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Australia can't walk away from climate action
Justin Tutty is a Darwin-based member of the No Waste Alliance, a network of community groups formed in response to last year's threat to dump nuclear waste at a remote location in the Northern Territory. His previous piece for Webdiary was Nuclear Review: Right People? Right Questions? Read this in conunction with an American view by Kenneth Rogoff.
by Justin Tutty
Last weekend, thousands of people indulged in one of our Prime Minister's favourite pastimes – walking – in response to an issue that still has our glorious leader ducking and weaving – global climate meltdown.
While the crowd in London was estimated at 20,000, organisers reported 40,000 each in Melbourne and Sydney. In Brisbane, torrential rain was insufficient to deter 1500 people, and 4000 were counted walking in Perth. Here in Darwin, around 300 people turned up to walk from the Nightcliff jetty to the park outside a nearby pool. A great turn out for our city, further demonstrating just how out of touch our political 'leaders' are.
Whereas 'the mob', as Howard would undoubtedly call us, clearly have an appetite for immediate action, the pollies have made it clear that, when it comes to the tough calls, they don't plan to budge for the next few decades.
Aside from some differences in how they tinker around the edges (Howard likes nuclear, Beazley likes Kyoto, but neither of these are going to make much of a difference) both of the big (old) political parties are presenting the same false hopes, while ignoring genuine responses to climate change. To all appearances, neither of the dinosaur (big + old) political parties seem to understand the parameters of the challenge facing the planet.
In particular, both of the fossil (big + old + dinosaur) parties exhibit the same myopic obsession with the fantasy of clean coal, a set of theories demanding $billions of investment and decades of patient crossed-fingers.
Both fossil parties are blindly ignoring the reality; that proposals for more efficient use of coal (ie. more gigawatts per unit carbon emissions) simply offer to spread the same level of pollution over a longer period, through massive investments that further entrench and prolong the fossil fuel industries.
Now, if the coal lobby wants to dig itself out of its own grave, and invest their own wealth in hopes and theories of freeing coal of its carbon burden, then best of luck to them. I sincerely hope they succeed. But spending $billions of public funds on further fossil-oriented infrastructure, which locks us into many more decades of fossil consumption, is unacceptable.
The fantasy of cleaner coal presents too much of a drain on precious dollars and months, which must be strategicly applied to genuine solutions to the global climate challenge. Far better, I say, to invest in the proven technologies of energy efficiency and renewables. These inevitable solutions offer immediate results with greater certainty, and, as the Stern report describes, great economic potential for those nations bold enough to take a leading role in their emerging industries.
random references :
Number of walkers
Why nuclear won't help
Why Kyoto is not enough
The Stern report
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Rabble rousers are considered Leaders.
Everything is politics and - politics is all about perception. Is it not?
Whilst the American media seems to have developed a pro and con attitude to their system of democracy, the Howard "New Order" Liberals have behaved in a manner aimed at suppressing any form of dissent.
And they have legislated to enforce those principles.
I do not understand the people who condone that obvious abuse of power and can only conclude that they are "paid for comment" conservatives or truly believe in the born to rule attitude of the Howard Liberals.
Where ever that type of belief has been paramount, the nation or empire has failed. Perhaps because the milking of the life blood of the ordinary people can only last so long.
It is always easy to swim with the tide, as the "New Order" Liberals and their supporters find due to the line of least resistance.
That is not leadership, nor is it duty of care.
It is simply opportunism and abdication of responsibilities for personal gain. And this leads to the Australian values of those who intend to take the future of our nation in their hands.
We have just seen the resignation of a good Australian in the gentle giant Kim Beazley, a man who has dedicated his political life to the improvement of life for all Australians and, in particular the backbone of our nation, the Australian worker.
I cannot conclude without commenting on the Channel Seven Liberal reporter Mark Riley, who had the total lack of decency in stating that Kim Beazley's losing speech was as well-articulated as all of the others.
The Channel Seven Liberal front person Mark Riley should hang his head in shame. He is the quintessential example of a journalist who abuses his profession by claiming to report "facts".
There is no truth - only the powers that be.
Leaders
Ernest William, if you are going to talk about claiming to report "facts" why don't you start with yourself.
"We have just seen the resignation of a good Australian in the gentle giant Kim Beazley"
He did not resign, he was dumped by the Party that a couple of weeks ago were saying we are 100% behind Kim. What they really meant was that they were behind him so they could stab him in the back.
So now Labor have a new leader who, just like Latham, is very good with the catchy phrases. Instead of "Rungs on the ladder" we now have "forks in the road" and "bridges too far", what's the betting that Rudd sometime before the next election falls off one of the rungs and impales himself on one of the forks in the road.
So now Labor have a leader who is a god botherer, and a deputy who is advised by her hairdresser.
The Private Kovco debacle.
It should NOT happen to any Australian Service personnel.
The question as to WHO authorised the transfer of an Australian Soldier back to the Country he was serving - has still not been answered. The broken down Kuwaiti Morgue which was chosen to carry out this disgraceful and cheap Private Enterprise was typical of Howard's "duty of care" for our military.
However, the incompetent ex-Education Minister, Brendon Nelson is the prime suspect. Will we ever know? Are the Australian Citizens ever been truthfully informed over the last decade?
Regarding the misery, confusion and mistreatment that the Howard Liberals have dished out to Private Kovco's family and the "cover up" of his death, is just another demonstration of the maxi-incompetency of the "New Order" Liberals.
In Webdiary 19 September 2006, I submitted a post called "WHO authorised the dumping of Private Kovco?"
And I wrote inter alia: "While the "investigation" is continuing and the "appearance" of genuine concern by the Howard Liberal's typical "inquiry" - WHY WAS THE BODY OF AN AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER WHO WAS KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE, SO CHEAPLY DUMPED?"
And: "I was singularly impressed with the T/V appearance of Jake Kovco's Mother and step-brother. Both did themselves proud with dignity and forthrightness. I agree with the Lady that it is a cover-up".
"You don't investigate the amazing errors and the criminal neglect of basic unknown death principles that surround this soldier's death, by asking the Military to investigate the Military. That is Howard's sense of "Australian Values".
"When you are young and training in the Military of whatever kind, the very fact of your fitness and energy causes the youngsters to act in a manner which is often considered over the top. However, to suddenly "discover" this centuries old fact by a few photos of young fellows relieving boredom or tension, is just an excuse by the inquiry."
"Sure, in itself it means "b....r all" to any serving or ex-service personnel BUT, it is patently unimportant and of no real "news value" because of it's lack of gravity. So, WHY was this non-event [photos of Soldiers skylarking) posted and claimed to be shocking by Liberal's venal media?".
"IMAGINE in the minds of people, who do not know any better, the thought is being encouraged that SURE, THAT IS HOW KOVCO MUST HAVE BEEN KILLED - FOOLING AROUND!"
At least it is persuasive - there is no truth - just the powers that be.
End of Quote. And guess what?
Embarrassing, cynical and hypocritical.
Howard's disgusting performance at the APEC meeting and the political "homage" paid to the fallen at Long Tan demands a reality check.
VIETNAM.
That war of American interference at the "request of the Dictator Diem" was joined by the Menzies' LIBERAL Government and against the UN decision not to be involved.
At first he sent "advisers" as did the Kennedy Democrat Administration in the US.
However, the Military/Corporate in America insisted, for profit purposes, to increase the numbers of the military "to stop the scourge of Communism spreading". In late 1963, the US troops were dramatically increased shortly after Kennedy was murdered.
To expand the numbers of Australian Service Personnel for the war spin of "the threat of Communism" [terrorism?] Menzies introduced the US style "Ballot of Death". Drawing numbers out of box which dictated the date of the birthday of the conscripted young man. And, pre Gough Whitlam, the Menzies LIBERAL government, did not allow under 21 year olds to vote - only go to war and die. My eldest son was saved by one day - thank God.
That disgraceful war is history now and the Long Tan battle by Australian troops was indeed worthy of a memorial. However, it would have been better "honoured" by ANY Australian political Party other than the Liberals. Howard was cynically using his trip to APEC in Vietnam for purely political purposes.
Interesting and appropriate was the position provided for "ploppy pants" at the filming of all APEC participants - right at the very end of the camera lens and far less highlighted by exposure than the Asians he has denigrated for some thirty years.
The Battle of Long Tan also leaves, along with its memorial, the sour taste of warmongering Liberals continuing to serve the Imperialist objectives of the US.
Also let us not forget that Menzies, the war lover, was an Australian Army Lieutenant when WW I was declared - and he immediately resigned his commission. In 1966, the year of Long Tan, Menzies retired from politics and left Harold Holt to carry that burden.
And, déjà vue – Iraq.
Howard ignored the 87% of Australians who did not want our nation, for the first time in our history, to pre-emptively invade a Sovereign Country on a known false premise and again - opposed by the UN. But that truth was quickly changed, wasn't it.
As a person who was not even a Boy Scout, Howard valiantly ordered our troops into a sanctions-exhausted and vulnerable country. He even childishly boasted that the SAS troops he had sent in before the invasion - were already killing Iraqis. (So much for his claim to care for them).
Like the Bush "man of steel" he continues to lie and will "stay until the job is done", "finish the course" and his venal media will continue to protect and promote him commensurate with his donations of taxpayers' funds and cartel legislation.
His abject servitude to the Bush Administration is sickening and the statement that he "will not cut and run" merely confirms it. Watch the subtle changes in his attitude after his "lunch" with Bush. And, can even the blindest "New Order" Liberal consider that he won't withdraw - if Bush tells him to?
The only too obvious scam of "he has some ideas" (which he won't divulge) means that he is waiting for his orders. Then he can claim that he has the ability to have an idea of his own. Fair dinkum.
When Howard, as a member of the Liberal Party that participated in the Vietnam "ballot of death" conscription, suddenly brings it up as a political ploy and claims that the Australian people unfairly treated those returning Veterans - he is preparing the ground work for a slow "cut and run".
Now, while his paid for comment media attacks Kim Beazley for an error of names (and ignores Howard forgetting even the name of the electorate in which he is campaigning for the Liberals) he shows his real concern for our service personnel.
Don't forget, all of you young people who are embedded in his American regiments, ships and planes, that at the very moment he was laying that wreath with complete dishonesty, his private enterprise company attached to the DVA is secretly spying on your comrades and yourself, in order to prevent their applications for war caused injuries both physical and mental. In fact, the Director of that private company lives in my town.
Unfortunately, tarring and feathering is not an option.
And if you are considering joining Howard's American style permanent officers and part-time reservist foot soldiers (gun fodder) - just remember that the majority of Americans in Iraq/Afghanistan are reservists, home guard and green card holders.
You saw what the Liberals could do to the century-old Australian Constitution and what Costello did with the once "Freedom of Information" - never forget it.
Nor should we forget the mean, dishonest and tricky way the Liberals treated the body of Private Kovco (and his family).
A government of depraved indifference.
NE OUBLIE.
The opinion of a REAL Liberal.
The contrast between the Howard "Karl Rove 'New Order' Liberals" and all previous REAL Liberals is starkly demonstrated by a statement by Malcolm Fraser, ex Liberal Prime Minister.
In a Mike Carlton SMH article "Fabricated fear of Muslims is a cancer among us" on November 4 2006, he observed:
Like a good red wine, Malcolm Fraser gets better with age. In Sydney last Tuesday, in the midst of the mounting national hysteria over Sheik Taj el-din al Hilaly, he gave a speech to the NSW Law and Justice Foundation that was possibly the finest of his public life.
Grounded in our history, resonant with reason and compassion, it was an elder statesman's call for a return to the humane and rational Australia that we, all of us, have flung overboard in the panic of the war on terrorism.
Here is a flavour of it:
"A civilised society is judged by its adherence to the rule of law, to due process and the ease with which all people would have access to the law. It is judged by the way it treats minority groups."
'"Australia would be - is - judged badly. Today for a variety of reasons, but not least because the Government has sought to set Muslims aside, discrimination and defamation against Muslims has been rising dramatically. Too many have taken the easy path and accepted the Government's contentions that Muslims aren't like us and therefore it doesn't matter if discrimination occurs and if access to the law does not apply."
In sum, Fraser delivered a blistering condemnation of so much that is rotten about John Howard's Australia: our subservience to the United States and the folly of joining the Iraq war; the abandonment of David Hicks; the persecution of refugees; the new security laws, which "diminish the rights of all Australians"; the arch-conservative rewriting of our history; the threat to what has been, until now, the world's most successful multicultural society. Here is some more:
"What we do not know we often fear. What we do not understand we fear. People from a different religion we often fear. And what we fear becomes a threat. The politics of these issues has bitten too deeply into the Australian psyche and it will take many years to remove it".
"This reminds me of the bitterness, even hatred, between Catholics and Protestants generated very significantly by Prime Minister Billy Hughes during the First World War. His action over the conscription debates in attacking the Catholic Church, and the Irish and Archbishop Daniel Mannix in particular, was irresponsible and scarred Australia for over 50 years. The bitterness against Catholics was extreme and in some quarters has still not entirely died."
"Those in charge of our affairs today seem not to understand this experience. There are already suggestions that this next election will be a Muslim election, as a while ago it was the Tampa election. It would create a terrible and unnecessary divide between Islam and the rest of the community. There is a responsibility on those in authority not to repeat the mistakes made by Prime Minister Billy Hughes." End of quote.
He has described to a "T" the Howard "New Order" Liberals - of depraved indifference.
The centre conservative members of our older generations should take particular note of what this person and his sycophants are doing.
Not only to our worker groups of normally peaceful demonstrators; the transfer of legal powers to private enterprise to prosecute our citizens; the outsourcing of Governmental responsibilities in several key domestic portfolios and the general racist claims against a society to whom (such as Saudi Arabia) the U.S. owes more than just the 6% of their economy.
I draw some satisfaction from the stand taken by several high level "Old" Liberals with more statesmanship in their little fingers than Mr. "floppy pants" will ever have.
I am not concerned with the problems of past centuries, but by God I am concerned about where Bush and Howard are taking us in this one!
Perhaps my prayers for just one honest T/V channel; Radio Station and national newspaper, may some day be realised.
Such an occurrence would "trim the dish" and help us fight our way back to respectability and universal prosperity.
There is not truth - only the powers that be.
You say shoo I say shoe, you say tomato I say tomatoe
Fiona Reynolds Yes the way Beazley is going the "shoe" may be very relevent.
Even I felt sorry for him over the Rove blunder. Pretty sure like most other people he honestly felt sympathy for people associated with that seemingly beautiful lady's life. Thirty two is far to young for any person to die.
A pity something like that could even slightly take away from that fact. I am sure Beazley is not feeling so good about it. Truth is name blunders can happen to anyone. Even at the worst possible times.
He should though still get the chop because of weak leadership.
John Howard a shoe in
Ernest William: What do you want me to be "fair dinkum" about?
I have shown you with a mass of examples how corrupt and scandal ridden the current Labor Party really is. Do you think coming back with examples of travel rorts and the like from another set of politicians makes any difference to that?
You seem to have your heart set on convincing people that the Labor Party is made up of, owned, and operated, by a friendly feel good bunch of socialists. Who are you trying to kid? Others, or yourself?
Most Labor politicians of today are not socialists. Most live in Liberal electorates. Many have never had a real job in their short lives. None have owned a business. The fastest moves they make are to the public trough. And most have the personality of cardboard cutouts.
You want fair dinkum? Fair dinkum is that this set of stooges (if) elected will make little to no difference to my life. They will, though, eventually damage the nation because they are inexperienced, slack, and not capable of either privately or publicly leading anything. The evidence of this is everywhere, starting right from the top with their weak willed leader.
Now for the truth that you do not wish to see. The Australian electorate is a mature and smart one. I am sure they will make yet again the correct decision and vote for the only real viable proposition. That is of course, at this point, in time John Howard and the Liberal party. A shame for democracy perhaps; however a simple truth.
Just wait and see how wrong I am.
The only thing that keeps the perception of this thing (next election) of being even slightly close is your fabled media. More precisely, people with jobs desperately wanting the consumers to be at least a little interested.
Mind your feet
Jay White, did you really mean "shoe in" - presumably meaning "foot in mouth"? What an interesting Freudian slip.
APEC is as good as a pound
APEC IS AS GOOD AS A POUND: TAMING OF THE SHEW-IN
That's a peck of whatever George is having, barman. Doubles.
Fiona S we say shew-in because Crawford Texas hath shewn him verily what to do.
At every single turn. And given him the inside running on the James Baker thing.
But presumably not the bit where Baker revealed stone tablets brought down from the mountain inscribed with the words: “Geez mate – yr as big a k’n idiot as you always was, even in the Air National Guard – are you back on the Bolivian Marching Powder or what?”
And Bushi-Bushi probably cleaved unto Kirribilli, too, all stirred up in that Viet ao dai and nhon la clobber.
Just look around Hanoi, boyz, remember which side won, and WHY. And see to those rooftop helipads in the Green Zone. This time you've got an unreasonable foe who won't give you an easy out like 1975. Burning choppers full of diplomats, refugees and soldiers look crappy on the 6pm news, and real Karl Rove will go into mega-spin auto-rotate.
XXXX Love and Peace, man
Frère Jihad Jacques OAM née Woodforde
Beazley now bought and owned by Sydney spivs
Ernest William: Mal Colsten? Nah, he is one of your lot.
As for the rest travel rorts and the like are not good. In fact they are very bad. Stealing from the taxpayer if you like. I hope the money was returned.
Still a long way from out and out bribery and shady dealings with developers and banks. And let’s not even get into the kiddie tampering. How about that Labor guy from Queensland? Got sixteen years for such offences, didn’t he?
Now, if Beazley is beholden to the NSW right wouldn’t that mean that with an election victory the rest of Australia is? With the breakdown of states’ rights and all?
Not sure how I would feel living in little old Tassie or SA knowing my place is being carved up for toll roads and developments in the back blocks of a Sydney street. Reckon it would be worthwhile booking a seat or table at the next Labor gab fest?
I think the so called Labor idea of a "infrastructure fund" should be renamed the "special Sydney fund".
The man with the heart the size of a half eaten tic tac
For all doubters on just how weak the Beazley leadership really is
[extract]
Every single voting person in NSW knows how useless this clown really was as a Minister. The complete Errol Flynn of local politics. And Beazley would still actually with a straight face consider him!
Ratings on Beazley leadership: WEAK AS PISS!
Fair "criticism" do you think Malcolm?
And after all these disgracful scandals some people still think this person is fit and proper to lead a nation? Now that is laughable.
Let's be fair dinkum Jay (male/female or many).
Consistent with Howard's abuse of the Telstra Chief for being open and honest about the state of his new CEO duties – he has now rapidly advanced in his conga-line of incompetents the media-endowed Malcolm Turnbull.
Without using the "New Order" Liberals' attitude of "if the accused is not one of us, he is guilty", would you like to comment on another of your breed’s failures?
as a failed merchant banker (but still a millionaire), this person assassinated the likeable Mr. King by "New Order" means and has been on the "New Order" fast lane ever since.
However, I quote the SMH article dated 22 June 2006:
"The rising Liberal Party star Malcolm Turnbull and a company controlled by the world's second-richest man, Warren Buffett, have been sued for their involvement in HIH's ill-fated takeover of FAI Insurances in 1998."
"The HIH liquidator, Tony McGrath, yesterday served writs on three global companies and five individuals, seeking a total of $500 million in damages."
"HIH paid $300 million to take over FAI. The royal commissioner, Justice Neville Owen, calculated the "directly quantifiable loss" to HIH , including the impact of falsified accounts, was $591 million."
"Mr. Turnbull, now parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister [added - Gary Nairn received a new title] is involved because he was FAI's financial adviser during the takeover. The investment bank he chaired, Goldman Sachs Australia, is also being sued, as is his fellow executive Russel Pillemer."
Now, this is a "New Order" Liberal – nothing like a true Liberal at all. Should they judge him as though he was NOT one of them – or because he IS one of them?
Will the Howard Liberals' rapid advance of this person accused of fraud or worse give him the right to taxpayers' funds in defence? Like with HIH and FAI? When even the poorest citizen is not entitled to it?
When Howard makes him a Minister (well-suited to the current conga-line) – and he will – will that also make him "untouchable"?
Consider the behaviour of Peter Debnam in NSW State Parliament.
He has tried to use the Howard [Karl Rove] method of negative and vicious false accusations, for which he will not be held legally responsible.
I was greatly impressed that the media even allowed Mr. Debus' challenge to be brought to the attention of the public.
He challenged the Liberal Party leader to walk the 15 paces needed to be outside Parliamentary privilege and to repeat the accusations.
Mr. Debnam refused the indignant Minister's offer. He also refused to comment outside Parliament when requested to by the media.
Now there is a person who Jay and Alan would say "is fit to lead".
Fair dinkum.
Let the law deal with Debnam.
After avoiding the media regarding HIS GAFF in parliament, Debnam would not repeat his accusations in public.
However, he confirmed that he stands by what he said in Parliament and referred the press to Hansard.
This constitutes a public broadcasting of those accusations and he should be made to pay for it as others have in the past.
The Heffernan cowardly style of character assassination under the privilege of Parliament, should not be allowed a to continue.
As I have said to the "New Order" Liberal apologists, if you really believe "they all lie", then let's start fixing that now. Dismiss the corrupt government led by the arch-liar of all - Howard.
And, if it happens again, dismiss the next mob.
At least in that way you will only have 3 years of lying - not 12!
Wake up Australia.
Blunder
Ernest William, How about Beazley's blunder today? Another Labor person whose mouth is 1 minute ahead of his brain. Fancy mixing up Karl Rove with Rove McManus. He really is a "born loser". Can you imagine what he would be like when the real pressure is on? Watch for more bloopers as the election gets closer.
<b>BLOOPER SCOOPER: HOWARD SCRAPES IN AGAIN</b>
Oh A-Curran you’re are an inconvenient old surgical truss scraper and shew-in
Now I BET Karl Rove and Co start using the Beazley “gaffe” over and over again, during their popular Bush/Cheney/Howard White House TV shows. On the Shopping Channels. With canned guffaws to help out the handicapped. The Liberal Party Xmas Party, too. More guffaws.
Or we’ll see them broadcast here next year as coalition election ads, “bloopers” or ABC and shopping channel “news grabs” (spot any difference among the three categories and win a YEAR’S worth of free spam AND a job at Mitsubishi – but no car).
But dear Al….you union-busting heavies/superlightweights are now paying the piper with Telstra leading the drunken hooligans charging T3 privatisation spree.
A corporatised, frei Markt model of massive theft from the public. Employees are “permitted” to organize under this model of “democracy” but it’s as much bullshit as a BigBank or T3 prospectus or Senator Minchin’s soothing wallpaper noise. Without fast broadband unless you go up the price ladder. Jingle bells….
Thank god for Kebbin Anderous, “We are SO ALL WORKCHUMPS™ RICH! + 3 Hail Marys and 2 Our Fathers and an Act of Contrition.” Having that bloke on TV just once in a blue moon makes up for a blooper per day from Kimbo. Luckily, Kebbin is as fond of cameras and mikes as Kimbo. And cop the face, kids!
Howard is no shew in. Also muttering in the background, and NOT wallpaper, are Cap’n Smirk, Coonan the Blahbarian, Generalissimo Bren-gun half-Nelson, Fishnets Alex (whom I’m sure is a KGB moll), and the entire seriously inbred National Party….plus AWB. Poor old Peter Dutton and Gary Hardgrave. Amanda, Ruddock, Bill Heffernan. The list goes on….
With friendly bloke Malcolm Turnbull talking water restrictions out of his arse, and Andrew “who wants to be a squillionaire” Robb snarling ugly hatred of darkies mixed with dogwhistle insincerity whenever he’s told.
Then there’s the backbenchers. Holy Cow! That accounts for the droppings all over the Axminster.
Not a good look, really, although Malcolm can hold his knife and fork in the correct hands, and not spill to much on himself. But it’s a thankless grind at the public trough. And no proper doilies. Shocking. If only people knew.
Mind you, next year when we’re being helevacked off rooftops in the Green Zone, Australians will have forgotten the AWB, and the rest of the whole dumbcluck Howard Ministry Show starring the real Karl Rove. Yeah, the REAL bad guy. The BUSH guy. The name sticks, don’t it?
We will merely have the sh*ts in a big way about involvement in a bad war with known crooks, for lies. It’s NOT an election winner. Remember Saigon, little chicken-hawk? Pick up some momentoes at the Hanoi War Crimes Museum.
The next time you’re in Washington, go and lick the Wall full of names, PM. With your grubby little tongue. Do the whole length. It’s only 50,000 odd.
Hopefully it’s much longer than the Iraq one will be eventually, but you’ll get the idea. Look at the footage of choppers on the embassy roof. Squirm uneasily in your Chesterfield. Have another glass of taxpayer Grange or single malt. And work out how many free chopper rides you have left.
But Christ help us all if our narrow boom time export economy+huge national debt sh*ts itself at the same time.
XXXXX$$$
Not happy Frère Jihad Jacques OAM née Woodforde
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Richard: Whatever tis in the water or the planets today has got to you to, Brutus?
To Frere - what can I say?
Brilliant, simply brilliant.
Cheers
Ern G.
Get it down yer, Dick … (product placement))
Richard Whatever tis in the water or the planets today has got to you to, Brutus
Tis 2003 Penfolds™ Thomas Hyland Cabernet Sauvignon, lad. Tis the water in it, on this part of the Spanish Main, ye scallywag. The British Admiralty™ has dudded us on our rum ration, ye see. Worse than bilge rats, they are.
But the Thomas Hyland - young, cheeky, brisk, palatable, still immature but drinkable. And of course, brutus.
Not a bit like yours truly, me old hearty. Arrrrrr…
Affectionately yrs
Frère Jihad Jacques OAM née Woodforde-Brutus
c/- Port o’ Spain (close to Cuba, ye see, m’Jay and so on – tha last time I shipped into limey old Ha Long Bay at the coalmine, it was crawling with Cubans and Palestinians, arr, them was the days)
Young John Howard, he scarpered ashore for water and was never seen again! Nor his barrel!
They say he ended up a slave in the Virginia tobacco or Florida cane estates, or on some Mexican grandee’s desert oxen pastures in Texas. Or were took by Barbary pirates for sale to an Arab emir, probably for foul purposes.
No ticker
I agree with you Jay, it really is getting harder by the day to take Beazley seriously, he really is a "loser". On the other hand I feel sorry for him because I believe that he really is a decent bloke, but it must be hard to have to follow the line of those clowns in the union movement.
I still believe that he will only last in the job another few months, because when the next polls come out and he will have dropped again, somebody is going to say "that's it".
Your want scandal Jay?
Consider this: On August 7 2006, I submitted this:
"Now dollar value in Morality Mk I - Right on Daemon.
The depraved indifference and unaccountability of the Howard Liberal government is a perfect example. When he was first elected in1996, Howard DID have a moral standard called a "Code of Conduct". I believe that he even tried to enforce it - and then, I also believe that he "sold his soul" at the approach of the 1998 election, when Kim Beasley almost defeated him [and had some 40,000 votes more] .
Since then , he has controlled all areas of power and rewarded his sycophants in return for " the silence of loyalty".
In his first year of Office, the following Ministers were forced to resign"-
Senator Jim Short (Asssistant Treasurer) on 14.10.96 for Ministerial Impropriety in relation to conflict of interest concerning bank Licences.
Senator Brian Gibson (Parliamentary Secretay to the Minister for Health and family services) on 3.2.97 - alleged improprieties in relation to expenses claims.
Geoff Prosser ( Minister for Small Business and consumer affairs) on 18.7.97 for Ministerial Impropriety in relation to conflict of interest (and lied to Parliament about it).
David Jull (Minister for Administrative Services) on 25.9.97 on 18.7.97 for Ministerial Impropriety in relation to the Travel Rorts affair.
This is some of the "history" that the "New Order" Liberals would like to forget. What a difference between the breath of accountability then and the situation now. More to come Mk.II." End of first quote.
COMMENT: Jay - you and I are diametrically opposed in our views on what is best for our Nation and our people.
It is a cheap shot to juxtapose the crimes of a government that has a complete lack of duty of care: incompentency: dishonesty and corruption - with the emotive issue of child abuse. Do you agree?
I welcome your biased attitude which gives me the opportunity to propose a reality check.
Let me pre-advise that my replies to your challenge will be based on the "facts" as claimed by your media.
In this day and age, those of our citizens who are Muslim, Vietnamese, Middle-Eastern or, in fact Afro-Asian are treated with the unproductive Howard "New Order" ideology of perceived levels of humanity.
I doubt that there was a person who, when I was a boy, that I couldn't find some fault with - if I wanted to.
Wake up Jay and consider all Australians - not only those who make a profit from the sweat of the less fortunate.
Remember - there is no truth - only the powers that be.
You want scandal Jay? Mk II.
Continuing when Howard had a "code of conduct":- [August 8 2006]
"Peter McGuaran (Minister for Science and Technology) resigned 9.10.97 for Ministerial Impropriety in relation to Travel Rorts affair.
THEN the removal of accountability along with the Liberal "Code of Conduct".
Mr. McGauran claimed it was an innocent slip up when he claimed financial reimbursement for the air travel expenses of a few of his National Party mates and he has now been forgiven and has returned to the front bench. [Added "Once a thief.....]
Then consider John Moore who Mr. Howard selected to be Minister of Defence although he had been found guilty of Ministerial Impropriety (lying to H.M. Customs) during the Fraser Ministry. [Added "you can catch a thief but not a liar"]
Peter Reith (Minister of Defence) who knew the children had not been thrown overboard but said nothing to Howard. (Who believes that) [Added - and didn't Howard reward him with a $250,000 p.a. job?]
Mal Colston (a Labor Senator dismissed by that Party) who voted with the Government and Howard protected him from the Travel Rorts enquiry. Another Liberal Minister of Defence, Senator Hill, shrugged off Mal Colston's habitually exhorbitant travel claims as "sloppy bookkeeping". (Mal Colston was a University graduate and a computer programmer by inclination). [Added "If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas"]
Does anyone really think that Tony Windsor made up that story about being offered an inducement to not stand for election? So suddenly, National Party Leader John Anderson "retires". [Added - now a very subdued backbencher - his transgression side-lined?]
The Telstra Shares affair of the Liberal Communications Minister, Mr. Alston - who "retired" and was given an Ambassador post. [Added - a long-time conflict of interest - and rewarded.]
Mr. Robert Hill - Minister of Defence, who had many "suspect" military contracts conducted on his watch - he retired and was promoted to Australian Ambassador to the U.N. [Added - he and General Cosgrove both lied to the Senate Committee of Enquiry - and were rewarded. Will he lie to the U.N.?]
Mr. Justice Kirby, who is noted for his brilliant and non-partisan legal attitude, was maligned by a notorious liar, the National Party's Heffernan - and Howard read out that libelous defamation in Parliament! I wonder why he didn't even doubt that it could be wrong? [Added - Howard used Parliamentary privilege just as another Liberal is doing in NSW Parliament now. Heffernan apologised, but should have taken the "15 steps" outside parliament and repeated his lies.]
Then the AWB kick-backs to Saddam Hussein and the "I can't remember" defence of Howard, Downer and Vaile at the Cole "inquiry". The terms of reference of that sham of an inquiry, ensures that no Howard sycophant can be held accountable. [Added - "Justice New Order Liberal style. More to be discovered about that yet.]
Ruddock, Vanstone, Darryl Williams et al. The list goes on and on.
This is not a government that even cares about the Australian people and their welfare. They are protected and directed by the "faceless men of the media" who have no fear of not being elected, only of not making maximum profit. [Added - this situation is now becoming evident with Murdock delivering the U.S. MUST DO speech on behalf of the beleaguered George W. Bush. No worries, Howard and Janet will have plenty of time to get orders at the APEC conference.]
So Howard says to the Liberal wrong-doers "YOU CAN TRUST ME".
Fair dinkum. NE OUBLIE.
Well may Howard say "you can trust me"? To do what?" End of quote.
Much more incompetencies and lies have surfaced even since this was posted.
I will endeavour to inform you Jay.
There is no truth - only the powers that be.
Scandal
Ernest William,your reply to Jay just proves that you have no sense of reality. You say "It is a cheap shot to juxtapose the crimes of a government that has a complete lack of duty of care: incompentency: dishonesty and corruption - with the emotive issue of child abuse". Are you trying to tell us that if a Coalition member rorts the system with "travel expenses" it is worse than an ALP member sexually abusing children?
Can I suggest you walk out in the street and ask people what they think, I think you will get a taste of reality.We know you are an ALP stooge but with your latest outburst you have lost all credibility regarding politics in this country.
A yearning for the good ole days
Malcolm B Duncan: Actually that Scully and co are still around, is proof, if any more were needed, how sub standard state politics has become. That people would openly laugh at the prospect of some these people stepping up to Federal level should say more than enough. A damn shame, and knowing all this should make the recent High Court decision gladden the heart.
I almost miss the days of big Norm and his building buddies (never thought that would happen). Some of these guys were crooks. At least, though, they were solid crooks. Not sure how they would react to their local "rep" being on child molestation charges. Likely not well, and they did at least shout the bar from time to time.
Yeah, the closest a few of these sleazy inner-city ponces and bookworms would have got to any action was a good kicking at pre-selection.
It is the weight of a mans heart that counts the most
Malcolm B Duncan "So, Jay White (whoever is on duty at the moment), we should only have thin politicians, should we?
Well if the reference to Beazley's weight offends so much I will take it back. Yes, you are right it is not fair criticism. I would expect that you will be saying the same types of things when Howard's height is referred too?
Apart from that, there are paragraphs of other criticism's of Beazley. Criticism's I think are more than justified. Such as his extremely poor leadership skills, weak skills. His out and out disgraceful attempts at moral equivalence for some of the most outrageous scandals involving his very own party to besmirch the Australian political scene. One of them taking place under his very nose in his very own state.
It must be remembered Beazley gave a speech recently at a function organisied by convicted criminal Brian Burke. Acts of a future national leader you think?
On top of this we have perhaps the most scandal ridden, rotten government in NSW history operating at the moment, in Australia's biggest and most important state. Does Beazley make comment about any of this? Like I have said a weak leader.
Now I read talk that perhaps the most incompetent Minister (Scully) in living memory is now considering a switch to Federal politics AS A MINISTER. Has Beazley sought to put the kabosh on any of this? Can you imagine what seasoned professionals such as Howard, Costello and Abbott would do to this complete joker?
No legitimate criticism of Beazley? You fair dinkum are kidding right?
Beazley dreams while the whole stinking rotten house falls down
How pitiful is Beazley? I mean, really?
How can a man say that a private company giving bribes in a region well known for its corruption (a part of doing business) is worse than what is taking place on his very home turf? This guy, truly is the seargent Schultz of Australian politics.
Putting aside the multitude of scandals and there are multitudes, how about the scandal in his very own state? Here you have a convicted corrupt and once gaoled criminal (Brian Burke), until very recently still a member of this rotten party. A convicted criminal, mind you, coming up on wiretaps still peddling influence. Using Minister of a government for "mates favours"
Seriously, is Beazley serious?
If the man had one once of strong leadership in his overly large body he would be putting his foot down. Frankly as the national leader (nominal leader) of a party he has a role to play. He should be reminding the NSW Premier that he should be having a full investigation into who knew what and when. If not Beazley should call for his dismissal. Frankly forgetting politics, the man without putting forward a true and proper investigation is not worthy of the postion he holds.
Beazley wont though, because he has not got a "real" leadership bone in his body.
This rotten little lot should forget about the "parties" brand name. After these events their brand is pure mud and slime.
Scaling down politics
So, Jay White (whoever is on duty at the moment), we should only have thin politicians, should we?
If you have some rational criticism of the man, like his arguments are fatuous, for example, articulate it. Criticising him for being fat adds nothing. About as useful as criticising your misspellings really.
scandal ridden
Ernest William: "I believe that your biased statement on scandals is because you are totally one-eyed and do not have a receptive mind."
I have never once hiden my bias towards right of centre parties. Not once. And sorry to inform you, but yes at the moment the Labor party is scandal ridden. That is not a bias statement, that is a fact.
Ernest William "I have noticed with disdain that your entries are not based on the "facts of life" but have a patronising approach to those of us who are truly average Australians."
I have worked for every single thing I have gotten. If that is not average, well I guess I am not average.
Funny your stuff is some of the most bias blather I have ever read.
Ernest William: "I will reply to your biased assertions with facts of the Howard "scandals" since 1998 and the lack of punitive action by the "New Order" Liberal government."
Could you please point me toward the bribery and child molestation charges in his government? Certainly if he let such people carry on he would not get my vote.
Ernest William: "I also remind you of the swift and incisive actions of the Labor Governments who are the targets of your venal media."
Um yes, they call those police charges. My feeling on the matter, especially toward child molestation, is that Howard should call a inquiry. If, as has been suggested, Federal politicians are involved in any cover up the Federal government has a role to play.
If the State leader will not investigate any cover ups, it is the role of our national leader too. Kid fiddling should not be tolerated in any form. Both the abuser and the protector should pay the ultimate price. If that means a Federal investigation so be it.
The rest of your spiel is nothing but propaganda and nonsense. You are attempting to make a corrupt scandal ridden party of parasites into something they are not. Their actions speak for themselves and do not need me or any other person to make charges against them.
If you wish to defend them good luck. I hope the money is good.
The Howard pre-election "flip-flops" have begun.
If you study the consistency of Howard's approach to each election, you can almost predict everything he will do.
1. As with all autocrats, he will use taxpayer's funds to increase the exposure of himself (if that is possible) and his Ministers, especially those who are not well known to the public.
2. He will "appear" to backflip over issues to which he is diametrically opposed (and will never concede) but are a possible electoral doubt in the minds of the people like climate change and carbon trading. After all, if these people elect him yet again, his choices will be the same.
3. He will increase his advertising "in the National Interest" which will be his way of laundering taxpayers’ funds for "paid for comment".
4. He will continue to tighten the screws on Australian workers with the draconian IR laws, but only up to a point where he has room to appear to backflip, as a reasonable man. And, if re-elected, he will re-introduce the alterations and worsen the variations.
5. He will keep nuclear power and nuclear waste dumping off the agenda, (and we will pay for it two-fold). However, if he is re-elected, he will claim mandate because he had mentioned it.
As long as this spiteful little schoolboy complies with the demands of his "puppeteers" and has a foreign policy organised by a foreign country (the bully) he can depend on a maximum of financial and propaganda support.
To suggest that his Liberal government serves the Australian people; their aspirations; their families or their future - is just plainly dishonest.
The "New Order" Liberals are merely obeying orders, not from the people they are supposed to represent, but the "faceless men" for whom we do not have a vote.
How can the true meaning of democracy exist if the information fed to the voters is so biased that they do not really know the facts?
Have we already forgotten that the so-called "democratic" voting public in Iraq was encouraged by having free food available at the polling stations for those who participated?
And were they informed by a Murdoch style media?
Paul Keating stated in a TV interview that we must avoid the situation where the government of this nation is dependant on the support of the continually narrowing powers of persuasion - i.e. the media.
If we do not remove this un-Australian government, there are dire consequences for all future middle to lower class citizens.
I kid you not!
There is no truth - only the powers that be.
Flip-Flop
Ernest William, I trust you saw Beazley on the 7-30 Report when he was asked about the sex scandals in the ALP, he replied that they were not as bad as AWB.
Is this the sort of person you want as PM?
Is it safe for any of our children to work in an ALP office anymore?
Truth Alan
Alan the truth, as is evident in the transcript, is that Beazley made it clear he was speaking of the issues other than the child molestation charges faced by sacked former NSW Aboriginal affairs minister Milton Orkopoulos:
It's fair to critique him for not taking the opportunity to say that child abuse is abhorrent, but not to make things up.
Craig Rowley, thanks
Craig Rowley, thanks for the transcript.
Isn't Beazley saying that the sex scandal involving the ALP minister in NSW is not as bad as AWB?
This man is running scared and looking over his shoulder, I was right about Latham and I am right about Beazley, he will blow it for the ALP.
Alan that is a misreading
Alan, he had 'set aside' the Orkopoulos case. The 'odd ministers here and there' and the 'not one of them' statements, exclude Orkopoulos.
He is not saying what Orkopoulos is accused of doing is worse than what Downer's and Vaile's part in sanction busting may have been.
From herding cats to feral cats
Ernest William "There is no truth - just the powers that be".
Nah, the media just loves scandal. It sells papers and the like or did'nt you know?
With Labor it is scandal aplenty from corruption both old and new to "bribes off mates" and added to that very serious allegations of wide spread kid fiddling and cover ups. Not a real family orientated lot now are they?
In fact one could feel quiet safe in saying this party and some of its members appear to have the moral fibre of feral cats. Hardly a bunch of people to be leading a decent nation like Australia, now are they?
I reply only because Margo gave you importance.
I believe that your biased statement on scandals is because you are totally one-eyed and do not have a receptive mind.
I have noticed with disdain that your entries are not based on the "facts of life" but have a patronising approach to those of us who are truly average Australians.
As far as the "scandals" are concerned, let me point out to you a few facts (not considered by the media).
I will reply to your biased assertions with facts of the Howard "scandals" since 1998 and the lack of punitive action by the "New Order" Liberal government.
I also remind you of the swift and incisive actions of the Labor Governments who are the targets of your venal media.
May I also remind you that it is a disgraceful fact of so-called democracy that "if you give a dog a bad name and; the mud sticks".
I have worn my heart on my sleeve in every free forum that I still have the privilege to be involved.
You are not the Australian type person that I grew up with. Because of Margo's support, I will also challenge you on the personal values of this wonderful nation.
But in the meantime - I do not believe that you deserve consideration.
Cheers Ern G.
Media bias.
I am still convinced that the unchecked and irresponsible media in Australia, causes the election or dismissal of governments and I believe that the visit of the American media mogul Rupert Murdock, is a sure sign that he too, is sure of it.
While Howard's timing of the issuing of the High Court decision and the visit of the U.S. emissary Murdoch is typical, and the media's coverage of that "what we must do" lecture, I have been unable to find any mention of the Industrial Relations Debate in Sydney.
Would the "rah rah and gung ho" Howard U.S. rally receiving such coverage while the Debate on his draconian I.R. laws is missing entirely indicate a preference? Or complete bias?
The blatant interference by the Bush Regime in the 2004 Federal Elections did not receive one media "slap over the wrist with a handful of fairy floss"! Even their Ambassador Schaeffer broke all Diplomatic Protocol and should have been told to withdraw.
It is strange that the Pacific Islanders which Howard tries to dominate were quick to act when a Howard stooge interfered with their political climate and yet, our citizens do not have the same protection.
Who is the most backward in diplomacy, us or them?
There is no truth - just the powers that be.
Climate change.
Let's be fair dinkum.
Most of the impoverished nations of the world couldn't care less about "climate change".
The Planet is being destroyed by the "developed" nations, and why? For profit.
Consider John Howard's continuing childish statements.
"We will only take part in the Kyoto Treaty if that includes the ENTIRE WORLD."
"We will not consider Carbon Trading unless it includes the ENTIRE WORLD".
And what does "globilisation" do for the starving people of the world? Absolutely nothing.
What does this constriction of any Nation's internal "competition" mean to the small business? Increased bankruptcies!
Consider this. With the continual abuse of the planet by removing forests (for business); increasing pollution from overuse of "Greenhouse" producing industries and the obscene search for profit, what sort of result do you expect from the Howard "New Order"?
Whatever you do, don't vote Liberal. Any other party but not Liberal.
There is not truth - only the powers that be.
Fair Dinkum
Ernest William, funny you don't mention the fact that the Tasmanian ALP backed more logging in that state, couldn't because they got a "donation" at election time from one of the corporations.
By the way, it is my experience that small businesses go bankrupt because of poor management, and most of them should not have been in business in the first place. The unions learnt that the hard way with their foray into the business world (Burkes and Solo). They did not realise that it takes a lot of hard work to keep a business afloat.
Kyoto Treaty - why not?
Debate on this issue in Australia is worthless since the Howard Liberals' will only do as they are told by the Bush Administration.
However, if you want to consider the triple standards of the "New Order" Prime Minister, we must all reason at his challenge that any such Treaty must include the "entire world"! Fair dinkum!
Then he says there will be no Carbon Trading in Australia unless it includes the "entire world". Fair dinkum!
Costello, his closest "chicken-hearted" Liberal says we must be in it but - the media says this is the Liberal Party, there is no split! Fair Dinkum!
Surely even such a talentless individual as he should realise that "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step"?
Watch for the speeches of the still dangerous "wounded animal" George W. Bush. There is where Australia's views on foreign affairs will be decided.
Next year will see the most outrageous and expensive taxpayer funded election campaign that the spiteful little schoolboy has ever done.
Tens of thousands of U.S. troops, Sailors and Airmen will trample all over beautiful Shoalwater Bay Queensland. The Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carriers will service planes loaded with live bombs to plaster an imaginary enemy - (on our territory) obviously trying to defend themselves.
And will they use tanks, bullets, bombs and other weapons made of Depleted Uranium, like they did in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo and Iraq?
I will contact Gary Nairn, the Liberal representative in Eden-Monaro, and ask him do we Australians have a guarantee that the Americans will not poison our land as the U.K. did for their Menzies permitted nuclear tests.
Howard will also attempt to improve his imaginary "world military Leader" by standing alongside his powerful bully. He can then - even as host, insult some of the members of APEC.
Both he and his son are already working for Bush - make no mistake - he and Janet will move to the U.S. if ever we can get rid of him politically. He will be remembered more politely there than in an Australia returning to freedom and independence.
NE OUBLIE.