MASSES WHO ONCE ROSE UP AGAINST ITS ARISTOCRATIC OPPRESSORS...AND TOOK ON THE INVADING NAZIS MAKES ME LAUGH... MODERN RUSSIANS HAVE TURNED OUT TO BE PISS WEAK... PERMITTING THEMSELVES TO BE CRUSHED BY A VAIN PSYCHOPATH AND HIS BUNCH OF SYCOPHANTIC POSERS...AND ARISTOCRATIC CRIMINAL BULLIES... [b]LENIN WOULD BE DISGUSTED. [/b] [b]DISGUSTED[/b]. N'

Doug Evans

29/05/2013ToM You and your self obsessed mates should take no comfort from what I wrote. Talk Turkey Not sure I understand your comment completely but I don't sense naked aggression - that is encouraging. I suspect we would find a lot to agree about over a drink. Trouble with online is that it takes so long to say so little and it is so easy to misunderstand. Jason I was anticipating a savaging. Perhaps that is still to come?

Tom of Melbourne

29/05/2013Jason, I've posted from a dozen other Australian locations and numerous ones overseas. What's the problem with that?

nasking

29/05/2013 [b]but to urge contributors to TPS not to be satisfied with singing the praises of this government and ignoring the huge problems within the Party it represents but to apply their skills to the WHOLE picture[/b] DOUG EVANS, YOU OBVIOUSLY DON'T READ MY COMMENTS. I HAVE HAD MY CRITICISMS OF THIS GOVT...BUT I'M DAMNED IF I'M GOING TO BE PULLED INTO CONSTANT CRITICISMS BY THE LIKES OF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE NOW THAT WE ARE IN THE FINAL MONTHS OF THIS ELECTION. IF YOU WANT THOSE GO TO THE MURDOCH EMPIRE, CHANNEL NINE, SHOCK JOCKS, SKY NEWS, ANDREW (GINA & RUPERT'S PUPPET) BOLT ON TEN, THE MANY NEWS LTD AND IPA AND LIBERAL TYPES WHO FLOW THRU THE ABC...ETC ETC...IT'S UNRELENTING. SURE, AS A GREEN LABORITE I WILL POINT PUT AREAS THE ALP NEEDS TO IMPROVE...LIVE EXPORTS FOR ONE... BUT THERE IS NO WAY AT THIS POINT I'M GOING TO BASH THE ALP FULLBORE BECAUSE THIS ASS ABBOTT AND HIS EXTREME CORPORATE AND RELIGIOUS MAGGOT SUPPORTERS ARE TRYING TO PULL OFF THE BIGGEST STING...CON...ON THE AUSSIE PUBLIC EVER. N'

42 long

29/05/2013The masculine strongman tough guy sells this KGB person to the masses in Russia, and they fall for it. He is a control freak not allowing a real contest to happen, or truth to be written. As soon as someone appears he/she is dead or in Gaol. One has to be sorry for the ruskies. They go from one rotten situation to another. They lost more people than anybody in WW2 At the end of the USSR, all the assets ended up in the hands of a few oligarchs and most of the money went out of the country at the speed of light to banks where no questions are asked. Not a safe place to be if you write like we do.

nasking

29/05/2013 FROM DOUG EVANS: [b]Abbott has already profoundly altered the Australian political landscape, probably forever, certainly for the worse.[/b] He has perfected the Howard art of dog-whistled approval for our most reprehensible national characteristics — think asylum seekers. He has conducted an unprincipled and mendacious blitzkrieg against a well-meaning and worthy – but, in truth, hapless – government of a level of violence that is new to this country and appears to have left the government, still a year out from election, more or less dead in the water — defenceless, dispirited and without direction. Aided and abetted by the mass media, Abbott has perfected the art of governing by continually fanning the flames of our selfish sense of entitlement and our innate fear of the other... [b]Tony Abbott hasn’t come to power yet, but all the indicators suggest that he will. [/b] For an indication of the values that will inform his government should come to power I suggest you conjure the memory of that vomit-inducing image of Gina Rinehart whispering sweet nothings in Abbott’s left ear. Now if you can stand it imagine Abbott’s other best friend, Archbishop George Pell whispering in the other. Barring a political miracle that just about sums it up for us between next year and probably sometime after 2020. I am already a grandfather. [b]I cannot conceive of the possibility of the Labor Party ever governing federally in its own right again in my lifetime. Unless or until the ALP leaves its sense of disappointment and its overweening sense of entitlement behind and faces the reality that it must find ways to forge alliances with the Greens there will be no chance of a left-oriented, progressive Federal government in Australia[/b], even in the medium term. Labor’s years in the political wilderness, following the split with the DLP, pale into insignificance compared to what it is now faced with. I can see no indication that the ‘faceless’ meat-heads pulling Labor’s strings have noticed this yet. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2012/politics/australia-approaches-the-abbott-abyss/ DOUG...HAVE YOU THE SLIGHTEST IDEA OF WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE UK RIGHT NOW? YOU DO REALISE WE ARE LIVING IN THE MIDST OF A FOREVER WAR? GILLARD IS NO FOOL. I DIG YER PASSION...BUT...IF THE GREEN PROGRESSIVES CONTINUE THEIR UNRELENTING BASHING OF THIS GOVT VIA PROGRESSIVE, INDEPENDENT AND THE USUAL SUSPECT MEDIA THEY WILL ENSURE WE DON'T SEE ANOTHER ALP GOVT IN YER LIFETIME. THE ODD CRITIQUE FINE. BUT PREDICTING ABBOTT WILL GET IN...ATTACKING THE ALP MORE THAN ABBOTT...DUMB. JUST PLAIN DUMB. WHEN AL, THOSE HARD WORKING PROGRESSIVE AND FAIR-GO TEACHERS ARE REPLACED BY RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVES AND CORPORATE BRAINWASHERS THEY WON'T BE THANKING YOU FOR IT. AS FOR MONEY IN POLITICS...ANY CONTRIBUTIONS OVER 5 GRAND SHOULD BE BANNED. N'

MWS

29/05/2013Michael, it's worse than just being paid through a family company for work you didn't do. When husband and wife work in a partnership or small business, what is to stop ALL the income being paid through the wife for the 10 months before the birth of child, so as to qualify for a much higher PPL than they would otherwise. I wonder if the company could take out an additional loan to improve a mother's income before a child's birth, as the additional PPL would be greater than the interest payable on the loan. The Coalition PPL system is set up for rorting - because, unlike most Government benefits (except superannuation rebates), the more you earn, the more you get from the Government.

nasking

29/05/2013 PETER WICKS...SHOWING HOW THE LIBERAL SAVIOURS ARE LOOKING AFTER YER INTERESTS: A few weeks ago I wrote an article after attending a protest outside Blacktown council. Residents were furious at council plans to kick them out of their homes, take their land and homes by compulsory acquisition, and leave them destitute. That way the council could put up hi-rise apartments and make a tidy profit. Also questionable is Liberal Mayor Len Robinson who has been pushing this sudden rush to up the ante on high-rise apartment development. Len Robinson’s business arrangements are quite hard to track down as he seems to have been involved in several companies, all of which involved Strata Management. As a result I have referred this matter to ICAC in the hope that they may be able to get the straight answers residents haven’t received as to his business practices since being on council... The Blacktown Aquatic Centre sits on a huge area of land right alongside the houses that council wants to take from residents. That seems like one massive coincidence to me. This is prime land, right alongside the railway giving easy access to transport, already as you can see from the below photo the high-rise apartment blocks are just around the corner... The council is stating that there are repairs that need to be done at the centre due to land movement that requires ongoing maintenance. This is something that has not been noticed before, or needed maintenance before but apparently it has reared its ugly head just as council are acquiring the land and houses around it, hmmm. The cost of this mysteriously sudden maintenance is apparently $21 Million. The Mayor and his motley crew of Liberal councillors insist that the best option would be to take the pool and build a new one somewhere else at a cost of $27 Million. To me that sounds like $6 Million worse off, but that’s just my calculator. However my gut tells me that the current pool may be taken but a million and one excuses will suddenly emerge for the new one not being built. Some of these excuses are emerging already. The excuse I am about to tell you about is classic Liberal logic at it’s very best, and gives an insight as to why only a desperate party would put the likes of White and Diaz forward as candidates for anything. Just a few kilometres up the road from the pool there is a Wet’n'Wild Theme park under construction at the moment. Those who have been to one of these theme parks will know what to expect, wave pools, water slides, expensive food, and sunburnt kids. Village idiot Len Robinson and his jesters court of Liberal councillors are saying that with Wet’n'Wild opening up that Blacktown Aquatic Centre will not be able to compete. I’m assuming that they believe families will be happier to pay $49 per head for a quick dip at Wet’n'Wild rather than $4.90 at the Aquatic Centre. I’m also assuming that they seriously think that those who go here for training purposes, as Ian Thorpe has, will be content to do laps of the landing pool at the bottom of the slides. They will get in two strokes, turn, two more strokes, turn again, all whilst dodging the bodies of children hurtling at them at 100 miles an hour. Maybe they are right, it could be the best way for toddlers to learn how to swim. Throw them down a tube so they land head first in a shallow pool all dizzy and unsure which way is up or down. Great thinking Mayor Robinson, I hope you didn’t become Mayor for being the smartest of the Liberal options. Last year there were 284 drowning deaths in Australia, and the backyard pool remains an all too common killer for children under 4, but that doesn’t matter to the Blacktown Liberals who are intent on turning the place where toddlers learn to swim into hi-rise apartments. Local schools will also be happy as they now have to find somewhere with an Olympic pool to hold swimming carnivals. Stanhope Gardens is probably the closest, however it is overcrowded already, is only half-size and is not convenient for those requiring public transport. Schools will now most likely look to using Mt Druitt pool as it is the closest Olympic sized pool, as they will need an Olympic sized pool for their events. Unfortunately for those schools, Len Robinson and his fellow Liberal councillors have already gotten there first. A motion was passed by the councillors to sell off Mt Druitt pool for development recently. Unfortunately for Len Robinson those in the area won’t let him get away with this without putting up a solid fight. Local members such as Nathan Rees, Michelle Rowland, and Opposition leader John Robertson have vowed to fight this disgraceful plan by a new Liberal council who seem to be using both residential streets and public facilities as something they can take away and use to promote their own interests and agenda’s. It is not only the Federal and state MP’s that are taking this matter on, it is also the youth in the area. Local Youth Member for Toongabbie Jay Clarke has started an online petition to save the pool, and also has a hard version that is doing the rounds and gaining the support of local schools. Please find a link to the petition below if you wish to sign it. Save Blacktown Pool Petition Once again this is Western Sydney under attack by those in the Liberal Party, now we have a Liberal state government that turns a blind eye to the issue despite the Premier being the Minister for Western Sydney. One can only imagine what attacks the region would be forced to endure with the Liberals in at Federal level also. To those who think that is a stretch should remember, Blacktown council holds one Liberal Federal Candidate, and the father of another. Both are said to be backing this move to strip the public of an important public facility. Let’s hope this decision to attempt to take away a public facility with absolutely no public consultation, and absolutely no consideration for anything other than local developers and a few people’s hip pockets lands these Liberal Councillors where they belong. http://wixxyleaks.com/2013/05/29/deep-end/ INTERESTING THAT THE NSW ALP WAS VILIFIED BECAUSE A FEW TRIED TO PULL THE SAME CRAP... YET THE LIBERALS ARE TREATED BY THE AUSSIE VOTERS LIKE SAVIOURS. WAKE UP AUSTRALIA...PARTICULARLY THOSE IN SYDNEY, QLD AND WA. BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. USERS PAY...ONE HUNDRED PERCENT..INTO THE HANDS OF THE RICH DYNASTY CREATORS. N'

Tom of Melboune

29/05/2013Nasking – [i] AS FOR MONEY IN POLITICS...ANY CONTRIBUTIONS OVER 5 GRAND SHOULD BE BANNED.[/i] Fine with me, but the ALP would close down if it couldn’t collect all the cash from unions.

nasking

29/05/2013 [b]The masculine strongman tough guy sells this KGB person to the masses in Russia, and they fall for it. He is a control freak not allowing a real contest to happen, or truth to be written. As soon as someone appears he/she is dead or in Gaol.[/b] 42 long, Indeed. [b]One has to be sorry for the ruskies. [/b] WHY? THEY LET IT HAPPEN. THE MAJORITY SIT ON THEIR BACKSIDES WHILST THIS GOVT PERMITS AND SOMETIMES DIRECTS ABUSE OF WOMEN, SOME MIGRANTS AND THE LGBT COMMUNITY. THEY ARE PISS WEAK. THEIR ANCESTORS WOULD BE ASHAMED. MACHO AND SEXIST CELEBRITY STRUCK FOOLS...JUST LIKE THEY WERE IN ITALY. DISTRACTED BY FOREVER WARS AND THE HUBRISTIC GLITZY SHOWS OF FRAUDS. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 [b]The wife, the daughter and real owner of the staion was also paid to cook. The setup meant, that every penny that family spent on food and household goods became a tax deduction. Yes, ones food was seen as a taxation deduction. Yes, the caramd the petrol thgat run it I believe the rest of the profit was somehow tied up in a family trust. The grandfather had divided the stations among his family. I think death duties might have still existed then To add tp the story,m this woman had mental problems. All the household work and care of the three very young boys fell to me. Yes, under Abbott's plan, this woman would get PPL. At a very high rate, if I am not wrong. A woman, who had never done a days work in her life. Wages earners, in general, have no idea of the legal lurks available to those not on wages. [/b] CATCHING UP, THAT'S HOW THE RAMPANT CAPITALIST LIBERALS WORK... ALWAYS TRYING TO PULL ONE OVER THE AVERAGE WORKERS... LOOK AFTER THE PRIVILEGED. SHAME. N'

42 long

29/05/2013Was it Packer who said paying tax is voluntary ( for the rich)? Plenty "Donna pay the tax". and adjust everything to cheat and minimise it. Without taxation how can any public infrastructure be done? We are undertaxed according to an expert from the Reserve Bank. We are at historically low levels and compared with comparable countries at a low rate. Lieberals seem to have an obsession with not paying tax. Except for loading a new GST onto the lower socio economic groups and tax on incomes over $6,000.

jaycee

29/05/2013Doug Evans...quoting Andrew Macleod..: " to me, loyalty is to principles first, party second and leadership third. Many in the Labor Party appear to have forgotten this." THAT principle, while voicing noble intent, exhibits supreme naivety. To implement and make workable ANY noble ideal against the reality of extreme opposition, the reverse of the placing of the words in that sentence is required. "To achieve noble ambitions, one must first have strong leadership, supported by a loyal party that has as it's primary intention the delivery of noble principles.".....anything other may suffice for the satisfaction of private, unvoiced, non-implemented ideals, but cannot, in ANY POLITICAL OR PUBLIC REALITY succeed! For in the end, we are not fighting the fight of the individual, but the fight of the many.

jaycee

29/05/2013The idea that the average "individual" has power or capacity to sweep broad political policy into the national consciousness and change public perception without the backing of mass-media or political clout is a postmodern illusion. Regard the story of Giotto's 'O'...(google it if you don't already know) When Giotto presented his unique artistic comment to Pope Boniface, it not only required his (Giotto's) skill and perfection in the handling of the artist's materials, it required the audience witnessing it to be appreciative of the intent and understanding of the capacity of that message. Fortunately for Giotto, there was a receptive eye for his skill...I suspect this gov't has a much harder "sell" for it's message!

Ad astra

29/05/2013Doug Evans I’ve been away from my computer most of the morning, and have just come back to read all the responses to your comment of 9.49 AM. The issue you raise is worthy of debate, so rather than respond immediately, I will give your suggestion the thought it deserves and respond later. It would be wise for us to have a rational discussion about this matter. I’ll now be out for most of the day.

Janet (jan@j4gypsy)

29/05/2013 Ad, If you follow this link you'll find that your piece on the genesis of hatred has been picked up by Guardian Australia as its 'Link for the Day'!!! http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/commentisfree+world/australia Scroll to bottom of the page and you will find this little intro: [i]Best of the Web! Political hatred: its genesis and its toll Over at The political Sword, an exploration of the talkback radio backlash which followed Julia Gillard's tears Our pick of our favourite comment pieces from across the web. Any tips? Tell @Cif_Australia[/i] Congratulations!!!! Your readership has just grown exponentially. Can't stop doing this: :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

ian

29/05/2013[i][/i] If progressive politics is to have a future in Australia I would have thought that this discussion is critical not just within the Party but in the broader public also.[i][/i] I posted on the Pub some time ago; [i][/i]About 55 years ago a man took an old sheet of corrigated iron and wielding a ball peen hammer he hammered it flat. Using a crinkled sheet of used butchers paper he traced a pattern on it. Having only hand tools he cut and shaped the iron, drilled holes and fixed copper rivets. Adding a transom, gunwhales, bow strut and sealing with the tar a seven year old boy collected from the road , the canoe: " Silver Dart " came into being. She ruled from the creeks and swollen drains of the Swan Valley to the tidal lagoons of Mandurah. Lesser craft, the " Blue Duck " generally floundered in her wake, although, in reality, honours were shared and friendships deepened. The man was my father, the canoe was for me and even now, 55 years later, in Brisbane, the " Dart " sits under the house. Awaiting grandchildren who may or may not arrive. What has this got to do with modern politics and the ALP? Believe it or not. Plenty. The " Silver Dart " was constructed using imagination, love, sweat, hammer belted fingers, bruised hands and whatever looked useful. She wasn't and isn't pretty or elegant, but she's strong , durable and can go the distance. In essence, when I look at her, even as battered as she is now, I gain strength. If she had a keel, the load bearer would be forged with imagination, love, sweat, loyalty and endurance. She reflects the Australian Labor Party. It's not pretty at the moment. Certainly not elegant. Battered, definately. All those years of sweat and belted fingers. Seemingly to no avail. Some, I believe, wish to go back to the days where things were made from whatever was laying around. The plans for the future could very well have been sketched out on butchers paper, on a big wooden block. The discarded ideas tossed into the corner to be swept up with the sawdust and mutton fat. Maybe not. Those days are gone. Not forgotten, just gone. Todays plans are developed with the tools of technology. The discarded ideas deleted and sent into cyber space. Todays canoes are built to travel the information super highways. The " Silver Dart " could never keep up. Understand that the man who built the " Silver Dart " like the men who built the ALP did so because there was an opportunity to fulfil a need and bestow a gift. Honest sweat, bruised hands, a love of kin. This where the strength of the labor movement resides. Where it always has and always will. A 55 year old flattened out sheet of corrigated iron, that just happened to laying around, gives me great strength. Every one of you has a " Dart ". Just find it.[i][/i] The romantic view taken of the ALP is borne of the what working men and women fight for. From under a tree at Barcaldine to, now, the boardrooms of union super funds. The fight has changed, as have the rules. There were rules. Unspoken and respected. Both boss and worker played the game, not each other. Honest capital worked with honest labour and all prospered. Nowadays, we fight a corrupted free press that's for sale to the highest bidder, huge offshore hedge funds, most with hidden shareholders, unrelenting consumerism aimed at capturing the inherent free ranging imagination of our children and turning it to commercial advantage. An opposition party, in association with hard left, willing not only to politicise the drowning deaths of children, but ensure those that facilitate the dangers are allowed to keep operating. The fight is no longer honest capital v honest labour. Capital is no longer honest. There no longer are rules. If our object is to drain a billabong that's full of crocodiles in order to create a new land. We best remember that if crocs are snapping at our arses, maybe it's not the ideal time to argue about what we are doing and how we are doing it. All the blue and white collar women and men who built the Labor movement. The bruised hands, ruined lungs, broken bones, tears of joy, tears of sorrow and strength of character will count for naught if division contributes to defeat. When we've rid the waterhole of the crocodiles, and the pond scum they attract, then is the time for rational debate.

TalkTurkey

29/05/2013Doug Evans You wrote Talk Turkey Not sure I understand your comment completely but I don't sense naked aggression - that is encouraging. [i]Wha'?[/i] Good Evans I don't understand YOUR comment AT ALL! :) 'Cos I haven't addressed [i]anything at all [/i]to you and I don't know what comment you might mean ... ? Ya gotta tell me now.

Dianne

29/05/2013Does anyone know why Tony Abbott wanted to become a priest? Has he ever said or written anything about why he made that decision? It is a huge decision. Very, very few fervent Catholics would feel they had been called by God to live a life in the service of the Divine. I am genuinely interested.

nasking

29/05/2013 WAS JUST WATCHING AN INTERESTING PRESS CLUB Q&A WITH PROF IAN LOWE...HE WAS REFERRING TO A CANADIAN STUDY ON GROWTH... THEN ABC 24 ABRUPTLY SHIFTED AWAY...TO A SPORTS ANNOUNCEMENT...YET AGAIN. YES, POSITIVE A WOMAN IS GETTING A PROMOTION... BUT MUST WE HAVE SO MANY IMPORTANT CLIMATE CHANGE AND GROWTH-RELATED DISCUSSIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS INTERRUPTED TO PROMOTE SPORTS...OR THE NEO-LIBERAL, RAMPANT CORPORATE AGENDA? THE BULLDOGS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS YET ANOTHER AD BLITZ...AS WITH MOST SPORTS INTERVIEWS, THE WALL BEHIND IS COVERED IN BRAND LOGOS. FORTUNATELY, I REALISED THE PRESS CLUB Q&A WAS ALSO SHOWING ON ABC1. SHAME ON THE PRESS CLUB FOR FORCING IAN LOWE TO SPEAK AT A PODIUM WITH A HUGE NAB LOGO ON IT... AND OF COURSE THAT ARROGANT CORPORATE HACK DAVID SPEARS WAS SITTING RIGHT ABOVE A NAB LOGO. WHAT HAS A WORLD TURNED INTO WHEN A VERY WISE AND WELL-RESEACHED PROFESSOR IS TALKING ABOUT THE MAJOR ISSUES OF OUR DAY AND HE IS DWARFED BY A BLOODY BIG BANK LOGOS? ANYWAY, AT LEAST WE GOT TO HEAR SOME WELL THOUGHT OUT ALTERNATIVE VIEWS. IF YOU WERE WATCHING ABC 1. GRRR. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 [b]Does anyone know why Tony Abbott wanted to become a priest?[/b] DIANNE, I ASSUME IT'S BECAUSE HIS MUM PREDICTED HE'D BE POPE OR PM. LITTLE MR. GRANDIOSITY THOUGHT HE'D DO A BIT OF THIS...A BIT OF THAT...WITH THE HELP OF [b]THE GRAND POOBAS OF AUSTRALIA[/b]... BEING THE SCHEMER HE IS...AND THEY ARE... AND THEN WITH THEIR HELP BULLY HIS WAY INTO THE PMship... WHERE HE COULD [b]PONTIF[/b]ICATE TO THE REST OF US... [b]WHILST THE GRAND POOBAS GOT ON WITH THEIR RAPING AND PILLAGING OF THIS COUNTRY. [/b] [b]A MORE DELUSIONAL CHARACTER THAN ABBOTT I DOUBT AUSTRALIA HAS SEEN[/b]... OH THAT'S RIGHT...[b]HIS BENEFACTOR RUPERT MURDOCH...GRAND POOBAH OF ALL GRAND POOBAHS.[/b] N'

TalkTurkey

29/05/2013Ad astra You make me proud of myself just to have picked you as a Sage from the first moment I read something by you! I'm sure you make a lot of people feel the same way. Congratulations to [i]The Guardian [/i]for picking up on your electrifying article! Even amongst your excellent work this piece is a phenomenon. And I guess you're going to be [i]really[/i] in for it now! And Gypsy Jan thank you for the heads up, let us hope the Guardian Online lives up to our best hopes, as this choice would suggest. (I wonder who selected it? Could be a genuine [i]homo sapiens ! )[/i]

Jason

29/05/2013Doug, I agree the ALP isn't a perfect beast and will never be!But the likes of Macleod and others never had a problem with the "ALP's" faults when it was in their interest not too! I wonder when Mcleod was the ALP endorsed candidate how he voted on the things that now piss him off at both sate and national convention. His main problem seems to be the "asylum" seeker issue but apart from re invent the wheel with new parties he offers no solutions! When faced with the reality of a hung parliament what would he have done?( he doesn't say) or you or anyone else for that matter? But quite frankly I couldn't give a damm about Andrew Mcleod, I may even share some of the things that trouble him but I'm not going to quit and stop trying and say it's all too hard! If Mcleod wants to belong to an organisation whose values and traditions don't have to change ever to fit in with the wants and needs of the community as it also changes I suggest he join the Catholic church!

nasking

29/05/2013 THE WAY THAT PYNE CONDESCENDINGLY YAPS AT THE SPEAKER IS SO AGGRESSIVE AND PETULANT HE GIVES YOU A GOOD IDEA OF HOW THE ABBOTT TEAM WOULD TREAT ANY DISSENTING PUBLIC AND MEDIA... WHAT AN ARROGANT PRAT. IN THE OLD DAYS A PARENT WOULD HAVE TAKEN AN OBNOXIOUS ARROGANT KID WITH HIS ATTITUDE BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK AND KICKED HIM UP THE BUTT. OBVIOUSLY THOSE TOFFY CATHOLIC PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE DOING A POOR JOB AT TEACHING KIDS TO BE EGALITARIAN...AND PUT THEIR HUBRIS AWAY. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 I'M OFF TO READ THE PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION TIME COMMENTS AT THE PUB: http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/05/29/why-i-am-still-a-member-of-the-alp/#comment-56232 BTW, OBVIOUS LABOR IS VERY PRO-GROWTH...PRO-INDEPENDENT, CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. TOO MANY BIG BUSINESS AND RELIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOL LOVING POLIES IN THERE. C'EST LA VITE! BETTER...JUST...THAN THE OTHER MOB. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 Teresa Gambaro spoke about asylum seekers like they are vermin. She’s a disgrace. The Howard/Abbott/Murdoch/shock jock fear-mongering and arrogant dog whistling attitude and approach has infested the rest of the Liberal party like a grotesque virus. Desperation breeds gutter politics. Wait til this great country explodes in a fireball of riots and fear…divided for years…will they be proud of their efforts? Sickness…anything to win eh? N'

nasking

29/05/2013 MEMORIES: [b]Until the Tampa incident in late August 2001, policy regarding asylum seeker boat arrivals was bipartisan. [/b] [b]Since then the question of the boat asylum seekers has been fiercely contested and politically explosive. [/b] Indefinite mandatory detention for almost 12,000 Iraqis, Afghans, Iranians and also many stateless Palestinians was unworkable as well. An archipelago of old and new, city and desert immigration detention centres – Villawood, Maribyrnong, Port Hedland, Curtin, Woomera, Baxter – spread across Australia. Within these swollen detention centres inmates faced an uncertain wait for months or years. The detention centres became the sites of riots and break-outs, of occasional suicide attempts and hunger strikes, and of almost routine instances of severe depression or self-harm. Young children witnessed these events. Eventually most of the detention inmates would be released as proven refugees into the community on temporary protection visas. In 2005, I visited the unit of Adelaide’s Glenside psychiatric hospital dedicated to the Iranian asylum seekers who had spent years in the Baxter detention centre at Port Augusta. All its inmates had fallen into a condition of almost unreachable, catatonic depression. For their part, friends of the asylum seekers continued in one way or another to deny the morally and politically uncomfortable fact that the cruel policies of the Howard government had succeeded in their object: the deterrence of asylum seeker boats. For this blindness, which also affected members of the Labor Opposition, there would eventually be a heavy political price to pay. THE MONTHLY HMMM... [b]NEVER-ENDING FEAR AND HATE AUSTRALIA. WELL DONE. AND MR. MURDOCH AND MS. RINEHART AND MR. FORREST AND MR. SINGLETON AND CHANNEL NINE GO KERCHING KERCHING KERCHING[/b] BEND OVER AND TAKE IT AUSTRALIA...LIKE THE GULLIBLE LOT MANY OF YOU YOU ARE. AS FOR YET FUTURE... CHECK OUT THE BORDER OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE. NICE EH? HEALTHY FOR KIDS. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 FERGUSON SOUNDED LIKE A SOOKY NEO-LIBERAL. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 should be: Ferguson sounds like a mining hack…using sincere words about fair-go schemes…combined with some neo-liberal rhetoric. We need to get off the Rinehart/Forrest/Palmer/BHP-BILLITON, RIO back. The world will see that the right-wing Labor party did some good…but also helped take this world on the path, continued by the Howard govt, to destructive development and raping of the land that will make life very very difficult for future generations. CLIMATE CHANGE IS NO JOKE. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 ABBOTT COULDN'T MAKE A GENUINE COMMENT WITHOUT IT DRIPPING IN POLITICALLY OPPORTUNISTIC DRIVEL AND OPPORTUNISM. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 We'll see who Martin Ferguson ends up working for. N'

Miglo

29/05/2013Nas, true that.

Doug Evans

29/05/2013NASKING SORRY YOU DON'T LIKE MY ASSESSMENT OF WHERE WE ARE HEADED POLITICALLY AND TO SOME EXTENT WHY. IT WAS WRITTEN OVER A YEAR AGO NOW AND UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T SEE ANY REASON YET TO AMEND THIS VIEWPOINT. ALL THE BELIEVABLE INDICATIONS ARE THAT WE ARE HEADED INTO VERY BAD TIMES. OF COURSE IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL THE FAT LADY SINGS AND THINGS MAY YET CHANGE FOR THE BETTER BUT I CAN'T REALLY SEE THAT HAPPENING CAN YOU? I'LL BE THE FIRST TO REJOICE IF I'M WRONG. IF YOU FOUND THIS PIECE ON IA YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE PLENTY OF COMMENTERS WHO SHARED YOUR VIEW THAT MY ASSESSMENT IS TOO HARSH. DAVID DONOVAN, THE EDITOR, WHO ASKED ME TO WRITE THE PIECE WAS ONE OF THEM. Talk Turkey Sorry but I really thought this was addressed to me "Dog I can't keep up with the reading and thinking!" I thought 'Dog' was 'Doug' and misread the rest. My apologies! I still think we would probably find much to agree on over a drink. Jason I don't know much about Macleod other than that he has an honorable history working for the UN on behalf of some pretty disadvantaged folk. His standing may be poor within the ALP. Former insiders who criticize political parties tend to lose friends. I think his article is narrowly based although I agree with his position on asylum seekers. I think his article is naive to the extent that he hopes for, or perhaps sees the emergence of new parties that more accurately reflect the divisions in our society. I don't think that is going to happen of course not, but he points to a real and substantial policy failing around asylum seekers that is damaging the Labor Party and damaging international perceptions of Australia. I would think it warrants serious discussion on a site like this. That is why I mentioned the piece. Jaycee Your viewpoint is widely shared but has demonstrably failed time and time again as a political strategy. It is a version of the good old Richo axiom 'Whatever it takes' which quickly defaults to the getting and holding of power as the be all and end all of politics. If your opening gambit is to second guess what the opposition will accept and make that your 'ask' where do you go when the horse trading starts? If you start by putting party and leader ahead of principle how long before you have forgotten what you stand for and why you are there in the first place? Is this not fundamental to the current terrible standing both major parties and particularly their leaders have in the community? People no longer know what the parties stand for and increasingly believe that their only purpose is to hand out goodies at election time in exchange - they hope for votes.

nasking

29/05/2013 Rob Oakshott having a go at The Coalition over climate change. They are a smug lot. Bunch of ignoramuses. Sneering at him. Good on Rob! Courageous. N'

MWS

29/05/2013Dianne, here is Tony Abbott's own words re leaving the seminary: http://nofibs.com.au/tony-abbott-on-why-he-left-the-priesthood/ However, I would like to draw readers' attention to this quote from the above story: [quote]A little earlier, I had been appointed college infirmarian. This post was a legacy from quasi-monastic days and involved supervising the medicine cabinet and ensuring that the ill were not forgotten in their rooms. But during winter, when up to 30 percent of the college would be down with “flu” at any one time, the infirmarian spent much of his day ferrying food and aspirin to the rooms of the sick. My view was that I knew nothing about medicine and that those too sick to eat in the dining room ought to be in hospital. Anyway, I thought, most were malingering. So I encouraged “self-service” of medicines and suggested that meals would be better fetched by the friends of the sick. Many deeply resented this disdain for college’s caring and communitarian ethos. And, I confess, I did not have the courage to refuse room service to members of the seminary staff.[/quote] So Tony Abbott, admitting that he had no medical training, thought that people in his care were malingering and neglected them. And Howard made this man a Health Minister!

Austin 3:16

29/05/2013Re asylum seekers [quote]When faced with the reality of a hung parliament what would he have done?( he doesn't say) or you or anyone else for that matter?[/quote] There was a noticeable lurch to the right on asylum seekers well before the results of the last election. Even after how about some [b]leadership [/b]on the issue instead of pandering to the lowest common denominator. [quote]Teresa Gambaro spoke about asylum seekers like they are vermin....... The Howard/Abbott/Murdoch/shock jock fear-mongering and arrogant dog whistling attitude..... [/quote] And yet not even the Libs ever contemplated sending asylum seekers to Malaysia.

nasking

29/05/2013 DOUG EVANS, CHEERS FOR THE CAPITALS. YOU PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE. YOU SEEM A WISE AND INFORMED CHARACTER. I JUST DON'T HOLD THE SAME PESSIMISTIC VIEW OF THE ALP'S FUTURE AS YOU DO. THERE IS AN EVOLUTION GOING ON...CHANGE TAKES A LOT OF STEPS...SOME SEEMINGLY BACKWARD. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 CONDESCENDING "LENGTH" RELATED REFERENCE TO OAKESHOTT'S BRAVE CLIMATE CHANGE SPEECH BY THAT UNPRINCIPLED PRAT GREG HUNT... SOLD HIS SOUL TO ABBOTT, MURDOCH, RINEHART YEARS AGO. TYPICAL MOCKING BY LIBS. N'

42 long

29/05/2013Tony Windsor has just finished his speech on the Oakeshott motion. I hope it's up somewhere for reading. The debate is still going on on 1026 or whatever ABC radio channel in your area is covering it. Time 4.10.

nasking

29/05/2013 BRAVE, HEARTFELT SPEECH BY TONY WINDSOR. HE LEAVES BARNABY (MINE ANTARCTICA) JOYCE FOR DEAD. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 [b]OF COURSE IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL THE FAT LADY SINGS AND THINGS MAY YET CHANGE FOR THE BETTER [/b] DOUG EVANS, OR...UNTIL THE FIRST FEMALE PM WINS AND THINGS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. :D N'

nasking

29/05/2013 REMINDER...LYN'S LINKS http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

Ad astra reply

29/05/2013Janet I'm still out and about, but looking at my iPad while the girls are looking at wool at a woollen mill. So it was a pleasant surprise to read your comment and your link to The Guardian and its Editor's selection of this piece on TPS as 'Best of the Web'. That is some compliment, and also to those who have left such thoughtful and telling comments on this piece. Congratulations to you all and a big thank you. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/commentisfree+world/australia

42 long

29/05/2013How can Scott Morescum get up to speak on a motion and bring up a totally different topic and not refer to the motion before the house. Don't we have any rules of debate?

Jason

29/05/2013Austin 3:16, I don't claim to have the answers But I'm not writing articles in the press saying Labor has lost it's way and offer no solution.

nasking

29/05/2013 I SEE MORE DOG WHISTLING BY SCOTT MORRISON SHADOW MINISTER FOR CRONULLA RIOTS... WHOOPS, MEAN SCOTT MORRISON SHADOWY MINISTER FOR UKIP... NAH, SCOTT MORRISON, SHADOWY MINISTER FOR EDL... OR IS IT, SCOTT MORRISON SHADOWY MINISTER FOR UNORIGINAL XENOPHOBIC TACTICS? YET ANOTHER GRANDIOSE CONSERVATIVE BLOWHARD...VILIFYING FROM HIS BUNKER IN THE SEWERS. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 THE COALITION SHOULD BE CONDEMNED FOR THIS: [b]Coalition is asking us to act illegally, says green investment bank Clean Energy Finance Corporation says shadow ministers asked it to break its legal obligations by not committing to any loans[/b] THE GUARDIAN AUSTRALIA LENORE TAYLOR [b]The government’s new $10bn green investment bank claims the Coalition is asking it to act illegally by urging it not to carry out its statutory duties ahead of September's election. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) says the Coalition is also suggesting it could act illegally itself, as it takes steps towards its planned abolition of the bank – which lends on commercial terms but which the Coalition has labelled a “giant slush fund[/b]”. In his budget-in-reply speech, Tony Abbott revealed he was counting on the abolition to deliver $1.2bn in savings over the next three years. [b]The shadow finance minister, Andrew Robb, and shadow environment minister, Greg Hunt, wrote to the CEFC chief executive, former Macquarie bank executive Oliver Yates, in February, urging him to make no funding commitments prior to the election on the basis the Coalition would abolish it.[/b] But CEFC chair and former Reserve Bank board member, Jillian Broadbent, told Guardian Australia the organisation had been “legally reassured” that it was obliged to begin its work lending the first year’s $2bn allocation from 1 July and to continue to do so until the law setting up the CEFC was changed. “We did write back to the shadow ministers saying we were required to discharge our duties under the act and we are doing that and we cannot do otherwise. Effectively they are saying we should act in a way that is not consistent with the law of the day and that is an unusual request for them to make,” Broadbent said. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/29/coalition-act-illegally-green-bank ARROGANT, HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE, RECKLESS, DISGRACEFUL. COALITION ACTING LIKE THEY HAVE THE ELECTION IN THEIR POCKET...TRYING TO BULLY AUTHORITIES INTO DOING WHAT THEY WANT. NO CARE ABOUT THE REPERCUSSIONS. WIN AT ALL COSTS. AND DAMN THE CONSEQUENCES. RICH MINERS HACKS...PUPPETS. N'

42 long

29/05/2013rather outrageous behaviour. (wanting them to act as though the LieNP are already in government. The guardian is here for the good of the scene. How can a new face make it worse, especially as the Guardian was the rag that exposed the Murdoch papers deplorable methods in the UK. Stick with IA and all the good sites we have as well and of course TPS Da Da.

Doug Evans

29/05/2013Jaycee I've been out walking and pondering and had a couple more thoughts. Surely an almost perfect example of how silly is the reversal of priorities that you suggest (leader, party then principle) is Macleod's example of Labor's asylum seeker policy. Sorry about that sentence but I'll let Macleod speak for himself: "Labor tied itself in knots after 2001, losing focus on its position on asylum, and missing an opportunity to put alternative policies to the people. This is a complex issue that does not lend itself to slogans. Just as it is too simple to say, ''Stop the Boats,'' so it is also too simple to say, ''Let Them Land''. After election in 2007 and again after Julia Gillard took over as leader, Labor missed the chance to lead Australia in a genuine, well-thought-out debate on an alternative policy. Labor could have reset the national mood to one of ''how do we safely and securely control entry to genuine asylum seekers?', instead of continuing a negative dialogue around 'how do we stop illegal entry and excise territory from our migration zone'." This looks self evident to me but perhaps not to others. However instead of doing what they believed to be right (principle) they tried to do what the focus groups told them would 'play' in the marginal seats of western Sydney and elsewhere. Well that went well didn't it? Don't know whether it got them any votes in the outer suburban marginals but it certainly contributed to them losing the blue ribbon seat of Melbourne and lost them plenty of votes in Grayndler and elsewhere in inner Sydney. The definition of political naivete is linked to actions that cost you votes and seats so what was the politically naive course of action here?

nasking

29/05/2013 RUSSIANS PLAYING A DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE GAME... NO DOUBT THEY WOULD LUV TO KEEP THE RAMPANT ARMANENTS BUSINESS GOING... ETHICS IS A NO GO ZONE FOR THE PUTIN REGIME...WE ALL KNOW THAT: Russia said on Tuesday that it would supply one of its most advanced anti-aircraft missiles to the Syrian government hours after the EU ended its arms embargo on the country's rebels, raising the prospect of a rapidly escalating proxy war in the region if peace talks fail in Geneva next month. Israel quickly issued a thinly veiled warning that it would bomb the Russian S-300s if they were deployed in Syria as such a move would bring the advanced guided missiles within range of civilian and military planes in Israeli air space. "The shipments haven't set out yet and I hope they won't," Moshe Ya'alon, the Israeli defence minister, said. "If they do arrive in Syria, God forbid, we'll know what to do." http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/28/israel-warns-russia-against-arming-syrian-rebels [b]COMES THE HELLCLONE [/b] N'

nasking

29/05/2013 INDEED: [b]Australian climate outlook remains bleak with Tony Abbott out for revenge Australian elections on 14 September threaten a rollback of years of climate change progress. The time to act is now [/b] A stark contrast to Australia is the USA. After the historic election of Barack Obama, environment groups there pinned their hopes to the introduction of cap-and-trade legislation – similar to emissions trading. Hopes of seeing real action on climate change died in the congress after Obama decided to prioritise healthcare reform, and the Tea Party emboldened climate change deniers. Climate groups rebounded and found new purpose following the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and the planned construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The KXL pipe is to pump dirty crude oil from tar sands in Canada to be refined in Texas. Opponents to the pipeline argued that it amounted to a 'carbon bomb'. Tar sands is one of the most polluting, energy intensive forms of oil to extract and refine. The pipes used to transport it are prone to leaking, and are almost impossible to clean up. A spill in the Kalamazoo river in Michigan, in July 2012, destroyed 60km of river and clean-up company Enbridge was embroiled in a scandal after they covered up, rather than cleaned up the oil. The "No Keystone XL Pipeline" campaign galvansised the climate movement in the US. For months in 2011 and 2012, activists stared down Democratic pressure to shut-up, and engaged in civil disobedience in Washington and along the proposed track of the pipe. At a time when the Tea Party and climate-denialist billionaires were on the march and in the process of buying the Republican primaries, the allied climate groups in the No KXL campaign brought together faith groups, farmers, indigenous groups, unions, Texan property-owners, students, pensioners and conservation charities. Obama ended up blocking a key part of the pipeline before the election, in the face of tens of thousands of people conducting sit-ins and facing arrest. Now, with the election over, the spectre of the KXL pipeline is back. Republicans and Big Oil are pressuring Obama to overturn his ban. In response, the No KXL alliance has re-mobilised. The Sierra Club, the world's largest environment organisation, supported the first day of civil disobedience in its history; 30,000 people rallied on Valentine's Day in Washington. Following the climate-fueled disaster of hurricane Sandy, these climate groups have made climate change a national priority. They did so by deciding that their audience was not politicians and advisors in the West Wing or the Beltway, and that their message was not one of a bright, clean energy future. Instead, they took their campaign to communities around the US, to areas that were at risk of devastating oil spills. Their message was a warning against the consequences of runaway climate change and of a pipeline failure. The tactics of the No KXL Pipeline campaign were the opposite of the Say Yes campaign. Perhaps they looked at Australia and realised that preaching to the choir and to politicians could not have a long-term impact. The USA now has a revitalised climate movement. A new generation of activists, many of whom also campaigned alongside Obama 2012 organisers, continues their struggle to stop one of the most dangerous oil projects in the world. In Australia, environment groups fearing the wrath of Tony Abbott, whose position on climate change matches the likes of Sarah Palin or Rick Santorum, must mobilise rather than remaining a small target. The posture of this new breed of US climate activist is more assertive and aware of the great risks of doing nothing. And they have finally realised that to win, to have influence in the halls of power, you must have a willing, engaged constituency in the community – who are willing to take action. http://m.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2013/feb/25/australia-climate-elections-new-strategy GOOD TO SEE THE ALP FIRED UP. N'

nasking

29/05/2013 TERESA GAMBARO: educated at Holy Spirit School in New Farm, the All Hallows' School in Brisbane Wikipedia

nasking

29/05/2013 Gambaro made news in January 2012 by suggesting that immigrants are not integrating into Australian culture well enough. She believes that telling them to "wear deodorant" and learning to "wait in a queue" is "teaching what are norms in Australia." After a storm of outcry on social media and in Australian newspapers, Gambaro was forced to back down and make a public apology Wikipedia

Jason

29/05/2013Doug, I must be great for the Greens to be politically pure and yes they have the seat of Melbourne, but they will never be a party of government. As we saw with Rudd's ETS the greens got what they wanted 100% of nothing no compromise no nothing! What is the greens policy and their costings on the sorts of things Hansen Young would like with asylum seekers? Do you think the greens position is feasible and if so why aren't more people embracing the greens or demanding the major parties embrace your policy? Labor has it's faults, it doesn't have the luxury the greens have by never having to implement their policy

Gordonwa

29/05/2013Coalition Backflip? Not according to the ABC. Hidden away on the ABC News website is the headline: "Coalition will 'not oppose' Labor plan to boost family tax payments as baby bonus axed" http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-29/coalition-will-not-oppose-boost-to-family-payments/4720910 Wayne Swan called it a backflip and pointed out that sloppy Joe had been rolled again by his party! There is now another $1.1 Billion black hole in the LNP budget bottom line.

cuppa

29/05/2013Congratulations Ad astra on this article being linked from The Guardian Australia. You've made an unassailable case. There can be no doubt that the hatred, the chronic poisoning of the well of political discourse in recent times comes from Abbott, the Coalition, big vested interests and the mass media. They've changed our country irretrievably.

Doug Evans

29/05/2013Jason Not going to get into a slanging match with you. I have my own opinions about whether this very small party has never had to implement its policy or not. An awful lot of the Clean Energy Futures legislation package, in fact nearly all the bits of it that will make a difference, are there because of the negotiating tenacity of Adam Bandt and Christine Milne. Here I'm not guessing I know this to be true with complete certainty. Denticare was a Greens initiative of Richard di Natale and several other pieces of legislation supported by the government and cross benchers that now count on the list of Gillard government achievements began life as Greens policy. The Greens are a party in transition. Without resources they are learning as they go along but for a party with only one lower house seat I would say there is a surprising number of their policies that the Gillard government is pleased to claim. ON A QUITE DIFFERENT NOTE. HOW GOOD TO SEE THE BACK OF MY LOCAL MEMBER - THE FORMER MEMBER FOR SICCING THE POLICE ONTO PROTESTERS - MARTIN BLOODY FERGUSON. THE MINING INDUSTRY'S BEST MATE IS OFF TO CLEAN UP AS A LOBBYIST FOR ALL HIS PALS IN THE DIG IT UP AND FLOG IT BUSINESS. CAPITALS FOR NASKING. I HOPE HE AGREES.

jaycee

29/05/2013Doug...the presumption that principle will be sacrificed for vanity is a right-wing factor. I will remind you that the ALP. recently removed a vain and meglomania afflicted persona from the leadership. It is in itself a overestimation of ego that would foresee no other solution to such a vexing question such as ; policy to satisfy the majority of a inherently racist nation, as the abandoning of ALL principles to expediency when such policy decisions has brought such vitriol down on the heads of the gov't even from within it's own ranks. One could just as cynically state that applying the Green's policy of "no fences" would be to seek the votes of another demographic. There is no easy answer, if there were, there would be a solution at the start of the refugee trail rather than at the end!

Austin 3:16

29/05/2013Hey Doug, [quote]Don't know whether it got them any votes in the outer suburban marginals but it certainly contributed to them losing the blue ribbon seat of Melbourne and lost them plenty of votes in Grayndler and elsewhere in inner Sydney. [/quote] Personally I think it did a lot more damage than that. IF the electorate believes that asylum seekers are a serious problem that needs to be stopped at all costs then they will look to the party that is perceived to be the best to solve that problem. And it's always going to be the conservatives. There's no way that Labor will convince the electorate that they are tougher on boat arrivals than the conservative side of politics is. But in shifting to the right and going down the path of off-shore processing then that will help convince the electorate that asylum seekers arriving by boat are a problem that needs to be stopped. Especially when you propose shipping em to Malaysia. So Labor is currently working hard to convince the electorate there's a problem when the conservatives are seen as the solution to that problem. It's dumb on every level. But as I said earlier I think that cowardice is the parties biggest problem right now. Junking the ETS, backing down on the mining tax, the pre-election 'no carbon tax' promise, poker-machine reforms, the surplus, off-shore processing there are times when they shy away from making any kind of stand on principle.

nasking

29/05/2013 [b]ON A QUITE DIFFERENT NOTE. HOW GOOD TO SEE THE BACK OF MY LOCAL MEMBER - THE FORMER MEMBER FOR SICCING THE POLICE ONTO PROTESTERS - MARTIN BLOODY FERGUSON. THE MINING INDUSTRY'S BEST MATE IS OFF TO CLEAN UP AS A LOBBYIST FOR ALL HIS PALS IN THE DIG IT UP AND FLOG IT BUSINESS. CAPITALS FOR NASKING. I HOPE HE AGREES.[/b] DOUG EVANS, AGREE FULLBORE. THERE ARE JOBS...AND BLOODY DIRTY JOBS. AS FOR ABBOTT'S URANIUM TEARS...PERHAPS FERGUSON COULD SWEEP THEM UP AND SELL THEM TO CHINA...WHO IN TURN CAN PASS THEM ONTO RUSSIA...WHO ARE PLAYING FOOTSY WITH IRAN...OR MAYBE CHINA WOULD PASS THEM ON PERSONALLY TO IRAN IN A GOODWILL CARD? LET'S HOPE FERGUSON HAS TIME TO VISIT St Patrick's College (also referred to informally as "St Pat's" or "SPC") is an independent, Roman Catholic, day school for boys, located in Strathfield in the inner west of Sydney, Australia. WIKIPEDIA PERHAPS HE AND TONY COULD HAVE A CUP OF TEA TOGETHER AND REMINISCE...MY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DAYS...AND WHERE WE BURIED THE RADIOACTIVE WASTE. N'

Jason

29/05/2013Austin 3:16, But the Greens aren't a party of government! perhaps both parties need to show balls and put the greens last!

nasking

29/05/2013 WE DON'T WANT YOU MAKING MONEY ON YER LAND FROM THOSE PESKY IRRITATING WIND TURBINES... BUT WE DON'T MIND SPEEDING UP PERMISSION FOR YER NEIGHBOURS TO POISON YER WELL: [b]Coalition will support expansion of CSG mining[/b] THE Coalition has always been clear. We have never wavered. We won't waver. This was how the Opposition - through its raspy-voiced resource spokesman Ian Macfarlane -- spoke of its support for the coal seam gas industry, It would support the sector's expansion and its success. If elected in September, a government led by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott would introduce a "one stop shop" for environmental permits, with the approvals process largely delegated to states. Under this plan, the Commonwealth would watch from above, remaining hands-off where it could. The Opposition's ultimate goal would be first to have major resource project approvals done within two years, but eventually down to just 12 months. Following a speech by in-government counterpart Gary Gray, Mr Macfarlane said while Mr Gray and his predecessor Martin Ferguson were both strong advocates for their portfolios, the government itself treated the resources industry as "an ATM for wasteful spending". He said Federal legislation from Environment Minister Tony Burke to create a "water trigger" for major water-intensive projects drove uncertainty in the industry. Changes to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act are currently being debated in Parliament. If passed, this legislation will have direct effects on the coal seam gas industry through increased regulation. Mr Macfarlane said Opposition would support the emerging CSG industry both in Queensland and New South http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/coalition-will-support-expansion-csg-mining/1883136/ DOES THAT COME WITH NUCLEAR ENERGY AS A SIDE ORDER...OR MAIN COURSE? AND WHO GETS TO LIGHT THE WATER BONFIRES OF TONY'S VANITY? N'

Ken

29/05/2013Doug you raise some interesting points. There have been a number of internal reports for Labor in the last decade suggesting changes of various kinds. Every political party undergoes some form of renewal every few years (or perhaps more correctly, every few elections. I agree that principles are important but it comes back to the old story that principles are of no use if you don't get elected and can't put them into practice. I think the PM has recently been restating the "basic" Labor principles. I will reply at more length later. Have to go out just now.

Ad astra

29/05/2013Talk Turkey, cuppa Thank you for your complimentary remarks. I believe cuppa that the changes that the Coalition and its Murdoch supporters have brought about are not irreversible. We must do all we can to ensure that the damage they have inflicted on our society is not permanent. As TT would say: [b]VENCEREMOS[/b]. I'm having an early night.

Doug Evans

29/05/2013Jason I'm not biting. Some might be interested in this post from John Passant http://enpassant.com.au/2013/05/29/unlike-tony-abbott-i-will-shed-no-tears-for-martin-ferguson/

nasking

29/05/2013 DISGRACEFUL SCARE TACTICS USED BY 7:30s CHRIS UHLMAN...OVERLAID THE ASIO NARRATIVE WITH IMAGE OF PLANE STRIKING ONE OF THE TWIN TOWERS... HE SHOULD GO WORK FOR FOX NEWS: [b]Uhlmann was formerly a seminarian, a security guard[/b], and a journalist with The Canberra Times before joining the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as a radio producer in 1998. Uhlmann unsuccessfully contested the ACT 1998 general election for the electorate of Molonglo with the [b]Osborne Independent Group. The conservative group[/b] was named after Paul Osborne... Wikipedia MEMORIES: [b]In praise of Chris Uhlmann and the Gillard interview that Paul Keating didn’t like[/b] Chris Uhlmann is proving to be one of the sharpest and most formidable interviewers in Australia, The Spectator Australia says in an editorial this week: Paul Keating was “appalled” by the way the ABC’s Chris Uhlmann conducted 7.30’s post-Budget interview with Julia Gillard, complaining that it was nothing but “loaded set questions” and that Mr Uhlmann’s “whole tone was invariably accusatory … putting [her] on the back foot.” http://australianconservative.com/2012/05/in-praise-of-chris-uhlmann-and-the-gillard-interview-that-paul-keating-didnt-like/ HMMM... N'

Tom of Melbourne

29/05/2013It’s funny the way people call Tony Windsor “wise” or “balanced” when he deliberately cultivates the redneck vote – [i]He has endorsed a referendum on the death penalty and supports liberalisation of gun control[/i] So this wise and balanced MP would take action to restore the death penalty and loosen restrictions on firearm ownership. Windsor has more in common with a deep south Republican redneck populist. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Windsor

nasking

29/05/2013 THIS IS WEIRD: A possibly illegal tape recording from a device hidden in a bra has undermined attempts to link a blue-collar union to a lengthy picket in Werribee. In what a Federal Court judge described as behaviour more akin to a James Bond movie, the court heard this morning that industrial relations consultant Grace Collier hid a recording device in her bra to tape a conversation with union organiser Tony Mavromatis. Lawyers for the Fair Work Building and Construction inspectorate conceded that one of the recordings Ms Collier made may have breached the law. But they used the recordings from the device hidden in the bra as part of their case against Mr Mavromatis and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union. Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/busted-union-foils-tape-in-bra-spy-bid-20130212-2ea6s.html#ixzz2UgDUMynw N'

nasking

29/05/2013 MURDOCH STAFF USING ABC AS A CASH COW.

Jason

29/05/2013Doug, Not asking you to bite I thought the subject was worth talking abaout! but it seems you'd prefer things "that" should be "up" for discussion on a site like this is ok so long as you don't have to answer questions yourself or have your party put under any scrutiny! Doesn't seem fair!

nasking

29/05/2013 Joe Hildebrand (born 23 June 1976) is a journalist based in Sydney, Australia. Born in Melbourne, he moved to Sydney in 2000. Hildebrand works for The Daily Telegraph newspaper, as well as contributing to News Limited's opinion site The Punch. Hildebrand was awarded a "high commendation" at the 2004 Walkley Awards. Articles by Hildebrand often contain elements of humour in order to incite comments from readers and contributors. Hildebrand appeared on the ABC's national talk program, Q&A, on 30 May 2011 and 12 September 2011. He has also made several appearances on the ABC's national current affairs program, The Drum, since December 2010.[4] He has a weekly spot on Channel Seven's The Morning Show as well as Sky News Australia talk program Paul Murray Live. Hildebrand was the host of television series Dumb, Drunk and Racist, which debuted on ABC2 on Wednesday 20 June 2012. The fourth highest rating Australian program in the history of ABC2, Dumb, Drunk and Racist followed Hildebrand and four Indian travellers around Australia to test whether the popular Indian perception of Australians as stupid, intoxicated bigots was correct. Early figures for the first episode had average audience numbers in the five capital cities alone at 266,000, with a peak of just under 320,000. Wikipedia

nasking

29/05/2013 INTERESTING THE PEOPLE WHO BELLOW AND RANT ON SKY/SLY NEWS ABOUT ALP AND GREED FOR MONEY. LOOK IN MIRROR. NO LONGER EYES WIDE SHUT N'

Jason

29/05/2013ToM of the united nations, You're one funny bugger! fancy having so many email addresses just to troll blogs all day!

nasking

29/05/2013 WATCH JOE HILDEBRAND'S PERFORMANCE: http://video.couriermail.com.au/2224436120/Joe-Hildebrands-Labor-rant-on-Sky-News SMOKE AND MIRRORS. SEE...RIGHT...THRU...YOU N'

Jason

29/05/2013ToM of the united nations "Windsor has more in common with a deep south Republican redneck populist." Well I guess you'd know you're probably a blog botherer there as well! Are you moonshine ToM or have you some special sock puppet title?

nasking

29/05/2013 RUSSEL SKELTON APPARENTLY TO RUN ABC'S FACTCHECK. SUCH A PERFORMANCE BY THOSE TRYING TO MAKE VIRGINIA TRIOLI'S HUSBAND LOOK AS THO HE'S BIASED AGAINST ABBOTT AND HOCKEY ETC. OF COURSE EX-LIBERAL MARK SCOTT WAS DEFENDING SKELTON IN A FAUX FIGHT WITH A LIBERAL SENATOR. MEMORIES: Illustration: John Spooner. Marcia Langton's contentious Boyer lectures, described as the most shameful episode in ABC history, appear to have infuriated the unreconstructed few standing to the left of Fidel Castro. There may not be too many of them, but they have created enough din to prevent intelligent debate about Langton's salient analysis of a new emerging indigenous Australia. According to her critics, Langton's sins are many: She failed to declare in her lectures that mining companies helped fund her research into the politics of poverty and plenty in the Pilbara; and that she betrayed her Trotskyite roots by stating not all miners were villainous exploiters of indigenous people. Further, she had the temerity to take a hefty swipe at environmentalists for putting the green agenda ahead of the interests of Aboriginal Australians. What is not mentioned is that Langton has examined indigenous disadvantage with fresh eyes and insights that challenge the entrenched 1970s view of racist oppression and dispossession. Advertisement Of course, Langton, a formidable intellect and accomplished debater, needs no defending. As an academic she has produced an influential body of work and commentary over many years that has resonated with policymakers. As a young Aboriginal land rights activist she stood in the front line where her critics now stand so smugly. She is a forceful advocate for outcomes based on policy rather than sloppy ideological thinking. If she had a second PhD, it would be in refusing to tolerate fools of any kind. Her critics are right on one point: she has shamelessly used her position as foundation chair of indigenous studies at Melbourne University to engage with prime ministers, ministers, secretaries of government departments, corporate CEOs (yes, including Rio Tinto's Sam Walsh and Fortescue Metal's Andrew ''Twiggy'' Forrest), as well as radical activists and thinkers from the US and Canada. That surely is the job of a public intellectual. Several years ago a trusted source urged me to investigate Langton. She was, I was assured, in the pay of Rio and others, some sort of mining industry toady. I knew this was not true, having become well acquainted with Langton as a reporter. But as an exercise I hit Google. There on the Melbourne University website was clear acknowledgment of her research funding relationship with the so-called mining villains. The Office of Indigenous Policy Co-ordination, Rio Tinto, Santos and Woodside and Marnda Mia Central Negotiating Committee representing nine groups of Pilbara traditional owners had all supported her Pilbara research project. Nothing odd or secretive about that. All those groups are deeply involved in the Pilbara and have a special interest in the research. I also turned up other references to her links with big miners in a profile penned for The Monthly by Peter Robb, a fellow Melbourne University academic and distinguished author. Robb wrote at length about her relationship with Rio Tinto dispelling in the process any notion that Langton was a puppet of mining interests. The annual Narrm Oration she organises features radical thinkers such as the Alaskan Inuit leader Willie Hensley. In short, Langton's complex relationships with the mining sector and government are a matter of public record. The attacks on Langton could be filed away as nothing more than a monumental storm in a tiny teacup. But I believe there is something far more profound going on - given the level of vitriol, she has touched some exposed nerves. What Langton is saying sits uncomfortably with the way the Aboriginal industry - activists, NGOs, Amnesty and anti-intervention groups - have stereotyped Aboriginal Australians as a powerless, downtrodden, oppressed minority living in a world of disadvantage fuelled by government neglect. It's a view that has its roots in our shocking colonial history and in the landmark battles fought in the 1970s when Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser led the charge on land rights, native title, equal pay, access to welfare and unemployment benefits against a coalition of belligerent miners, ruthless pastoralists and recalcitrant state and territory governments. An essential part of Langton's thesis is that times have changed, old ways of seeing are no longer useful. For decades, millions of dollars have been poured into work-for-the-dole schemes that failed to produce a skilled labour force; official indifference to alcohol abuse has left communities racked by foetal alcohol spectrum disorders and family violence; welfare without responsibility has opiated initiative. As important as land rights and native title are, as Alison Anderson the mercurial NT Indigenous Advancement Minister once observed, ''her people'' have become prisoners on their own land because of the lack of economic opportunity. One only has to look at the Closing the Gap statistics to realise the massive failure of policy. A central message of Langton's, and it is by no means the only one, is change is occurring in remote parts of Australia and it has very little to do with the levers being pulled in Canberra, Darwin, Perth or Brisbane. Rio Tinto has a far superior track record when it comes to creating skills and jobs than any government or NGO. Rio is spending more than $1.6 billion on indigenous businesses in the expansion of Pilbara iron ore production. Andrew Forrest's FMG is spending about $1 billion on developing the Solomon hub. Other companies such as BHP are following. Rio and FMG employed 1300 Aboriginal workers and awarded contracts worth $300 million to 52 indigenous companies. These are significant advances producing an emerging indigenous class with skills and wealth to match. In the arts and film a similar revolution is taking place. How ironic then that resource companies, the old resisters to change, are setting ambitious employment targets with job training, contracting and procurement policies to ensure Aboriginal enterprises succeed. And all that, as Aboriginal entrepreneur Neville Stewart points out, is changing the way Aboriginal people see themselves. Stewart, the son of an Aboriginal policeman, heads Australian Indigenous Enterprises, a company valued at $140 million. He goes further than Langton. He says governments should rewrite the Native Title Act so traditional owners in places such as the Pilbara and the Kimberley can enter the mainstream economy by insisting on joint ventures, as they do in Canada and Alaska. Like Langton's analysis, Stewart's views do not sit comfortably with the stereotypical views of the '70s or the anti-interventionist lobby. What Langton is saying, and Stewart endorses, is that Aboriginal people want to be treated like everybody else, they want to be part of Australia and not confined to ''the reservation''. If non-indigenous Australians are free to participate in the boom, why can't they? For some, it seems, that is difficult to accept. Russell Skelton is a contributing editor of The Age. Rio Tinto assisted with his travel in the Pilbara. http://www.theage.com.au/comment/mining-modern-truths-20130306-2flhq.html HMMM... DOESN'T SURPRISE ME THAT THE FAUX SENATE DEBATE WAS SHOWN BY TONY (INTERVENTION) JONES N'

Mal Kukura

30/05/2013I have two observations to make after reviewing as much of the comments here as I could. First is that it is a very commendable achievement for TPS to have been recognized on The Guardian website with a specific link to this essay - "Political hatred: its genesis and its toll". My second observation is that the intensity of the interferences from the mercenary agents of the anti-democratic enemies of freedom in the comments is also a recognition of the amazing influence the essay authored by ad Astra has already had - although it is recognition of a negative and nihilistic kind rather than the positive Guardian kind. Finally I have to also comment that the naked attempt to turn the conversation away from discussion of the origin of the political hatred that has crept into Australian political discourse and the toll that hatred might have and has had - towards instead a critique of the commentators and authors collaborating here in this page now linked to the Guardian, can hardly be seen to be friendly to the purpose of neutralizing the hatred but is, I suspect, a rather premeditated and sinister attempt at sabotage by agents of the same savage and brutal forces which seek to use hatred to destroy Australia democracy and to nullify the parliamentary processes that make public participation in decision making possible. Need I name the most obvious of the commentators responsible? By their “fruit” you’ll identify them. Be wary of the "wolves" who hide behind woollen robes and Italian suits made from sheep cloth. This new medium of communication offers a slender opportunity for the voice of the many to be heard above the electronically magnified shrieks of the few who now control the 4th estate. That 4th estate is being played like a "Wurlitzer" as ad Astra has said - in the manner prescribed by Goebbels. The perennial struggle for freedom continues and while we can, we must continue to exercise our free speech even if the Abbott-Pell-Murdoch goons hate what we are doing here and try to infiltrate and undermine our efforts as predators do. Thank you ad Astra for providing this venue to collaborate to freely speak about what many fear to say.

nasking

30/05/2013 NEWS LTD BIAS SO OBVIOUS FOR ALL TO SEE...AGAIN: [b]Liberals sink Julia Gillard’s $60m election law[/b] Simon Benson The Daily Telegraph May 29, 2013 8:48PM JULIA Gillard’s plan to hit taxpayers with a $60 million bill to fund election campaigns has been torpedoed with the Coalition abandoning its support. Liberal sources confirmed there was overwhelming momentum to ditch what had been bipartisan support for the deeply unpopular plan. Draft legislation was studied by the Coalition last night, with senior opposition figures demanding Mr Abbott oppose the electoral reforms, which will come in from July 1. ------ IT'S LAUGHABLE... SO A BI-PARTISAN AGREEMENT WORKED ON FOR YONKS SUDDENLY BECOMES JULIA GILLARD'S... NOTE THE LACK OF PM IN FRONT OF GILLARD'S NAME. FRANKLY, I THINK THIS WHOLE BUSINESS HAS DONE HUGE DAMAGE TO THE ABBOTT COALITION...NOW THE VOTERS KNOW WHO SOME OF THEIR BIG DEAL SUPPORTERS, DONORS ARE...OUCH! I DON'T THINK THE ALP WILL WORRY ABOUT GOING BACK TO THE ONE THOUSAND MAX DONATION. THE COALITION AND SUPPORTERS JUST SPINNING LIKE A TOP...MISERABLE. N'

nasking

30/05/2013 TALK TURKEY...AN ARTICLE THAT SHOULD INTEREST YOU: Colorado took a major step toward implementing a legal system for dispensing recreational marijuana, as Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) signed into law on Tuesday several pieces of legislation on the licensing, cultivation, and taxing of marijuana. The ballot initiative to legalize and regulate marijuana passed by voters last November immediately eliminated criminal punishment for possession by those 21-and-over of less than an ounce of pot and for growing up to six plants. But a legal system for dispensing cannabis will not take effect until producers and dispensaries can be licensed. And although Hickenlooper opposed the ballot initiative, his signature signals his willingness to implement the will of the voters. The laws passed Tuesday set up a state licensing authority that will set more specific rules for the marijuana industry, and enable the law to fulfill its stated purpose of regulating and taxing marijuana like alcohol to minimize criminal activity while protecting public health. Here are six of the ways it achieves that: Marijuana dispensaries will have time, place, and number restrictions. The law authorizes local “time and place” restrictions on marijuana dispensaries and limits on the number of dispensaries, which will likely take the form of zoning laws. Statewide, it prohibits marijuana businesses from siting within 1,000 feet of schools, drug treatment facilities, or child care facilities, mirroring similar restrictions in many state marijuana laws. Also particularly noteworthy is that the law permits local jurisdictions to not only implement their own independent licensing schemes, but also to entirely ban retail marijuana establishments, a move that has been controversial and subject to court challenge in other states. Colorado limits who may obtain a marijuana license. Among those prohibited from obtaining a license are all sorts of law enforcement officers, those with a criminal history that indicates “he or she is not of good moral character,” and anyone who plans to site a marijuana business in a food establishment. Products will be subject to state oversight and testing. Licensed suppliers and retailers are required to provide a sample of their product to a state testing facility, which will likely verify the purity, potency, and safety of the products and eliminate the risk of black market purchases sometimes laced with other drugs. Colorado will limit interstate purchases. Recognizing the significant concern of the Department of Justice that states with recreational marijuana laws not become suppliers for those around the country, Colorado law permits licensed marijuana retailers to sell only ¼ of an ounce per transaction to nonresidents. Retailers, producers, and consumers will pay a hefty tax. The law Hickenlooper signed would impose a 15 percent excise tax and a 10 percent sales tax. The first $40 million of this revenue will go toward school construction. But state voters will have to vote on whether to approve this tax scheme during the 2014 election. Additional state and local taxes on all products may result in a total tax rate in excess of 30 percent. Colorado has finally implemented driving under the influence regulations for marijuana. After years of wrangling over a DUI law that would both protect drivers and ensure that those who use medical marijuana regularly would not be criminally punished, Colorado now has a law limiting THC levels to 5 nanograms while driving. Those charged, however, will have the opportunity to rebut a DUI allegation with evidence that their driving was in no way impaired. http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/05/29/2070641/five-ways-colorado-will-regulate-marijuana-like-alcohol/?mobile=wt TAXING IT SEEMS SENSIBLE...CONSIDERING HOW MANY USE IT. COMPLEX ARRANGEMENTS THO. I DO BELIEVE THO GOVTS HAVE TO GET MORE IMAGINATIVE WHEN IT COMES TO JOBS AND TAXING. CAN'T LIVE OFF THE MINING TAX FOREVER...AND PEOPLE EXPECT DECENT AFFORDABLE AND SOMETIMES FREE SERVICES. NOT UNLIKE THEIR POLITICIANS RECEIVE...AND THE MEGA-RICH TAKE FOR GRANTED. N'

TalkTurkey

30/05/2013Lucy aka LiR I'm missing you something awful! Hope your campaign is going swimmingly and you get a moment to let us know.

lyn

30/05/2013Today’s Links The aroma of decay by @awelder If Abbott wins Australia will have a government that has no clue and a Labor opposition unsure of what lessons the electorate was trying to teach it - but hey, the press gallery will stumble and bumble along, attempting to assure us that not only does Abbott's shit not stink but that it is positively fragrant (and who knows more about Abbott's shit than the press gallery?) http://andrewelder.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/the-aroma-of-decay.html Why we cannot a Ford to depend on multinationals by @independentaus Thee farewell of Ford from Australian production is not only understandable, but a welcome wake-up call http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/business/why-we-cannot-a-ford-to-depend-on-multinationals/ The crocodile and his friend by David Griffiths The Coalition Leader Mr. Tony Abbott is brought to tears in praising Mr. Ferguson – because he could no longer pillory the Government for not having his talents in the Ministry, because Mr. Ferguson and his co-conspirators did not succeed in their coup against Prime Minister Julia Gillard and precipitate an early election and http://www.australiasmassmedia.com/2013/05/29/the-crocodile-and-his-friend/ Coalition is asking us to act illegally, says green investment bank by Lenore Taylor The government’s new $10bn green investment bank claims the Coalition is asking it to act illegally by urging it not to carry out its statutory duties ahead of September's election. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/29/coalition-act-illegally-green-bank Political cycle of cynicism and naivety about to turn by @1RossGittins by the opposition's unreasonable criticisms of the Gillard government's performance. It's become standard practice in Australian politics to blame governments for almost every bad thing that happens on their watch, including developments beyond their control. http://www.rossgittins.com/2013/05/political-cycle-of-cynicism-and-naivety.html Still the lucky country, but some work too many hours by @1petermartin Australia has scored the unofficial title of the best address on Earth for the third year running in an OECD survey of what constitutes good living. http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/1534332/still-the-lucky-country-but-some-work-too-many-hours/?cs=7 Spoiled young economists flail! by @macro_business Wrong again. The RBA will cut again, even as the dollar falls. It will have no choice as the mining investment cliff gets steeper. I reckon June is odds-on at this stage but we’ll certainly see more before year end. And again, the RBA will look through tradable inflation when it comes. http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/05/spoiled-young-economists-flail/ Coalition’s paid parental leave tax to push up mortgage rates: Wayne Swan by Larry Schlesinger "The big banks have put Mr Abbott on notice that they will pass on every dollar of his company tax hike by jacking up interest rates on mortgages and small business loans - everyone with a home loan or business loan will pay for Mr Abbott's PPL scheme." http://www.smartcompany.com.au/property/055770-coalition-s-paid-parental-leave-tax-to-push-up-mortgage-rates-wayne-swan.html Gina Rinehart, Tony Abbott and the $700,000 plan to bring down Tony Windsor by @MigloMT Tony Abbott wandering the streets of New England, and Gina Rinehart with her $700,000 to bankroll Barnaby Joyce, and why is Barnaby Joyce delaying legislation that deals with mining and water resources. http://theaimn.com/2013/05/29/gina-rinehart-tony-abbott-and-the-700000-plan-to-bring-down-tony-windsor/ Sophie Mirabella claim regarding beginning of caretaker period by PM’s Press Office Liberal shadow minister Sophie Mirabella claims the caretaker period begins 15 June. FACTS: The caretaker period commences with the dissolution of the House which will be on, or shortly before, 12 August 2013. http://pmopressoffice.wordpress.com/author/pmopressoffice/ Business hypocritical on government debt by @OnLineOpinion The Chicken Littles are at it again - scaring us about the level of government debt and the deficits that bring about debt. Gina Rinehart has claimed that the present level of government debt 'is simply unsustainable' and that 'Australia had to take action to avoid following Europe into economic misery'. http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=15063 TV Networks Can't Fight The Web by @newmatilda Aereo got around US copyright laws by essentially connecting users to their own television signal. For US$8 a month, Aereo's massive data centres digitise standard free-to-air TV signals and stream them, via a purpose-built web interface, to a computer, smartphone or http://newmatilda.com/2013/05/29/tv-networks-cant-fight-web Yet more parties registering by @benraue The Australian Electoral Commission website has now posted a lengthy list of party applications that have proceeded to the stage of being placed on exhibition for any objections. These parties are: http://www.tallyroom.com.au/14586 Deep End by @madwixxy now we have a Liberal state government that turns a blind eye to the issue despite the Premier being the Minister for Western Sydney. One can only imagine what attacks the region would be forced to endure with the Liberals in at Federal level also. http://wixxyleaks.com/2013/05/29/deep-end/ Ferguson: Union movement trashed Hawke-Keating legacy by @gabriellechan Ferguson leaves Batman, the safest Labor seat in the country, open for preselection to a new generation of Labor. That generations’ direction, post September, remains open to guessing. http://gabriellechan.com/ Australian Fascist Police Conspiracies BY @archiearchive An underhanded, seemingly criminal, conspiracy to force a sitting Member of Parliament out of his position seems to have been ignored by the Australian Federal Police. A decision to take that same MP to Court on fraud charges which http://archiearchive.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/australian-fascist-police-conspiracies/ Why I Am Still A Member Of The ALP by C@tmomma, @HillbillySkill why I am still a member of the ALP. Because they are the only ones who have shown the courage and leadership required to tackle this complex issue head on from all angles & have come up with the most humane and rational solution respectful of all players in this issue. Asylum Seekers, the Australian People, http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/05/29/why-i-am-still-a-member-of-the-alp/ Fairfax columnist prints blatant NBN falsehoods by @renailemay Simply an incredible article by Davidson. Wrong on almost every count. How this one got past the sub-editors at The Age, I have no idea. I’ve debunked it here because I’ve received a constant series of requests from readers over the past several days to do so. http://delimiter.com.au/2013/05/29/fairfax-columnist-prints-blatant-nbn-falsehoods/ Today’s Front Pages Australian Newspaper Front Pages for 30 May 2013 http://www.thepaperboy.com/australia/front-pages.cfm News headlines http://www.hotheadlines.com.au/

Austin 3:16

30/05/2013MORE FROM JOE HILDEBRAND http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/joehildebrand/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/exclusive_labor_s_up_everything_again/

Austin 3:16

30/05/2013Hey Jason [quote]But the Greens aren't a party of government! perhaps both parties need to show balls and put the greens last![/quote] Yeah you have a point there. Be interesting to see what kind of deals the ALP will be after though.

nasking

30/05/2013 AUSTIN, IT'S BECOMING OBVIOUS TO ME THAT THE ALP HAD VERY GOOD REASON TO SACK RUDD...THEY HAVE BEEN CLEANING UP HIS MESS EVER SINCE. JOE HILDEBRAND IS YET ANOTHER MURDOCH HACK WHO GETS TO USE THE ABC. HE WILL DO ANY KIND OF SH* T STIRRING FOR HIS BOSS TO BRING DOWN THE GILLARD GOVERNMENT. BTW, AUSTIN...YOU ARE ALSO PLAYING A GAME. BEEN ONTO YOU FOR AWHILE. N'

Ad astra

30/05/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

nasking

30/05/2013 CHEERS LYN, THIS FROM ANDREW ELDER'S POST: [b]Tony Abbott has a record of saying things he doesn't really mean in order to get elected, and then doing things other than what he'd said once in office. The idea that any politician can cut taxes and increase spending at a time of economic uncertainty, while criticising others for being economically irresponsible, is bullshit. Sweet Barrie and the gang have a responsibility to call out the opposition on that, a responsibility they have shirked. [/b] BTW, WHAT IS WITH THIS OBSESSION OF LATE TALKING UP THE SIMPSONS? AT CRIKEY, Q&A. ELDER"S POST... MURDOCH'S EMPIRE HAS MADE A LOT OF MONEY FROM THE SIMPSONS...SURE, THEY TAKE A SWIPE AT HIM NOW AND THEN...BUT THAT'S ALL PART OF THE GAME...HE'S A SLY VERY VERY RICH MEDIA MOGUL...A SLY FOX: [b]Murdoch Wrote Own Simpsons Introduction: "I'm Rupert Murdoch, The Billionaire Tyrant" [/b] [b]In 18 years on Fox, "The Simpsons" has taken several swipes at Rupert Murdoch, the network's owner. Groening said Murdoch has been gracious every time the two men have met.[/b] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/07/22/murdoch-wrote-own-simpson_n_57305.html THERE ARE MANY LIBERTARIAN VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE MURDOCH EMPIRE'S ANIMATED SHOWS...THIS INCLUDES THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, KING OF THE HILL, FUTURAMA... SO THE MURDOCH PRO-NUCLEAR ENERGY, LIBERTARIAN ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT, GOVT IS DUMB AND WASTEFUL, THE INDIVIDUAL UBER ALLES, EVEN BAD FAMILY IS BETTER THAN NO FAMILY, YES NUCLEAR ENERGY IS DANGEROUS BUT IT CREATES JOBS SO GET USED TO IT, JUNK FOOD IS TOXIC BUT GET USED TO IT, RELIGION CAN BE OVERBEARING BUT ESSENTIAL IN OUR LIFE VIEWS GET PUSHED A LOT. I'M NOT SAYING ALL OF THOSE SHOWS ARE PROPAGANDA...BUT THEY DO MAKE MURDOCH'S FOX DECENT MONEY TOGETHER...AND IT GIVES HIS EMPIRE A LOT OF ACCESS TO CHILDREN...NOW ADULTS...THEY ALSO PROMOTE A LOT OF CONSPIRACY STUFF... SO IS IT ANY WONDER WE HAVE SO MANY CONFUSED ADULTS OUT THERE? FURTHERMORE, I DIDN'T REALISE THAT AFTER BARRIE CASSIDY WORKED FOR HAWKE HE WORKED FOR MURDOCH IN AMERICA. DOES MURDOCH HAVE A BRAINWASHING DEPT OR SOMETHING? :) AHHH, THAT'S RIGHT...IT'S CALLED NEWS CORPORATION. FRYING YER BRAIN INCREMENTALLY. N'

Doug Evans

30/05/2013Jason I say I'm not bitin'. But you say you're not baitin'. So I'll give it one try. You say "But the Greens aren't a party of government! perhaps both parties need to show balls and put the greens last!" 'The Greens are not a party of government' when decoded means they are too ideologically pure, they will not compromise. This is a Labor slogan akin to Abbott's 'We will stop the boats' and has about as much truth and credibility. Constantly repeated by Labor MPs and the MSM it has seeped into the Australian collective consciousness. It is rubbish. Every one of the Gillard government's legislative successes has been voted for by the Greens - every one of them - often after negotiation and amendment to bring the proposal more in line with Greens policy. The number of times the Greens have indicated that they would not support government legislation can be counted on one hand and inevitably resulted in the legislation not being brought forward due to the nature of this Parliament. The really useful bits of the Clean Energy Futures suite of policies, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation for example, are all there because the Greens demanded it and because Christine Milne and Adam Bandt were tenacious and skillful enough to negotiate their inclusion. I repeat they are ALL there because The Greens demanded them. This is FACT I'm not guessing. Denticare is a Greens initiative as is the Opal Fuel bill mandating the use of low aromatic fuel to combat petrol sniffing. For a small party with almost no resources and only one member in the lower house this looks like a pretty good record to me. Jason, when you raise the possibility that the old parties might collude to shut the Greens out by swapping preferences you raise an issue that is openly canvassed in the ALP such is the hatred for their natural ideological allies. In Victoria I expect this to happen in the seat of Melbourne in an attempt to shut out Adam Bandt and replace him with a compliant Labor back bencher and possibly in the seat of Batman where the Greens are popular and Martin Ferguson has retired. Now TPS is rightly highly critical of the lack of ethics of the Abbott led opposition and appalled at the prospect of him leading an Australian government. I am interested to know what TPS readers think of the ethics of the ALP preferencing candidates from THIS opposition ahead of the Greens in a blatant attempt to disenfranchise more than a million Australian voters (1.6 million voted Greens in 2010) by denying them a voice in the Lower House of the Federal Parliament. What does that tell you about the state of the party that the Gillard government represents in Parliament. To me it looks ethically pretty shabby. Jaycee this is where putting party and leader ahead of principle leads you. However not only is it ethically bankrupt it is an unbelievably stupid action for the ALP to take. Let's say they do it. Let's imagine that it succeeds and they reduce the coming catastrophe by clawing back a Lower House seat. When the dust settles they will be left with a primary vote in the mid 30s and a Greens Party considerably more antagonistic towards the ALP than now. The ALP will never gain power with a primary vote that low. Between 10 and 15% of the electorate will continue to vote for the Greens. Even a massive overall swing of 10% one or two terms hence against the Libs (should they win this election) would place both of the old parties around 45% with Labor reliant on the Greens to form government. That is why I have said repeatedly that unless the ALP gets over its enormous sense of entitlement and finds ways to co-operate with its natural ally on the left I do not expect to see a federal Labor government in power again in my lifetime. Now I would have thought that on a genuinely frank and fearless political blog such as TPS aspires to be there were some fairly important issues for discussion raised in this comment. How about it?

jaycee

30/05/2013Again, Doug..It is only YOUR ego (and I do mean that in a positive manner) that interprets the outcome of necessary compromise policy to be a servile buckling to person or party...it is neither..it is, unfortunately real-politik..to surrender gov't on the doubtful grounds of political purity (a purity that can change like the weather!) and therefore lose ANY capacity to make ANY policy AND give government to that side of politics that would decimate all and every social policy that makes this one of the best countries on earth to live would be psychotic at best and suicidal at worst! It is NOT a question of reverence toward political materialism(Leader/party), but rather a ; "He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day" style of geurilla political warfare against a formidable enemy of unlimited financial backing. There is an awful lot riding on this election...much more than individual sensibilities.

Maureen

30/05/2013Here is some disgusting news from the mouth of Gina Rinehart donor to the Coalition and the Murdoch cult http://dailycurrant.com/2013/05/28/gina-rinehart-calls-for-sterilization-of-the-poor/

Ken

30/05/2013Doug Just a few quick thoughts re your comments on the ALP and the Greens. I think you over-estimate the Greens vote. It is normally around 10 per cent plus/minus 1 or 2%. In individual seats it can go a bit higher but they cannot win HoR seats without preferences and, of course, those preferences will normally come from left-of-centre voters, i.e. Labor voters. Politically, Labor is trying to differentiate itself from the Greens. Having two centre-left parties does split the progressive vote, which is not good the way our voting system works (on the opposite side, e.g. the effect the Joh for Canberra campaign had on the LNP vote). It does not preclude doing preference deals with the Greens but, as I understand it, it has most often been the Greens who have been reluctant to do such deals, preferring either not to direct preferences or do deals on a seat-by-seat basis. In the current climate there are arguments both ways. By separating from the Greens I can see that they are trying to maximise their own first preference vote. I think they are assuming, rightly or wrongly, that Green voters will still more naturally direct preferences to Labor as the other progressive party. The danger of not directing their own preferences to the Greens (especially in the Senate) is that strange things (like Family First winning a seat) can happen. So I don't think it is clear-cut. There are good arguments both for preferencing the Greens and for being seen to be distinct from the Greens. It is obviously a political judgment by those within the ALP as to which way they go.

Austin 3:16

30/05/2013HEY NASKING, I'VE NOTICED ON THIS BLOG THAT SOME POSTERS HAVE A TENDENCY TO JUST RUN A PERSONAL ATTACK RATHER THAN DEAL WITH ANY ISSUES OF SUBSTANCE. YOU RECKON HILDEBRAND IS WRONG IN HIS PIECE THAT'S FAIR ENOUGH, BUT HOW ABOUT YOU DEMONSTRATE WHERE HE IS WRONG RATHER THAN JUST SLING MUD AT THE 'MURDOCH HACK'. AS I SEE IT THE PARTY ISN'T CLEANING UP AFTER RUDD - IT'S STILL COASTING ON HIS COAT TAILS. SOME OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN SAY ABOUT THE ALP GOVERNMENT - THEY HANDLING OF THE GFC, THE BER, THE NBN, THE APOLOGY TO THE STOLEN GEN - WERE RUDD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES. WHEREAS THE MINING TAX BACK-DOWN, THE 'REAL JULIA', OFFSHORE PROCESSING, THE NO CARBON TAX PROMISE, THE SURPLUS ETC ARE ALL GILLARD GOVERNMENT LOCK STOCK AND BARRELL. AS I SAID EARLIER I THINK A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS WERE FROM 'COWARDLY' BEHAVIOUR. LIKE DUMPING THE ETS. BUT THERE WAS AN ARTICLE IN THE AUSTRALIA A WHILE AGO THAT DESCRIBED GILLARD AS A MASTER TACTICIAN AND RUDD A BRILLIANT STRATEGIST. "GILLARD THE TACTICIAN DEFEATS RUDD THE STRATEGIST AGAIN" http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/gillard-the-tactician-defeats-rudd-the-strategist-again/story-e6frg76f-1226603792997 AND THAT MIGHT BE ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE, THAT GILLARD IS TACTICALLY BRILLIANT BUT STRATEGICALLY WEAK. THE SLIPPER TO SPEAKER SO A PROMISED TO WILKIE COULD BE DUMPED MIGHT BE A GOOD EXAMPLE. TACTICALLY A GREAT MOVE IT SURE WAS A GOOD SHORT TERM INITIATIVE - BUT THE LACK OF STRATEGY BEHIND IT CAUSED PROBLEMS DOWN THE TRACK. AS SUN TZU SAID "STRATEGY WITHOUT TACTICS IS THE SLOWEST ROUTE TO VICTORY. TACTICS WITHOUT STRATEGY IS THE NOISE BEFORE DEFEAT" SO TAKE A GUY LIKE RUDD ALL STRATEGY NO TACTICS, ALL BIG PICTURE NO DETAIL - YEP IT CAN CREATE A BIG OF CHAOS AND BE DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH BUT IT SURE IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

Ken

30/05/2013Doug One thing I forgot that I can comment on. The introduction of Opal fuel to combat petrol sniffing originally took place under the Howard government. I worked in the relevant department and although not directly involved myself, did know people who were working on it. The idea had been around for a long time and the Public Service, as usual, took some time to get the idea through the system. I don't know the details of the Green's involvement in the current Parliament but, if they have been, it was building on what had already been done.

nasking

30/05/2013 PLUS CE CHANGE.... [b]Rereading: Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin Fifty years after John Howard Griffin darkened his skin and travelled through the segregated US south, his record of the fear and prejudice he experienced is still resonant[/b] Sarfraz Manzoor The Guardian, Thursday 27 October 2011 One day in 1964 John Howard Griffin, a 44-year-old Texan journalist and novelist, was standing by the side of the road in Mississippi with a flat tyre. He saw a group of men approaching him. Griffin assumed the men were heading over to assist him but instead they dragged him away from his car and proceeded to beat him violently with chains before leaving him for dead. It took Griffin five months to recover from the assault. The attack was not random; the beating represented a particularly brutal form of literary criticism: Griffin was being punished for having written a book. Black Like Me, the book in question, had been published three years earlier in November 1961 and it had led to its author being both venerated and vilified. Griffin, a lantern-jawed and chestnut-haired white man, deliberately darkened his skin and spent six weeks travelling through the harshly segregated southern states of America, revisiting cities he knew intimately, in the guise of a black man. On the opening page Griffin set out the question he was attempting to answer: "What is it like to experience discrimination based on skin colour, something over which one has no control?" No white man could, he reasoned, truly understand what it was like to be black, because black people would never tell the truth to outsiders. "The only way I could see to bridge the gap between us was to become a Negro," Griffin writes... Startled by how little of himself he recognises, Griffin sets off on his journey and is further shocked by how little he recognises of his own country: the man who shines his shoes every day does not recognise him, the restaurants he usually eats in are no longer open to him, and he has to plan ahead if he wants to use the bathroom or drink from a water fountain. White folks either treat him with extravagant politeness – when they are on the hunt for black girls or they want to inquire about his sex life – or they give him what Griffin describes as "the hate stare". "Nothing can describe the withering horror of this," he writes, "you feel lost, sick at heart before such unmasked hatred, not so much because it threatens you as because it shows humans in such an inhuman light. You see a kind of insanity, something so obscene the very obscenity of it terrifies you. I felt like saying 'What in God's name are you doing to yourself?'" Being exposed to the hate stare, witnessing racism from the other side, leaves Griffin sad and angry; he grieves at how "my own people could give the hate stare, could shrivel men's souls, could deprive humans of rights they unhesitatingly accord their livestock". He concludes that "the Negro is treated not even as a second-class citizen but as a tenth-class one." Griffin's outrage at this injustice was rooted in his own life. He was studying in France at the outbreak of the second world war and joined the French resistance, helping to smuggle Jewish children to Britain. Having witnessed the consequences of racism against Jews he became more sensitive to the plight of black people in America. Griffin had been temporarily blinded during the war after being blasted with shrapnel. He recovered his sight two years before embarking on the journey he described in Black Like Me, and the book can be read as a reaction to the lessons he learnt while sightless. "The blind," he would later write, "can only see the heart and intelligence of a man, and nothing in these things indicates in the slightest whether a man is white or black." Black Like Me was Griffin's effort to persuade America to open its eyes. The first extracts from the book were published by Sepia magazine, and immediately he found himself the target of hostile attention. He received death threats, and an effigy of him was hung in Dallas, his home town, prompting Griffin and his family to go into exile in Mexico, where he did further work on the book. When it was published, he criss-crossed the country delivering lectures on his experiences; Black Like Me was translated into 14 languages, sold more than 10m copies, was adapted into a film and is still taught in schools and colleges across the US. I was 16 years old and in college when I first read Black Like Me. I can vividly recall the impact it made on me: as an Asian teenager growing up in the 1980s I felt like a second-class citizen. There wasn't any literature that I had come across that spoke directly to my experience and so I embraced the literature of black America. I read the speeches of Martin Luther King, Richard Wright's Native Son and Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, but Black Like Me struck an especially powerful chord partly because of Griffin's rage at the injustice of racism. In my own case, Black Like Me was not prophetic. Does it have any relevance 50 years after it was published? Today the idea of a white man darkening his skin to speak on behalf of black people might appear patronising, offensive and even a little comical. Griffin felt that by blacking up he had "tampered with the mystery of existence", which sounded profound when I read it at 16, but now seems typical of Griffin's rather portentous prose, which occasionally makes one doubt the credibility of what he is describing. Would the doctor who administered the medication really have told him, on shaking his hand and waving him goodbye, "now you go into oblivion"? Later Griffin notes that when he sits down to write to his wife, he finds he is unable to do so: "The observing self," he recalled, "saw the Negro write 'Darling' to a white woman. The chains of my blackness would not allow me to go on." This, to me, lacks plausibility. Other questions emerge in the rereading: how is it that a 39-year-old white man can pass himself as black simply by darkening his skin and shaving his hair? Did no one notice his Caucasian features and become sceptical of the white man with weirdly dark skin? It is also striking how confidently Griffin seems able to inhabit the black mindset and speak for all black men, within, it seems, only days of starting his journey. Despite these misgivings, Black Like Me remains for me a brutal record of the indignities suffered by blacks in segregated America; it is also a reminder of how, in some respects, things have progressed. Three months before its publication, Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. It is fascinating to speculate on Griffin's response had he been told, while on his odyssey through the segregated south, that a baby boy born to a Kenyan man would within 50 years be president of the United States. Obama's occupancy of the White House is, one could argue, emphatic proof that the world depicted in Black Like Me is history. Obama's mother was white – but he made an explicit decision, which he describes in his memoir Dreams From My Father, to embrace a black identity. This self-conscious immersion into blackness led him to move to Chicago, to become active in the church, to familiarise himself with the canon of black literature and the civil rights movement so that he could claim his presidential hopes represented the fulfilment of the civil rights dream. Obama's case is of course different to Griffin's, but in one sense he, too, was not born black – he became black. The similarities between Obama and Griffin are not, however, the primary reason why Black Like Me still speaks to us from a distance of 50 years; it resonates because its true topic is not race but humanity. Today in the US and elsewhere, Muslims have replaced blacks as the minority who are demonised, stereotyped and dehumanised. "To be a Muslim in America now is to endure slings and arrows against your faith," a recent cover story in Time magazine declared, "not just in the schoolyard and the office but also outside your place of worship and in the public square, where some of the country's most powerful mainstream religious and political leaders unthinkingly (or worse, deliberately) conflate Islam with terrorism and savagery." Look at the footage of the protests against the inaccurately dubbed "Ground Zero mosque" – the expressions on the faces of the protesters seem eerily familiar. The footage may be in colour, but it brings to mind grainy black and white archive film of protests against integration. The hate stare, described so starkly by Griffin, scarred the faces of these protesters. There is a man with a black father in the White House, but there is also another black man, Herman Cain, who is seeking the Republican nomination to become the next president, who has said that any Muslim serving in his administration would be forced to take a loyalty test. "The Negro. The South. These are details," Griffin wrote in his preface. "The real story is the universal story – one of men who destroy the souls of other men. It is the story of the persecuted, the defrauded, the feared and detested." As long as one group persecutes, fears and detests another, Black Like Me will, sadly, remain essential reading. Black Like Me: 50th Anniversary Edition is published by Wings Press (£15.93). Read the full article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/oct/27/black-like-me-john-howard-griffin#ixzz2UjFVBTyD INDEED. MORE READING KIDS...LESS FOX ANIMATION. NO LONGER EYES WIDE SHUT. N'

Doug Evans

30/05/2013Ken A brief response to your thoughtful comment. To my mind the unspoken premise of what you say, is that it is OK even smart for political pragmatism to trump principle in the making of such decisions (the allocation of preferences). Now plainly I would disagree with what I understand as your tacit acceptance of pragmatism over principle in the allocation of preferences. But let's leave that aside and ask can it possibly be SMART for the ALP to preference Abbott and the goon squad over the Greens. As I said above; let's say it happens and they claw back a seat or two to reduce the magnitude of the disaster they are faced with. When the dust settles they will in all likelihood lose 2pp about 55% to 45% and be left with a primary vote in the mid 30s. Let's then imagine two elections in which the overall swings away from Abbott are around 5% (primary vote not 2pp) In Australia such swings only occur in election years in which governments are changed so this is optimistic but let's imagine it anyway. In this circumstance, given some leakage to independents etc, in 8 years time Labor might have clawed its way back to a primary vote of around 40 - 45% perhaps closer to 45%. Thus with the support of the Greens, who they have consistently dudded and denigrated they might be able to form government again. Of course this assumes that the Greens can hold their 10+% of the vote. I'm betting they will do this and perhaps increase slightly as the parlous internal state of the ALP (read Latham's sobering Quarterly Essay) continues to encourage Labor voters to drop off and seek another place for their vote. Now if my assumptions are right and they are at least plausible, what sense would it make to antagonize the Greens by trying to lock them out of the 2013 election by swapping preferences with the devil?

Doug Evans

30/05/2013Jaycee I think you may have misunderstood me. Jason likes to stir me (who knows perhaps he actually believes it) with the slogan that the Greens are too pure, not prepared to compromise, not a party of government etc. I was simply pointing out to him that this is rubbish. I do not believe and would never argue for blanket adherence to principle and absolute refusal to negotiate. I do not believe that negotiation to achieve the best possible outcome is in any way a defeat. This is the essence of politics. But policy based on principle and rational argument is always preferable to policy formation overly dependent on the outcomes of focus groups. I'm not sure what political guerilla warfare means within the Parliamentary system. I'm pretty familiar with it outside parliament.

nasking

30/05/2013 WHAT A GROTESQUE ULTRA RELIGIOUS BIGOT ABBOTT IS...HE USED THE WORDS "FAG END" INTENTIONALLY A NUMBER OF TIMES THIS MORNING... MORE NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK TO HOMOPHOBES. HE'S A NARROW-MINDED DISGRACE. N'

Ad astra

30/05/2013Hi Lyn I’ve completed reading your links. I enjoyed David Richardson’s piece on [i]Online Opinion[/i] on government debt, and of course Ross Gittins is a good read. Renai LeMay exposes falsehoods that litter the article on the NBN by Kenneth Davidson in [i]The Age[/i]. We urgently need fact checking of stories in the Fourth Estate! The story of the funding of Barnaby Joyce’s tilt at New England as told by Tony Windsor in parliament is a frightening example of how it seems political favours are being sought by wealthy donors with vested interests.

TalkTurkey

30/05/2013[This comes via Lyn but this by Archie Archive is what we are up against. So I'm'a post it in full. [i]Fed me duck![/i] TT] Australian Fascist Police Conspiracies Posted on May 29, 2013 by archiearchive FCD Out here on the apparently underpopulated centrist and left wing fringes of the Australian political landscape, there has been a puzzlement! ashby It has been summed up in the Twitter hashtag #ashbygate. An underhanded, seemingly criminal, conspiracy to force a sitting Member of Parliament out of his position seems to have been ignored by the Australian Federal Police. A decision to take that same MP to Court on fraud charges which involve less than a thousand dollars and which, in all previous similar situations, have been overlooked when repayment has been made. It has been easy to call conspiracy and allege an anti-Government attitude yet there has always been a basis of trust in the Police Forces in Australia. Yes, I know there have been bad cops but mostly in conventional bad-assery. Prostitution, drugs, fast-food freebies; that sort of thing. Beria-ite police forces are totally alien to our berialand of wide open spaces and inbuilt honesty. We have been only half serious when we have talked of the AFP having an agenda. Not believing it possible that a police force in Australia would be involved in bringing down a Government. Until Now! whistleblowerSergeant Brendan Thomson of the AFP has blown a whistle, claiming that the higher echelons wanted to “manufacture a situation” by withdrawing forces from Christmas Island. Along with the ashby-smoke of the strange actions of this secretive police force we suddenly are confronted with the glowing combustion of a whistle-blower’s story. A story of deliberately acting to influence the public’s view of Government actions. Perhaps there is a connection between the two stories. Not a deliberate, causal connection but an attitudinal connection. Are we seeing a move away from upholding the Law to creating the Law? Or even a move towards an attitude of being above the law? I do so hope there is NOT an actual connection. For if there is, then we could be seeing the emergence of Australia’s KGB! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am hardly ever - almost never indeed - a betting man, but I would give odds that the overwhelming proportion of those in the frightening conspiracy belong to one sect of one major Judaic religion whose very name *Catholic* - 'universal' - betrays their overweening ambition to control the universe. WHY ARE SO FEW UNAWARE of the RELIGIOUS TAKEOVER of Australia being planned by, specifically, a CANCEROUS CATHOLIC CABAL? Is that "fomenting religious hatred" ? Is a conspiracy of Catholics a Catholic conspiracy? You can say what you like about Moslems Kill a million, it barely makes news; But criticise a Christian, you Bet soon you'll be wishin' you Never! - And then there's the Jews!

Lucy

30/05/2013Hey Talk Turkey I'm here and thank you for missing me. I'm busy getting on top of local issues in the Wide Bay. Where's Warren on the Bruce? Where's Warren on the Cross River Rail Crossing project that could potentially mean job for Maryborough? Where's Warren on regional development? Where's Warren on jobs for our region?...Well he is not to be found. I did however see him at the Fraser Coast Show. Thanks Lyn so much for your links, you know how much we all value them. And Ad astra this current post has proud place on my Facebook page...Lucy Stanton for Wide Bay

Ken

30/05/2013Doug You take the underlying assumption too far. Of course principle and the big picture remains a central tenet but it has to be allied with some pragmatism if a party is ever, as I said, to have a chance to put its principles into practice. I think that is also what Jason is driving at in saying the Greens are "too pure". They had the chance to have an ETS in place when Rudd and Turnbull agreed and the chance still existed even when Abbott took over but they did not think it went far enough. Perhaps it didn't (it still doesn't) but it could have been legislated in place and legislation can always be changed later. Labor has gone into elections previously not preferencing the Greens but they still work together (most of the time). It is politics after all. Just as the Greens were opposed in the past day or two to the increase in taxpayer funding for political parties but were willing to accept the money - that is also pragmatism. Don't get me wrong - I'm not an opponent of the Greens. My natural political leaning is somewhat to the left of the Greens (being a child of the '60s, perhaps more in the Che Guevarra region of politics). But politics requires negotiation, as you say, and also finding a balance between principle and pragmatism.

Austin 3:16

30/05/2013HEY NASKING [quote]HE'S A NARROW-MINDED DISGRACE.[/quote] HE SURE IS, REMIND ME AGAIN WHAT THE POSITION OF THAT BROAD MINDED PM GILLARD IS ON GAY MARRIAGE ?

nasking

30/05/2013 I CAN SEE MANY MANY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ALP, THE GREENS, THE INDEPENDENTS...CERTAINLY THEY HAVE GOT A LOT OF LEGISLATION THRU DUE TO PM GILLARD'S NEGOTIATING SKILLS...NOT TO MENTION COMPROMISE BY ALL. AS SOMEONE WHO HAS SPENT MANY YEARS HERE, YET WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL IN CANADA...AND SOME TIME AT UNI, I HAVE LEARNT A GREAT DEAL ABOUT AUSTRALIA'S HISTORY... PARTICULARLY ABOUT THE EARLY ARRIVALS/VISITS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES, INDIGENOUS CULTURE, THE EARLY SETTLER YEARS...WHITE AUSTRALIA POLICY...THE ROLE OF FILM IN EDUCATION...THE WAR YEARS...INCLUDING VIETNAM WAR...MENZIES...PROPAGANDA...WHITLAM...MUSIC...ART...AND SO ON...WITH A FOCUS ON WOMEN IN THE 60 & 70s NOW...AND MINING...AND ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES...AND THE FILM AND DIGITAL INDUSTRIES... AND THE JO BJELKE PETERSON YEARS...I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW JO MANAGED TO STAY IN FOR SO LONG CONSIDERING THE CORRUPTION...HORRID DEVELOPMENTS...AND LEVELS OF RACISM ETC... NOR DO I KNOW ENUFF ABOUT THE COALITION RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NATIONAL PARTY AND LIBERALS... THERE SEEMS TO BE LITTLE SCRUTINY OF THIS ALLIANCE. RATHER ODD I RECKON. CONSIDERING NATS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MORE PROTECTIVE OF SMALL FARMERS (?)...AND VERY CONSERVATIVE FAMILY VALUES TYPES BUT ENJOYING GOVT HANDOUTS IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES... AND AREN'T LIBERALS SUPPOSED TO BE PRO-FREE TRADE AND FOR COMPETITIVE MARKETS (MURDOCH DOMINANCE?) AND PRO WOMEN AND LGBT RIGHTS ON THE BASIS OF GIVING PEOPLE FREEDOM...AND PROVIDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES... [b]OR ARE THE PRESENT LIBERALS JUST RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVES WHO CONVENIENTLY USE THE TERM 'LIBERAL'?[/b] I AM CONFUSED... [b]WHY DON'T THE MSM FOCUS ON THIS CLOSE ALLIANCE...THIS ODDBALL, CONVENIENT COALITION.[/b] N'

nasking

30/05/2013 WHAT A DISGRACE THAT NO WOMEN HAVE DONE THESE JOBS F/T: [b]9 Places Where No Woman Has Ever Been[/b] http://www.upworthy.com/9-places-where-no-woman-has-ever-been-2?c=mrp1 YOU CAN ADD THE SHOWS 'INSIDERS' AND 'Q&A' HERE IN AUSTRALIA. N'

Doug Evans

30/05/2013Ken I didn't know the history of the Opal issue. thanks for that. All I knew (know) is that Richard Di Natale introduced it this time and shepherded it through. With regards the Greens refusal of Rudd's ETS it was necessary to be across the fine detail of that package to understand why the Greens knocked it back. I was at the time. I don't know if you were or not. I do know that, with the exception of one or two like Lenore Taylor who could be bothered trying to understand what was actually going on, the lazy MSM simply decided it was all too complicated and swallowed Labor's 'too pure to compromise' bull-shit completely and unquestioningly . The Greens are still living with the consequences of that as they knew they would have to at the time. I'd have to go searching for old letters I wrote to Lindsay Tanner at the time to really dredge up the details but the problem was in the many caveats, sunset clauses and incredibly long periods during which reduction targets had to be maintained before any tightening could take place. Old articles of Ken Davidson would be a good source of information on this but in November 2009 I wrote this which covers some of the shortcomings of the CPRS in one of my early blog posts: "So here we are at last. This week Australia will almost certainly be shackled with a climatically useless incredibly expensive Emissions Trading Scheme. As usual Kenneth Davidson nailed it with his piece in the Age. This ETS is so drained of whatever is required for it to even give the appearance of reducing carbon emissions that it will amount to no more than a massive windfall handout to the polluters. We know that it will not achieve the globally adopted starting point of the 1990 emissions level until 2035. No-one bothers to deny this. We know that despite the universal advice of those who understand these things, the initial price of carbon permits – for those so unfortunate as not to have received theirs free – is way below the price likely to drive necessary change. The process of purchasing forest protection offsets from the developing world simply shifts the responsibility from developed to developing world. That sound fair to you? Whether or not the purchase of these bargain basement off-shore offsets results in any emissions reductions is thought to be next to impossible to verify so not only will we get no reduction in domestic emissions for a couple of decades there is no certainty that this scheme will deliver any reduction in emissions from the developing world either. Remind me again why we are doing this?" The Rudd government represented by a younger more inexperienced Penny Wong was placed under enormous pressure from the industry lobbies and caved in against Ross Garnaut's strong and repeated advice by offering massive compensation where absolutely none was required or needed When Christine Milne says of this, as she has so often had to, that the Rudd CPRS was simply locking in failure she is doing no more than state the honest truth.

Doug Evans

30/05/2013Ken and others I promise not to flood the site with extraneous bits of political history but as Ken asked about Rudd's CPRS repeating the tired old myth that the Greens' rejection of this shows their inflexibility and commitment to ideological purity. I thought the text of this letter that I wrote to Lindsay Tanner in February 2009 (or was it 2008?) was relevant. The second half of the letter directly addresses the CPRS. The Hon. Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation PO Box 6022 Parliament House, ACT 2600 February 20 Dear Mr Tanner Again I am writing to you as resident in your electorate to complain about the utter chaos the Government has created in its attempts to come to grips with the problems of climate change. I am appalled. Martin Ferguson has announced that the government does not believe that a gross feed-in tariff [GFT] is the right way to grow the use of renewable energy in Australia preferring instead the government’s $435 million renewable energy development program [REDP]. This is no surprise. Making spurious use of figures and a ridiculous argument to support this position he asserts that in 2007 Germans paid the equivalent of an extra $2.5 billion via the feed-in tariff in support of a program that only produces half of 1% of Germany’s electricity. Even if his figures are right, allowing for the difference in populations and the overall amount of electricity generated in both countries this equates to Australians paying an extra $600 million to achieve about 3% of our electricity consumption from solar. This is less than $20 per capita per annum. Now an extra $20 per household on the quarterly electricity bill is not negligible but few Australian households are unable to bear such a load and compensating those that are would be small change in relation to current and projected government spending. Bear in mind that the Germans have achieved this in about a decade and are well on target to achieve 5% of their electricity from solar by 2020 – this would equate to between 15 and 20% of Australian electricity consumption. A GFT can be instituted at minimal cost to the government, modest cost to the consumer and supplements rather than precludes additional measures such as the REDP. The proposition that the government needs to choose one path or the other is ridiculous. I will write to Mr Ferguson expressing these views for all the good that will do but the real point of this letter is that no matter what measures governments State or Federal choose in pursuit of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target [MRET] if the atrocious CPRS becomes law they will not have the slightest effect on Australia’s overall emissions. The CPRS does not simply remove the possibility to reduce our overall greenhouse burden at the margins but cuts right across major initiatives like the REDP. In fact if it became law in its current form the $435 million that the government has committed to the REDP would be little more than a subsidy to the major polluters and would not reduce our greenhouse burden which is tied to the ludicrous 5% - 15% target. The government is digging itself into a deeper and deeper hole with this legislation and both Federal and State Labor seats will fall to the Greens as a result. It would do well to heed the advice of the ten ‘concerned economists’ whose statement I have included with this letter. The remainder of this letter is devoted to an summary of the most important shortcomings of the proposed CPRS. Given that stationary energy accounted for 50% of Australia’s emissions in 2006, a back of the envelope calculation would suggest that an MRET target of 20% by 2020 would cut Australia’s emissions by around 5% by 2020 (based on 1990 levels and if all other factors were held constant). This would imply that Australia could easily meet (and exceed) the Government’s proposed emissions reduction target of 4% by 2020 (on 1990 levels) by simply achieving the 20% MRET target. However, the Government has proposed to implement a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) to reduce Australia’s emissions. While the CPRS will set a ‘cap’ on emissions, by issuing a fixed number of permits to pollute equivalent to 4% below 1990 levels, it “will also impose a ‘floor’ below which emissions cannot fall.” As noted by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), “additional measures to reduce emissions in sectors covered by the scheme would not result in an increase in emissions abatement … the emissions avoided through undertaking an additional measure would result in an equivalent increase in emissions elsewhere. ” This means that the 5% emissions reduction achieved by the MRET target would enable other industries covered by the CPRS (such as cement, steel and aluminium) to increase their emissions by about 1%. As total emissions are unable to fall below the 4% emissions reduction target under the CPRS, green industries (including renewables), State/Territory governments, local councils, businesses, communities and households will be completely dis-empowered and prevented from making a meaningful difference when it comes to climate change. It will also lead to the end of the voluntary offset market in Australia, which will mean that Australian businesses wanting to reduce their carbon footprints will most likely have to purchase offsets in emissions reduction projects overseas rather than investing in emissions reduction projects in Australia. The CPRS, combined with this low target range, will not only “lock Australia into inaction on climate change until 2020 ”, it will also severely impact international agreement for a meaningful 2020 target range as part of the new climate deal to be agreed this December in Copenhagen. • The EU and UK have already committed to reduce emissions by 20-30% and 26-32% below 1990 levels respectively . • Under the current CPRS, the Government will need to compensate industries covered by the CPRS if they decide to change Australia’s emissions reduction target before 2020. For example, if the Government decided to reduce emissions by another 5% by 2020 it would roughly result in a compensation payment to industries covered by the CPRS of around $684 million . • With the CPRS legislation scheduled for approval by June 2009, the Australian delegation attending the Copenhagen talks in December 2009 will have little choice but to push for lower global emissions reduction targets (closer to the Australian 4-14% target range) as any decision to substantially change the target will result in billions of dollars of compensation to be paid by the Government to Australian industries covered by the CPRS. If there is a flaw in the position I have put I would very much like you to tell me where it lies. I have met you on more than one occasion and find it impossible to believe that you don’t understand the enormous shortcomings of this proposed legislation. Apparently there are those among your colleagues that either don’t or won’t Ms Wong and Mr Ferguson for example. For the sake of the environment, Australia’s standing in the international community, the continued credibility of this government within the electorate and your own prospects for re-election I hope you will do your very best to turn this around. Regards Doug Evans

Doug Evans

30/05/2013Ken and others This ancient blog post has some stuff on the failings of Rudd's CPRS, among other things. It has links to a couple of good articles one by Adam Morton for the SMH and one by Lenore Taylor. For the sake of clearing up hoary old myths about the inflexibility and ideological purity of the Greens I recommend reading them. http://duggyvans.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/tweedle-dum-and-tweedle-dee.html Also this blog post from David Spratt co-author of the award winning Climate Code Red pretty well shreds the credibility of Rudd's CPRS. http://www.climatecodered.org/2009/05/has-kevin-rudd-taken-significant-step.html

nasking

30/05/2013 TRAGIC...AND COULD'VE BEEN PREVENTED IF YOUTH BETTER EDUCATED...I NOTICED THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS GROWN ALONGSIDE RAMPANT CAPITALISM IN CHINA...SIGH: China: mother of baby freed from sewer pipe speaks out 22-year-old said she kept pregnancy secret after father refused to stand by her and she could not afford abortion The sociologist Li Yinhe said more than 70% of China's young adults had had sex before marriage, but Chinese schools typically shied away from sex education and teaching about contraception for fear of appearing to condone premarital sex. Read the full article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/29/china-mother-baby-59-sewer#ixzz2Ujs05tut DAMN THOSE WHO PUSH FOR YOUNG POOR DISEMPOWERED PEOPLE TO HAVE BABIES IN PATRIARCHAL ERAS...AND REGIONS. THERE WILL BE A RECKONING. YOUR GAMES ARE WICKED AND GROTEQUE. LIKE DISPLACING FAMILIES BY WAY OF CRUSADING CORPORATE WARS PARTLY TO CREATE MASSES OF VULNERABLE WOMEN SEARCHING FOR INCOME...ONLY TO FIND IT AS SEX SLAVES AND PROSTITUTES WITHOUT RESPECT OR RIGHTS...BEING FORCED TO PEDDLE YOUR TAMPERED DRUGS AND COPE WITH YOUR ABUSE. I SEE...[b]YOU[/b] [b]WE...SEE...YOU [/b] VIRUS N'

nasking

30/05/2013 Should be: YOUR GAMES ARE WICKED AND GROTESQUE

Austin 3:16

30/05/2013Hey Doug, Yeah sure was good of the Greens to see off Rudd's CPRS. Well except that the long term consequences are that we're most likely to end up with Abbott's "direct action" instead.

nasking

30/05/2013 [b]You can say what you like about Moslems Kill a million, it barely makes news; But criticise a Christian, you Bet soon you'll be wishin' you Never! - And then there's the Jews![/b] TT, that sounds anti-Semitic... I AM A BIG SUPPORTER OF ISRAEL...WHO BELIEVES IN A RATIONAL TWO STATE SOLUTION...YOU NEED TO REALISE THAT JEWISH PEOPLE ARE DIVERSE...NOT ALL FAR-RIGHT FANATICS...LIKE SOME WHO WORKED WITH THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. MANY JEWISH PEOPLE HAVE MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEIR COUNTRIES...AND SHOULD NOT ALL BE LUMPED IN THE SAME CATEGORY. VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE NOTICED WITH THE CATHOLICS FOR INSTANCE, THERE ARE SOME MORE PROGRESSIVE, SOME FAIRLY MODERATE, SOME COME ACROSS LIKE PROGRESSIVES BUT ARE STILL VERY BIGOTED...SOME ARE FAR-RIGHT... THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS DONE MANY A GOOD DEED IN ITS TIME...PARTICULARLY THOSE WILLING TO MOVE AWAY FROM VATICAN DICTATORIAL ATTITUDES ABOUT CONTRACEPTION...AND BIGOTRY OVER THE LGBT COMMUNITY. SADLY THO, I FIND THERE ARE SOME OF THE CATHOLIC PERSUASION NOW WHO HAVE GOT THEMSELVES INTO A RELUCTANT, PERHAPS TRICKY, RELATIONSHIP WITH CORPORATE FIENDS AND FANATICS FROM VARIOUS RELIGIOUS AND BELIEF BACKGROUNDS IN ORDER TO GAIN MORE POWER...EARN MORE MOOLAH...GAIN MORE ASSETS (HOARDING IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MEGA-RICH AND VATICAN TOO)... AND TO CONTINUE THIS CRUSADE...THIS WAR ON ISLAM (THEY PRETEND OTHERWISE)... AND IT WOULDN'T SURPRISE ME IF SOME OF THEIR LEADERS PLANNED TO DUPE THEIR RIGHT-WING JEWISH ALLIES BY CREATING CHAOS IN THE MIDDLE/EAST, LEVANT...SO EVENTUALLY ISRAEL IS UNDERMINED... AND THE FUNDY CHRISTIANS CAN STORM IN AS PRETEND SAVIOURS...BUT IN FACT, TAKING OVER JERUSALEM AND THE HOLY LANDS...THE REST YOU KNOW. I THINK IT IS PART OF THE REASON THEY DON'T BELIEVE IN MAN-MADE CLIMATE CHANGE (THO, SOME PRETEND)...BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE IT IS ALL GOD'S WILL. MORE REASONS I DON'T TRUST ABBOTT AND CO. SO PLEASE DON'T RESORT TO ANTI-SEMITISM TO TRY AND EXPLAIN THIS SITUATION. CHEERS, N'

nasking

30/05/2013 COALITION COMPLAINING THAT ALP HAS ONLY BUILT OVER 220 TRADE TRAINING CENTRES...WTF!!! DAMN SITE MORE THAN THE LIBERALS UNDER HOWARD...HOWARD CALLED ON STUDENTS TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY...FED THEM TO COMPANIES ETC AS APPRENTICES ONLY FOR SOME TO BE ABUSED, EXPLOITED. N'

nasking

30/05/2013 WHAT ROLE DOES VB PLAY IN SPORTS...I SEE IT EVERYWHERE. WHAT HAS GROG GOT TO DO WITH HEALTHY SPORTS? NOT EXACTLY GOOD ROLE MODELLING...NOT POSITIVE MESSAGE FOR KIDS. WHO ARE THE OWNERS, SHAREHOLDERS OF VB ETC? SAME WITH 4X I SEE THAT TOO. NOT REALLY APPROPRIATE TO HAVE GROG, GAMBLING LOGOS EVERYWHERE...INCLUDING JERSEYS. ----- BTW, SLY/SKY NEWS IS SO FULL OF CRAP...TRYING TO DEFINE THE ELECTION FUNDING BILL BACKDOWN AS "GOVT FAILURE"... THEY MAKE ME PUKE ON THERE...SMUG BUNCH... WONDER HOW MUCH THEY GET PAID TO PUSH SUCH CRAP ON A DAILY BASIS? I HEAR THE MURDOCH EMPIRE CONTROLS THE NEWS AND RECRUITMENT PART OF SKY NEWS. TYPICAL. N'

Tom of Melbourne

30/05/2013It is an interesting discussion, and it seems that there are plenty of ALP (former) supporters who are now disaffected with the structure and direction of the party. It's problem most here prefer to ignore, Ad Adstra particularly chooses not to deal with subjects such as asylum seekers, marriage equality, economic commitments or political integrity. It's all just about Abbott and the media. Ad Astra discusses 1/4 of the political equation.

Jason

30/05/2013ToM of the United Nations, Why don't you ask Ad if you can publish a topic of your choice? Put up or STFU!

nasking

30/05/2013 CAN WE EXPECT THIS FROM A POSSIBLE ABBOTT GOVT?: [b]A cap on the number of times patients can visit their GP in a year is being considered by the Conservative Party, it emerged yesterday. [/b] A Tory consultation document on local health provision asks activists whether they agree or disagree with the idea of an annual limit on GP appointments. The paper also asks whether evening and weekend appointments with GPs and consultants are a "luxury the country cannot afford". The proposals, which the document admits are "controversial", were yesterday condemned for targeting the most vulnerable, who need to see their doctor more often than others. They also fuelled the debate raging over access to GPs, out-of-hours services, and the pressure on accident and emergency departments. Dr Clare Gerada, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said the idea was "short-sighted". Labour seized on the document, describing the proposed limit as a threat to the core National Health Service principle of access based on clinical need. The revelation follows the appointment earlier this month of Nick Seddon as Downing Street health policy adviser. Formerly of the think-tank Reform, he has suggested NHS cuts and charges for GP visits. The document is buried on the website of the Conservative Policy Forum, chaired by Oliver Letwin and supported by the Tory co-chairman Grant Shapps. The forum brings together activists from constituency groups to discuss ideas for the next two years of the coalition, the 2015 manifesto, and future Tory government policy. On the conservativepolicyforum.com site, the "discussion brief" document, entitled "Local Health", is dated last month and was sent out from the central party, although no author is identified. It asks for views from activists on the future of the NHS, based on the four priorities of the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, of improving the standard of care throughout the service, bringing the "technology revolution" to the NHS, improving treatment and care of dementia and other long-term conditions, and improving mortality rates for the big killer diseases. Conservative party members are asked to agree or disagree with a list of sentences, including "There should be no annual limit to the number of appointments patients can book to see their GP". It also lists "GPs should take greater responsibility for out-of-hours care in their area", "Families should be responsible for the care of their infirm relatives" and "Open competition within the NHS is undesirable". Members are also asked whether NHS money should be moved from areas with the greatest need. Labour health spokesman Jamie Reed said: "This paper, hidden away on their website, reveals the Tories' true agenda for the NHS. After throwing the NHS open to ever more privatisation with a wasteful and damaging reorganisation, it seems the Tories want to go even further. "It's shocking that they are considering limiting the number of times patients can see their GP – changing the fundamental principle in the NHS constitution that access to the NHS is based on clinical need. "The Tories have already wasted £3bn on a top-down reorganisation of the NHS and overseen a crisis in A&E – now they are consulting their members on opening up the NHS to even more competition, and making it harder for patients to see GPs in the evenings and at weekends." http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cap-on-number-of-gp-visits-being-considered-by-tories-8632396.html [b]I THINK PARTIES AND INDEPENDENTS NEED TO UNITE AGAINST NEO-LIBERAL, TRICKY LIBERTARIAN & RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVE COALITIONS BACKED BY THE MURDOCH EMPIRE.[/b] [b]THO, SOME HAVE MAJOR DIFFERENCES...REMEMBER ON ELECTION DAY THE ALP ARE THE ONES WHO BROUGHT US MEDICARE.[/b] N'

Janet (jan@j4gypsy)

30/05/2013 Why do I have a certain sense of deja vu about this piece today by Gai Alcorn in [i]The Citizen[/i]? :-) Thursday 30 May 2013 [b]Not quite the mainstream, but politi-bloggers looking to make a splash in an election year[/b] http://thecitizen.org.au/features/not-quite-mainstream-politi-bloggers-looking-make-splash-election-year Good to see some focus on David Donovan and [i]Independent Australia[/i] though.

nasking

30/05/2013 CHRISTOPHER PYNE came close to losing Sturt at the 2007 federal election to Labor candidate Mia Handshin, after suffering a primary vote swing of 4.5 percent and a two-party swing of 5.9 percent, to finish with 50.9 percent of the two-party vote. Wikipedia INDEED. VULNERABLE. N'

Michael

30/05/2013You put Abbott into The Lodge, you put Murdoch and Rinehart and Pell et al whispering in his ear, you just voted to change some spelling. From Lucky Country. To Lackey Country. Do that, you'll have SO much to be proud of.

42 long

30/05/2013Murdoch for President. That way you cut out the middlemen. People who want Abbott in , should know he is beholden to cigarettes, Clubs Australia lobby,Gina Ironheart (Australia is MINE) Rupert (Gimme the abc and stuff the NBN) Coal and oil vested interests, (VAILLE and ANDERSON are out there making lots of dough buggering the country) IPA ( WHO do THEY represent?) TEA PARTY thinkers ( right wing nut jobs, PRIVATE school lobby, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Intelligent design adherents ( the earth is only 6300 years old) to be taught as "science". etc etc. Reminds me of the AIDS adds. IF you TAKE ON ABBOTT You get all these other things with him. You don't know where he's been mate!! He will do as asked He has sold what goes for a soul.

nasking

30/05/2013 I WONDER HOW MUCH TAXPAYER MONEY WAS WASTED ON HOWARD AND BUSH'S DUMB WAR?: John Howard: ignored advice. Former prime minister John Howard's justification this week on why we went to war against Iraq in 2003 obfuscates some issues. I was the secretary to the federal parliamentary intelligence committee from 2002 until 2007. It was then called the ASIO, ASIS and Defence Signals Directorate committee - which drafted the report Intelligence on Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction. Howard refers to this committee in his speech justifying our involvement in the war. The reason there was so much argument about the existence of such weapons before the war in Iraq 10 years ago was that to go to war on any other pretext would have been a breach of international law. As Howard said at the time: ''I couldn't justify on its own a military invasion of Iraq to change the regime. I've never advocated that. Central to the threat is Iraq's possession of chemical and biological weapons and its pursuit of nuclear capability." So the question is what the government knew or was told about that capability and whether the government ''lied'' about the danger that Iraq posed. At the time, Howard and his ministers asserted that the threat to the world from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction was both great and immediate. Advertisement On February 4, 2003, he said Saddam Hussein had an ''arsenal'' and a ''stockpile'' and the ''illegal importation of proscribed goods ha[s] increased dramatically in the past few years". ''Iraq had a massive program for developing offensive biological weapons - one of the largest and most advanced in the world.'' On March 18, 2003, foreign minister Alexander Downer told the House of Representatives: ''The strategy of containment [UN sanctions] simply has not worked and now poses an unacceptable risk.'' In his speeches at the time, Howard said: ''Iraq has a usable chemical and biological weapons capability which has included recent production of chemical and biological agents; Iraq continues to work on developing nuclear weapons. All key aspects - research and development, production and weaponisation - of Iraq's offensive biological weapons program are active and most elements are larger and more advanced than they were before the Gulf War in 1991.'' None of the government's arguments were supported by the intelligence presented to it by its own agencies. None of these arguments were true. Howard this week quoted the findings of the parliamentary inquiry, but his quotation is selective to the point of being misleading. What was the nature of the intelligence on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction provided to the government? The parliamentary inquiry reported on the intelligence in detail. It gathered information from the Defence Intelligence Organisation and the Office of National Assessment. It said: 1. The scale of threat from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction was less than it had been a decade earlier. 2. Under sanctions that prevailed at the time, Iraq's military capability remained limited and the country's infrastructure was still in decline. 3. The nuclear program was unlikely to be far advanced. Iraq was unlikely to have obtained fissile material. 4. Iraq had no ballistic missiles that could reach the US. Most if not all of the few SCUDS that were hidden away were likely to be in poor condition. 5. There was no known chemical weapons production. 6. There was no specific evidence of resumed biological weapons production. 7. There was no known biological weapons testing or evaluation since 1991. 8. There was no known Iraq offensive research since 1991. 9. Iraq did not have nuclear weapons. 10. There was no evidence that chemical weapon warheads for Al Samoud or other ballistic missiles had been developed. 11. No intelligence had accurately pointed to the location of weapans of mass destruction. There were minor qualifications to this somewhat emphatic picture. It found there was a limited stockpile of chemical weapon agents, possibly stored in dual-use or industrial facilities. Although there was no evidence that it had done so, Iraq had the capacity to restart its chemical weapons program in weeks and to manufacture in months. The committee concluded the ''case made by the government was that Iraq possessed WMD in large quantities and posed a grave and unacceptable threat to the region and the world, particularly as there was a danger that Iraq's WMD might be passed to terrorist organisations. ''This is not the picture that emerges from an examination of all the assessments provided to the committee by Australia's two analytical agencies.'' Howard would claim, no doubt, that he took his views from overseas dossiers. But all that intelligence was considered by Australian agencies when forming their views. They knew, too, of the disputes and arguments within British and US agencies. Moreover, Australian agencies as well as the British and US intelligence agencies also knew the so-called ''surge of new intelligence'' after September 2002 relied almost exclusively on one or two unreliable and self-serving individuals. They knew that Saddam 's son-in-law, Hussein Kamel Hassan al-Majid, who had defected in 1995, had told Western agencies the nuclear program in Iraq had failed, chemical and biological programs had been dismantled and weapons destroyed. There are none so blind as those who will not see. Margaret Swieringa is a retired public servant. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/howard-ignored-official-advice-on-iraqs-weapons-and-chose-war-20130411-2hogn.html#ixzz2Ukv3Ontx DEPEND ON LIBERALS TO FEAR-MONGER...DOG WHISTLE...IN A DESPERATE RACE TO WIN ELECTIONS. N'

nasking

30/05/2013 [b]I WONDER HOW MUCH MONEY IS WASTED BY CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES ON THEIR NARROWLY THOUGHT-OUT WAR ON ALL DRUGS? AND HOW MANY GOOD PEOPLE END UP IN JAIL WHEN THEY COULD BE PARTICIPATING...HELPING PRODUCTIVITY...INSTEAD OF BEING TURNED INTO TRAUMATISED CRIMINALS IN THOSE PRISONS ETC?: AND JAILS ARE EXPENSIVE[/b]. [b]Is it time to reconsider Australia's drug laws?[/b] Michael Keenan, Liberal MP for Stirling, shadow minister for justice, customs and border protection I strongly disagree with the argument that our community and our future generations would be better off if we decriminalised drugs. Rather than decriminalising drugs, taking away the profit motive of organised crime syndicates is an effective action that law enforcement can use to combat the drug trade through seizing assets that are deemed proceeds of crime, which in turn makes the drug trade uneconomic and therefore less appealing for criminal gangs. Reduction in supply not only reduces the availability but can also increase the price and therefore reduce consumption, especially among the youth. For every successful raid and drug haul that our police make, less drugs are available on the streets and in turn fewer profits are made by criminal gangs. A zero tolerance approach to drug offences has proved to be a highly effective deterrent in other major cities around the world, reducing crime rates by huge numbers in short periods of time, so to argue that law enforcement is not an effective way to combat the drug trade is ludicrous. When you decriminalise drugs you take away the ability of the courts to compel low-risk offenders to attend appropriate drug rehabilitation and counselling services as a cautioning program and alternative to a jail sentence. For many drug offenders this is often the only avenue in which they and their families can seek vital assistance to combat drug addiction. In reality, criminal sanctions facilitate the treatment of users and at the same time protect the wider community from harm. It is true that our current system is not perfect and there is arguably always room for improvement, but decriminalising drugs is not the answer and I do not believe it would be an accurate reflection on the values the majority of our society holds when it comes to drug use and crime in the Australian community. Richard Di Natale, Greens senator (Victoria), health spokesman Australia's response to illicit drugs is to spend three-quarters of its expenditure on law enforcement, with the rest divided between treatment, prevention and harm reduction. We have the balance wrong. Changes in illicit drugs policy should be based on the best available evidence. They should be incremental, but they must change. Current drug laws are ineffective, with drug production and consumption increasing all the time and street drugs becoming purer and cheaper than ever before. Criminalising individual users only serves to make criminals of ordinary people and make a potentially harmful product far more dangerous. Rather than acting as a deterrent, the focus on criminalising individual users diverts scarce resources away from prevention, treatment and harm-reduction strategies such as needle and syringe exchanges. Prisons have become de facto treatment centres, but on this front jails are a dismal failure. About 40 per cent of inmates will reoffend and return to prison within two years of being released. Prisoners' drug use is often exacerbated by incarceration. In those countries where criminal penalties have been removed for individuals who consume drugs, consumption has not increased but more people have sought treatment and crime has decreased. There are many potential reform options but the key decision is to treat drugs as a health issue rather than a criminal one. The focus must be on minimising harm. It is high time for a thoughtful, clear-eyed discussion about the most effective way to reduce the use of drugs – and the harm and crime associated with them. Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/blogs/the-party-line/is-it-time-to-reconsider-australias-drug-laws-20120524-1z6kh.html#ixzz2Ul0JcQb8 [b]LIBERALS NOT REALLY LIBERALS. LIBERAL PARTY REALLY CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES IN LIBERAL GUISE. [/b] BTW, MICHAEL KEENAN IS A REAL DOG WHISTLING, MORALISING JERK. THE KINDA FELLA WHO'D DOB YOU IN AT SCHOOL. N'

Michael

30/05/2013As if we need any more evidence of the ABC's anti-government bias, one of the bottom-of-the-TV-screen news 'headlines' running on ABC News 24 right now reads, "Abbott kills govt's electoral funding bill", as if brave Tony has ridden to the rescue of the Australian public being ripped off by a rapacious Federal government. Even the online version displays "Abbott kills bill" as the headline link to the story. You have to click on that to arrive at the story content with the true story synopsis in a headline there: "Tony Abbott declares funding deal dead after going back on agreement with Federal Government". But, of course, the damage is long done, and once again Abbott is made to look good when he's in fact weaseled something. You can't make a PM look good when he's just weaseled something. What will the ABC do then? Suggestion - pretend, should Australia find itself with a PM Tony Abbott - that we don't actually have one. 'It was some other guy, some Labor guy, not Fair Dinkum Tony. What's a PM?'. PS It was the strong feisty woman who killed Bill if some ABC(/IPA) apparatchik with a Tarantino hang-up is the one trying so hard to get "Abbott" and "kill" and "bill" into one sentence.

BSA Bob

30/05/2013Agree on the ABC. Like most around these places I've thought that for a while. I don't watch ABC 24 but I caught a couple of FM news bulletins today where they'd obviously scoured the bottom to find "political" stories that didn't mention Their Tones. Just watching Lyndal Curtis doing her level best to extricate Abbott form his self dug hole, references to listening to the party room & presumably heartfelt denunciations of this evil legislation by valiant Liberals. A slighting reference to the er...fact...that Abbott had...broken a written promise... but this is no big deal since it comes from him. A self styled top political commentator making no reference to Abbott's judgement, his lack of fortitude or anything like that. Just getting a difficult issue for them out of the way.

Catching up

30/05/2013" green investment bank " I do not understand why Abbott wants to close this down. I suspect he will need a similar body under Direct Action, to distribute money for similar assistance, to help industry move to cleaner and more efficient power. The only thing that should change, is how it will be funded. Yes, we need to keep in mind, the CEF of this government takes money from the biggest emitters, but is is quickly returned to the community, where it will create many new jobs, and add to the economy. It will lead to a cleaner and more efficient industries.

Catching up

30/05/2013"The introduction of Opal fuel to combat" Pity it did not go across the whole territory.

Catching up

30/05/2013Abbott did not need to kill that bill. All he had to do was amend the section, giving money to political parties. The remainder of the bill was good. Not only good, but needed. Abbott did not need to throw the baby out with the water. The hand outs was what Labor had to give, to get Abbott on side. I suspect that it was what else that was in the bill, that frighten many in the Coalition.

Tom of Melbourne

30/05/2013Catching Up - [i] this government takes money from the biggest emitters, but is is quickly returned to the community, where it will create many new jobs[/i] Would you mind posting the economic modeling that proves this?

nasking

30/05/2013 I WONDER IF ANYONE HAS THOUGHT OF CREATING AN ABORIGINAL KIBBUTZ IN AUSTRALIA? INDIGINEOUS PEOPLE COULD GO TO ISRAEL...AND VICE-VERSA. IMAGINE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS THAT COULD BE LEARNT AND EXCHANGED. N'

Catching up

30/05/2013Silly question. Just pointing out that there is $10 billion in the CEFC alone, that is being contributed among industry to be invested in projects, that lead to more efficient, cleaner power usage. That in the long run, will lead to cheaper production costs. Many industries already have taken advantage of assistance, which includes many meat processors. One in particularly has reduce their power costs to nearly nothing. I am not giving links. You will just have to Google. Money has been given back to compensate most for increases in electricity and gas. Now, if the money is being spent in the community, it takes no modeling to know, it must be helping the economy.. Hard to spend money on new technology, without assisting employment. Yes, Tom, there is a positive as will as negative side. Tom. prove to me, that many are not benefiting from the money collected from the big emitters for their carbon emissions. Over a million are already experiencing cheaper power bills from the GFC stimulation scheme of insulating roofs. Tom. every little bit helps. I do not have the figure handy to how many are benefiting from the solar panels and hot water services.

Misst

30/05/2013Hi Patriciawa, Thanks very much for the information on the Ben Elton & PM Conversation in Fremantle. We have our tickets and are looking forward to a great evening. Will you be there?

Curi-Oz

30/05/2013With a statement of "Gina Rinehart calls for sterilization of the poor" one would think that there would be a link to a video of her saying that. I've just spent half an hour listening to several recent speaches she's given on YouTube, and (apart from coming to the conclusion that she has had PR training recently) I haven't actually heard her present that scenario. Mind you her talks are all full of 'the government is bad and takes too much tax' and 'free markets are good for everyone' and 'poverty isn't good for those who live in poverty' ... but I haven't come across one yet of her advocating eugenics programs on 'the poor'. I do find it interesting that the comments on her videos are closed. Regards,

gordonwa

30/05/2013Sorry Curi-Oz but that was posted on a satirical website. A bit like Jonathon Swift's A modest Proposal. Even though she didn't say it, it sounds like something that Gina would support!

nasking

30/05/2013 IN REGARD TO THIS SLOWDOWN WITH THE NBN DUE TO TELSTRA OUTSOURCING TO SUB-CONTRACTORS WHO WERE NOT TRAINED ADEQUATELY TO DEAL WITH PITS FILLED WITH ASBESTOS... NOT ONLY DOES IT POINT OUT THE PROBLEMS WITH OUTSOURCING...AND LACK OF UNION INVOLVEMENT TO ENSURE SAFETY... BUT I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF THIS DELAY MIGHT BE RELATED TO ANOTHER ISSUE. TELSTRA IS A PARTNER IN FOXTEL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxtel YA NEVER KNOW WITH CORPORATIONS AND THEIR MEGA-RICH ALLIES...LIKE MURDOCH AND PACKER...RENOWNED FOR SCHEMING AND AGRESSIVE ANTI-COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOUR. HISTORY IS LITTERED WITH EXAMPLES OF CORPORATE SABOTAGE POSSIBLE. HOPEFULLY NOT. INTERESTING IT WAS BROUGHT UP AS A TOPIC BY THE SHADOWY MINISTER FOR FRAUDBAND TODAY IN PARLIAMENT... MR. TURNBULL...AND HE DIDN'T LOOK COMFORTABLE. N'

Curi-Oz

30/05/2013Finally tracked down a video with a Rinehart connection suggesting sterilisation of Aboriginal people ... by her father, Lang Hancock. http://tinyurl.com/nchwgee Australia was a different country then, and though we still can challenge ourselves, at least this type of attitude is seen in a less forgiving light today. Thank Goodness.

nasking

30/05/2013 YA GOTTA ADMIT...THIS TELSTRA SLOWDOWN OF NBN IS VERY INTERESTING TIMING ELECTION-WISE... TO SAY THE LEAST. N'

nasking

30/05/2013 BEN ELTON EH? COOL! I ENJOYED HIS NOVEL STARK YEARS AGO...I REMEMBER READING IT IN OUR RENTED MOBILE HOME AT A CARAVAN PARK IN WISHART... PLENTY OF CHUCKLES: The novel is largely a satire of business, government and social attitudes toward environmentalism during the late 1980s. It describes a world in which big business and the ultra-rich are uncaring. It also skewers environmental activists, as being unwilling to take decisive action or willing to take actions that are self-destructive and ineffectual. The book often deals with serious themes and then delivers comic relief. These comic diversions usually come to an abrupt end, often due to the hapless sudden death of a gag character. The comedy draws on Elton's typical fodder. The book contains crude and cringe humour, with characters who often experience flatulence and drunkenness, and running afoul of the law. The narrative also pokes fun at religion, place names and foreigners. The capricious and sometimes unjust nature of male-female relationships is a constant theme. Corporate culture and military culture are ridiculed. As in much of Elton's comic work, the central character is an unsuccessful, self-loathing, 'farty' skinny Englishman who has trouble relating to women. The book's prominent themes include: Air pollution The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament Displacement of Indigenous Australians from their land Far right politics Finance Global warming Nuclear power Racism Recreational drug use Unrequited love Uranium mining White supremacy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stark_(novel) GOOD TIMES. LISTENING TO THE CRICKET ON THE RADIO TOO...AND THE ABC BOOK READING. WORKING WITH THE DISABLED. EATING AT THE GARDEN CITY HEALTH FOOD SHOP. SECOND HAND BOOK BUYING. AND STARTING UNI HERE...AS A MATURE AGE STUDENT. N'

Patriciawa

30/05/2013Misst! I certainly will be at the PMJG/Ben Elton event in Freo! I have treated myself to a ringside seat, as it were. So if you'd like to chat in the interval I'll be fairly easy to spot if you narrow me down a bit more by contact via Ad Astra as shown at CONTACT above. That applies to anyone else who is lucky to have tickets for Wednesday, June 12th at Victoria Hall, Fremantle.

Jason

30/05/2013Ad, I suppose the ToM's in all their variations are yet to contact you about writing something that they think needs writing?

Patriciawa

31/05/2013Nasking, thank you for reminding me of what a great social commentator and satirist Ben Elton is. How could I have forgotten? But these days I do forget so much. Anyway, just found this gem when reading about Elton's many performances, books, films and TV productions. He was talking about one of his later novels, Past Mortem in 2004, and its theme of high school reunions, and how he had attended his own drama college reunion: [quote]"We’d had a very happy time all together, so there were no old scores to be settled really, we’d been a pretty happy bunch. And yet one person, who’d been a bit of a golden boy – he certainly went out with a girl I was besotted and unrequitedly in love with – he came up and he said, ‘Why did you come? Was it to show off?’ That really surprised me, that anyone would think that … he came kind of carrying my agenda. It was weird. I didn’t think my life to be more successful than anybody else’s. [b]If you’re happy and honest and fulfilled in what you do, then you’re having a successful life."[/b][/quote] I've highlighted that last sentence because it suggests to me the kind of man he is, which is very much the kind of person I think our Prime Minister is too. Great minds in conversation, yes, but big hearts too. I am so looking forward to it.

TalkTurkey

31/05/2013Heh Heh heh heh http://www.safeshare.tv/w/UAGOcLSuLX Still very American! :)

lyn

31/05/2013Today’s Links Where's the money going to- by @awelder We could talk about this public funding of elections thing, I suppose; how it's both outrageous and at the same time just what you'd expect from those people, whether the government is responsible for a Liberal backflip, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap http://andrewelder.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/wheres-money-going-to.html?spref=tw Money-go-round: the campaign finance reform that never was by @andrewjnorton They were reducing the threshold at which people have to disclose their donations from currently about A$12,000 to A$5,000. It’s not yet entirely clear over what time period that is because the current system is over one year, but the previous version of this bill had disclosures every six months. https://theconversation.com/money-go-round-the-campaign-finance-reform-that-never-was-14791 Tony Abbott backs out of funding deal after Coalition resistance by Lenore Taylor The party’s leadership group made the final decision to overturn the deal – which Abbott promised to support in a letter to Labor just six days ago – on Wednesday morning after a revolt by the backbench, senior members of the shadow ministry and state divisions of the Liberal party organisation. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/30/tony-abbott-u-turn-party-funding Tony Abbott declares funding deal dead after going back on agreement with Federal Government by Emma Griffiths obviously we do have a budget emergency at this time, and given there have been a lot of significant cuts in the budget it was going to be a very big ask to say to the public that we are cutting you - but oh by the way here's $60 million in additional public funding for political parties," he said. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-30/funding-deal-in-tatters-as-abbott-changes-his-mind/4722312 Abbott is caught out - then slides away on the back of a number of political lies by @no_filter_Yamba Finally we hear that even though Abbott had agreed, it was only provisional as he had no power to sign off on the agreement. http://northcoastvoices.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/abbott-is-caught-out-then-slides-away.html Manufactured outrage and aggressive conservatives by @independentaus If there’s one thing the Murdoch media and their political acolytes do well, it’s angry negativity and manufactured outrage — and it may all end badly, says Duade Borg. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/manufactured-outrage-and-aggressive-conservatives/ The Humbug Martyrdom of Andrew Bolt II by @GummoTrotsky , Bolt is no windmill – he’s a bullying blowhard who’s been foolish enough to put himself in a vulnerable position. I wouldn’t even claim to be the first to recognise that – at most I might be the first to state it in public. http://clubtroppo.com.au/2013/05/30/the-humbug-martyrdom-of-andrew-bolt-2/ Gina Rinehart Calls For Sterilization of The Poor by @TheDailyCurrant "I believe that any couple making less than $100,000 a year should be forcibly sterilized through a vasectomy or fallopian tubal ligation. Those earning more than $100,000 a year should be encouraged to have as many as 10 or 12 children. http://dailycurrant.com/2013/05/28/gina-rinehart-calls-for-sterilization-of-the-poor/ Gina hasn’t actually said the poor should be sterilised, however she does want to destroy the profits of pubs! by @MigloMT Basically, if you have no friends and your family all hate you, I guess it’s easy to keep working. But personally, I’m happy to be a failure, if being a success means never having any fun. http://theaimn.com/2013/05/30/gina-hasnt-said-the-poor-should-be-sterilised-however-she-does-want-to-destroy-the-profits-of-pubs/ When jurors go ‘rogue’ on the Internet and social media … by @JournLaw The term ‘rogue juror’ has been used widely and pejoratively to describe a range of juror actions running counter to judicial directions to restrict their inquiries and communications about a case to the court room and the jury room. http://journlaw.com/2013/05/30/when-jurors-go-rogue-on-the-internet-and-social-media/ Sky News Skewing by David Griffiths You could never trust what he says verbally. For Sky News, however, this is not an issue for the focus is on (a) new ways to criticise the Federal Labor Government and (b) another opportunity to turn the reneging of the Coalition into a positive. http://www.australiasmassmedia.com/2013/05/30/sky-news-skewing/ On our economy and voting in September by @EmpoweringFem I see Julia Gillard as an efficient, capable, strong, intelligent, long suffering, politically savvy doer. She does not waffle on about unimportant things. She has the amazing ability to get legislation passed through a hostile opposition. That is a miracle in itself. http://alternativeviewstomsm.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/on-our-economy-and-voting-in-september/ Newsgathering with Tweetdeck by @hongmedia Australian Broadcasting Corporation Social Media Producer Andrew Moon (@moontweets) , said that the “sheer amount of content” could be daunting. “Tweetdeck works by sorting the’ noise’ into manageable streams, based around searches, lists and profiles,” he said. http://alanknight.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/newsgathering-with-tweetdeck/ Malcolm Turnbull Deceiving Rural Voters by @sortius Malcolm Turnbull has made some very misleading, to the point of deliberate deception, statements on both the cost of connecting to the NBN & the rollout footprint of the Coalition’s FTTN plan. Both statements were designed to cast doubt on the viability of FTTH without any evidence to support this. http://sortius-is-a-geek.com/?p=3029 Today’s Front Pages Australian Newspaper Front Pages for 31 May 2013 http://www.thepaperboy.com/australia/front-pages.cfm News headlines http://www.hotheadlines.com.au/

cornlegend

31/05/2013I'm new here, but has anyone ever suggested that Tom of Melbourne rather than bother people, just start his own blog site. Then he can read his own rubbish all day long

Michael

31/05/2013Events of the last few days have displayed all over again that Tony Abbott is not PM material. Anyone can see, any day of the week, he's just not up to it. Abbott PM? He's not up to it.

nasking

31/05/2013 WITH O'CONNOR ON ABC 24 PREDICTING THIS GOVT WILL BE DECIMATED IN THE ELECTION TELLS ME HOW ROTTEN THE ABC IS AT IT'S CORE. AS FOR THIS IDEA THAT SOMEHOW THE HAWKE/KEATING GOVT GOT IT ALL RIGHT...THAT'S CRAP. THEY DID A LOT OF GOOD BY BRINGING IN MEDICARE...BULK BILLING HAS HELPED MANY FAMILIES...BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE GONE ON TO CREATE DENTICARE...IT MAKES NO SENSE TO TREAT THE BODY BAR THE GUMS AND TEETH WHICH ALSO CAUSE SICKNESS AND SUFFERING. YES, THEY WERE USEFUL IN INCREASING THE HIGH SCHOOL RETENTION RATES...A GOOD THING...BUT BY BRINGING IN HECS THEY BEGAN A PROCESS OF STUDENT DEBT THAT HAS INCREMENTALLY TAKEN US DOWN THE ROAD TO THE AMERICAN SYSTEM WHERE DEBT IS CRUSHING STUDENTS AND EX-STUDENTS. THE GILLARD GOVT HAS NOT ARRESTED THAT...THO, THEY HAVE MADE UNI MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE FOR SOME...AND THEY ARE REFORMING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM...MUCH MORE MONEY FOR SCHOOLS WITH DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS...NOT ALL ABOUT YER POSTCODE... AND LET'S FACE IT...HI-TECH EQUPT IS IN EVERY SCHOOL NOW...AS AN EX-TEACHER I HAVE BAD MEMORIES OF TEACHERS COMPETING FURIOUSLY TO BOOK THE ONLY COMPUTER ROOM UNDER THE HOWARD GOVT. I GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR ASSISTING THE DISABLED TO LEAVE THOSE DREADFUL INSTITUTIONS AND FIND INDEPENDENCE IN SHARED HOMES...WHERE CARE ATTENDANTS ASSISTED MOBILITY NEEDS... BUT WE NEED A PROPER STREAMLINED NATIONAL DISABILITY SCHEME...THE GILLARD GOVT IS DOING THAT. AND SADLY, THE HAWKE/KEATING GOVT FAILED TO MOTIVATE INDEPENDENT MEDIA...GAVE TOO MUCH POWER TO MURDOCH...WE ALL SEE THE WAY THAT MAN AND HIS TEAM AND CLONES TRIES TO STEAL OUR DEMOCRACY. THEY DID A GOOD JOB OF GETTING PEOPLE OFF THE DOLE AND INTO JOBS AND TRAINING... BUT WHERE WAS THE CLEANER ENERGY? THESE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN BUILDING FOR YEARS...NOW WE HAVE A CLEAN ENERGY FUND...AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY EVERYWHERE. WHERE WAS THE FUNDING FOR HI-TECH PROJECTS? THO, I FEEL THE CSIRO WAS MORE EFFECTIVE UNDER THEM THAN HOWARD. GILLARD'S GOVT IS FUNDING AND MOTIVATING FOR THE FUTURE. THE KOWTOWING TO PACKER WAS A DISGRACE...THE LACK OF APPROPRIATE TAXING OF THE RICH NOT ON. TO BE BULLIED LIKE THAT BY CHANNEL NINE AND PACKER WAS PISS WEAK. GILLARD STANDS UP TO THEM SOMETIMES. WHAT OF THE MURRAY/DARLING?...AND OCCASIONAL DRYING OUT? GILLARD'S MOVING FORWARD ON THIS. I COULD GO ON. AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE MYOPIC, OFT NEGLIGENT HOWARD GOVT. CERTAINLY THE HAWKE/KEATING GOVT DID A LOT OF GOOD...AND HELPED US CONNECT WITH THE WORLD BETTER...NECESSARY AT THAT TIME... BUT THINGS EVOLVE IN UNPREDICTABLE WAYS...GLOBALISATION HAS ITS OWN PROBLEMS...AS DOES FREE TRADE... I'M GLAD WE HAVE A GOVT THAT IS THINKING THRU THESE PROBLEMS AND TRYING TO REMEDY THEM...STANDING UP TO THE BARRAGE OF RESISTANCE YOU GET THAT COMES WITH CHANGE... SADLY, FAR TOO MANY OLD GUARD HAWKE/KEATING CHARACTERS HAVE GOT THEMSELVES INTO ARCHAIC INDUSTRIES...OR INDUSTRIES THAT MUST TRANSFORM...THEY BENEFIT FROM THE STATUS QUO...ARE STANDING STILL...PROFITING...AND IN THE PROCESS BETRAYING THIS PRESENT BRAVE GILLARD GOVT THAT IS TRYING TO BRING ABOUT NECESSARY REFORMS. SOME OF THE HAWKE/KEATING OLD GUARD ARE ALSO ALLOWING THEIR RELIGIOUS VIEWS TO BLINKER THEM. THEY NEED TO WIPE OFF THE DUST AND COBWEBS...AND GIVE US A HAND... INSTEAD OF HINDERING...AND INADVERTENTLY AIDING TONY ABBOTT. TIME FOR A REAL CHANGE. A BETTER WAY. N'

Michael

31/05/2013"Fag ends" of Parliaments? A fag end of a government was tossed out in 2007. Now one of the ashiest of its fag end members, the current Leader of the Opposition, is promising his 'new government' will be so good because he's going to reinstate all the old fag-enders who've "done it before". How can anyone sensibly validate their team's credentials by pointing out it's exactly the same team that got thrashed the last time they were on top? Abbott PM? He's not up to it.

nasking

31/05/2013 MY GRANDFATHER BELIEVED IN: [b]MODERATION: Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme[/b] http://www.thefreedictionary.com/moderation SOME MIGHT WANT TO REMEMBER THAT WHEN IT COMES TO MINING...AND COAL SEAM GAS. WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN HOUSING BOOMS. N'

Ad astra

31/05/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

nasking

31/05/2013 [b]"If you’re happy and honest and fulfilled in what you do, then you’re having a successful life."[/b] PATRICIA, ELTON IS SPOT ON. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE DRIVEN BY A NEED TO FULFIL THE EXPECTATIONS OF AN EVER-CORPORATISED MEDIA THAT TOO OFT PROMOTES RUTHLESS COMPETITIVENESS LIKE SOME BLOOD SPORTS RATHER THAN TAKING THE TIME TO APPRECIATE AND RESPECT THE AMAZING WORLD THAT IS IN FRONT OF THEM... THEY BECOME SLAVES TO SHOPPING...LITTLE THOUGHT AS TO WHAT THEY NEED AS OPPOSED TO WHAT THEY DESIRE...LITTLE THOUGHT ABOUT THE WONDERFUL TIMES THAT CAN COME WITH SEARCHING THRU OP SHOPS, SECOND HAND SHOPS...INCLUDING BOOK STORES...AND CLOTHES SHOPS...GOING TO THE MARKETS...FINDING HEALTHIER FOODS...CHECKING OUT ANTIQUE SHOPS...AND ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS...HIKING...SEEING MOTHER NATURE'S DIVERSITY... ADDICTED TO FAST FOODS...BUT WHERE IS THE NUTRITION?...WHERE IS THE TIME AND EFFORT TO ENJOY THE PROCESS OF FOOD CHOICE AND PREPARATION...THE CULINARY ARTS? SITTING ON YER BUTT EATING FAST FOOD WHILST WATCHING A MILLION COMPETITIVE CHEF SHOWS IS JUST A SUGAR HIT...CUTTING OUT THE ADVENTURE ITSELF. THE SAME AS LOUNGING ON THE SOFA OR BOOZING WITH MATES ACTING LIKE DRUNKEN BARBARIANS CHEERING ON A CORPORATE SPORTS TEAM THAT ARE LIVING CORPORATE BILLBOARDS...AND MINI-LAS VEGAS...INSTEAD OF TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE...BREATH IN FRESH AIR...TAKE YER PARTNER AND KIDS IF YOU HAVE THEM TO A PARK OR OVAL TO KICK AROUND A BALL...GO FOR A LONG WALK THRU THE BOTANICAL GARDENS. AND HOW MANY PEOPLE STRIVE TO HAVE AND HAVE AND HAVE...HOW MANY FEEL THE NEED TO RUTHLESSLY COMPETE...THROW THEIR PRINCIPLES ASIDE...FOR WHAT? TO BE LIKE WATERHOUSE...MURDOCH...PACKER...SINGLETON? SHRIVELLED INSIDE. EVEN ABBOTT...IN HIS FURIOUS RACE TO WIN HAS BECOME A LIVING ANGRY GARGOYLE...TRUTH AND HONESTY A CASUALTY AS HE SCHEMES AND PLOTS AND TWISTS AND FLIP-FLOPS... EVEN IF HE WINS...AT WHAT COST? SELLING HIS FEW PRINCIPLES DOWN THE ROAD TO GET THE SUPPORT OF MEGA-WEALTHY MEDIA AND MINING BARONS... HELPING TO CREATE AN INCREASINGLY NEGATIVE, RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC, CYNICAL, MISOGYNISTIC, DUMB DOWNED, BIGOTED, LUDDITE NATION...WHERE SCHOOL STUDENTS BENEFITTING FROM ALP FUNDING THROW SANDWICHES AT OUR FIRST FEMALE PM... IS THAT HIS LEGACY? ABBOTT HAS BACKED HIMSELF INTO A CORNER...IT WILL CAUSE UNTOLD SUFFERING FOR HIS PARTY NOW HOSTAGE TO CRAZED MURDOCH LIBERTARIANS, ARCHAIC INDUSTRY AND BIG BUSINESS KOWTOWERS...AND BIGOTED CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES. THERE WILL BE LITTLE HAPPINESS IN AN ABBOTT AUSTRALIA...BUT CERTAINLY A BADLY DIVIDED NATION HELD BACK FROM ESSENTIAL PROGRESS BY A SMUG GROUP OF CULTURE WARRIORS WITH MANY CHIPS ON THEIR SHOULDERS... AND A MYOPIC VIEW OF THE WORLD. THE HEALING AFTER THEIR TIME IN OFFICE WILL TAKE DECADES... THE WOUNDS CREATED BY THE DESPERATE DOG WHISTLER AND TAX CUTTER HOWARD ARE STILL WEEPING. N'

nasking

31/05/2013 should be: [b]O'CONNOR ON ABC 24 PREDICTING THIS GOVT WILL BE DECIMATED IN THE ELECTION TELLS ME HOW ROTTEN THE ABC IS AT ITS CORE.[/b]

nasking

31/05/2013 should be: [b]THE SAME AS LOUNGING ON THE SOFA OR BOOZING WITH MATES ACTING LIKE DRUNKEN BARBARIANS CHEERING ON A CORPORATE SPORTS TEAM THAT ARE LIVING CORPORATE BILLBOARDS...AND MINI-LAS VEGASES...INSTEAD OF TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE...BREATHE IN FRESH AIR...TAKE YOUR PARTNER AND CHILDREN, IF YOU HAVE ANY, TO A PARK OR OVAL TO KICK AROUND A BALL...GO FOR A LONG WALK THRU THE BOTANICAL GARDENS. [/b]

Ad astra

31/05/2013Hi Lyn As we are returning to Melbourne today, I’ve taken the opportunity to read your interesting links over breakfast. It was telling that while [i]The Guardian[/i] had the full story of Tony Abbott’s reneging on his signed agreement to support the bill to increase public funding to political parties, as did [i]ABC News[/i], there was nothing on the Front Pages of the major dailies. [i]The Australian[/i] featured stories about the NBN sharing blame for the asbestos problem, Gonski called ‘a sham' by Victoria, and the Coalition’s call for a no-confidence motion, but no mention of the Abbott ‘backflip’. This is yet another example of the deliberate cherry-picking of stories adverse to the Government and burying anything adverse to the Coalition. It is obscene, and will get worse as the election approaches.

nasking

31/05/2013 BRANDIS, EMERSON AND THE ENTIRE GROUP OF LIBERAL DOG WHISTLERS ARE A DISGRACE...THEY ARE VILIFYING AN EGYPTIAN MAN BRAVE ENUFF TO STAND UP TO A CORRUPT AND DICTATORIAL EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT... WE ARE REACHING THE STAGE WHERE WAR ON TERROR ENTHUSIASTS ARE GOING TO CRUSH ANY KIND OF DISSENT AND RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY... WOULD THEY HAVE VILIFIED SOUTH AFRICA'S NELSON MANDELA IF HE HAD ESCAPED AND TRIED TO TAKE REFUGE IN AUSTRALIA?: GEORGE BRANDIS: No, no, no, I'm not saying it didn't happen. I'm just saying that I don't want to be accused of putting words in Mr Irvine's mouth. [b]Now what we learned in fact from the Australian Federal Police witnesses is that this man had been convicted by an Egyptian court in 1999 of a number of serious terrorist offences including an offence known to Egyptian law as premeditated murder, destruction of property, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearms and of being a member of a terrorist organisation, in his particular case, the Egyptian branch of Islamic Jihad.[/b] [b]TONY JONES: Now we should note here of course at that time the Egyptian Government was a dictatorship, now been overthrown. Is it possible that this man is in fact just a dupe who's been wrongly convicted by a court under a dictatorship? [/b] [b]GEORGE BRANDIS: Well, all we know are the facts that are on the record and the facts are that this man has been convicted by an Egyptian court of these very serious terrorism-related offences. That's not in controversy [/b] and he was the subject of what is called an Interpol red notice which alerts foreign governments to the possible movement across their borders of people suspected of very serious offences. Now, the fact is that this wasn't picked up. Mr Irvine was very candid about that. He described it as a clerical or an administrative error. But there is a deeper problem here. The fact is that this man was released into a low security detention facility at Inverbrackie in the Adelaide Hills. The error was detected by ASIO, I might say, a few weeks after it had been made. Investigations were carried out into whether the particular man concerned was indeed the convicted terrorist - and it was discovered that he was, that his identity was matched up. Another investigation was carried out by the Australian Federal Police and that reached the same conclusion. ASIO reported to the Department of Immigration on 30th August last year that the man being held in the Inverbrackie detention centre in the Adelaide Hills, a low security facility, effectively a community facility, was a person convicted of dangerous terrorist crimes and the man was not shifted to a more secure facility for eight months until 17th April this year. http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2013/s3771462.htm OKAY, MAYBE THIS GUY IS A BAD DUDE...WHO KNOWS? BUT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT ONCE AGAIN A COALITION GOVT LED BY THE DOG WHISTLING HOWARD OLD GUARD HAVE RUSHED OUT OF THE GATE IN DESPERATION TO WIN THIS ELECTION... AND HAVE NOT THOUGHT THRU THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS. THEY SEEM TO BE APOLOGISTS AND JUSTIFIERS OF A PAST HORRID EGYPTIAN TYRANNICAL GOVT... AND ARE VILIFYING LIKE THE BUSH ADMIN DID... AND HOW MANY INNOCENTS AND BRAVE RESISTANCE PEOPLE WERE PUT IN THEIR TORTURE CAMPS? THIS BREATHLESS DOG WHISTLING BY THE ABBOTT TEAM DOES NOT BIDE WELL FOR A HAPPIER, MORE HARMONIOUS, FAIRER FUTURE. JUST MORE OF THE SAME HATE AND FEAR-MONGERING. I HOPE THE VOTERS SEE THRU IT. N'

Patriciawa

31/05/2013Talk Turkey, can you tell us more about that safeshare tv link? It is indeed powerful, and yes very American. But surely that's as it should be! Where were those three and half minutes shot? It was electrifying stuff and could surely not have been a set up situation. Who was the man speaking? I'd just like to know a bit more about it before I send it on.

nasking

31/05/2013 [b]I HAVE DECIDED TO STOP POSTING.[/b] PART OF THIS COUNTRY DISGUSTS ME. [b]THE PUBLIC BROADCASTER IS A XENOPHOBE PROMOTING DISGRACE.[/b] THE DOG WHISTLING ABBOTT OPPOSITION IS AIDED AND ABETTED CONSTANTLY BY THEM. AND MANY MANY OTHERS IN THE MSM...NOT TO MENTION, [b]PLENTY OF RICH TRAITORS FROM THE FORMER HAWKE/KEATING GOVT...AND THE PREVIOUS RUDD ONE[/b]. [b]THIS COUNTRY HAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE FORWARD...BUT THESE GREEDY OLD FASHIONED BASTARDS SEEM DETERMINED TO WRECK EVERYTHING.[/b] [b]THEY CAN HAVE THEIR WIN...THEIR ABBOTT LOUSE IN GOVT...THEY CAN DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.[/b] [b]CHANGE WILL EVENTUALLY COME. BUT I CAN'T BE FCKN BOTHERED ANYMORE...TOO MANY DUMBED DOWN AND RELIGIOUS IDIOTS IN THIS COUNTRY.[/b] LET THE ROT CONTINUE...YOU DUMB, GREEDY MSM AND POLITICAL ASSES. THROW THE USEFUL REFORMS AWAY AS YOU OFTEN DO. [b]I'VE GOT BETTER THINGS TO DO. [/b] N'

nasking

31/05/2013 ONE LAST THING...THE BIGGEST SELL OUTS IN THIS COUNTRY ARE THE GROTESQUE GREEDSTERS RICHO AND SHANE WARNE. THOSE TWO HAVE HELPED LEAD THIS COUNTRY DOWN A TOXIC, DISHONEST, INTEGRITY MELTING ROAD. TWO PEOPLE I DESPISE. ONE A TRAITOROUS POLITICIAN...SOLD HIS SOUL TO THE MEDIA DEVILS FOR MONEY AND TO PROTECT HIS SEEDY REPUTATION. THE MAN IS SLIME. WARNE A DESPERATE ATTENTION SEEKER...LIKE ABBOTT...CRAVING THE LIMELIGHT AND MONEY. A TRULY PATHETIC VAIN CHARACTER WHO ABUSES HIS ROLE...LEADS THE CELEBRITY ADDICTED YOUTH DOWN THE ROAD TO CORPORATE HELL. THE SAME CORPORATE HELL DESTROYING OUR PLANET. CLIMATE CHANGE IS HERE...HAPPENING...DESTRUCTIVE. AND YET THESE SLIME-BAGS ARE THE FOCUS...LISTENED TO. TRULY PATHETIC WORLD. [b]FINAL WORDS[/b]. N'

Ad astra

31/05/2013nasking I can understand you being fed up. Many of us are appalled by how the political system works and is manipulated by the powerful and the wealthy. Take a break and come back when you are feeling better. You are part of this blog We are getting on the road soon, so I'm closing down for a while. I'll take a look later in the day.

Patriciawa

31/05/2013Darling Nasking! Don't say that! We are all here, Ad Astra and Lyn, Janice and TT, Lucy, Michael, Jaycee and Jason - well all of us at TPS including new friends of the past few days. As are many like minded people in clusters and and communities all over this country and other countries throughout the world. All doing our little bit while bigger people do a lot more with us behind them. We've all been helped with the information you bring and the enlightenment that sheds in our fractional share of the globe. But often the gathering of that information and arguing for a cause can become wearing and depressing, particularly for the solitary researcher. As you well know, direct contact with other people away from writing, referencing and research helps lift that mood. I imagine that presently your health prevents you from getting out and enjoying all those other pleasures you described earlier this morning before you began your several justifiable tirades. If dwelt upon too long and too often great and urgent causes can weigh us down and bring despair. That's when I think we need to get out of our heads and if not walking, then perambulating ourselves outside in the air and beneath trees. As well whenever we are out on our walks we get friendly greetings from people who occasionally want to stop, particularly if they have children, and Tacker is always happy to sit for a pat!

Patriciawa

31/05/2013 Sorry, Nasking, that last para does not make sense! I did not preview that comment as I should have, being anxious to make contact with you asap! [i]Perambulating oneself[/i] is not wheeling oneself around as this little brain of mine for some reason at first suggested! It means walking around, taking the air etc. But you know what I was trying to say. I see that Ad Astra has sent you a similar message, rather more succinct than mine. Cheers!

Pikiranku

31/05/2013We've just enjoyed a short stay at Kingston-on-Murray in the SA Riverland, where everything is brimming with life. The excellent water flows down the Murray have revitalised the whole river system. A couple of years ago we called in at Lake Bonney and it was a dead place; last week there must have been 2000 birds on the lake. It was a joy to see. Next time we have a dry spell, will the environmental flows negotiated by the federal government in the Murray-Darling agreement ensure that the river and its surrounds remain as healthy as they are just now? I hope so. AA, your post was brilliant, though depressing. Sadly, I absolutely agree with your thoughts. The most encouraging element was the flood of new people posting - thanks folks, you really cheered me up again! Nasking, please don't leave us now. Your passion, your insight, your dedication and the information you bring are among the highlights of this site. You reinforce and expand us all.

TalkTurkey

31/05/2013http://www.scribd.com/doc/144785539/Rob-Oakeshott-responds-to-Christopher-Pyne Oakey responds to Pyne over "pathetic, grovelling" letter :)

jaycee

31/05/2013Nasking....I understand the frustration that one meets when all logic and reason seem to hit a wall of dense material that bears some resemblence to humanity! I am involved with an environmental organisation that continually meets these sort of barricades of a)individuals who act as the first hurdle b) pretend "friends" who slow down or discourage advances c) other "neo-oppotunist" organisations that redirect and obscure honest intent and they all frustrate ANY attempt to get the message across to the greater organisation in charge! It is truly frustrating, but you have to remember that it is more dificult for the purveyor of misleading and deceiptful information..."Oh what wicked webs we weave...etc." they eventually run out of ideas and we are seeing that now with the opp'n and their cronies..they are all shot full of holes and have no-where to go from here except to try and invent new scandals....and who is going to believe those? I fully expect Tabbott to implode under the restraint that he is not used to!

Brandi

31/05/201335: Frank Lampard captains a Chelsea side showing four changes for the Barclays Premier League as Arsenal take on QPR in one of the most trusted names in health - Dr. Using sterile lancets and surgical gloves, swiftly needle-prick the point while holding firm pressure on tennis elbow treatment nih the London clubs in their home. Cech inexcplicably fumbled into the path of Nikica Jelavic inside the box but the midfielder fails to make contact despite jumping unmarked to meet the demands of state licensure. 0012 Spa Aromaterapi RM55. my web page :: Brandi - http://howtotreattenniselbow.us/

Jason

31/05/2013Indonesia's ambassador to Australia has ruled out agreeing to the coalition's boat turnback policy, declaring no such collaboration will occur. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/no-boat-turnbacks-indonesia-says-20130531-2ngox.html

cornlegend

31/05/2013 Patriciawa the safeshare video clip you requested info on. Published on Jun 26, 2012 Beginning scene of the new HBO series The Newsroom explaining why America's Not the Greatest Country Any Longer... But It Can Be.

Patriciawa

31/05/2013Thanks, cornlegend. So, as I thought it might be, it is from a drama/documentary and not reality. It's still gripping stuff, isn't it?

nasking

31/05/2013 Patricia, Ad, Jaycee, Pikiranku...cheers. [b]I have been feeling extremely depressed since The Guardian blog that predicted a big loss...we get the same on the ABC and other channels constantly. I cannot shrug off the feeling all we have done has come to nought. [/b] I need time away from all this. If not, I fear this depressive bout will get worse and worse. My left eye has begun blurring now...and everything is so foggy...so much glare. The hospital letter seems to be taking forever to come...but I guess it has only been ten months. I fear that soon everything will be blurred as it is already in my right eye. What is the point of all this? The smug of the mega-rich and their corporations run everything now...we are merely indebted serfs vulnerable to their media campaigns, their market manipulstions, their arrogant decisions on our public services...pensions...education...job creation. They own us from the cradle to the grave. And they create xenophobic reactions wherever it suits them...to keep their war on everyone who doesn't suit their agenda going...their profitable security apparatus. We are mere pawns... disposable...expendable...our ideas appropriated...our effort exploited. I see no light at the end of the tunnel. GILLARD will be axed...MURDOCH and the FOSSIL FOOLS and TOXIC FOOD MERCHANTS and ARMAMENT LUNATICS will win again. The VATICAN RULE SUPREME again. We will resume our lives of CONSTANT FEAR and FINGERPOINTING to avoid being the focus of their RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVE MEDIA WRATH...locked in dungeons of CONFORMITY and ANXIETY... WALKING...ON OUR KNEES. I need air...sun..something...like you said Patricia...day and nocturnal perambulations. Anything to escape this hell of HOPELESSNESS. Fairwell TPS. May you all find some peaceful glade...some tranquil forest or farm...where you can avoid the ugliness of what is to come. I feel privileged to have known you. And I did...try my best...whilst I had LIGHT. N'

Pikiranku

31/05/2013Good link, Jason. It's no surprise, of course, that Indonesia won't have a bar of boats being returned to Java, but it's great that he's come out and definitely stated their position. It must disgust them that a country as rich as Australia would try to shelve its problems onto a developing country which is still battling to lift its own people out of poverty. At least that's now one piece of so-called policy that Abbott won't be able to trot out as a solution to the problem of boat-borne asylum seekers.

bob macalba

31/05/2013NASKING BIG BEAR, STIFF SHIT WHAT THE NAYSAYERS THINK, AS FAR AS I CAN TELL THEY AINT GOT TO MUCH CORRECT IN THEIR REPORTING AND PREDICTIONS SO FAR SO WHY WOULD THEIR SEPT 14 SOOTHSAYING HOLD MUCH CREDIT? THE BASTARDS ARE TRYING TO WEAR US DOWN, INNUENDO AND MALICIOUS MENDACIOUS CRAP IS STARTING TO HURT THE TORY[BASTARDS] MORE AND MORE FOLK STARTING TO SEE THROUGH IT ALL, I FOR ONE HAVE NO FEAR COME SEPT 14 I BELIEVE POLICY WILL BEAT BULLSHIT, YOU JUST HAVE TO LOOK AT THE CRAP THAT WENT ON IN THE USA, REMEMBER ROMNEY BEING A DEAD SET WINNER, AND BARRACK SUPPOSEDLY NO CHANCE IN HELL, SAME SHIT DIFFERENT COUNTRY, NOPE I BELIEVE ITS GOING TO BECOME EMBARRASSINGLY NASTY BUT THE GOOD GUYS WILL WIN, FAITH BIG BEAR VENCEREMOS

Martin Spalding

31/05/2013This has sure been a marathon comments session! Some meaty issues to think about. But keep in mind the original topic - the hatred & ugliness perpetrated by the Right in public discourse. Ad Astra has provided plenty of evidence for this. Pointing out the odd (much rarer) intemperate comment from the Left proves zilch, nothing. As with many things, it's about the long-term averages & trends. And ToM: harking back to yr pet topics (asylum seekers, gillard's so-called lies, ALP structure) also has nothing to do with the main game of this post. Address the points made by Ad. Jason: I feel yr frustration but pls don't edge towards personal attacks & red rag waving.

N'ellie May

31/05/2013NASKING, PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. THE DECENT PEOPLE AT THIS PLACE WITH THEIR CARE AND RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER WILL PREVAIL. AD ASTRA AND LYN ARE OUR LIGHTHOUSES, SHOWING US THE WAY. NO MATTER HOW DARK THINGS GET WE. NEED TO BELIEVE IN GOODNESS. DON'T BE DEPRESSED AND REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Patriciawa

31/05/2013Nasking; Take care of yourself. But don't despair. You still have that beautiful mind. No one owns that but you. In the middle of last night I sat alone here in the West and was enormously comforted as I listened to a Willie Nelson song linked for us by Scorpio over at the PUB. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXK4BBsYEhc I'm not sure if that link will work for you, but that lovely music is always there to listen to and his lines in this and other songs are often so right when one is down. Come back when you're ready. Meantime don't be so sad....... [i]Life goes on and this whole world will keep on turning. [/i]

TalkTurkey

31/05/2013Twitterpomes hafta be short! But this one scans quite well if you say it right. Can',t send boats to Indonesia Can't undo the NBN NDIS, MRRT, & FFS this should please ya, Come the 14th of September *J*U*L*I*A* will win again!

Sir Ian Crisp

31/05/2013[quote][b]I'm new here, but has anyone ever suggested that Tom of Melbourne rather than bother people, just start his own blog site. Then he can read his own rubbish all day long cornlegend [/b][/quote] Yes you do seem to be freshly minted. When dissentient voices present their views and opinions it's called democracy. There is no need to be scared. Take the time to consider AA's stated aim: [b]putting politicians and commentators to the verbal sword.[/b] We all know that AA is not biased so his invitation knows no bounds or restrictions. AA's invitation is extended to all. I certainly hope you're not suggesting that AA's site will not brook criticism of the ALP. Shame on you.

Jason

31/05/2013Re posted from dafid May 31, 2013 at 7:53 pm http://pbxmastragics.com/2013/05/31/lets-face-the-music/#comment-57386 Evening all you may be interested in this reply I have received from ABCNews24, following my request for information on the many link faults that occur, during live Press Conferences and/or interviews with the PM, Ministers and the Leader of the Opposition. Many readers will have seen the comments on Twitter which have indicated a perception there has been more to the link problems than simple technical faults, as the PM seems to be the victim of the breakdown more often than the Leader of the Opposition. Same applies to Ministers. Here is my request to ABC24 followed by their response: I must add I regard the response as a load of c–p and lies. Subject: Programme technical problems Comments: I would appreciate if you would supply me with a breakdown of the number of times technical problems have caused the interruption and/or abandonment of live telecasts of Interviews and Press Conferences of a) All Federal Labor MP’s including the PM and Ministers. b) All Coalition MP’s including The Leader of the Opposition and all Shadow Ministers as relates to ABC TV24 for the period January 1st 2012 to May 23rd 2013 I believe this information is available as logs are kept of all such interruptions to programmes. Thank you for your assistance I look forward to receiving the requested information Sincerely David +++++ Dear David, Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, the information you seek is not available. The disruptions to which you refer occur during crosses contained in regular news programming and are not regarded as breaks in, or interruptions to, normal transmission. Therefore no transmission log is kept. Our technical failures are like our news coverage. Fair and balanced and happen equally to both sides . In an unfortunately memorable series last week we managed to lose the Prime Minister on one day and the Opposition Leader the next. In terms of quantum, by the law of averages failures would occur slightly more often to the Opposition Leader as up until know he has been hold twice to three times the number of press conferences/events per week than the Prime Minister. Over the past twelve months ABC News 24′s ability to present more live coverage has been considerably enhanced by the development of second generation broadband transmission equipment. The downside is that there will be times when bandwidth is not sufficiently available to maintain a stable signal especially at the point where all the media organisations turn on their equipment at the start of the event. ABC News 24 is investing substantial time and effort into improving our live transmission capacity prior to the start of the federal election campaign. Thank you for taking the time to write. Yours sincerely The team at ABC News24. ——————— In summary at least I received a response within 2 weeks. Was it satisfactory? No. The reply indicates no record is kept of a problem when a link between A and B is interrupted as it occurs during ‘regular’ news programming. So the ABC is saying when a technical problem occurs during a live regular programme it is not recorded anywhere, it is a non happening. No one in the Engineering, Technical Maintenance or Outside Broadcast Units records that a fault caused a live crossover to fail, dropout, disappear. If there is no record kept of the time, day, place, weather conditions etc how can the fault be rectifies? How do the ABC discover what caused the fault, how is it rectified to avoid same, yet there is no record kept of anything. In my 40 years Broadcasting career in England, Australia and New Zealand I have never heard of such a dismissal, regarding a technical problem. The ABC relies on “the law of averages” to say how many problems of the type we are discussing are identified. The reply also states “Our technical failures are like our news coverage. Fair and balanced and happen equally to both sides”. So we have a blunt statement of fact ..’happen equally to both sides’. Oh! But I was told there have been no records kept at least since January 1st 2012 up to May 23rd 2013, so how can anyone possibly know technical failures happen equally to both sides. Nothing is recorded. oops sorry, that law of averages again. As for the fair and balanced News coverage comment, please!! Equally the equipment upgrades and the blaming of the problems thereon, weak and feeble. I was hoping for at least an honest attempted response to my request, even a short no would have been better than the insipid attempt to fob me off. Would do the ABC well to remember not all their viewers/listeners are as ignorant or gullible as they would like to think. More honesty in their dealings with the public who supply the money to keep Aunty alive, would be most appreciated.

cornlegend

31/05/2013Sir Ian Crisp I came here because of the excellent article Ad Astra had written. I was also pleased to read the diversity of comments from the participants at this site. I find I can be informed and educated from the information I glean from the comments, without the bile, hatred and rubbish of the MSM. I expect rational discussion, no more no less. I think that at this site, 99% of the participants would be here for similar reason to mine. As with most sites, there are the 1% who post utter crap. I don't think anyone minds a bit of heated discussion, thats democracy. There are also the "spoilers" The "attention seekers' The 1% that offer nothing, and set out to set the agenda. To them, and this is where I made mention of Tom of Melbourne, I merely suggest they set up their own site, peddle their own ideologies, and not try to stuff up the excellent work and effort, of people like Ad Astra. I may be mistaken, but i interpreted Ad Astra's "verbal sword." related to free and open debate relevant to the post. This is what appears to happen at this site. I was simply making the suggestion, that if someone has something to say,and it appears Tom of Melbourne does have lots to say, that differs to the post. Why not start your own site, promote your argument/issues and put the commentators that may visit to the verbal sword.

bob macalba

31/05/2013Watch out cornlegend SiC will start a file on you, any questions or opinions not right wing organised and you are on his list, pretty weird that he collects so many comments that offend him but its what his masters expect...beware

TalkTurkey

31/05/2013Apropos something-or-other I wrote this to some people this morning: [i]The highest form of compliment I bestow on anyone is [b]Comrade[/b]. Gough used it all the time, so did my brother Gordon, it implies trust respect and solidarity. Sometimes I tell people they are welcome to share my trench.[/i] Then minutes ago I see this on Twitter:: Darin Sullivan ‏@darinsullivan09 2m Use of the word Comrade: #ausunions #unions #ALP http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=377841795661623&set=a.285716771540793.58041.285341341578336&type=1&theater …

Tom of Melbourne

31/05/2013 cornlegend - [i]” I made mention of Tom of Melbourne, I merely suggest they set up their own site, peddle their own ideologies[/i]” I mainly post here, which is an outstanding, open and diverse site, where no one is called a “troll”, and contributors of all persuasions are welcome. http://thedailytrash.wordpress.com/

Catching up

31/05/2013J seem to recall an incident, early in the Rudd government. There was a ship that plucked asylum seekers from the ocean. They were ordered to head for Indonesia. Now my recollections are hazy, but did not that ship sit outside the Indonesian port. When it was allow to moor, the asylum seekers refuse to disembark. The Indonesians refused to help, saying the problem was not theirs. It was after, what seem like weeks, a deadlock. A private ship held hostage to the whims of the Australian government. The deadlock was broken, when an agreement was made with Indonesia, that they would be assessed in that country, and come to Australia The people then let the ship. I have a feeling that Australia welsh on that deal, and many did not come. So, I am sure the Indonesians will rush out, to grab Mr. Abbott's hand, telling him, that they will grant im every wish. Mr. Howard had an similar story, eventually the boat embark their asylum seekers at Christmas Island I believe. Indonesia refuse to accept either ship load. This is less likely, as Abbott's first move is to reduce by 7000 the numbers we have agreed to take from the region. That would be mainly Indonesia and Malaysia, I believe. Mr. Abbott will not do better, that this government is doing. Just listening to Pyne and Albanese on Ch 9 Today. The rot that come out of Karl's and Pyne's mouth was unbelievable. Yes, asbestos is dangerous, but it is also found on sites every day ot the week. Yes, it is manageable. Pyne would by passed the pits and have wireless instead. Also lied about roll out being so far behind. Worth a listen, if one likes stupidity. Does Pyne ever tell the truth. Albanese saying they might go with the previous bill.

cornlegend

31/05/2013Sir Ian Crisp As you point out, I am a newcomer here. I usually like to avail myself of the wisdom of others. Because I am new, I went back over several posts to read the input, you had given. I thought I may have been educated, illuminated and dazzled by you insightful contributions. I wasn't !

cornlegend

31/05/2013bob macalba thanks for your concern Bob. I will keep my eye out. I am a reasonably quick learner. I have learnt about 2 commenters already Jason = quick wit Tom of Melbourne = dim wit

cornlegend

31/05/2013Tom of Melbourne Thanks for your comment and the reference you make to gaining your information from the daily trash Now I understand you better

Tom of Melbourne

31/05/2013cornlegend - The big problem with this site is the hypocrisy. Ad Astra claims to put “commentators and politicians to the verbal sword” He does nothing of the sort. The site only recycles ALP press releases and propaganda, there is no analysis and no independent policy advocacy. Ad Astra never promotes discourse about progressive issues, and generally discourages discussion of issues that the ALP finds complex. He has excused each specific example of proven dishonesty and political expedience by this government. TPS is designed only to reinforce the orientation of the diminishing few committed, unthinking supporters. I’m sure you will fit in well here.

lyn

31/05/2013Hi Cornlegend, Love your sense of humour, thankyou for the smiles, bit of a poet too clever you:):):)

cornlegend

31/05/2013lyn thanks for your welcome :grin: and thanks Tom of Melbourne, I hope I fit in here. Read more factual info here today than in MSM in 12 months. I am enjoying taking in the Rob Oakeshott response to Pyne. I'm sure you would agree that Pyne has made an absolute fool of himself AGAIN :grin:

cornlegend

31/05/2013Sorry Lyn, my Smilies didn't work. I think they may have been too busy frowning at Abbott and his cohorts

Curi-Oz

31/05/2013Why can I not think of ways to persuade people that the information they are recieving may actually be inaccurate? Even when I can point to the video that has the complete quote and add that it took 17 days to actually get a government after the last election? So how could things not change. Not to mention the fact that the same behaviour by a male would be accepted, but by a female offends all sorts of (apparent) patriarchial positions ...! Just admitting that I thought that Mr Abbott was unfit to be PM or lead the Liberal Party earned me a vituperative spray about the PM being a liar and that the Labor Party always screws up the economy and that the unions are bad for everyone. The way to deal with it, I have decided, is to laugh and point out that the current government kept us afloat in the GFC, has earned the country a triple AAA rating internationally, and the more the MSM screach that the LNP will win the slower the stock exchange and lower the AUD$ falls. Just for starters. Mind you, I occasionally feel tempted to point out that the more hysterical they get about the ALP, the closer these blinkered types resemble that quintessential clip from "Downfall"! But it is exhasting *flops bonelessly into chair and write comment to TPS* PS - suggestions as to how to reframe the situation would be appreciated (especially as I think that is going to be the only way I can make a difference to this ongoing conversation) would be gratefully received.

Truth Seeker

31/05/2013NAS, SORRY TO HEAR YOU'RE HAVING SUCH A HARD TIME MATE, BUT DON'T LOSE HEART YOU ARE A GREAT INSPIRATION TO MANY, AND YOUR INPUT HAS BEEN INVALUABLE. I HAVE JUST POSTED A NEW POEM THAT MIGHT LIGHTEN YOUR MOOD A LITTLE, BUT JUST KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY OF US THAT WILL NEVER GIVE UP . :-) cornlegend, mate you are a legend, and still quick on the uptake. :-) And I'm still interested to hear your thoughts on my "How To" page. Cheers :-) :-)

cornlegend

31/05/2013Truthseeker I need more lessons :grin:

Jason

31/05/2013cornlegend, Apart from ToM complaining like the drag queen he is, I asked him yesterday to ask Ad astra if he could post what he thinks is lacking in the political debate on here! As you can see by the old tarts actions nothing!!

cornlegend

31/05/2013SIR IAN CRISP your comment to me was "Shame on you ' Lets get something clear in our budding friendship. I have no shame ! I am a rusted on old lefty, retired, {self funded} so you can't accuse me of sponging on the Government} I have a fair bit of spare time, so I am willing to chat with you at length, on the positive things that the Gillard Government have done. i have a mantra "Julia Gillard is a strong, intelligent, inspirational and determined woman" I would be happy to discuss this with you at length, in order to foster our friendship I have great respect for the Independents in Parliament. I would even vote for Tony Windsor. I would NEVER vote for the LNP. I think they are a gutless policy barren bunch, being led by their masters, Rupert, Gina and the IPA among others. This post is about political hatred, and I must confess, I do bear some of that. I hate what Abbott and his bunch intend to do to workers, Education, Health, Hospitals, the NBN, The Environment, snd more than I can be bothered listing here. Now you know a little about me. I'm sure our friendship will blossom, and we can discuss all the other things on my "LNP hate list" Cheers Comrade

Truth Seeker

31/05/2013cornlegend, after a bit of misunderstanding, I have given the answer to your dilemma, at my How to, remember what the sss tands for and you'll be fine :-) :-) Cheers :-)

cornlegend

31/05/2013Sir Ian Crisp Sorry mate, I forgot to thank you for the flattering comment "Yes you do seem to be freshly minted" Having spent 40 years in the trade union movement, politics, and the community sector, I'm used to "old fart" , the "old fella" and the like to be "freshly minted" is great. I'm sure we are gonna be good mates !

cornlegend

31/05/2013Jason, Thanks for your comments mate. I'm am quite enjoying the Political Sword. I'm sure Tom of Melbourne and Sir Ian Crisp and I could become good buddies. I have a great deal of disgust at the LNP, MSM, Gina, Rupert the IPA and the rest of the right wing scumbuckets, with their agenda to wreck our great country. I'm sure, they along with me, don't want to see that happen. I feel our friendship will only grow, as we sort out ,between us, just how evil the Abbott?Murdoch empire is

lyn

1/06/2013Today’s Links Statement on Letter from Chris Pyne: Story by Sid Maher by Rob Oakshott Grovelling to the crossbench, and giving letters to journalists before they are posted or emailed, and threatening to do something for week upon week upon week, builds the view that this is just the shallow tactics of destabilising, and has nothing to do with the substance of the most serious charge they are making. http://www.roboakeshott.com/node/1675 Oakeshott burns Pyne as Coalition confidence trick crashes in flames by @independentaus If Chris Pyne and Tony Abbott are in any way serious about this tactic of theirs, they will back up their ongoing tactics and vote against the budget bills on Monday. I don’t think they will, and I will watch closely before replying to this newly received letter from Mr Pyne. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/oakeshott-burns-pyne-as-coalition-confidence-trick-crashes-in-flames/ Oakeshott rebuffs 'pathetic' Opposition bid to woo independents for no-confidence motion by ABC Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor have criticised Mr Pyne for releasing the letter to the media before they had received it."My first response is, how pathetic," Mr Oakeshott said. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-31/opposition-trying-to-recruit-independents-for-no-confidence-mot/4724796 If The Public Doesn’t Fund Elections, Big Business Will. In Secret by @MikeSeccombe Then Abbott – showing all the integrity we have come to expect from him – reneged. It’s pretty easy to divine his motivations. He saw the groundswell of opposition building, and thought he saw advantage by ratting on the deal. He probably held the faint hope the government, http://powerhouse.theglobalmail.org/if-the-public-doesnt-fund-elections-big-business-will-in-secret/ Austerity and the social construction of economic knowledge by @beneltham The global financial crisis, Mackenzie argues, was partly the result of particular and contingent “knowledge-generating arrangements”, which allowed the wildly mis-allocated risks of the US mortgage securities industry to accumulate and eventually implode. http://culturalpolicyreform.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/austerity-and-the-social-construction-of-economic-knowledge/ Misinformation regarding the Gillard Government’s National Plan for School Improvement PM’s Press Office Claims published in The Australian today regarding the Federal Government’s National Plan for School Improvement (NPSI) include a number of inaccuracies which have been repeated in other reporting. http://pmopressoffice.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/misinformation-regarding-the-gillard-governments-national-plan-for-school-improvement/ Fast Food, Slow Cooking and the Future of the Media @MigloMT If Murdoch wants to keep his papers viable behind a pay wall, then he needs to start being concerned about accuracy rather than speed http://theaimn.com/2013/05/31/fast-food-slow-cooking-and-the-future-of-the-media/ The Guardian: too local for Australian lefties? by @ConversationEDU Will The Guardian replace my morning Age or Herald Sun? I doubt it in the short term. But will its arrival in Australia eventually force the closure of one of our remaining morning papers? Sadly, I think the answer may be yes. There is little doubt it will take further readers, particularly from Fairfax’s diminishing store http://theconversation.com/the-guardian-too-local-for-australian-lefties-14664 Tony Abbott phones 8,000 voters by Katharine Murphy Tony Abbott held a virtual forum in the western Sydney seat of Lindsay on Thursday night in a new campaign technique allowing the opposition leader to speak directly to voters and poll them on contentious issues at the same time. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/31/tony-abbott-phones-8000-voters?CMP=twt_gu Federal Press Gallery list revealed by @NoFibs, @margokingston1 Everyone know journos can’t keep a secret, but they’ve somehow managed to keep the list of Federal Press Gallery members secret from the general public. Until now. http://nofibs.com.au/federal-press-gallery-list-revealed/ Faith alone cannot bridge the mining cliff 'by @macro_business Ultimately, Australia can dig itself out of the mining investment hole. However, it will require proactive policies, such as reforms to planning rules and land-use (to create the conditions forgreater housing construction), significantly increasing infrastructure investment http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/05/more-than-faith-required-to-see-australia-off-the-mining-cliff/ Disappointing start for Guardian Oz edition by @btckr Abbott is not standing for election on behalf of the people. He is seeking power for the corporate elites, the miners and the media barons who attended the recent IPA 70th anniversary dinner, where he was a speaker. http://truthinmediaresourcecentre.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/early-editions-of-guardian-oz-disappointing/ Terrified of Tony Abbott! by @archiearchive All the good which has been done in the past five years will be destroyed, swept away in a frenzy of NO-ishness! It will be replaced by the worst ideas I have ever heard promoted by a supposedly democratic political party. http://archiearchive.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/terrified-of-tony-abbott/ Tony Abbott and the Liberal Family Plan! by Truth Seeker don’t know about you, but I am absolutely sick to death of the LNP talking down our economy, and making out that only they have the economic credentials to fix an economy that isn’t broken in the first place. :shock: http://truthseekersmusings.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/tony-abbott-and-the-liberal-family-plan/ The NBN asbestos meltdown blown out of proportion by @SupratimA the histrionics around asbestos and the attempt to somehow level all culpability at the feet of NBN Co beggars belief http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/5/31/technology/nbn-asbestos-meltdown-blown-out-proportion#ixzz2UreDRUtK Turnbull Refuses To Answer Basic Policy Questions by @sortius It’s a sad day when even the basics of a policy can’t or won’t be clarified by a Shadow Minister. The email is as follows: http://sortius-is-a-geek.com/?p=3047 Internet traffic forecast to triple in four years by Peter Ryan Cisco is expecting 1.4 zettabytes of internet traffic by 2017 and, for those who have never heard of a zettabyte, it is an enormous amount of data."A zettabyte is the equivalent of a trillion gigabytes. It's a very, very large number with a lot of zeros - 21 zeros. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-31/internet-traffic-to-triple-in-four-years/4725126 NBN Co's take-up rates soar Analysis: Big numbers, big growth in just five weeks.Take-up rates across NBN Co's fibre network are soaring, with many rollout areas adding hundreds of users over the past five weeks. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/345123,nbn-cos-take-up-rates-soar.aspx/0 Today’s Front Pages Australian Newspaper Front Pages for 1 June 2013 http://www.thepaperboy.com/australia/front-pages.cfm News headlines http://www.hotheadlines.com.au/

Ad astra

1/06/2013LYN'S DAILY LINKS updated: http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/page/LYNS-DAILY-LINKS.aspx

Michael

1/06/2013Coalition in power in Canberra - annual tax cuts to bribe the electorate, participating in overseas conflicts as 'deputy sheriff' to others, and... the list sputters out. Labor in power in Canberra - long term programs to benefit Australians' health, education, employment and... the list goes on. Labor sets up this country's future when in national government. Coalition governments look after their pals and anaesthetize the electorate with unessential 'welfare'. Study your history, make your choice. Abbott PM? He's not up to it.

TalkTurkey

1/06/2013Good morning all, This makes good reading: Tony Windsor ‏@TonyWindsorMP 17h In defence of science and scientists, and taking action on climate change... http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db%3DCHAMBER;id%3Dchamber%2Fhansardr%2F9887dbf0-2eba-448e-82db-0288b44668a2%2F0198;query%3DId%3A%22chamber%2Fhansardr%2F9887dbf0-2eba-448e-82db-0288b44668a2%2F0193%22 …

janice

1/06/2013Cornlegend, I am enjoying your participation in this thread - please don't go away :) SIC and T-O-M have infested this site for yonks and neither of them have ever contributed to the conversation in any meaningful way or, in fact, posted anything one would consider worthy of thought or ponderability.

cornlegend

1/06/2013janice Thanks for your kind words. I like this site, and its contributors. As a rusted on old lefty, I despise the LNP. I'm sure T.O.M and S.I.C and I will become good buddies. We should have heaps to discuss, regarding the negative, evil LNP, MSM and the other hangers on that frequent the far right. :grin:

bob macalba

1/06/2013Cornlegend I dips me lid to you, several short sharp jabs, a couple of uppercuts then one to the belly..very enjoyable cheers

cornlegend

1/06/2013Thanks Bob. I haven't had any response from SIC or TOM regarding our new friendship. We have so much to talk about. And as you can see, I'm a talkative old shit. I get joy out of talking. When you get to my age , everything is enjoyable, except the evil right. I usually have a bit of a grin each morning when I wake up. The fact that I woke up is a joy. Still waiting for my friends to come. thought it would be interesting if we were to discuss my mantra, which is "Julia Gillard is a strong, intelligent, inspirational and determined woman"

cornlegend

1/06/2013lyn I noticed your "smiley" didn't work either. Shock horror, It was on the Truthseeker listing ! :shock: Truthseeker has a How to for smilies. I'm still in the kindy class

jaycee

1/06/2013What has happened to the “Egyptian terroist” repudiatede on Lateline last night!?….Was this a set-up to entrap the close connections between the AFP. and the LNP.? It seems the so called terroist was not wanted by the Egyptian authorities after all!…As a matter of fact, according to Egyptian court papers, he was a non-starter for any serious caime at all! Where’s the follow-up after Lateline?…Perhaps they sacked the poor schmuck who dared to report it on Lateline!

jaycee

1/06/2013Cornlegend....a bit of info about SIC. He's an avid gambler on the ponies...He has a "system"..he comes on strong here when he is losing!...That's why he is here a lot!....He has a "system" you know..(taps side of nose knowingly!). Tom...well..Tom is one of the "lesser poets".

jaycee

1/06/2013Oh...and Tom has a system as well....the only trouble with HIS system, is just when he's got a good, firm grip on the "situation", the count gets to 100 and he's gotta change hands!

Ad astra

1/06/2013Hi Lyn Your links this morning showed a shallow, stunt-obsessed Christopher Pyne, no doubt backed by the Abbott media group, once again talking about a no-confidence motion that they have no intention of moving, leaking it to Sid Maher for publication in [i]The Australian[/i] before contacting the Independents, sending them a letter rather than emailing them or phoning them, or even walking down the corridor to talk with them. Even the panel on [i]The Drum[/i] last night all agreed it was a stunt to get a headline. And yet Tony Abbott is promising an ‘adult’ government should he be elected, while his Manager of Opposition Business behaves like an immature schoolboy. Both Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor have appropriately given Pyne short shrift.

Pikiranku

1/06/2013Cornlegend I'm glad to see you here too. I've read and appreciated your comments on other sites (from memory probably IA, but I'm not 100% sure) and it's great to have your words of wit and wisdom here at TPS. Please stay!

cornlegend

1/06/2013Pikiranku thanks for your warm welcome. I'm a bit of an IA junkie. Like it here as long a Ad Astra doesn't boot me for too many posts.

DMW

1/06/2013It is quite simple: [b]Any government that creates an underclass through an administrative shamble does not deserve to be re-elected[/b] [b]Accidental underclass[/b] Michael Gordon and Bianca Hall @TheAge http://www.theage.com.au/national/accidental-underclass-20130531-2nhek.html ... and the headline is totally misleading ... it is no accident that this underclass has been created, the Prime Minister wanted it to happen or otherwise she would have changed it. Shame on you Prime Minister, you have let this country down badly.

Tom of Melbourne

1/06/2013 The only surprise here is that Ad Astra has not yet stepped in and implored contributors not to talk to me. Other than that it’s all typical mindless, regurgitation of ALP talking points.

cornlegend

1/06/2013Jaycee, Thanks for the "heads up" I don't mind a punt on the ponies either. That gives me another reason to be firm friends with SIC, and share the love I have a "system" too I guess if you have come across me at other sites, Truthseeker, IA, Fair Media etc. you will probably understand my "system" better

Bacchus

1/06/2013Hello & welcome cornlegend :D The "legend" on this site for smilies is a contributor we've not seen enough of lately - NormanK So courtesey of NormanK, this is the list of smilies that work here: [b]TPS Smilies[/b] Happy Smile - full colon close bracket :) Sad Frown - full colon open bracket :( Grin,Laughing - full colon capital D :D Tongue out - full colon capital P :P Wink - semi-colon dash close bracket ;-) Surprised, gasp - full colon dash capital O :-O Embarassed - full colon dollar sign ? :$ Kiss - open bracket capital K close bracket (K) Sealed (my lips are sealed) - Full colon dash Hash :-#

Truth Seeker

1/06/2013Bacchus and NormanK thanks for the TPS smileys, I will add them to my "How To" page for others who might want them :-) I have given cornlegend three, but couldn't find the rest so that's a great help Cheers :-)

cornlegend

1/06/2013Tom of Melbourne To foster our friendship Tom, I will talk to you. I see on most sites, even MSM, the main topic seems to be how Christopher Pyne made such an absolute idiot of himself with "the letter" It also comments on the excellent response from Rob Oakeshott Do you have any thoughts on Pyne making an idiot of himself AGAIN And see Tom, I never mentioned the ALP once. If you would like me to, I have a great deal of positive things to say. BUT, lets not drift off. Lets discuss Pyne

jaycee

1/06/2013Here is the Iview link to the "Egyptian Terrorist" story. http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?series=2520789#/view/39257

cornlegend

1/06/2013Bacchus thanks for the smilie info. There is an excellent how to page for smilies at http://truthseekersmusings.wordpress.com/ Obviously, as you can see, I'm in the kindy class. However, Truthseeker is an excellent teacher {and a good bloke } :grin:

cornlegend

1/06/2013Truthseeker, Oh damn, back to kindy class !!!

Bacchus

1/06/2013TS & cornlegend, Café Whispers also has a very good "How To" page that you may find helpful for WordPress sites ;-) https://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/how-to/

TalkTurkey

1/06/2013Wow Ad, You sure sucked some Goodies out of the woodwork this time. Reckon we got ourselves a keeper in Mr LeftWing Corn Legend? Welcome to you Comrade Corny, we are proud that you find us so worthy. Which we [i]are[/i] btw, thanks particularly to Ad astra's wise benign influence and to the phenomenal Daily Links from Lyn, our peregrinacious Tweety. Together with open-ended comment from all the rest of us, they daily make this site a special and important journal, and its archives will be a rich source of journalistic fare forever. It is a landmark in the development of a People's On-line post, because here the thoughts of very ordinary and different people meet in a spirit of true altruism. It is an egalitarian speakeasy, though there is no pretence here to espouse any other loyalty than Labor. It doesn't mean that Labor is uncriticisable nor that other points of view are necessarily rejected immediately without due consideration. Oh btw Limpy Crisp is NOT worthy of the noble term [i]Comrade[/i] Comrade, not even in jest please, Let's keep it clean that word. Any notion of genuine communication with Limpy, ToM or the one we call Crapstain is a vain hope. They don't want that and will certainly reject any attempts to establish friendly relations. In the meantime we look forward to lots more of your input! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Now Doug! [[i][b]Dog[/b][/i] (I said earlier in this thread) [i]I haven't been able to keep up with all the reading[/i], 'Course nearly everyone here knows I mean [i]Dog Albitey[/i], to whose superior wisdom and majestic powers I often appeal in moments of extremity ... But it was funny, Doug Evans thought it was my typo and that the comment was directed at him, no wonder it didn't make sense to him, nor him back to me!] Doug, perhaps going on past experiences you were actually looking for something abrasive from me, and I wouldn't want to disappoint you so here goes. Truly Doug I'm sorry to have to tell you this but I will, I've made it clear to you before but here you are again trying to justify your Groons, well AFA I'm concerned they have been and continue to be an unmitigated disaster for this country, treacherously and irresponsibly led &/or mandated by a naive ungrateful simplistic demographic whose main activity is jeering Labor from the sidelines and demanding perfection for free immediately and forever, made retrospective to their date of birth. Their crowning achievements have been 1, delaying for years any action on carbon pollution reduction, 2, almost bringing down the Labor Government in 2010, and 3, costing untold lives at sea by rejection of the only credible strategy for dealing with Asylum Seekers. A proud record of Spoilerism. Well you're going to reject those critically-important charges as you and the Groons always do, and I'm not about to change my attitude either so now there isn't much more to say is there. Except that those notable achievements I detailed before will be as nothing compared to the damage that will accrue should Milne's immaculate spoilers manage actually to succeed in vouchsafing Abborrrtt government this year. Which Dog willing they don't. :) Doug I don't really mean to be unpleasant but the Groons are worse than unhelpful, they are a constant drag and restraint on genuine social advancement in Australia, and a threat to the Government I do support, and I have no intention of pretending other than my contempt for their utopian nihilism. Doesn't mean you're not welcome to post here - You are! - but I am always going to say what I think about matters as important as these, as well and as effectively as I can, and part of that is getting back to the bare metal. I see the Groons as Enemies of the genuine Left, and I will seek to destroy their hypocrisy any fair way I can. If you are going to come here as an apologist for them you would be right in your original apprehension of abrasiveness from me, and I don't care how many sparks fly. I actually rather like sparks, they're not dull.

Jason

1/06/2013DMW, "Shame on you Prime Minister, you have let this country down badly." WTF? How about blame the opposition and the greens as well! After all they helped block most of the Houston recommendations in the Senate!

cornlegend

1/06/2013TalkTurkey Thanks for your welcome. TPS really is an enjoyable place. and to Tom of Melbourne, you said "The only surprise here is that Ad Astra has not yet stepped in and implored contributors not to talk to me." As you have so correctly pointed out, I am new here. I don't know Ad Astra, but from what I have read, he seems a sincere , kind and compassionate type. Even he, I'm sure. wouldn't want you to be a Tommy no friends" That's why I want to be your buddy. I have a deep dislike for the extreme right. This is where I thought you could educate me. I read, and it may be incorrect, that during the Xmas break, Gina paid for plastic surgery for a few of the LNP. Tony got Botoxed, fake tanned and a visit to the hair transplanters, {it is alleged} Sloppy Joe got Lyposuction, or Lapband surgery {again alleged. Sophie Mirrabella got bugger all, because they couldn't find a plastic surgeon, willing to take on such a mammoth task [again alleged} Christopher Pyne was to have a brain scan {allegedly none found } My question Tom, is do you think that these procedures are the reason they are even dumber, more stupid, now than pre Xmas ? Also Tom, as you do seem to know a bit about the extreme right[ read that as LNP] Is the rumour, also from the smae site regarding Gina True. That being, The reason she looks the size of Uluru, is that for every dollar she made, {from exploiting OUR resources}, she ate one donut ? Wot ya think buddy ? and please Ad Astra, let Tom of Melbourne have one friend. please let me talk to him

TalkTurkey

1/06/2013Pretty good site to read up on Cannabis!http://www.cannabisnews.org/medical-cannabis-safe-effective/2013/06/01/

DMW

1/06/2013Jason @ 2:17 PM, the PM is the one 'in the chair'. It is under her watch that this is happening. It is through her policy implementation that this is happening. It is up to the prime minister to change it if she she really wants it to change. If she chooses not to change it then, shame Prime Minister, shame.

Jason

1/06/2013DMW, Yes the blame stops with her! However her policy that was recommended has been blocked by the Greens and opposition! Yes the ALP have to suffer the consequences of that!But I'm happy they are no more advantaged than those sitting in hell holes that have no money to get here!

cornlegend

1/06/2013DMW, the article, which you so kindly provide a link to, {The Age"} concluded with this line "That will be the same, regardless of who is in government after September 14." Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/accidental-underclass-20130531-2nhek.html#ixzz2Uw9zJqvX

Tom of Melbourne

1/06/2013Gillard deserves to be condemned for her participation (or leadership) in the demonisation of asylum seekers. It’s no use blaming the Greens or the opposition, no use defaulting to the shockingly flawed Houston report, the fact is that Gillard has participated in the race into the political slime. Her actions are the antithesis of progressive eadership.

jaycee

1/06/2013Alright, time to put the thinking caps on. I don’t know how many of you took the time to look at that Iview Lateline link for last night’s study of the “Egyptian Terrorist” person that the LNP. is pushing at the moment, But I just did again and it appears to me that Brandis was feeding Dorothy-dixers to the AFP. officers there and they were giving him talking points back….Yet, when you hear the said Egyptian’s refugee advocate, with the court documents, the case appears to fall completely flat! So one has to ask..: Just what IS this chummy connection of the AFP. with the LNP. over this case, the Thomson case, the AWU. “afair” and the Slipper case…OH! AND the Christmass Island riots case? I do hope there are a couple of red flags showing for one of the other agencies to do a bit of spot-checking on just who is paying what restaurant bill between the two aforementioned parties!

jaycee

1/06/2013DMW..: "Jason @ 2:17 PM, the PM is the one 'in the chair'. It is under her watch that this is happening. It is through her policy implementation that this is happening." Sorry, DMW. but your incorrect assertion is the very reason we are in this pickle. The fact that the voting public has waived it's responsibilities to allow leadership decisions to be made that would resolve this and other very important issues by backing and screaming alongside a destructive opp'n and denying the elected gov't (AFTER it had elected it!)to have a mandate to fulfill it's responsibility tothe nation uis an act of cowardice that falls squarely on the shoulders of the electorate(for not politically educating itself), the MSM. (for not playing an honest role of informing the electorate so it CAN make informed decisions), and the LNP. (for it's deliberate acts of hate fuelled sabotage) with its endless lying and the Greens for it's cynical stance of giving the LNP. amunition to attack the gov't on it's responsible policies!

Michael

1/06/2013There's only one question of consequence in this Federal election year, and it's one consistently answered for all to see and hear by the Leader of the Opposition. Abbott PM? He's not up to it.

nasking

1/06/2013 Bacchus, good to see you... [b]if Murdoch and Abbott win this election we intend to get rid of our FOXTEL...I hope others do same to let the Murdoch, Packer people know we've HAD ENUFF.[/b] I might have to call on you for help during the transition. Will pay. Cheers, N'

Jason

1/06/2013jaycee, Well said!

DMW

1/06/2013Jason, I don't recall that any of the recommendations of the Houston Panel that envisaged or encouraged the creation of a sub class in this country and the treatment of those asylum seekers as is happening now. If I am wrong please point me to where the report says that. If there is no recommendation that 'allows' the current treatment how can any of the actions of the Greens or the opposition have encouraged it? Could the government have acted differently since the report and changed some realities and perceptions? Ken oaf they could have. [i][b]Recommendation 4[/b] The panel recommends that [b]bilateral cooperation on asylum seeker issues with Indonesia [/b] be advanced as a matter of urgency, particularly in relation to: * The allocation of an increased number of humanitarian program resettlement places for Indonesia ...[/i] There appears to be an extreme lack of urgency in acting on this recommendation and I can see no reason, including any legislation blocked by the Greens and the opposition, for the lack of urgency. I cannot find current figures for the number of asylum seekers taken directly from Indonesia to Australia since the panel's report but I gather it is between 100 and 200 people which is a similar number to recent years. A half smart government could have, with the cooperation of the Indonesian government and the UNHCR found, say, 2,000 'legitimate' asylum seekers and bought them directly from Indonesia to Australia around November or December last year. They could have created a big song and dance about how wonderful they were doing this and at the same time created the perception that there was a 'real queue' in Indonesia and if any asylum seeker wanted a cheaper, safer and possibly quicker way to get here they should 'damn well line up in that queue'. Instead they lurch about, blame others for the mess and help reinforce the impression that this is an administratively incompetent government. The Prime Minister has played straight ito the hands of the opposition on this and it will cost dearly now and long into the future because of pig-headedness and pandering to a small rump of rednecks.

nasking

1/06/2013 [b]Your links this morning showed a shallow, stunt-obsessed Christopher Pyne, no doubt backed by the Abbott media group, once again talking about a no-confidence motion that they have no intention of moving, leaking it to Sid Maher for publication in The Australian before contacting the Independents, sending them a letter rather than emailing them or phoning them, or even walking down the corridor to talk with them. [/b] Ad, PYNE IS A LYING TOAD...TO THINK THAT MAN WILL BE PUT IN CHARGE OF EDUCATION SHOULD GIVE PEOPLE SHIVERS... IT'S OBVIOUS FROM HIS RANT RECENTLY IN PARLIAMENT ALL HE CARES ABOUT IS PRESERVING THE MORE CONSERVATIVE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS...LIKE THE ONE HE WENT TO... UNLIKE PETER GARRETT WHO SUPPORTS FAIR FUNDING FOR ALL SCHOOLS... THIS IS A DANGEROUS GROUP OF RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVE MORALISERS. N'

cornlegend

1/06/2013Tom of Melbourne MATE ! If Julia was to put up a positive plan on border protection in Parliament when it resumes, what would happen ? The Greens and LNP would knock it off. Remember, this is a minority government. And is we have that stain on humanity, Scott Morrison, come up with a thought bubble, it would be racial profiling, registering all the asylum seekers with the coppers, putting them all on a "watch list" , to scare the community, a register of where they live, notification of their place of abode to the neighbourhood. The Gillard Government may not have it right, But the LNP most certainly have got it wrong. OH sorry, I forgot, The Navy just need to phone Captain Tony, Then they can tow the boats. To where,? Indonesia won't take them.They say they are transit, and Australia would need to tow them to their home country. Can you picture that Tom. Captain Tony on the bow of the Navy ship, bull horn in hand. "First stop Sri Lanka Then Iran, Iraq, and all stops to Afghanistan" And Tom, We haven't had our chat on Pynes mental condition yet mate

Jason

1/06/2013DMW, To be honest with I hope every boat sinks getting here! I don't care about them any more, and if Morrison is the next minister and makes it even tougher I'm happy with that as well! I once cared about their plight but not any more! I'm sick of the refugee "lobby" trying to make me feel guilty about their problems, well I have my own to worry about!

nasking

1/06/2013 N'ellie May, Bob Macalba, Truth Seeker and again Patricia, Thankyou for your supportive and inspiring words...and Patricia, I took your advice and listened to music...[b]Blind Faith[/b]...got nine hours sleep (the first over 5 and a half in a long time)...and some sun today to boost serotonin levels...already feel a bit better. I feel the need to slow down on here due to fatigue and eye strain...and to keep the black dog from chewing on me too much like it did the last couple of days. I love seeing all the comments on here though...most really lift my spirits...so much useful, enlightening stuff from more and more commentors. Plenty of useful links and quotes too...including tweets. You can visit and/or friend me at FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/nick.king.1232760?ref=tn_tnmn whilst I slow my pace down. Keep up the great work. TRUTH SEEKER...I WILL CERTAINLY VISIT YER SITE AND CHECK OUT YER NEXT INSPIRING POEM ETC. N'

jaycee

1/06/2013DMW. There are a plethora of "ifs" and "coulds" in your reply...I submit to you that when the gov't first set about trying to construct a regional solution for the refugee problem, they were met with a barrage of howls of "confected outrage and distrust" and with the OM., the Greens and the LNP. working overtime to sabotage ANY situation that would create a long term solution FOR THE REGION...we are not the only ones with a refugee problem! First it was the location, then it was the number, then it was the cost, then it was something else so that the whole attempt ended up mired in controversy and the Asian nations that would have partnered were left dumbfounded and bemused by the fact that our democracy was apparently run by the unelected parties and the whole thing fell over till there was no other solution except to hand it over to a committee to adjudicate...and this is what we get! I agree THAT was a mistake when the gov't should had told the Greens and the LNP. to STFU. and let those who were elected just get on with the job. "Joe Stalin was too soft"!!

jaycee

1/06/2013But, DMW, I'll tell you one thing for free...listening to Tabbott talk to the party faithfull AND their rousting approval, HIS intent to "turn the boats" will be predicated on an ultimatum to the Indonesian Gov't....and I think we all know Tony's capacity to negotiate!?......(I wouldn't think even the vision splendid of his arse-proffered would persuade!).

Tom of Melbourne

1/06/2013Hypocrisy is excusing in this government the policies that you condemned in the Howard government. There are plenty of hypocrites on this site and on the issue of asylum seekers.

Jason

1/06/2013Tom of Melbourne When I want your opinion I'll give it too you!

jaycee

1/06/2013How about that!..I speak of Tony's arse proffered and Tom comes in with his mouth...right on cue!

nasking

1/06/2013 FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T ON FACEBOOK: Half-a-century ago leading government scholars, most notably Samuel Huntington and George Stigler, identified modern state-private corruption as regulatory capture, influence peddling within a system of crony capitalism. They and others point to the disastrous experience of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in the 1880s and how it was taken over by the powerful railroad interests, setting the stage for the birth of modern state-subsidized corporate capitalism. [b]Under postmodern capitalism, Americans – as citizens and consumers — are required to subsidize corporate gain as well as the private gluttony of the ruling class. [/b] [b]As citizens, our taxes subsidize private capital in an increasing number of ways, including the rigged tax structure, government payments, right-offs and tax abatements. As consumers, we are over-charged at the cash register, are hit with exorbitant banking charges for loans and credit cards, and pay all-too-much for inferior telecom services[/b]. The presidency, the Congress and the regulatory agencies – let alone state and local governments — are political marketplaces in which influence is bought and sold. Pres. [b]Dwight Eisenhower identified one post-World War II manifestation of this phenomenon, the military-industrial-political complex. Most Americans know the game is rigged and they have almost no chance of influencing public policy or regulation.[/b] [b]Regulatory capture is most glaringly evident within the financial sector. Much influence peddling surrounded the 2010 Dodd-Frank law designed to police banks “too big to fail.” [/b] Similar cozy relations between a regulatory agency and the sector it oversees is business-as-usual at the SEC and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. However, influence peddling operates within much more mundane aspects of state-corporate life. Randall Holcombe points out that in 2010 the sugar industry made about $5 million in political contributions and spent $7 million in lobbying. And the pay back? The Agriculture Department is expected to pay $862 million to cover government loans to sugar farmers who will likely default on some 400,000 tons of sugar. [b]The fix is in and little can be expected from Congress to contain — if not outlaw — influence peddling and the revolving-door syndrome. Efforts by progressive Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Sheldon Whitehouse should be supported. And for those wishing to raise their voices in opposition to Tom Wheeler’s likely appointment to head the FCC, check out the grassroots opposition within the public interest community and sign the petition opposing his nomination. [/b] http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/05/24/corporate-corruption-the-special-interest-state/ INDEED. N'

nasking

1/06/2013 THE BRILLIANT ROBERT REICH LOOKS AT THE AMERICAN RECOVERY...AND WARNS...I AGREE: Yes, home prices are rising. [b]The problem is, they're beginning to rise above their long-run historical average. (Before the housing crash they were were way, way above the long-run average.) [/b] So [b]watch your wallets. We've been here before: The Fed is keeping interest rates artificially low, allowing consumers to get low home-equity loans and to borrow against the rising values of their homes. Needless to say, this trend, too, is unsustainable.[/b] [b]What about the stock market? It's time we stopped assuming that a rising stock market leads to widespread prosperity. Over 90 percent of the value of the stock market -- including 401(k)s and IRAs -- is held by the wealthiest 10 percent of the population.[/b] Moreover, [b]the main reason stock prices have risen is corporate profits have soared. But that's largely because corporations have slashed their payrolls and keep them low. Which brings us full circle, back to the fundamental fact that wages that are going nowhere for most people.[/b] Not even fat corporate profits are sustainable if American consumers don't have enough money in their pockets. Exports can't make up for the shortfall, given the rotten shape Europe is in and the slowdown in Asia. So don't expect those profits to continue. In fact, the new Commerce Department report shows that corporate profits shrank in the first quarter, reversing some of the gains in the second half of 2012. And, [b]by the way, the full effect of the cuts in government spending hasn't even been felt yet. The sequester is going to be a large fiscal drag starting next month. Look, I don't want to rain on the parade. But any self-respecting weather forecaster would warn you to zipper up and take an umbrella. Don't be swayed by all the sunny talk. There are too many storm clouds ahead.[/b] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/economic-forecasters_b_3368386.html THE SHARE MARKET DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE ALTERNATIVE SPACES AND PLACES WHERE PEOPLE SHOP. RELYING ON THE SYSTEM THAT GIVES US THE SAME OLD BOOMS AND CRASHES AND FEEDS THE MEGA-RICH IS INSANE AND IRRATIONAL. THE MEGA-RICH CAN DUPE US INTO EXPENSIVE HOUSING INVESTMENTS AND INVESTING IN BIG CORPORATIONS ETC...THEN PULL THE CARPET OUT FROM UNDER US WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE IT. NO LONGER EYES WIDE SHUT. WAKE UP!!! NO MORE SLEEP WALKING. TIME FOR AN AMERICAN, EUROPEAN '[b]SUMMER OF CHANGE[/b]'. [b]IT'S TIME![/b] N'

nasking

1/06/2013 AND HERE IN AUSTRALIA THAT EVENTUAL [b]SUMMER OF CHANGE[/b] SHOULD NOT INCLUDE THE [b]MURDOCH, RINEHART LOVING TONY ABBOTT[/b]... NOR THE [b]RINEHART LOVING BARNABY JOYCE[/b]... NOR THE [b]GREEDY MINING BARON IN PROTEST CLOTHING CLIVE PALMER[/b]...AND HIS BOUGHT TEAM. [b]NOT UNLESS WE AUSSIES WANT A 2014 WINTER OF RIOTS AND DISCONTENT...LIKE THE RIGHT-WING CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERTARIANS AND FASCISTS AND NATIONALIST EXTREMISTS HAVE GIVEN THE UK.[/b]...IN 2013. N'

cornlegend

1/06/2013Tom of Melbourne Our friendship isn't budding, as I'd hoped. You warned me Ad Astra wouldn't like me talking to you. Trouble is mate, you are ignoring me !! I'm starting to develop a complex. Is it something I said ? I have a lot I would enjoy talking to you about. I'm new here. I want to develop friendships. Tom, lets talk about Pyne, or some of the other topics that I've alluded to. You know Tom, there's not much in life I dislike. Probably my pet hates are LNP, MSN and cold, hot chips

DMW

1/06/2013jaycee @ 3:42 PM [i]... your incorrect assertion is the very reason we are in this pickle.[/i] An interesting interpretation indeed. While some of what you wrote has merit I don't find it convincing that I have made any [i]incorrect assertion/s[/i] [i]The fact that the voting public has waived it's responsibilities ... [/i] Say what? To say the 'we' or some portion of the voting public have [i]'waived it's responsibilities' [/i] suggests a misunderstanding of how governing works in a representative democracy. In a representative democracy such that ours is, 'the people' pass on the responsibility of government to the elected representatives to make the decisions for the betterment of the commonwealth as a whole. Theirs is not to pander to opinion, shouted or otherwise but to make decisions on the evidence and arguments put before them in the various fora of the parliament. On this read up on the thinking of Edmund Burke whom I have linked to previously. Laying the blame at th feet of the 'screaming masses'/opposition/Greens/the press is a cop out and helps reinforce the impression that this is an incompetent administration. The government and the prime minister have had opportunities to change 'impressions' and direct public opinion and have squandered them time after time. The governments 'choices' on the whole vexed issue of asylum seekers have given he opposition, should it become the government, licence to be even more abhorrent on this and other issues. I stand by my statement that any government that creates an underclass is not deserving of re-election and, should the opposition become the government it will apply more so to them as they go about creating an even bigger underclass.

lyn

1/06/2013Hi Cornlegend, ♥♥ Thankyou for your very worthy entertaining, interesting comments again today. Don’t worry about the smiley faces your words are smiling anyway. KHTAGH taught me how to make hearts and musical notes, maybe he will come along later and tell you. NormanK taught me how to do the smiley faces. Janice said [quote]I am enjoying your participation in this thread - please don't go away[/quote] I don't want you to go away either. For you ♥ ♥ ♥ and one for Bob Macalba ♥

Bacchus

1/06/2013[quote]good to see you...[/quote] You too Nas :) I'm here lurking much of the time... I'm visiting parents down on the peninsula atm, so am limited to wi-fi speeds :( [quote]if Murdoch and Abbott win this election we intend to get rid of our FOXTEL...I hope others do same to let the Murdoch, Packer people know we've HAD ENUFF.[/quote] We got rid of our Foxtel (on TBox) subscription a couple of months ago and I haven't read a newspaper (including the free News Ltd local papers) for about a year. [quote]I might have to call on you for help during the transition.[/quote] Always willing to help, Nas :) Ad or Migs can provide my email to you, if that's alright Ad? [quote]Will pay.[/quote] That won't be necessary - always happy to help friends and neighbours ;-)

lyn

1/06/2013Dear Ad, Would you delete my first post to Cornlegend please, my fault again one tiny slip up with email address and there she is again. Thankyou for your comment @ 12.22pm “[quote]stunt-obsessed Christopher Pyne,[/quote] no doubt backed by the Abbott media group” . Did you notice the last paragraph on Pyne’s 2nd hand email to Rob Oakshott, very nasty I thought. Amazing hubris, Pyne and Abbott have done nothing but knock the Independents for three years & then wants them to back a no Confidence motion. Email from Pyne to Rob Oakshott:- [quote]Obviously the success or failure of a motion of no confidence rests substantially in the handsof independent members. I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience. I think I would be entitled to take an equivocal response as marking your determination to support the government and the current Prime Minister to the bitter end. [/quote]http://images.smh.com.au/file/2013/05/31/4453025/Pyne_letter.pdf?rand=1369965494030 Here is another article: Coalition’s bluff called on no-confidence motion, by Phillip Coorey Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott are now considering moving their own motion next week, to test once and for all the Coalition claims that there is a lack of confidence in the Parliament and the government. http://www.afr.com/p/national/coalition_bluff_called_on_no_confidence_u1TJ76FmIpODQTOnsFG0SJ

DMW

1/06/2013Jason @ 4:10 PM, how deeply saddening it is to read those words. It is shameful that a good person like yourself, who I know for sure would do anything to help out someone down on their luck, feels 'forced' to lack care for the less fortunate. It is a stain on our countries heart.

cornlegend

1/06/2013LYN, Thanks for the kind welcome. Very friendly lot here at The Political Sword. In regards to the smilies, a few have offered solutions, and Truthseeker has re-installed my training wheels and is firmly holding my hand. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks ! thanks again

42 long

1/06/2013Cornlegend. Wise left wing bird. Love the PIC. Without The Political sword, the rest would get to me. There is some really nasty stuff out there and it is not coming from the left. I was a state union rep in 1959 and have been continuously a member and sometimes office bearer of one or another since. I've seen the tricks some employers get up to. To suggest an individual contract gives any single person any rights or ability to have any say in his/her employment conditions is Piffle. the power is all one way. The way it works is "if you don't like it ..Lump it" NEXT.. That's why they like a large pool of unemployed.

cornlegend

1/06/201342 long Some of the employers out there really got nasty even in collective agreements. Have heard first hand, in the past of some particularly nasty employers, being all heroic and brave, using standover tactics on an innocent, inexperienced 17 year old. Problem is even the most experienced mature aged worker, when singled out , with veiled threats of termination, will cave in on individual contracts. Wait for the rush IF Abbott gets control. May not get what Gina wants, $2 a day workers, but will be pretty ruthless, with the IPA, Gina and CO pulling the puppet strings

Ad astra

1/06/2013Hi Lyn Your first post to cornlegend been has deleted as you requested. He has added spice to [i]TPS[/i] with his sense of humour, one ToM seems not to appreciate. He is a welcome addition to our group of bloggers. Today, I’ve been finishing the next piece; [i]Political hatred: Is there a remedy?[/i], a sequel to the current piece. It will be ready for posting tomorrow.

cornlegend

1/06/2013Ad astra Thanks for the comment. I think this is the first time we've met. I am developing an inferiority complex though. I have tried my best to be good friends with T.O.M. and S.I.C. but they don't respond. Could you tell me if its something I said ?

lyn

1/06/2013Thankyou Ad, A heart for you too ♥

cornlegend

1/06/2013Lyn, I take it as very flattering that I rated three hearts and the wise words of Ad Astra and Bob Macalba rated only one Lyn, if only I'd listened more in Truth seekers class, I would now put a little smiley symbol :blush:

bob macalba

1/06/2013jaycee..had a mouthful of lamington when reading your 12:14 post, glad it wasn't tea, much easier cleaning screen..funny as Hi Lyn..thankyou and a big smiley back at you, luv your work as always x cheers

Ad astra

1/06/2013cornlegend I did recognize and welcome you, along with several new posters, at 6.52 PM on 26 May. This piece has attracted no less than 35 new commenters. I’ll leave it to you to work out ToM and Sir Ian; I suspect that you're onto their quirks already.

Truth Seeker

1/06/2013cornlegend, if you go to my How to page, I'll walk you through it for TPS :grin: will be up for another half hour or so Cheers :-) :$ :P

TalkTurkey

1/06/2013*J*U*L*I*A* is such a delight! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=fbFG8HEBli8

Mal Kukura

2/06/2013Summing up a bit - this week's collaborative effort has been great to observe and be part of - exercising our precious freedoms to speak in the oppressive media space so polluted with hate fear and loathing from the Murdoch Abbott Pell Rinehart goon gang and their agents assigned to monitor and intrude here. I applaud the efforts made here on TPM to utilize the power of this new medium for the cultural reformation we are already embarking on, whatever the tally of votes on September 14 th elong struggle for freedom sustainability and civilization will go on. As one of the newer contributors I suspect there may be many others like me who've visited and read Ad Astra's gems of literary genius but didn't take the step to write and contribute until the burning issue left no option. I think the warm welcome from the TPM regulars goes a long way to urging genuine contributors to emerge from a large following of spectators who read to assess the virtues of the community here before proceeding. I'm looking forward to "Political hatred: Is there a remedy?"

jaycee

2/06/2013DMW. There are so many cut and pastes that I could use to 'example' my reply that it would take too much effort..I WILL stand by my accusation that the public has waived it's responsibilities in regard to the refugee problem. You quote on democracy yet not allow this democratically elected gov't to implement policy WITHOUT said policy being first vetted by a)The biased Media, b) the biased opp'n, c) the biased minor parties d) the racist populace..all armed with immediate access to twitter, facebook, email and phone-poll hookups! Democracy is only as strong as the desire of the populace to let the elected political party govern in trust that the majority have dictated it should do. This gov't successfully NEGOTIATED to govern, where the opp'n failed from an equal position of opportunity...This gov't put MANY variations of refugee policy before the people before it threw it's hands up in despair of implementing benevolent dictation of policy and followed the reccomendations of an approved panel....ALL in the interests of a democratic process..It kept the decisions at arms lenght as best as could be seen to satisfy a plethora of malcontents that STILL petulantly squabble over the political spoils of cruel charity! It is the LNP. and The Greens who by denying the ENTIRE REGION the possibility of a refugee solution...(I repeat..: It is not only Oz' that has the refugee problem)...who should hang their heads in shame...for with the escalating conflicts in those regions where most of the refugees come, there inevitably HAS TO BE a regional solution for all our sakes!...deny it and best you put your head back into the silence of the sand-pit!

Austin 3:16

2/06/2013 [quote]Certainly, Gentlemen, it ought to be the happiness and glory of a Representative, to live in the strictest union, the closest correspondence, and the most unreserved communication with his constituents. Their wishes ought to have great weight with him; their opinion high respect; their business unremitted attention. It is his duty to sacrifice his repose, his pleasures, his satisfactions, to theirs; and, above all, ever, and in all cases, to prefer their interest to his own. But, his unbiassed opinion, his mature judgement, his enlightened conscience, he ought not to sacrifice to you; to any man, or to any sett of men living. These he does not derive from your pleasure; no, nor from the Law and the Constitution. They are a trust from Providence, for the abuse of which he is deeply answerable. Your Representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgement; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion [/quote] Edmund Burke

jaycee

2/06/2013AND!!...on the subject of "Democracy"...I warn you all..If you EVER see the name "jaycee" on a ballot paper, DO NOT...repeat..DO NOT put an 'x' next to it, for I have firm belief that "democracy" is little more than "rule by mob"! and I would NEVER advocate it!...........Be warned!

TalkTurkey

2/06/2013Another piece of Tweety;-)Verse (Sing to [i]Farmer in the Dell[/i]) The Catholic Cabal! Arse~Bigot Pell et al! Abborrtt Turdball SnottyJoe With Rindlard as their pal!

Doug Evans

2/06/2013Hi TT Thanks for your comment. Pretty sure this one is for me! First a little about my personal politics. I hope it is clear that my political sympathies are with the left. As a young man I was a socialist which made the voting for the ALP (which I did from the time Menzies was in power) the only option. Although in my eyes this was a not terribly satisfactory option as, even then, they too often pandered to the corporate and political right. As a slightly older but still young man I lived for about a decade under social democratic governments in northern Europe and experienced first hand the social benefits of this form of government. This experience turned me into a middle of the road social democrat. My politics are not emotionally based. I read policies and compare what politicians and parties say they aspire to and or will deliver in government to what actually happens. I vividly remember years ago, then leader of the ALP parliamentary group Simon Crean emerging from the Party conference to announce to the waiting media with a cynical grin that "some people thought the Labor Party was a social democratic party but it clearly isn't" This was a pivotal moment for me when I saw it on the six o'clock news. Although I had long harbored doubts about the broken commitments of the ALP to its social democratic base I had repressed them comforting myself with the naive belief that even though the party was losing its way I could justify my vote for the ALP because the members I was voting for came from the left and might just be able to make a difference in the parliamentary hurley burley. How naive was that? TPS along with other sites I read and occasionally contribute to rails against the shortcomings of the MSM but how selective the posters are in respect of which lies, distortions and downright can't be bothered laziness they choose to absorb. Quick to reject the barrage of unjustified and unwarranted criticism against this government the comments often reflect that when it suits, the commenters have swallowed hook line and sinker the equally sloppy or disingenuous 'reporting from the same commenters in respect of the other party of the left - The Greens. I'll take your examples: "delaying for years any action on carbon pollution reduction" This is based on the perception that the 'too pure, unwilling to compromise' Greens delayed progress on Carbon pollution by refusing to support Rudd's various versions of the CPRS. As I replied to Ken (May 30, 11.43): "With regards the Greens refusal of Rudd's ETS it was necessary to be across the fine detail of that package to understand why the Greens knocked it back. I was at the time. I don't know if you were or not. I do know that, with the exception of one or two like Lenore Taylor who could be bothered trying to understand what was actually going on, the lazy MSM simply decided it was all too complicated and swallowed Labor's 'too pure to compromise' bull-shit completely and unquestioningly . The Greens are still living with the consequences of that as they knew they would have to at the time." and (May 30, 12.35) "This ancient blog post has some stuff on the failings of Rudd's CPRS, among other things. It has links to a couple of good articles one by Adam Morton for the SMH and one by Lenore Taylor. For the sake of clearing up hoary old myths about the inflexibility and ideological purity of the Greens I recommend reading them. duggyvans.blogspot.com.au/.../...-tweedle-dee.html Also this blog post from David Spratt co-author of the award winning Climate Code Red pretty well shreds the credibility of Rudd's CPRS. www.climatecodered.org/.../...ignificant-step.html" For more information on this (as opposed to Party propaganda about it) if you are interested you might try going back through publications, reports and articles by Ken Davidson from Dissent magazine and the Age and Richard Denniss from the Australia Institute at the time. Or are you like most Australians content go on clinging to the propaganda passed on by the lazy, self interested MSM? It should not be forgotten that while dependant on the Greens vote for the passage of later versions of the CPRS. Rudd and his government absolutely shut the Greens out of all discussions about the contents of the Bill. Would not talk to them. Rudd thought he didn't need it. He thought he had the co-operation of the opposition but he didn't. Well whoops, now tell me again whose fault it was that the various versions of the CPRS went down? So here is a challenge? Do you choose to believe the propaganda of the MSM or are you prepared to examine the evidence? Chreistine Milne is right when she says , as she has often had to, To have voted for the CPRS was to have locked in failure. "almost bringing down the Labor Government in 2010" WTF! I thought it was the Australian voters egged on by their own misunderstandings about how Prime Ministers come to hold the high office they occupy and the ham-fisted actions of the ALP in sacking Rudd that brought this about but maybe you know something I don't? "bringing about countless deaths by refusing the only viable option for asylum seekers." here I will defer to Andrew MacLeod whose Fairfax article I previously linked to. I suggest you read it. The issue is vexed and complicated but MacLeod has an informed and sensible view of the problem even if the conclusions of his article are a bit unsatisfactory. www.theage.com.au/.../...e-alp-20130526-2n50x.html It is a measure of how far to the right the ALP and the general political discussion in Australia has been dragged since Hawke initiated the process so long ago, that a moderate middle of the road social democratic party like the Greens can be characterized by the lazy MSM as extreme! How sad for this country. Nevertheless I didn't weigh into this discussion to defend the Greens. I was trying to provoke a little discussion around the issue of why TPS and its readers are so persistently blind to/forgiving of the genuine (as opposed to confected) shortcomings of this Labor government. I gave a couple of examples up above but having heard Philip Adams talking on the subject the other night I would add the abject failure of this government to protect Julian Assange from the US determination to wreak vengeance on him as payment for their embarrassment. Anyone who heard Daniel Ellsberg's defence of Bradley Manning who has finally come to trial in the US might also reflect on the gaps between what Assange and Wikileaks actually did as opposed to what the MSM, Bob Carr and others from this government are only too pleased to assert or imply. Perhaps the Gillard government's involvement in and complicity in this matter also deserves to be scrutinized by TPS. How about it AA? When will TPS apply the clarity and objectivity that it displays on SOME matters concerning this government and the disgraceful opposition also to matters that are a little less comfortable?

Jason

2/06/2013Doug Evans, So what should the government be doing for Assange?

Sir Ian Crisp

2/06/2013[quote][b]I HAVE DECIDED TO STOP POSTING. PART OF THIS COUNTRY DISGUSTS ME. THE PUBLIC BROADCASTER IS A XENOPHOBE PROMOTING DISGRACE. THE DOG WHISTLING ABBOTT OPPOSITION IS AIDED AND ABETTED CONSTANTLY BY THEM. AND MANY MANY OTHERS IN THE MSM...NOT TO MENTION, PLENTY OF RICH TRAITORS FROM THE FORMER HAWKE/KEATING GOVT...AND THE PREVIOUS RUDD ONE. THIS COUNTRY HAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE FORWARD...BUT THESE GREEDY OLD FASHIONED BASTARDS SEEM DETERMINED TO WRECK EVERYTHING. THEY CAN HAVE THEIR WIN...THEIR ABBOTT LOUSE IN GOVT...THEY CAN DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES. CHANGE WILL EVENTUALLY COME. BUT I CAN'T BE FCKN BOTHERED ANYMORE...TOO MANY DUMBED DOWN AND RELIGIOUS IDIOTS IN THIS COUNTRY. LET THE ROT CONTINUE...YOU DUMB, GREEDY MSM AND POLITICAL ASSES. THROW THE USEFUL REFORMS AWAY AS YOU OFTEN DO. I'VE GOT BETTER THINGS TO DO. N' nasking [/b][/quote] Why not take up residence in North Korea? The answer to your comfortable lifestyle is to be found there. Just one newspaper and it isn’t owned by Rupert. One radio station with no shock jocks, oh joy. The business landscape would be more to your liking to because none of those nasty corporations has a presence in North Korea. The absence of an organised religion would no doubt please you. The trains always run on time by order of the Dear Leader. North Koreans in danger of developing dangerous independent thoughts are ‘invited’ to attend a re-education camp to help guide them. You won’t have to bear those who hold opposing views. Give it some thought.

Sir Ian Crisp

2/06/2013[quote][b]Pikiranku thanks for your warm welcome. I'm a bit of an IA junkie. Like it here as long a Ad Astra doesn't boot me for too many posts. cornlegend [/b][/quote] You won't get punted cornlegend so I hope that will ease your mind. Perhaps as we wave goodbye to Noking you could fill the gap. Of course you'll have to add a bit of attic salt to your contributions. A word of warning....Be vewwy vewwy careful of JGuy. If you get on the wrong side of him he'll post his phone number and adress and express a desire to punch you in the face. He is fighting a courageous battle with ebriosity.

jaycee

2/06/2013Doug Evans. Your post deserves close consideration. I have read it with such in mind and I see your personal dissapointments of contempory political decisions all through it...fair enough..for while politics can be said to be the " desire of the possible" (or wtte)it usually ends up ; to the individual, as a "decline to dismal"! And this is where you misunderstand the collective objectives of a population. Most people are from such a background that leave them with little expectation of personal, political harmony and reward...they aim for percentage..they look to 'crowd-pleasers"...BUT..and it is the big BUT...they are fully savvy that THEY PAY FROM THEIR HIP POCKET!. Very few of us here at TPS. are silly enough to believe that our preference for governance will deliver nirvana or anything near it...most of us are fully aware of the sad and unequal distribution of opportunity in this unequal world. We know of the arguements you put forward..most of us have read them or others...but we have to make a choice and while we may blanche at the direction the "bus" is sometimes heading, and not be too confident in the crew steering it...we are mostly damn sure it is heading toward the correct goal-posts...and one has to say that in a world full of historical, political disasters and collapses of civilised states, if we can stay upright, steer a resonable straight line and pick up and assist as many passengers as possible and carry them with us on the journey...then we are not doing a bad job at all!

cornlegend

2/06/2013Sir Ian Crisp. Where have you been. I extended the hand of friendship to you and you didn't get back to me. Good to see your Knighthood. Sir Ian Crisp Knighted. sounds good. only too long for this old bloke to type. could I just shorten it to S.I.C.K. Anyhow SICK, about our friendship. When you didn't reply, I was concerned. Its been days now, and you didn't get back to me on anything I asked I developed an inferiority complex. I felt rejected by you I know you would have understood my dilemma. You would understand rejection , it appears almost every commenter on this site has rejected you. But, lets get our friendship back on track. Lets talk. Seeing you left me hanging, lets start by you helping me out. Do you think Christopher Pyne has mental problems."The Letter" to Oakeshott seems like he was a couple of eggs short of a dozen ? Did Tonys botox treatment have some side effects ? Or Sloppy Joes lyposuction ? did they suck part of his brain out. S.I.C.K. I have so many questions for you. As a buddy I'm sure you'll help me out. I am new here. I hope our friendship grows. I don't want it to become, me the "new Kid" in school, you the class bully. I don't think that is the case. I really do "feel the love" Thanks S.I.C.K. oh, bugger the full stops, I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I left them out eh SICK

nasking

2/06/2013 WATCHING THE [b]BOLT REPORT[/b]...FREAKIN' [b]HILARIOUS[/b]...LIKE SOME [b]SCRIPTED PUPPET SHOW[/b]... [b]THIS IS A RINEHART/MURDOCH PRODUCTION OF: [i]DUPE THE WORKERS[/i][/b] I WONDER [b]HOW MANY FOREIGN WORKERS ANDREW BOLT'S BOSSES MURDOCH AND RINEHART HAVE BROUGHT INTO THE COUNTRY OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF DECADES? [/b] WE ALL KNOW ANDY [b]BOLT[/b] IS A [b]WELL PAID BULLSHIT ARTIST[/b]. N'

cornlegend

2/06/2013SICK. you said "Be vewwy vewwy careful of JGuy. "he'll post his phone number and adress" I haven't met JGuy, but I'm sure we will be friends If he posts his phone number, I hope he's patient.I'll phone him I have a huge list of my dislikes of the RABID RIGHT maybe we could discuss that. Gina, the IPA the MAD Monk, Sophie the terrible, fraudband etc I hope if JGuy and I become friends, he doesnt leave me abandoned like you did SICK.And SICK, you said. "vewwy vewwy careful " I get it !! That was your impression of Elmer Fudd . See, I saw something in you, SICK a new friend with a sense of humour

janice

2/06/2013Doug Evans, You come through to me as being one of those people who look through the prism of perfection and are therefore apt to be super critical of a government which needs to govern for all - i.e. the good, the bad and the ugly. IMO, a government must endeavour to set a course which enables the citizens to be productive, caring and compassionate towards each other, to have access to the best education and health care, regardless of where they stand on the ladder of society. A good government is one which strives to meet the needs of each and every person and to create a sense that there is a bright future for all. I am not a perfectionist so yes, there are things I disagree with that this Labor Government has done/is doing, but I believe that this government is striving to do what is right for this country and its people. I also believe that a progressive government must take the view that 'politics is the art of the possible' and gains for reform come in small steps over time which is why negotiation is important for progress. Sort of, 'softly, softly, catchee monkey'.

nasking

2/06/2013 WARREN MUNDINE DOING HIS USUAL DUMP ON THE GILLARD ALP...COURTESY OF [b]GINA RINEHART'S 'BOLT REPORT[/b]': SOME SUSPECT [b]WARREN[/b] HAS PROBABLY BECOME [b]ADDICTED TO MINING INTERESTS[/b]... [b]MUNDINE MIGHT HAVE MINING FEVER[/b] SAD, SO MANY [b]AUSSIES ARE SICK OF OVER-THE-TOP MINING[/b]... WARREN MUNDINE IS SO WORRIED ABOUT HIS CONNECTION TO BIG MINERS HE'S RUNNING: [b]RESPECTED indigenous leader Warren Mundine has stepped down as CEO and chairman of GenerationOne. The former Labor Party national president said it was right time for him to seek a new challenge. [/b] [b]GenerationOne is the brainchild of mining magnate Andrew Forrest.[/b] http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/warren-mundine-leaves-position-generationone/1842885/ WE ALL KNOW THAT THE [b]BIG MINERS ARE BUYING OFF AND/OR MAKING BIG JOB/SHARE OFFERS TO SOME INFLUENTIAL ABORIGINES.[/b].. TO HELP [b]DRIVE ABORIGINES OFF THEIR LAND...AND/OR TO BRING MINING, CASINOS, FACTORY FARMS ONTO THEIR LAND.[/b] [b]THEY ARE A SELL OUT.[/b] [b]MUNDINE HAS BEING SUCKING UP TO TONY ABBOTT LATELY.[/b] [b]SOME SUSPECT MUNDINE IS SELLING OUT HIS OWN PEOPLE.[/b] SAD DAYS INDEED. [b]MINING FEVER IS AN ADDICTION AS BAD AS ALCOHOLISM...AND WILL DO AS MUCH DAMAGE TO OUR FIRST PEOPLE.[/b] [b]SAME WITH CASINOS.[/b] N'

Tom of Melbourne

2/06/2013 [i] “WARREN MUNDINE DOING HIS USUAL DUMP ON THE GILLARD ALP...COURTESY OF GINA RINEHART'S 'BOLT REPORT':

SOME SUSPECT WARREN HAS PROBABLY BECOME ADDICTED TO MINING INTERESTS...”[/i] Nasking, that is simply crap, and deserves to be called for it. Mundine has devoted years of service to the ALP and to leading an indigenous organisation. That the ALP couldn’t find a place in parliament for him, while cultivating sporting celebrities for a seat, reflects its priorities and deep malaise. Mundine is thoroughly decent and committed and you just make up insults without justification, logic or facts.

TalkTurkey

2/06/2013Doug Evans I will answer your letter but I'll be brief because I am not into wasting time removing verdigris gently, I'm into angle grinders. I don't regard you as a troll exactly, your writing is at least sincere but in my view so misguided, so divisive, and so anathema to my sense of loyalty and solidarity to the Party I support that I cannot but find it offensive. With that in mind ... I will reply to your last point first. Regulars here know that I was from the very first outspoken about my support of Julian Assange, and my dismay that *J*U*L*I*A* had said wtte that he had committed criminal offences when in fact he has been convicted of nothing and she shouldn't have said that. But that doesn't mean I jump ship. It means I stay loyal to my own sense of greater responsibility, even where it means accepting lesser evils in order to repel greater ones. Yes there are many issues that test my patience, and some, such as the ALP's continuance of the Lying Rodent's NT Intervention, and certain conservation issues, that test my overall faith. So what would I do, vote for LNP? Who would be immeasurably worse? Or the GROONS, first talking down everything the Labor Party does, obstructing and pontificating, claiming moral purity, depriving Labor of power and numbers and apparent legitimacy and then blaming Labor for outcomes? Eventually, if they can, bringing us down and what then, repenting at leisure? Denying responsibility as you are here, Oh no it wasn't us, that's what you and yours will do. I know the syndrome all too well. Yes I'm hostile. My country is at stake. I actually make up my own mind on issues based on my own reading and reasoning, why would you assume that I need your reading lists to help me? I've my own credentials, and here on TPS I have Ad Astra's calm clear light of reason for reassurance that I'm not too far out of whack, and Lyn's Links to the best writers in this land every day. I am quite content that my conclusions are rational, and that my information as good as the 5th Estate provides (which is a whole remove better than what is available through the MSM), and for you to suppose that I need to read your particular recommended texts sounds more to me like YOU ought to read more of LYN's recommended texts. Many Groons are just ignorant well-meaning simplistic latte-guzzlers, but the leadership, especially since the retirement of their one guiding light, is disgracefully opportunistic and if you don't acknowledge that then I have nothing more to say.

Ad astra

2/06/2013Mal Kukara Thank you for your complimentary remarks. I'm glad you feel comfortable here. I hope you will enjoy [i]Political hatred: Is there a remedy?[/i], which is a sombre attempt to unravel the causes of, and possible remedies for, political hatred. It sobering a reflection on the contemporary state of affairs, which I hope will evoke responses and suggestions. I will post it later today. I'm still working through the many comments this morning and will resume later, as I have to go out for a while.

cornlegend

2/06/2013Tom of Melbourne I hope the other posters don't reply to you on your last comment, BECAUSE. TOM, you haven't taken the hand of friendship I so graciously offered. I have written to you on numerous occasions, bout you didn't reply. You made me feel unwanted, ignored, snobbed. I am one who doesn't suffer rejection well I thought you of all people ToM, would understand that. You also, seem to have been rejected by bloody near all the commentors here, and on a few other sites as well. I thought you would be more understanding. However TOM, the soft hearted old lefty that I am, I forgive. I will forgive you for your rejection of me. I come from the generation of peace, love and harmony. Now let's cement our buddy status. I posed a few questions to you about the evil right , on Pyne, Abbott, Sloppie Joe. I await your reply. As I am new here, I am sure that the other commentors here will give me a bit of latitude. Please don't take up TOMs valuable time responding to him. He needs that time to respond to me. I'm sure T.O.M. won't think you are rude. We are at an important stage of our fledgling friendship and to all the other commentators on this wonderful site, I thank you in advance. Now, TOM, let's start anew Buddy. Lets start with Pyne. Is he mentally unbalanced, "the Letter to Oakeshott is a clue.

42 long

2/06/2013This delicately balanced government has achieved many outstanding results. the propaganda machines distort and lie about it. As Abbott winds it all back the wise in the land wiil "shed a tear" for what would have been had the distorters not been successful. The mad Monk could not admit that anything labor has achieved was good . Politics is the art of the achievable, rarely perfect but if it is in the right direction that is a good result. The current "Groans" performance is opportunistic and self serving . NOT directed at having a better outcome for the country , so I tell you now Christine I will not vote for the Groans this time. Most of the good in your party left with Bob Brown. How would the average person in this country KNOW what good Labor has done. THEY (Who block information and distort everything ). The MSM " rub it in by saying that Gillard doesn't get the message out. Smug bastards Why don't we refer the Rares Ashby Slipper case to the UN, or the ICC. With Brandis' relationship with the AFP and Vic police having ???? all over it what justice is available in this country? and of course after the election does anyone think fair outcomes and justice will get better? That is one of the real worries. Politicisation of the police and courts. The LeiNP have shown how they abuse the Parliament to have kangaroo courts rather than real ones. I Trust them NOT. Look at Queensland.

nasking

2/06/2013 TORY MAGUIRE FROM [b]THE PUNCH[/b] ON MEET THE PRESS. [b]THE PUNCH IS OWNED BY THE MURDOCH EMPIRE. [/b] INTERESTINGLY, [b]LEIGH SALES OF THE ABC's 7:30 ALSO WROTE FOR...YOU GUESSED IT...THE PUNCH THE PUNCH...OWNED BY RUPERT MURDOCH AND CO.[/b] WHAT'S GOING ON LEIGH?: [b]THE PUNCH Leigh Sales POSTS: 35[/b] [quote]Leigh Sales is an award winning journalist and author. She anchors Lateline on ABC1 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. She has held a number of senior reporting roles at the network, including National Security Correspondent and NSW Political Reporter. From 2001 to 2006, she was based in Washington DC as North America Correspondent, covering major stories... [/quote] WHY DID YOU STOP WRITING FOR MURDOCH'S THE PUNCH WHEN SOME OF US MADE AN ISSUE ABOUT IT? [b]35 POSTS LEIGH...THIRTY-FIVE POSTS TO HELP A FLEDGLING MURDOCH BLOG...ONE OF THEIR FIRST MAJOR VENTURES ONLINE TO COMPETE WITH CRIKEY, NEW MATILDA, OTHER SITES AND BLOGS...[/b] [b]WELL, THAT'S A BIG EFFORT BY AN INFLUENTIAL PRESENTER FROM THE TAXPAYERS' PUBLIC BROADCASTER...[/b] I HOPE MURDOCH'S TEAM PAID YOU WELL. [b]WERE YOU WORRIED THAT WE REALISED THERE WAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST...ESPECIALLY AS YOU WERE BEING PAID WELL BY THE ABC...AND YET ALSO SUPPORTING THE MURDOCH EMPIRE... THE SAME MURDOCH EMPIRE THAT ATTACKS THE ABC...CONSTANTLY???[/b] [b]I ALSO NOTICED YOU WERE STATIONED IN AMERICA DURING THAT YEAR...2001.[/b] IT'S NOT SURPRISING IS IT LEIGH THAT YOU WENT AFTER ABBOTT WHEN IT WOULD DO LITTLE DAMAGE WAY OUT FROM AN ELECTION... BUT CLOSER TO THE ELECTION YOU GAVE HIM AN EASY RIDE...AND WENT AFTER PM GILLARD SO HARD. IT'S NO COINCIDENCE IS IT LEIGH SALES THAT YOU GOT PREGNANT AND TOOK TIME OFF ONLY TO COME BACK AT THE KEY TIME TONY ABBOTT WAS PROMOTING HIS PAID PARENTAL LEAVE. FURTHERMORE, YOU MUST THINK US STUPID NOT TO NOTICE THE USE OF LABOR RED ON YOUR BACKGROUND SCREEN OFTEN USED WHEN PUSHING A FEAR-MONGERING, CORRUPTION-RELATED STORY. YOUR HOSTILITY FOR THIS GOVT LEIGH ALSO SHOWS IN YOUR EYES, TONE OF VOICE, PARALINGUISTIC GESTURES. YOU ARE NOT AN INDEPENDENT PRESENTER LEIGH SALES...YOU DON'T FOOL ME. NO LONGER EYES WIDE SHUT. EH RED-HEAD? HMMM... ------ THE PUNCH [b]Well read-head: Three cheers for the world wide web[/b] I scanned the table for reading material, [b]hoping for a dog eared copy of Vanity Fair[/b]. Instead, the only two magazines left were [b]Sailing World and American Cheerleader (I was in the US). [/b] The Punch is now going to be my enabler, allowing me to pester not only family and friends, but also complete strangers. [b]Every fortnight, I’ll post ten great things to read, watch or listen to.[/b] No subject or publication is ruled out. My goal is to share things that are interesting, informative, entertaining and well executed. I’m particularly fond of witty writing, so expect a bit of humour. Don’t expect to see dull but worthy. I should make it clear that I don’t endorse the content of any item that I post. I simply point them out to you as interesting things at which to take a look. 5. This piece from [b]men’s magazine GQ about Donald Rumsfeld generated a lot of buzz in Washington. Keep an eye out for the John Howard reference on page 3.[/b] http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/well-read-head-three-cheers-for-the-internet/ INTERESTINGLY...GQ NOW HAS GQ AUSTRALIA...IS PUBLISHED BY NEWS MAGAZINES...YOU GUESSED IT...NEWS MAGAZINES IS PART OF NEWS LTD...WHICH IS OWNED BY... RUPERT MURDOCH AND SHAREHOLDERS...GET PEOPLE INTO GQ...EVENTUALLY THEY'LL GET GQ AUSTRALIA... EH RED-HEAD? HMMM... BUT THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT THE MURDOCH EMPIRE LEIGH IS IT? 2001 N'

cornlegend

2/06/2013SICK. I'm sorry replying to you in patches. you suggest I may replace NASKING. I could never do that. Nasking has enthusiasm, drive, and committment. I have read Naskings posts and agree with bloody near 100% of them. You said, if I was to replace Nasking ."Of course you'll have to add a bit of attic salt to your contributions." MATE you had me there ! I didn't know what "attic salt" was so I looked it up " attic salt (AT-ik salt) noun Refined, delicate wit. Also known as attic wit." That is a lovely compliment to pay to Nasking ! see mate, I could never compete with Naskings " Refined, delicate wit. ", as you have so lovingly commented. SICK, I'm just a plodder, not in Naskings league. BUT SICK, I do have big hopes for our friendship, now I see you care, and even consider me for the lofty replacement position of Nasking. But SICK, the good news. I read Nasking is staying. I'm sure you will be as pleased as I am "

nasking

2/06/2013 [quote]Nasking, that is simply crap[/quote] TOM OF MELBOURNE, THE FACT THAT YOU JUMPED IN AND GOT HYSTERICAL TELLS ME THAT SOME PEOPLE'S SUSPICIONS ARE RIGHT ABOUT WARREN MUNDINE. NOT SURPRISED HE SHOWED UP AT A LIBERAL PARTY SESSION FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE...WAS EVEN POINTED OUT BY ABBOTT. MINING FEVER IS AS ADDICTIVE AS GROG...IT WILL DO AS MUCH DAMAGE TO THE FIRST PEOPLE AS ALCOHOL. N'

Tom of Melbourne

2/06/2013Nasking, Mundine has worked tirelessly for indigenous people and the ALP, but typically you lapse into baseless speculation and conspiracy to defame a thoroughly decent person. Your comment was crap Nasking, and you deserve to be told.

nasking

2/06/2013 [b]Always willing to help, Nas Ad or Migs can provide my email to you, if that's alright Ad? [/b] CHEERS BACCHUS! I INTEND TO EMAIL AD OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS ANYWAY...I WAS AT A BIRTHDAY PARTY LAST NIGHT AND GOT TO TALK TO A LOT OF DOWN-TO-EARTH QLDers... I LEARNT A GREAT DEAL ABOUT THEIR VIEWS OF THE GILLARD GOVT, TONY ABBOTT...AND THE LNP...AND A LOT OF ISSUES... THESE PEOPLE RANGE FROM LATE 20s TO EARLY 60s...AND ARE IN VARIOUS JOBS...SOME OUT OF WORK...THNX TO THE NEWMAN GOVT ENDING CONTRACTS ABRUPTLY. I CAN SAFELY SAY WE CAN STILL WIN THIS ELECTION...MOST HAVE NOT MADE UP THEIR MINDS. I WAS FEELING MUCH MORE CHEERFUL WHEN I GOT HOME. IT WILL TAKE ME AWHILE TO WRITE OUT ALL THE DETAILS AND SEND OFF TO AD ASTRA...AS MY WIFE AND I HAVE HEAPS TO DO TODAY...BUT YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME SOON. I ALSO INTEND TO WRITE TO MICHAEL BECAUSE HE AND YOU CAN FILL ME IN ON THE HISTORY OF FOOTY...THE OWNERSHIP...CONFLICTS ETC. HAVING DONE HIGH SCHOOL IN CANADA I KNOW LITTLE ABOUT IT. BUT I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT ICE HOCKEY, SKIING, FOOTBALL WHICH YOU KNOW AS GRID IRON...AND BASEBALL. I ALSO ENJOY SOCCER...ALSO KNOWN AS FOOTBALL. AND BADMINTON. AMATEUR TENNIS. LONG DISTANCE RUNNING. AND DARTS. MY FRIENDS IN THE BUSH INTRODUCED ME TO LAWN BOWLS...MY FATHER-IN-LAW PLAYS IT REGULARLY... BUT HE DOESN'T WEAR A CORPORATE SPONSOR JERSEY. :) N'

nasking

2/06/2013 TOM OF MELBOURNE...I WAS WONDERING HOW MUCH URANIUM AND OTHER NUCLEAR POWER BOOSTING MINERALS CAN BE FOUND ON ABORIGINAL LANDS? WOULD BE INTERESTING TO KNOW EH? CRIKEY! SOME OF THOSE SUPPOSEDLY DESOLATE AREAS COULD ALSO BE USED TO STORE...DUMP...RADIOACTIVE WASTE TOO... EH? N'

Tom of Melbourne

2/06/2013Fine then comment on that if you wish Nasking, but to slate Mundine as you have is disgraceful.

cornlegend

2/06/2013Nasking, good article and you deserve to be told. T.O.M, Mate, are you ignoring me ? I feel you are letting our friendship wane

nasking

2/06/2013 Warren Mundine asked to oversee Qld uranium mining | The ... THE AUSTRALIAN Oct 30, 2012 – FORMER Labor party president Warren Mundine has been approached to oversee the resurrection of Queensland's uranium mining industry. Warren Mundine asked to oversee Qld uranium mining BY:ROSANNE BARRETT From: The Australian October 30, 2012 FORMER Labor party president Warren Mundine has been approached to oversee the resurrection of Queensland's uranium mining industry. Queensland Premier Campbell Newman told parliament today that Mr Mundine's appointment to the uranium implementation committee was "subject to confirmation". http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/warren-mundine-asked-to-oversee-qld-uranium-mining/story-e6frgczx-1226506556102 HMMM... YOU MAY FIND THIS INTERESTING: http://www.isx.org.au/forums/read.php?18,11222 N'

nasking

2/06/2013 TOM...I'M JUST WORRIED THAT WARREN HAS MINING FEVER. SAD IF SO. IT'S HIGHLY INFECTIOUS, CAN CHANGE SOMEONE COMPLETELY. HIS FORMER ALP SERVICE IS SO APPRECIATED...I JUST WORRY THAT FORREST, RINEHART, MURDOCH AND OTHERS MIGHT HAVE PASSED ON THAT INFECTION... MINING FEVER BURNS PEOPLE UP...MAKES THEM TURN ON THEIR OWN...THEY CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT...HAVE GRANDIOSE MOMENTS...AND DELUSIONS OF DOING GOOD.... WHEN THE FEVER IS OVER...AND THEY OPEN THEIR EYES...THEY FEEL QUITE GUILTY ABOUT THE DEVASTATION THEY HAVE INADVERTENTLY WROUGHT. CHECK OUT THE HISTORY OF NTH AMERICA. DEVASTATING...IN SOME CASES. ALSO, THINK JAPAN. N'

Jason

2/06/2013ToM, Nasking not entitled to have his own opinion on Mundine as it differs from yours?

Patriciawa

2/06/2013Nasking! I shall not be reading or commenting on anything of yours until you have taken a good rest. My message of support was not intended to make you change your mind about that, rather I hoped it would encourage you to take time out as you planned and return to us refreshed. I don't want to watch you plunge again!

nasking

2/06/2013 PATRICIA, FEELING VERY WELL RIGHT NOW. TWO GOOD SLEEPS...AND LOTS OF SUN. THNX FOR THE CONCERN. :) N'

Austin 3:16

2/06/2013Hey Doug, There's an old saying about the perfect being the enemy of the good. I'm not across all the ins and outs of the ETS or the Greens but that seems to sum it up to me. When the Liberals changed their leader and policy on the issue and idea what Greens counter proposal to Labor was ?

Tom of Melbourne

2/06/2013Nasking, Mundie has always been someone who has followed his own judgement, whether this relates to political issues or advocacy concerning indigenous people. His inclination to act in this way is one of the reasons he has clashed with the ALP hacks and power brokers, his personal ethics have probably const him a parliamentary career. The ALP would do well to have more like him, rather than chase the celebrity sports people. Reflecting on him as you have actually reflects on you.

nasking

2/06/2013 HAVE TO SAY, [b]THE IDEA THAT TONY ABBOTT LINED UP WITH LNP GOVTS WILL PROBABLY INCREASE THE GST WENT DOWN LIKE A PIECE OF POO WITH THOSE QLDers I SPOKE TO LAST NIGHT[/b]... [b]THEY HATE THE GST[/b]. AND [b]SURE AS HELL DON'T WANT THE CONSERVATIVES PUTTING THE GST UP...AND BROADENING IT TO ENCOMPASS FRESH FOOD.[/b] ONE WOMAN IN HER FORTIES (40s) SAID [b]THE GST WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE ROT FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON...WHILST THE RICH GOT RICHER THRU TAX CUTS.[/b] SHE AND HER FAST FOOD RESTAURANT WORKING COUSIN, IN HIS MID 30s, WERE FURIOUS. HE HAS AN ONLINE PAL IN AMERICA WHO TELLS HIM CONSTANTLY ABOUT THE POOR WAGES AND CONDITIONS IN THE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT SHE WORKS IN. [b]HE WOULD HATE TO SEE HIS AUSSIE SICK LEAVE, LEAVE LOADING, PENALTY RATES ETC SCREWED OVER...LIKE IN AMERICA.[/b] [b]THE TERM 'WORKCHOICES' DOESN'T MEAN AS MUCH TO HIM AS USING WORDS LIKE PENALTY RATES...OVERTIME PAY...SUPERANNUATION...LEAVE LOADING...LONG SERVICE LEAVE...HOLIDAY PAY...SICK LEAVE[/b]. [b]DIFF GENERATIONS[/b] EH? N'

Jason

2/06/2013ToM of Melbourne, "The ALP would do well to have more like him, rather than chase the celebrity sports people." What are you on about? the sport star is from the N.T. who still isn't in the senate and wont be until july 1 next year. Mundine was at the time from NSW. If Mundine wants to have a "dummy spit" so be it! The ALP don't owe him a living.

nasking

2/06/2013 JASON, [b]TOM OF EVERYWHERE AT ONCE MIGHT NOT LIKE[/b] THE IDEA THAT [b]OUR FIRST FEMALE PM JULIA GILLARD [/b]PICKED [b]AN INDIGINEOUS WOMAN, NOVA PERIS[/b], OVER A MAN. C'EST LA VITE! MOVING FORWARD. N'

Jason

2/06/2013NASKING, TOM OF EVERYWHERE AT ONCE DOESN’T LIKE ANYTHING THE PM OR THE ALP DOES! IF MUNDINE WAS PICKED TOM WOULD HAVE BITCHED LONG AND LOUD ABOUT THAT AS WELL.

Tom of Melbourne

2/06/2013Get over it. Nasking reflected adversely on Mundine, who is an independently minded indigenous leader. He simply speculated as he regularly does. Don’t bother to try to divert Nasking’s baseless comment into something about my motives.

cornlegend

2/06/2013T.O.M Where are you ? I'm getting depressed !

nasking

2/06/2013 TONY ABBOTT WAS HEALTH MINISTER PART OF THE TIME UNDER JOHN HOWARD... THEY WERE KEEN FOR US TO USE MORE PRIVATE HEALTH COVER AND TAKE US DOWN THE UNAFFORDABLE AMERICAN ROAD... LOOK AT THE COST OF A COLONOSCOPY IN THE USA: MERRICK, N.Y. — [b]Deirdre Yapalater’s recent colonoscopy at a surgical center near her home here on Long Island went smoothly: she was whisked from pre-op to an operating room where a gastroenterologist, assisted by an anesthesiologist and a nurse, performed the routine cancer screening procedure in less than an hour. The test, which found nothing worrisome, racked up what is likely her most expensive medical bill of the year: $6,385. That is fairly typical: in Keene, N.H., Matt Meyer’s colonoscopy was billed at $7,563.56. Maggie Christ of Chappaqua, N.Y., received $9,142.84 in bills for the procedure. In Durham, N.C., the charges for Curtiss Devereux came to $19,438, which included a polyp removal. While their insurers negotiated down the price, the final tab for each test was more than $3,500.[/b] “Could that be right?” said Ms. Yapalater, stunned by charges on the statement on her dining room table. Although her insurer covered the procedure and she paid nothing, her health care costs still bite: [b]Her premium payments jumped 10 percent last year, and rising co-payments and deductibles are straining the finances of her middle-class family, with its mission-style house in the suburbs and two S.U.V.’s parked outside. “You keep thinking it’s free,” she said. “We call it free, but of course it’s not.” In many other developed countries, a basic colonoscopy costs just a few hundred dollars and certainly well under $1,000. That chasm in price helps explain why the United States is far and away the world leader in medical spending, even though numerous studies have concluded that Americans do not get better care[/b]. [b]Whether directly from their wallets or through insurance policies, Americans pay more for almost every interaction with the medical system. [/b] They are typically prescribed more expensive procedures and tests than people in other countries, no matter if those nations operate a private or national health system. A list of drug, scan and procedure prices compiled by the International Federation of Health Plans, a global network of health insurers, found that the United States came out the most costly in all 21 categories — and often by a huge margin. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/health/colonoscopies-explain-why-us-leads-the-world-in-health-expenditures.html?hp&_r=0 [b]SAY NO TO AN ABBOTT OBSESSED WITH PRIVATE HEALTH COVER, USERS PAY HEAPS, GOVT ...VOTE ALP...LABOUR BROUGHT US MEDICARE.[/b] N'

Jason

2/06/2013ToM, We know what your motives are! You find some comment to be offended about and proceed to be the victim yourself! Nasking has said nothing defamatory and the fact you don't like it doesn't make it wrong.

Michael

2/06/2013This is absolutely required reading: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/the-loved-and-loathed-20130601-2niau.html?google_editors_picks=true by anyone here who knows that Julia Gillard is a PM pilloried by liars and small-minded opponents. Abbott PM? He's not up to it.

Patriciawa

2/06/2013Talk Turkey, I thought your assessment of the Greens was spot on, I haven't seen my own feelings better put than your summary of their crowning achievements. [quote]1, delaying for years any action on carbon pollution reduction, 2, almost bringing down the Labor Government in 2010, and 3, costing untold lives at sea by rejection of the only credible strategy for dealing with Asylum Seekers.[/quote] You and I agree on many things, of course. I've missed you recently since you've been off Twittering so much, and I'm sure being very effective with an even wider following. Mind you, as AA has pointed out, we have lots of new friends here, and I think that people like Left Wing will make up for your absence, more than a bit! I've missed NormanK too, Lyn. There's nothing like old friends, is there? Mind you, who am I to complain, all sorts of things are slowing me down on the writing front these days. I've narrowed my reading down too, though I come here to start every day for that with you and your links and I keep up with you and friends here all day as well as our friends at Cafe Whispers. I initially found the PUB a neat substitute for the PB which I just can't squeeze in at all. But as they become more established I can only manage a few favorite posters there and now only the local MSM links from BK. Which means I must have only a limited Antipodean view of the world and suggests an odd sort of imagery which if I felt as Nasking has recently............

Michael

2/06/2013Here: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/newman-blames-23pc-power-hike-on-green-schemes/story-fn59niix-1226654807453 Campbell Newman, also known as 'Tiny Tony Mini-Me' is exposed as lying about the impact of Labor's Federal government anti-pollution policies on Queensland power prices. Lies come naturally to these guys, in government or not, the fish rotting from the head down. Abbott PM? He's not up to it.

cornlegend

2/06/2013Jason, Nasking, I'm a bit jealous. I think T.O.M. likes you two better than me !

Jason

2/06/2013Andrew Elder's latest on the parlous state of the media! "People are hungry for information about different aspects of public policy and what it means for the country. Three experienced journalists from three of the country's major news organisations freely admit that's all very well, but we're going to write about whatever distracts our tiny little minds and you can all go to hell." http://andrewelder.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-aroma-of-decay-2-starve-hungry.html

Catching up

2/06/2013Not too sure that WARREN MUNDINE has ever represented many of his people?

Sir Ian Crisp

2/06/2013[quote][b]Looking for flights to North Korea? Skyscanner is simple, fast and free so finding your flights to North Korea couldn’t be easier. We search hundreds of airlines and compare prices for thousands of destinations around the world to find you the cheapest flights to North Korea whenever you want to go. Skyscanner is simple and fast. And it’s free to use! Compare low cost flights then book your cheap flights to North Korea directly by clicking through to agency and airline sites. http://www.skyscanner.net/flights-to/kp/cheap-flights-to-north-korea.html [/b][/quote] If anyone is disenchanted with life in Australia North Korea offers so much.

Pikiranku

2/06/2013Bad luck, Cornlegend, looks like you just don't have what it takes! I don't know what I've got that you haven't got, but Tom of Melbum never neglects me like that.

nasking

2/06/2013 JASON, THAT'S AN ENLIGHTENING AND THOUGHTFUL POST BY ANDREW ELDER... [b]Martin Ferguson helped dilute the mining tax to the point where it brought down one Prime Minister, became a laughing stock under the next one, and none of it blew back on Ferguson: clever politics that. Ferguson helped make Rudd an irritant long after his own talents and behaviours should have rendered him politically inert, which earned him the gratitude of the Liberals. He never really got stuck into the Liberals that much - other Labor people, and Greens, were more his targets[/b] - and they in turn spared him. THE ATTEMPT BY BARRIE CASSIDY TO TRY AND DEFINE THE GILLARD GOVT AND ALTER PUBLIC PERCEPTION TELLS ME A GREAT DEAL ABOUT HIM... AND WHERE HIS [b]INTERESTS[/b] LIE. :) N'

Patriciawa

2/06/2013Thanks Jason! Andrew Elder is always good value, but today he excels himself with his immediate response to the crap on Insiders today. He more than anyone has been consistently demonstrating what Michael keeps repeating for us, that Abbott is not up to it.

Catching up

2/06/2013"Bad luck, Cornlegend, looks like you just don't have what it takes! I don't know what I've got that you haven't got, but Tom of Melbum never neglects me like that." Nor me I am afraid. I have also offered the hand of friendship on many occasions and further more begged forgiveness.

Catching up

2/06/2013nasking, knowing Martin, it would please me greatly to see his seat taken over by a woman. Poetic justice in my eyes.

Sir Ian Crisp

2/06/2013[quote][b]SICK. I'm sorry replying to... cornlegend [/b][/quote] cornflaky, you can call me SICK if you want to. Congratulations for working up the effort to consult a dictionary. You are not like that TPS yellow bird with the white cane who takes a pot shot at people only to be shown she is a whited sepulchre. So that we don’t get off on the wrong foot let me state my position (again): I regard all Australian politicians as nothing more than putrid rotting filth. That includes Abbott, Pyne, the bird of paradox, Swan et al. They are ALL of them unfit to join the remnants of Al Capone’s Crime Network. Even Capone wouldn’t accept the filth we have here in Australia masquerading as politicians. The reason I love to sink the boot into the ALP is because it is the ‘enlightened’ party. We are told that the other mob has no heart. Also, the ALP holds the reins; it’s as simple as that. When I vote I consider it my duty to vote for the party that will cause the least amount of damage to Australians and Australia.

nasking

2/06/2013 THE LIBS AND BARRIE EH?...MEMORIES: INSIDERS TRANSCRIPT LOCATION: http://www.abc.net.au/insiders/content/2006/s1654714.htm Broadcast: 04/06/2006 [b]Nuclear power next issue on the table: Macfarlane The Industry and Resources Minister, Ian Macfarlane, talks about the scrapping of the Liberal and National parties merger and the Snowy Hydro sale. He also discusses why the nuclear energy debate is gathering momentum.[/b] BARRIE CASSIDY: Well, you'd have to think that part of the Prime Minister's motivation to reverse the Snowy Hydro sale was simple enough: he had to get at least one of several tricky issues off the table. But there's another one around the corner, the nuclear energy debate, and that will fire up the moment the Government announces an inquiry. The Industry and Resources Minister, Ian Macfarlane, joins us now from Brisbane. Minister, good morning. IAN MACFARLANE, INDUSTRY, TOURISM AND RESOURCES MINISTER: Good morning, Barrie. BARRIE CASSIDY: When are you going to announce the inquiry? When is that getting under way? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, my understanding is that the Prime Minister will bring a proposal forward to Cabinet this week and following that discussion, we will then see the best path forward. BARRIE CASSIDY: And, in broad determines, what's the point? What's the purpose? [b]IAN MACFARLANE: Well, the aim of the exercise is to ensure that we have a factual and science-based debate about where we go in Australia in regard to the nuclear cycle - so, that's the whole cycle: from enrichment of uranium through to the possibility of generating nuclear power from uranium and then, of course, the safe disposal of the waste - and that's a debate which Australia is ready for and that's a debate which I think people want to have.[/b] BARRIE CASSIDY: You didn't mention uranium mining itself? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, I think the debate on uranium mining, quite frankly, is over for everyone except the Labor Party. Australia accepts that it is part of our now growing export resource base. It's worth about $600 million a year with the likelihood that it will double, maybe treble, in the next decade. And I think that providing the environmental and Indigenous ownership issues are resolved it's an industry which Australia is certainly working to expand. BARRIE CASSIDY: Well, I guess the chairman of this inquiry - it's an important appointment, you want somebody who knows something about the environment and energy, but what about a key note of politics, as well? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, I think, um, I mean, what we're looking for is a group of people that can put together a clear path forward and offer the opportunity for some public debate and some public consultation. We'll need people involved in that who have, as you say, not only a good understanding of nuclear and environmental and the things that go with that, but also in terms of Australia's energy needs, as well as being able to ensure that there is a process which can be - if the people of Australia want to - be put into regulation and legislation. [b]BARRIE CASSIDY: Do you think the country is ready for uranium enrichment and all the waste problems that go with that?[/b] [b]IAN MACFARLANE: Well, let's make it clear, there are no nuclear waste issues with enrichment. There are chemical waste issues, which are no different to those which industry currently handles now. But it is the next phase and it is an opportunity to increase the value of exports by 2.5 to three fold. So again, it's something that we need to debate during this, as I say, the whole debate on the nuclear cycle.[/b] BARRIE CASSIDY: But even if it is only chemical waste, you've already seen from past experiences that this country has trouble dealing with hospital waste. IAN MACFARLANE: Well, I think in terms of eye-level industrial waste we have a very good record in Australian technology, and Australian scientists and industrialists will be more than able to meet that task. But let's not jump ahead of ourselves here. I mean, we really do need to have the discussion first to decide what is the best option for Australia: do we just take it that one step and stop at that, or do we actually move further down the line and consider the economics and the environmental impacts of generating electricity for nuclear power? BARRIE CASSIDY: But when you talk about "not jumping ahead of yourself", why are you having the debate at all about nuclear reactors, for example, when we have some of the cheapest energy in the world and plenty of it? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, what's brought the nuclear debate into focus here in Australia and, in fact, right across the world is, of course, the environmental issue and the fact that nuclear energy is a here-and-now solution to greenhouse gas emissions being generated from electricity. So, in terms of another option, it's an option which most countries are already familiar with, it's an option that most Western and developed countries are using now, but it's an option which Australia will need to consider as we move forward. I mean, it's one of the options. It's certainly part of the suite of energy sources that we need to consider: nuclear; we need to consider clean coal technologies; we need to see where we can go with renewable power. But to say one option cannot be on the table is simply not realistic. And that shows not only the hypocrisy, but the folly of people like Kim Beazley who are trying to set this debate aside when it may actually provide us with some good solutions. [b]BARRIE CASSIDY: The Sun Herald reports today that your Government short listed 14 sites for nuclear reactors going back to 1997. Are you aware of that list? Have you seen it? IAN MACFARLANE: No, I haven't seen that list and it's certainly not part of the documentation that I've seen that's coming forward to Cabinet. I suspect it's an old list in relation to alternative sites for nuclear research, as is being done at Lucas Heights. But it's a list that I'm not familiar with and I'm really just guessing that someone's dredged it out of the bottom of a drawer - it could be 20 or 30-years-old even - and using it, as we saw last week, as part of the scare campaign against what is only a debate on what Australia's future energy needs are.[/b] BARRIE CASSIDY: Well, I'll ask you the question that I'm sure every local member will be asked in coming months and years: would you tolerate a nuclear reactor in your own electorate? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, in terms of coal-fired power stations, we've got coal-fired power stations situated in rural areas around Toowoomba and I guess providing the studies show that it is safe and it doesn't affect the environment, then why not? I mean, you can't be a Nimbie in this situation. We all use electricity. We all want to improve the emissions signature from Australia's electricity industry. So, I think we've got to go into this debate with an open mind. But it is a debate about what are the options that Australia wants to consider and once we've done that, then we can consider the more vexious issue of how and where we site these power plants. BARRIE CASSIDY: But when you say "you'll go into the debate with an open mind," will you respect public opinion in the same way your Government did on the Snowy Hydro scheme? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, public opinion forms the basis of most of what our Government does and I think the Snowy decision reflected very strong public opinion. The Snowy is iconic and it is something that is not only iconic in a sentimental sense, but it's also a symbol of Australia's emergence as an engineering country, a country that can complete major engineering projects. And so, I think there was a lot of passion behind the opposition to that and I'm sure the people who saw Friday's result will be well pleased with that. BARRIE CASSIDY: But what makes the Snowy Hydro more iconic than, for example, Telstra? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, because it is an engineering feat. Because it's there, it shows what we can do. It shows that Australian people, along with the immigrants that came to Australia to work on that project, could combine to produce what is a world-class electricity feature. BARRIE CASSIDY: I would have thought the infrastructure that goes with Telstra, too, is fairly impressive? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, I think you're going to see the Telstra infrastructure replicated in one form or another time and time and again. I doubt we'll ever see a project as massive and as visionary as the Snowy Mountain scheme. BARRIE CASSIDY: But are you worried about that precedence now? That if the public squeals loudly enough then you'll bend to that pressure? IAN MACFARLANE: I think the issues relating to Snowy were particular to Snowy. It is an iconic thing. It's talked about not only in our history books, but in folklore. It's talked about the work force that gathered there, the diversions of rivers, the building of massive dams. And I think that that is a very separate issue than perhaps Telstra or even Medibank. BARRIE CASSIDY: Does it bother though, as Minister for Resources, Minister for Industry, that a privatisation proposal like this is scuttled? IAN MACFARLANE: Never bothers when a government reacts to public interest and to public pressure. I think any government that loses sight of what the people are thinking is a government that has become arrogant and out of touch. And what we demonstrated last week was, bearing in mind the level of opposition, we're prepared to react to it. [b]BARRIE CASSIDY: OK, well, perhaps on that theme: the merger in Queensland during the week. The proposal went up and then it was scuttled as well. Given that, though, do you think it's still inevitable that a merger will, one day, go ahead? IAN MACFARLANE: Oh look, I'm not sure that we'll get to a stage where we have one party in Queensland, but I think we need to - I know there's been a lot of fun made of what happened in Queensland last week. But can I just say that the bottom line is this: that what happened in Queensland last week was an attempt by the two conservative parties here to present a united front to remove a bad, and now irresponsible, government from Queensland. We saw a situation where a proposal was put forward to present a united, single entity to defeat the Beattie Government. Now, the federal implications of that meant that it was impossible to do and impractical to do, but it was a clear sign that, at the next election, you're going to have a very tight coalition arrangement between the National Party and the Liberal Party and, as someone who is seeing the effect of the Beattie Government up here, I think that's got to be a good thing for Queenslanders to have that option. BARRIE CASSIDY: But you moved the motion on behalf of the Liberal Party on the state executive? IAN MACFARLANE: I moved a motion to have the discussion taken to the federal level because that was a key part of any future discussions on that. And on that basis, we've seen what happened this week: the federal implications were too complicated; that there were too many risks associated with trying to bring the two parties into one entity under the Queensland division of the Liberal Party. And on that basis, the proposal was scrapped. But it was, as I say, at the basis of an attempt to bring the two parties closer together to ensure that we provide an effective opposition here in Queensland at the next state election. BARRIE CASSIDY: But you're the Prime Minister's representative on that executive. By presenting it in the way that you did, did you leave an impression with some - certainly some in the National Party - that the Prime Minister was at least prepared to consider this proposal? IAN MACFARLANE: The Prime Minister and I had a discussion about what was being proposed and we both agreed that what needed to happen was there to be a discussion involving Mark Vaile himself and the federal presidents and, of course, the rank and file. So, that resolution merely facilitated that Mark expressed his views, I agreed with them. But it is far too complicated to try and do this at a national level and so, the proposal was scrapped. BARRIE CASSIDY: So the Prime Minister's initial reaction was, at least, to consider it, let it drift, rather than kill it off immediately? IAN MACFARLANE: The Prime Minister's initiative discussion was that he wanted it discussed at a federal level. How best to do that without causing a major upset was the path that we followed. And that's exactly what we did: I moved a resolution which called for it to be discussed at a federal level and that discussion took place immediately. BARRIE CASSIDY: I don't know whether you're aware of this, but yesterday you and, would you believe, Martin Ferguson were given the Tassie Tiger Award - that's an environmental group. They give it out for people that they regard as the worst contributors to the environment. How does it feel to share that award with Martin Ferguson? IAN MACFARLANE: Well, I think Martin's a pretty good bloke, actually, and I think his attitude on, for instance, the nuclear debate, but also a measured approach to resources, is one which I share and I think that people like to grab headlines and create the impression that the resource industry in Australia is not responsible environmentally. In fact, the resource industry in Australia is very responsible environmentally and we've got a great track record to prove it. In terms of the development, in terms of the technology, in terms of the rehabilitation of sites, the resource industry, who met in Canberra this week, are doing a job which is world class. That's not to say they can't do it better and we're all working towards that, but if I'm being branded with Martin Ferguson as being someone who supports the resource industry in Australia, then, I've no problem at all with that.[/b] BARRIE CASSIDY: Minister, thanks for your time this morning. IAN MACFARLANE: Pleasure, Barrie. http://www.abc.net.au/insiders/content/2006/s1654714.htm ----- STREUTH! IS IAN MACFARLANE STILL AROUND? N'

nasking

2/06/2013 INTERESTING: [b]In 1986, Cassidy was approached by the then Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, to become his personal press secretary. He remained in the job—which he has described as "the most rewarding and interesting period of my life"—until Paul Keating took over the leadership in 1991 following a challenge.[/b] [b]Moving to Washington, Cassidy worked as a correspondent for The Australian (a News Corporation newspaper) [/b]before returning to Australia to host the Last Shout and Meet the Press programs on Network Ten. Cassidy returned to the ABC to replace Paul Lyneham as host on The 7.30 Report before he, his daughter and his wife (Heather Ewart) were sent to Brussels as European correspondents. [b]In 2010, Cassidy wrote The Party Thieves:[/b] the real story of the 2010 election (Melbourne University Press, October 2010, which one reviewer called "the standard text on precisely what happened in 2010." [b]Cassidy currently hosts the Sunday morning political discussion show Insiders, the sports panel show Offsiders and was until recently hosting the morning show ABC News Breakfast. [/b] He stepped down from his role as host of Offsiders to write The Party Thieves. [b]He has a keen interest in horseracing, and is a devout fan of Collingwood in the Australian Football League. [/b] Cassidy is also a keen jogger, running almost every day. Cassidy appeared as himself in the first episode of the 1998 Australia television series The Games. WIKIPEDIA VERRY INTERESTING. INDEED. N'

nasking

2/06/2013 AND SO THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE SLOWLY GET PUT IN PLACE...THE PICTURE BEGINS TO BE REVEALED: Bob Hawke speaks out for nuclear power Bob Hawke - Australia's longest serving Labor PM [1983 - 1991] believes nuclear power should remain on the table for Australia. As reported by the ABC. "Intellectually it's impossible to avoid this position - that you should be prepared to have it open as a possibility - but it just seems to me to be intellectually unsustainable to rule it out as a possibility," he said. http://nuclearaustralia.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/bob-hawke-speaks-out-for-nuclear-power.html AND: [b]Bob Hawke in new plug for nuclear waste industry [/b] BY:[b]PAUL KELLY, EDITOR-AT-LARGE From: The Australian[/b] August 19, 2009 [b]FORMER prime minister Bob Hawke has called for Australia to assess a nuclear waste industry as a moral, financial and environmental response to climate change. Mr Hawke, speaking after the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue he attended as a participant, said: "This issue, frankly, seems to me to be straightforward in its obligations and benefits.[/b] [b]"I have spoken to Aboriginal leaders and to people from the environmental movement and they are prepared to consider the proposition."[/b] With the nuclear power industry expanding rapidly around the world due to climate change and Australia supplying that industry with uranium exports for decades ahead, Mr Hawke said the issue arose from Australia's global obligations. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/breaking-news/bob-hawke-in-new-plug-for-nuclear-waste-industry/story-e6frg90f-1225763644676 INTERESTING AIN'T IT HOW MANY FORMER HAWKE SUPPORTERS HAVE BASHED OUR GOVT? WHOSE [b]BEDS ARE BURNING[/b]? N'

nasking

2/06/2013 "I [b]have spoken to Aboriginal leaders and to people from the environmental movement and they are prepared to consider the proposition[/b]." I WONDER WHO THEY ARE? N'

Austin 3:16

2/06/2013HEY NASKING, WE SHOULD AT LEAST CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL OF THORIUM.

nasking

2/06/2013 CRIKEY! WHAT A COINCIDENCE! HAWKE AND ABBOTT ON THE SAME LIST: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rhodes_Scholars List of Rhodes Scholars From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Below is a list of Rhodes Scholars covering notable people who are also Rhodes Scholarship recipients, sorted by year and surname. See also: Category:Rhodes scholars Key to the columns in the main table: Column label Description of Column contents Name The name of the scholarship recipient, including link to their Wikipedia page. (As this is a list of notable people, all are eligible for a Wikipedia page; if they don't have a wikipedia page, don't add them to this list.) University The University where the eligible studies were performed. Note that under the terms of Rhodes' will, there are only 14 regions which nominate candidates - see Rhodes Scholarship#Allocations. Oxford College The Oxford College where the studies supported by the scholarship were performed. Year The year in which the scholarship was awarded. INCREDIBLE EH? BOTH AT OXFORD. N'

nasking

2/06/2013 HMMM...FROM ANDY BOLT'S BLOG: [b]Kelty: Gillard must end class war [/b] [b]Andrew Bolt[/b] MARCH 25 2013 Yet another call from a blue-blood Labor man for Julia Gillard to drop her politics of division: [b]FORMER ACTU secretary Bill Kelty has criticised the Gillard government’s labelling of 457 visa holders as “foreigners” ..., as he backed Martin Ferguson’s call for Labor to end its “class warfare”.[/b] [b]Mr Kelty, who led the trade union movement from 1983 to 2000, ... strongly endorsed last week’s call from Mr Ferguson, a former president of the ACTU, for the Labor Party to “reclaim the mantra of the Hawke and Keating governments to govern for all Australians”. He also backed the former minister’s warning that “the class war that started with the mining dispute of 2010 must stop"…[/b] He backed comments by outgoing minister Kim Carr over the government’s approach to 457 visa holders. “Kim Carr says the language on the 457 visas surprised him. Well, it surprised me too. I don’t think you use terms like foreigners when a significant part of this country are people who come from other countries. We are not a xenophobic party and we are not a xenophobic nation, and we’ll welcome people from other nations… “We do not talk about foreigners. This is not the language of the Labor Party.” Gillard has made not the slightest sign that she accepts the criticism and will change what is in fact her entire political strategy. http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/andrewbolt/index.php/heraldsun/comments/kelty_gillard_must_end_class_war/ TREACHERY COMES IN MANY FORMS. MINING FEVER...HOT HEADS. N'

cornlegend

2/06/2013SICK. Then who do you vote for ? Bugs Bunny, Or are you one of those really creative people who vote informal. Sick the difference between you and I ,my friend, is I accept Australia at present is a Two party system. I choose the one that put Aussie people first, not the mob who have sold their soul to Murdoch and the rabid right. SICK, as you say, you will vote for the one who causes least damage, am I to assume, Like me, you will vote Labor. The other mob are wreckers and vandals. I have kids and grandkids. Labor does care for the future. The other mob don't. I think it will be great to have my grandkids grow up, with the security, whether needed or not , of a cleaner environment,Medicare, decent hospitals and ifrastructure, Gonski, NDIS, NBN, decent pensions, an acceptable Super, and a strong economy plus a heap of other good stuff. No wonder we are rated the happiest country in the world. All provided by Labor. All wrecked, if the rabid right get in. The way you are speaking of the one least likely to cause damage. Mate the race is run Labor wins. I think once you weigh it up, you will agree. I might even see you on the polling booths handing out how to's for Labor. A

nasking

2/06/2013 INTERESTING: Tony Jones speaks with Ziggy Switkowski [b]Australian Broadcasting Corporation Broadcast: 27/02/2007 Reporter: Tony Jones Tony Jones speaks with Nuclear task force chairman Ziggy Switkowski. [/b] Transcript TONY JONES: Well joining us now is Ziggy Switkowski, the physicist and businessman who chaired the Government's nuclear task force. Thanks for being there. ZIGGY SWITKOWSKI, NUCLEAR TASKFORCE CHAIRMAN: Thank you, Tony, good to be back with you. [b]TONY JONES: Now, were you at all surprised to hear that Ron Walker, Hugh Morgan and Robert Champion De Crespigny are getting into the nuclear power business? ZIGGY SWITKOWSKI: Well, when I read the story this morning it was new news to me, but it was the sort of initiative that I could see would logically follow as a subsequent step to implementing a nuclear energy strategy. [/b] TONY JONES: So you thought when you completed your report, presumably that a consortium like this would start positioning themselves? ZIGGY SWITKOWSKI: Well, there are a lot of steps to take before these consortia could be confident about their business plans and that, of course, as your story has indicated would require changes to the regulations, to the law, certainly getting community support, but it was predictable that consortia of people such as constituted today's main story or infrastructure groups who were skilled at raising funds and using them to invest in significant bits of infrastructure or in fact energy generators themselves would all have a look at the business case in support of making this kind of an investment in the first reactor. [b]TONY JONES: We've got some pretty high powered and wealthy individuals here who are looking, obviously, at making the business case. What do you think of their chances are of succeeding in the short term to actually create a nuclear reactor or an industry in Australia?[/b] [b]ZIGGY SWITKOWSKI: Well, I mean, firstly, the sort of structure or the competencies that reside in that group with people who understand uranium mining and nuclear power who obviously have the ability to gather the financial resources and know their way within the regulatory and political system, that's a powerful combination. I think those sort of features are going to characterize any group looking at making an investment in new technology like a nuclear reactor. [/b] But in terms of making judgments about probability, let me go back to findings of the review. There are a lot of steps to be taken before the first reactor can be ordered, let alone feeding electricity into the nuclear grid, and that's a process that we judged would take approximately 15 years, and in that period there will be quite a number of, I think, quite innovative approaches to support a deployment of a larger number of nuclear reactors should the country decide that's the way it wants to go. TONY JONES: Why do you think this particular group are being so coy about their intentions today? Is it just purely that this is political dynamite? ZIGGY SWITKOWSKI: Look, that's not a question I could possibly answer. I don't know. In fact, as I understand from the developments during the day, the group are indicating that the reports are not entirely accurate. [b]TONY JONES: Yes, they're saying they have no specific plans in place to build nuclear reactors in Australia, but it is a bit odd, isn't it, that you set up a company called Australian Nuclear Power Pty Ltd and have three such powerful players as part of it, then you set out a coy denial of what you're actually doing.[/b] http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2007/s1858785.htm HMMM...I WONDER HOW MANY ARE IN THE NUCLEAR ENERGY AND URANIUM, THORIUM MINING CLUB? DOES TONY ABBOTT EXCITE THEM? ARE THEY ADDICTED TO HIM? N'

nasking

2/06/2013 ANOTHER BIG CRITIC OF THE HOWARD GOVT IS RICHO...NOW ON MURDOCH'S SKY NEWS: COMBET: Well any price signal that’s put on pollution, carbon pollution going into the atmosphere, means that alternative technologies that don’t produce that pollution are relatively cheaper, compared to coal. And that includes nuclear. The thing of course in the Labor Party, we’ve had lots of debates about uranium mining, we’re going to have some debates about nuclear energy too I anticipate, but the policy at the moment is opposed to nuclear energy and as you know, we’ve all got an obligation, those of us who are ministers in particular, to respect our current policy, but a debate is foreshadowed – we’ll see. [b]RICHO: I ah, I think it’s…it’s interesting that you’re been touted by Bob Hawke I know who’s, as a future leader of the party, which COMBET: [Interrupts] He’s not an objective judge [laughs] RICHO: Ah…well… he’s, he’s judged pretty well in the past. And he of course has now come out in favour of nuclear power, as are I think more and more people as this debate goes on.[/b] COMBET: Yep. RICHO: Is it not inevitable that the Labor Party has to face up to this debate pretty soon? COMBET: Oh…I’ve no doubt the debate will be had but of course as the cabinet minister in a Labor Government I’m not going to pre-empt that. And I’ll express my views when we get to the debate. RICHO: I can hardly wait. http://www.climatechange.gov.au/ministers/hon-greg-combet-am-mp/transcript/carbon-price-framework-1 RICHO CAN'T WAIT. :) MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND... N'

42 long

2/06/2013I wonder how the two NT aboriginal LNP are feeling about their new bedfellows and how the new alcohol rules will work. hey should realise that only labor have really ever done anything for them Is a gaol term with farming opportunities defensible from a "SLAVE" labour accusation aspect? I feel the interests of the liquor lobby have won over welfare and proper attention to alcohol Problems for indigenous people in particular. Also with the Indonesian government reiterating their stance on "turning back the Boats" we witness the crumbling of the case that the Monk constantly makes. Now it is only a remnant reduced to a "we will be tougher". Bit like everyone knows we do a better job than Labor at managing the economy. IF they had been running the show from day one we would be much the same as Europe. ie High unemployment and recession. Having a deficit is appropriate for the current situation. Not one economist has put his name to a balanced budget NOW.Call Why isn't infrastructure and educational opportunity an investment? Does any business expand with a non borrowing strategy? That is like shooting yourself in the foot for NO reason. With all major.ratings agencies giving us triple AAA ratings the borrowings are not costing much. Much of the lack of confidence holding us back can be sheeted to Hockey and Abbott's negativeness, and over the top,forecasts of disaster. How is the budget an EMERGENCY budget? UTTER CRAP!! The lack of certainty likewise has everyone in the energy business on Hold. They know there is a need to deal with CO2 Pricing. Another thing Just how much do AUSTRALIANS benefit from the mining activity in Australia? Most of the profits go overseas. Much of the fabrication/engineering is done overseas too. Traditionally miners do little for the people of the world wherever they operate, or should I call it what it is? More like Pillage and despoil and pollute . How much has the imbalance of mining remuneration compared with the rest of wage rates destabilised Australia with the so called two speed economy. How many broken homes will result from the FI FO workers? All problems to be addressed long after the miners have gone to lower branches to pick else where. Think asbestos. coal miners with silicosis. Newcastles dust pollution from the open cut mining despoliation of the Hunter Valley The ruination of the barrier reef. The ruined fish at Gladstone from dredging silt..Get a few aborigines working in mines won't help them in the long run. In the old days these companies did train their workers and built houses and infrastructure. Ship in others at $2 per hour for Ironheart for whom no amount of money (personal wealth) is enough. She will sell to anybody when it suits her. That's obvious..

cornlegend

2/06/2013The article re Gina and the “sterilization may have been a beat up but her old man, Lang, certainly held that view. Lang Hancock’s solution to the ‘Aboriginal problem’ (1984) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaRuk6pGOc what's the old saying ? The apple never falls far from the tree.

nasking

2/06/2013 NO WONDER PAUL HOWES GOT SUCH A GO... AND SADLY, GOOD CATHOLIC PRIVATE SCHOOL BOY BILL SHORTEN IS ON BOARD TOO...OR WAS: [b]Acting as a lobbyist for Australia’s uranium mining companies, the largest of which is BHP Billiton, AWU national secretary Paul Howes is calling for the expansion of uranium mining and urging the federal government to embrace nuclear power. [/b] Howes wants the Rudd Labor government to make nuclear energy a short-term “solution” to global warming until alternative technologies are developed. The AWU represents around 130,000 workers, of whom many work in emission-intensive and polluting industries such as aviation, mining, electricity generation, aluminium production and petrochemicals. [b]In an interview with the June 27 Australian, Howes stated: “If we are going to be a green Labor government, then we have to look at nuclear. [/b] [b]If we don’t start today, we are going to put ourselves in a very precarious position in 10, 15 or 20 years time. I’ve told ministers in the Rudd government this is my view and the view of my union. I can’t tell you how concerned I am about this. It’s the greatest challenge the union movement has faced since trade liberalisation in the 1980s, if not greater.”[/b] The Rudd government’s proposed emissions trading scheme (ETS) would do far too little to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But for Howes, even too little is too much — he opposes the scheme, claiming that it could cause desolation in the Australian mining and metallurgy industries. [b]Howes has formed an alliance with business figures such as Commonwealth Bank chairperson John Schubert and has the backing of Qantas, Rio Tinto, Shell, Alcoa, BlueScope Steel, ExxonMobil, OneSteel and Dick Pratt’s Visy to stop any emissions regulation. While failing to outline any solutions to the global warming crisis,[/b] [b]Howes claims the Greens are the real enemy, accusing them of wanting to close down the mining industry, which he asserts is “death for my members and death for the economy”.[/b] The Maritime Union of Australia has also voiced opposition to the ETS, claiming that Australia’s liquid natural gas export industry will not be eligible for government financial support as an emissions-intensive trade exposed industry. In other words, it will not be eligible for free permits to pump out pollution. Likewise, Transport Workers Union Queensland secretary Hughie Williams is opposed to the ETS because it does not reimburse truck drivers for any increase in the price of fuel. [b]Howes’ support for nuclear power and uranium mining is not new for the AWU. [/b] [b]Before the former AWU national secretary Bill Shorten received ALP preselection for federal parliament, he campaigned heavily for nuclear power and the scrapping of the ALP’s no new mines policy. The AWU has been at the forefront of efforts to change Labor’s policy and to lay the groundwork for a nuclear industry in Australia.[/b] [b]In 1983 the ALP won office with a pledge to stop uranium mining. After the election it broke its promise and adopted the three mines policy. The uranium industry in Australia owes its survival and massive expansion to Labor governments from 1983.[/b] The adverse environmental impacts of uranium mining in Australia have been significant. Further attempts to establish new uranium mines would also likely result in more examples of mining companies exerting pressure on Indigenous communities, as with the attempt to override the Mirarr traditional owners’ unanimous opposition to the Jabiluka mine in the NT. Nuclear power generators produce intermediate and high-level radioactive wastes that will have to be stored safely for hundreds of thousands of years. High-level waste — which includes spent nuclear fuel and the waste stream from reprocessing plants — is by far the most hazardous. A typical power reactor produces 25-30 tonnes of spent fuel annually. Each year, 12,000-14,000 tonnes of spent fuel are produced by power reactors worldwide. About 80,000 tonnes of spent fuel have been reprocessed, representing about one-third of the global output of spent fuel. Not a single repository exists anywhere in the world for the disposal of high-level waste from the nuclear power industry. http://directaction.org.au/issue5/awu_joins_big_business_push_for_nuclear_power AND DON'T SKY NEWS AND OTHER USUAL SUSPECTS LUV INTERVIEWING SHORTEN AND HOWES? ON INSIDERS TODAY THEY ALMOST ANNOINTED HIM LABOR LEADER...POST-THE PREDICTED LOSS. NICE BUNCH THIS NUCLEAR LOVING LOT. [b]RADIOACTIVE[/b] N'

cornlegend

2/06/2013SICK. I noticed you on about planes before. I know Abbott and Morrison scream "stop the boats" Do you know if they have a 3 word slogan like "stop the planes" As that's the main way refugees get here

Ad astra

2/06/2013Doug Evans I've followed your contributions and the responses to them. Amongst other things, you raise the question in my mind of what orientation political blog sites ought to have, and how they should deal with contemporary political issues, including the errors that political parties all make. This is an important issue, one that has exercised my mind since you raised it. I am toying with the idea of writing a post on this matter, perhaps the next one after the one I am about to post today. So I have not overlooked your comment. The matter though is one that requires considered thought. Leave it with me.

Ad astra

2/06/2013Folks I have just posted the sequel to the current post: [i]Political hatred: Is there a remedy?[/i]. http://www.thepoliticalsword.com/post/2013/06/02/Political-hatred-Is-there-a-remedy.aspx I will close comment on this piece later this evening.

nasking

2/06/2013 AND ONE MORE FROM THE NUKE ENERGY SPRUIKING MURDOCH EMPIRE WHO ALSO OWN THE SIMPSONS AND ITS ANIMATED NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANT THAT HOMER WORKS AT...INTERESTINGLY BEEN RUNNING FOR KIDS FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS: [b]Tony Abbott advocates using nuclear power to cut greenhouse gas emissions AAP AAP FEBRUARY 26, 2010 [/b] [b]OPPOSITION Leader Tony Abbott says nuclear power is the "only realistic way" for Australia to cut its carbon emissions but he will not take the policy to the next election. Speaking at the Menzies Research Centre in Canberra, the opposition leader said nuclear power was the only proven way of generating the base load power Australia needed without producing carbon pollution.[/b] The opposition leader was responding to comments by [b]former defence force chief Peter Cosgrove, who said nuclear power was the only practical alternative to carbon-based energy resources such as coal.[/b] http://www.heraldsun.com.au/archive/news/tony-abbott-advocates-using-nuclear-power-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions/story-e6frf7l6-1225834574545 [b]BELIEVE IT OR NOT...WE MIGHT HAVE A CONSPIRACY TO FCK A GOVT OR TWO HERE FOLKS... STEAL OUR DEMOCRACY...[/b] SO WE CAN ALL...[b]SHINE[/b]...IN THE DARK. WOULD MAKE A GOOD 4 CORNERS...PROVIDED THEY HAVEN'T SOLD OUT TOO. N'

Patriciawa

2/06/2013cornlegend, please forgive my reference to you as Left Wing, which is part of your gravatar and not your user name. I was careless there = my mind was off at a tangent, trying to remember an exchange I had with Talk Turkey re an early pome I wrote about the Greens. Now Groons - really a much better name, TT! Just found it! [b]The Greens? Girly Men? Never! [/b] We all know the Greens. They’re so often seen Wearing blue jeans And eating their beans In simple canteens Camped in natural scenes Where they ban nicotine And its nitrosamines. They hate submarines And other machines Which use gasoline. They don’t like the Brits’ Queen. By that they don’t mean Their own kind of ‘queens’ Whom others demean Because of their genes. When their party convenes With Bob and Christine They go into routines On how much it means That their Mr. Cleans Hold the balance between Lib and Labor has-beens, And how soon will be seen The day when the Greens Smash both to complete smithereens!

Doug Evans

2/06/2013AA Thanks for that. Please give it another hour before you close comments if you can I'm mid way through a response but it's taking me a while to address all the issues raised in commenters' responses to me. I'll be as quick as I can.

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2/06/2013Doug Evans I will leave this post open until tomorrow to give you more time.

cornlegend

2/06/2013Patriciawa Don't apologise about linking left wing with my username. It actually honours me that you did. I am a proud old lefty. I wear my "left" tag with pride. To get me offside you'd just have to call me right wing. On with the battle !

Doug Evans

2/06/2013TT You should be careful with angle grinders I've known 'tradies' who have given themselves serious injuries with them. I note your comments re Assange and other minor gripes you have with the Labor government policy and I'm reassured by them. Please note that I'm not: 1. trying to persuade anyone how to place their vote. I'm very much alive to the 'better of two evils' argument for voting for Labor and although I have passed my personal thresh-hold of broken promises from this Party I understand that others are entitled to see things differently. 2. here particularly to defend The Greens. I don't really care whether you (or anyone else) likes them or not. 3. interested in trading insults. 4. interested in spreading unsupported opinion throughout cyberspace. This only adds to the already considerable confusion out there. I am however: 5. interested in seeing things as they really are, rather than as Party propagandists, ably assisted by the MSM, portray them. I have noticed that not all self-interested, deliberately-misleading, party propaganda emanates from the Abbott opposition. The Labor Party does its fair share and the Greens are the target of much of this. I think that a serious political discussion site in very serious times should be making an attempt to cut through the fog. It is reassuring but not really enough to blame it all on the boogie man (or is that bogie-man) whether he is wearing budgie smugglers or carrying a press card. I don't assume that anyone needs my help from my 'reading lists'. If I am drawn into a discussion like this I try to write as clearly as I can and support my arguments with links (hopefully reliable reputable links) to back up the opinions I express. I can't think of better way to do this. As you hold contrary opinions on important issues I thought you might be interested in checking why I hold the opinions I do. Maybe finding out whether there is more to uncover on an issue might even cause someone to modify the position they hold. Wasn't there a famous economist who said something like 'When the facts change I change my opinions what do you do?' Perhaps I could ask you the same? I am however tired of the endless repetition of the absolute myth that the Greens are too ideologically pure and inflexible to compromise, negotiate etc. This myth was conveniently put about by Labor Parliamentarians – I have a feeling that it originated with my former local member Lindsay Tanner – in the wake of the debacle that was the Rudd government’s CPRS proposals as a handy bit of brand differentiation. Of course the lazy MSM swallowed it whole. What manna for the Murdoch Press who have promised to destroy the Greens! And here we have the good folk of TPS trumpeting the Murdoch line – some irony there. Every one of the long list of Gillard government achievements that commenters on this site have been pleased to list was voted for by the Greens, often after negotiation in an attempt to achieve improvements (from the Greens perspective). Sometimes amendment was achieved sometimes not. However the peculiarities of this parliament mean that without the support of the Greens, specifically Adam Bandt, very many of the most important pieces of Gillard govt legislation would not have come into existence. Try to think about that the next time you are tempted to repeat this bit of nonsense. Austin 3.16 and Patriciawa this goes for both of you also. TT I vary a bit in how thorough I am with following the days links to get the news. Sometimes I'm right across it sometimes lagging a bit. How about you? I find when I check Lyn's Links that I have already covered most of them before I see her list - but this is not always the case. In my blogging days (recently ended), because of a specialist interest in climate change science and policy I also daily consulted informed links that Lyn does not generally touch on. So with the greatest of respect what you say about the Greens and Rudd's various versions of his CPRS is absolute rubbish. Here I'm on my home turf and can speak with complete confidence. Were you simply to have a little peek at David Spratt's post that I linked to above you may well reach the same conclusion. But as you say you probably don't need my 'reading lists', (presumptuous of me to think they might be helpful) to form an opinion. Rudd’s CPRS in all its versions was virtually friendless among those who knew what they were talking about. The Greens were absolutely right to knock back that load of deceptive rubbish. As Christine Milne has often repeated – to have voted for it would have been to lock in failure. 6. Finally I am interested in political discussion that actually gives some clarity by considering all sides of issues not just the most reassuring and comforting. The clarity of AAs reasoning and prose gives me some hope that this might happen here but at the moment with consistently only a selective part of issues being discussed the clarity is illusory. Readers see clearly an edited version of what is going on. They see what they hope is the case. OK a couple of final thoughts. Jason your simple question is a really good one. I am guilty of somewhat ignoring the Assange issue I felt it was just one issue too many and so decided to pass it over. It was as I said Philip Adams’ show the other night in which he interviewed Daniel Ellsberg who expressed strong support for Bradley Manning now finally out of the torture chamber and on trial that reminded me of its importance. So I’m not sure how to answer the question. I’d suggest that it wouldn’t do any harm to tell the US that we won’t stand for them victimizing an Australian citizen who has not broken any laws either Australian or US to cover their embarrassment at having their guilty secrets splashed over the front pages of the world’s press. Perhaps it would also be worth telling them that we won’t recognize the validity of the kangaroo court (sorry Grand Jury) they have put together to trump up retrospective legislation to allow them to charge Assange. Naïve? Probably. Also. I find that in my electorate the new Labor candidate and probably my next MP chosen to replace ole fossil fuel Ferguson is going to be David Feeney that right wing slug and close ally of HSU ‘whistle blower’ Kathy Jackson who, if Peter Wicks is to be believed should be behind bars herself. No preselection – they have leant on Ged Kearney not to make waves and the local members have been denied any say in their candidate. Just lie back and think of Julia. So much for the new user friendly democratic ALP. Still it probably won’t do Kathy any harm to have a new friend in high places.

Doug Evans

2/06/2013AA Ran out of puff and just posted it. Hope it makes at least some sense.

Austin 3:16

3/06/2013Hey Doug, Ok so the Greens are a pragmatic party willing to compromise, but they just couldn't stand Rudd's awful CPRS. So what was their counter offer? After knocking it back in the senate what was their approach to Labour ?
I have two politicians and add 17 clowns and 14 chimpanzees; how many clowns are there?