Friday Conservative Fucksticks Part 4
It's been a ripper week for conservative stupidity with Attorney General Philip Ruddock right up the top of the list.
Early this week accused terrorist Jack Thomas had his conviction for receiving funds from al-Qaida and falsifying his passport quashed. The Victorian court ruled the evidence was inadmissible because Thomas had been coerced/tortured.
It was the correct decision because civilized legal systems should never encourage torture as a means of collecting evidence.
The decision sent conservatives into a spin, with Ruddock and the AFP leading the pack. In what can only be described as a highly political revenge attack, Thomas (who hasn't been convicted of any crime) was slapped with a control order that involves home detention and communications controls.
Thanks to Ruddock, Thomas is forbidden to contact Osama bin Laden. That's right, the guy the mighty US military have tried to find for 5 years! The idea that Thomas can call Osama is simply silly.
What is even stupider is the order forbids Thomas to see a terrorist who has been dead for five years! 12 other guys Thomas isn't allowed to contact are either dead, on death row, or in Guantanomo Bay. Good to see are "boys in blue" are so up to date.
"Hello Camp Delta. This is Jack Thomas from Australia, I was wondering if I could speak to one of your inmates?"
Chris Merritt from The Australian deserves a mention for his coverage of the quashed conviction. Rather than discussing the issue with a legal argument, Merritt went for pathetic manipulative inaccurate rubbish, and ended one column with the rhetorical question, Remember Bali?. Why even have a legal affairs reporter when Merritt, a trained lawyer, writes emotional op-ed pieces that ignore discussing the legal justifications/ramifications of the decision?
It's scary to see the legal affairs reporter for a broadsheet cheering as a person is punished after their conviction is quashed. And I thought the media was supposed to protect democracy rather than encourage its' demise.
I can't wait til the control order is deemed unconstitutional.
The good thing for Ruddock and Merritt is that the Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has had what can only be described in political parlance as, "A difficult week".
It started badly when he lectured the press about internet hoaxes. Unfortunately for Downer he used an internet hoax about faked ambulance photos from Lebanon as his key example.
And the Red Cross are not happy with Alex.
It got worse for Downer later in the week, with a highly respected weapons inspector accusing Alex of ignoring his reports that the search for WMDs is a joke. Dr John Gee claims he told Downer the full story about non-existent WMDs and the foreign minister suppressed the information.
Never to outdone on the stupidity stakes, Downer's coffee buddy Andrew Bolt got in on the ambulance gig.
And to think Andrew called for a fellow journalist's head three weeks ago for ....no... it couldn't be... falling for an internet hoax.
Republican Senate candidate Katherine Harris has also had a bad week. Only 40 people turned up to her "big" rally at an airport hanger. When she was asked why the turnout was so low, she claimed a tree had fallen on the venue. She must have thought nobody would check out her story. Did anyone say "unpopular liar"?
Lesson to Katherine, learn from Downer and never make definitive statements. Always leave enough wriggle room to weasel away.
The Arizona Republican Party also deserve a huge mention for selecting a candidate who was charged with first degree murder and settled a civil suit on the same matter.
"Hi My name is Daniel Coleman. I'm your Republican candidate and I've shot a women in the face."
'Til next week
Thursday, August 31, 2006
It's all unraveling very fast for Bolt, Blair, and Downer
But do you think the three amigos will admit falling for Zombietimes ambulance hoax, and offer a full and unreserved apology?
Blair won't apologise because he has nothing to gain from admitting he was wrong. The commentary by the head Australian RWDB is hugely embarrassing, but Blair comes from a school where if you never admit you are wrong, you never lose an argument.
Don't expect a media culpa from Timbo, and the Blairites will keeping digging despite the huge hole they are in.
Truth is a very malleable concept for Blair and his followers.
Bolt is in an even worse position after calling for a rival journalist's (Terry Lane) head because he fell for the Jessie McBeth hoax. For someone who rabbits on incessantly about media accountability, Bolt certainly likes to throw boulders in atriums. If he stands by his opinions Bolt will have already tendered his resignation.
Downer lectured the media about hoaxes using a hoax for an example. He was given an opportunity on ABC radio to back away from the story, but he chose to clutch at straws.
Those straws have now broken, but, in an era of Ministerial in-accountability, Downer is just going to bat on despite the fact his middle stump has been knocked clear out of the ground. He will blame his staff, and/or use the phrases "I can't recall" and "from the information I received...".
After taking no responsibility for the entire Iraq fiasco, does anyone seriously believe he will resign over this miniscule (in comparison), yet very public embarrassment?
Time for action.
Below is a draft letter for the Herald Sun. Please copy (or better still write your own) and send it to the editor.
Given that Andrew Bolt called on Terry Lane to be fired for falling for the Jessie McBeth host, why hasn't Bolt been dismissed, or resigned, for regurgitating the Zombie Time Lebanon Ambulance hoax?
Bolt has repeatedly claimed that it is unacceptable that the media mislead their audiences about Israel targeting the Red Cross.
The only problem for Mr Bolt is that the Red Cross and eyewitness have backed up the original claims correctly reported by the media. It is now clear that Bolt's story about staged photos, sourced from a right wing Florida-based website, has more holes in it than the ambulance hit by the Israeli Defence Force.
Surely, if the Herald Sun wants to retain any credibility they will dismiss this commentator who speaks out about internet hoaxes and has now fallen for a big one himself.
Or does the paper believe in hypocrisy of the highest order?
But do you think the three amigos will admit falling for Zombietimes ambulance hoax, and offer a full and unreserved apology?
Blair won't apologise because he has nothing to gain from admitting he was wrong. The commentary by the head Australian RWDB is hugely embarrassing, but Blair comes from a school where if you never admit you are wrong, you never lose an argument.
Don't expect a media culpa from Timbo, and the Blairites will keeping digging despite the huge hole they are in.
Truth is a very malleable concept for Blair and his followers.
Bolt is in an even worse position after calling for a rival journalist's (Terry Lane) head because he fell for the Jessie McBeth hoax. For someone who rabbits on incessantly about media accountability, Bolt certainly likes to throw boulders in atriums. If he stands by his opinions Bolt will have already tendered his resignation.
Downer lectured the media about hoaxes using a hoax for an example. He was given an opportunity on ABC radio to back away from the story, but he chose to clutch at straws.
Those straws have now broken, but, in an era of Ministerial in-accountability, Downer is just going to bat on despite the fact his middle stump has been knocked clear out of the ground. He will blame his staff, and/or use the phrases "I can't recall" and "from the information I received...".
After taking no responsibility for the entire Iraq fiasco, does anyone seriously believe he will resign over this miniscule (in comparison), yet very public embarrassment?
Time for action.
Below is a draft letter for the Herald Sun. Please copy (or better still write your own) and send it to the editor.
Given that Andrew Bolt called on Terry Lane to be fired for falling for the Jessie McBeth host, why hasn't Bolt been dismissed, or resigned, for regurgitating the Zombie Time Lebanon Ambulance hoax?
Bolt has repeatedly claimed that it is unacceptable that the media mislead their audiences about Israel targeting the Red Cross.
The only problem for Mr Bolt is that the Red Cross and eyewitness have backed up the original claims correctly reported by the media. It is now clear that Bolt's story about staged photos, sourced from a right wing Florida-based website, has more holes in it than the ambulance hit by the Israeli Defence Force.
Surely, if the Herald Sun wants to retain any credibility they will dismiss this commentator who speaks out about internet hoaxes and has now fallen for a big one himself.
Or does the paper believe in hypocrisy of the highest order?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Herald Sun journalism.
Fans of the satirical comedy show, The Chaser's War on Everything, would know that one of the stars, Chas Licciardello, has just been in court.
But have a look at this pitiful Herald Sun report of the case. Next time, the Hun should get the janitor to do the story. It could only be an improvement.
Look at the lead paragraph.
"A COMEDIAN with ABC TV's satirical show The Chaser's War on Everything has pleaded not guilty to taking a fake knife and knuckledusters to a rugby league match".
Surely they mean Chas pleaded not guilty to offensive conduct.
We all know he took a fake knife and knuckledusters to the rugby league match. The skit was broadcasted to a national audience on the Chasers television show. Why would he plead not guilty to the undisputed evidence presented in court?
The Hun goes on: "Licciardello was filmed outside the Oki Stadium in the Sydney suburb of Kogarah dressed as a Canterbury Bulldogs supporter and allegedly tried to sell fake weapons to Bulldogs supporters". Allegedly? There's no fucking allegedly about it. Who exactly is saying it didn't happen?
Not only did the Hun butcher the reporting, they left out the best bit.
The Age on the other hand were accurate and entertaining, and reported Licciardello's priceless comments to reporters after the "game"/case. Morrow was great too.
"The Chaser's executive producer, Julian Morrow sat alongside Mr Licciardello in court.
Asked outside what he was doing there, Mr Morrow said: "I am just making sure the legal fees don't get too high."
Two 16-year-old female high school students, who said they watch The Chaser "religiously", held up posters of support for Mr Licciardello as he entered and left the court.
Mr Licciardello said it was nothing new for a star of his status.
"I got fans supporting me wherever I go. I'm just used to it. That's just what happens when you are a mega-super-duper star."
Genius.
Fans of the satirical comedy show, The Chaser's War on Everything, would know that one of the stars, Chas Licciardello, has just been in court.
But have a look at this pitiful Herald Sun report of the case. Next time, the Hun should get the janitor to do the story. It could only be an improvement.
Look at the lead paragraph.
"A COMEDIAN with ABC TV's satirical show The Chaser's War on Everything has pleaded not guilty to taking a fake knife and knuckledusters to a rugby league match".
Surely they mean Chas pleaded not guilty to offensive conduct.
We all know he took a fake knife and knuckledusters to the rugby league match. The skit was broadcasted to a national audience on the Chasers television show. Why would he plead not guilty to the undisputed evidence presented in court?
The Hun goes on: "Licciardello was filmed outside the Oki Stadium in the Sydney suburb of Kogarah dressed as a Canterbury Bulldogs supporter and allegedly tried to sell fake weapons to Bulldogs supporters". Allegedly? There's no fucking allegedly about it. Who exactly is saying it didn't happen?
Not only did the Hun butcher the reporting, they left out the best bit.
The Age on the other hand were accurate and entertaining, and reported Licciardello's priceless comments to reporters after the "game"/case. Morrow was great too.
"The Chaser's executive producer, Julian Morrow sat alongside Mr Licciardello in court.
Asked outside what he was doing there, Mr Morrow said: "I am just making sure the legal fees don't get too high."
Two 16-year-old female high school students, who said they watch The Chaser "religiously", held up posters of support for Mr Licciardello as he entered and left the court.
Mr Licciardello said it was nothing new for a star of his status.
"I got fans supporting me wherever I go. I'm just used to it. That's just what happens when you are a mega-super-duper star."
Genius.
Pigeon Racing is Dangerous
Five men were hospitalised after a large brawl in the outer Melbourne suburb of Roxborough Park.
A group of men went to retrieve their breeding pigeon from a fellow racer, and were turned away empty handed.
And to show that pigeon racers take their sport very seriously, rather than discussing the matter and finding a sensible outcome, the men decided to duke it out.
But here is the kicker.
The bird sensibly buggered off to greener pastures during the brawl.
Five men were hospitalised after a large brawl in the outer Melbourne suburb of Roxborough Park.
A group of men went to retrieve their breeding pigeon from a fellow racer, and were turned away empty handed.
And to show that pigeon racers take their sport very seriously, rather than discussing the matter and finding a sensible outcome, the men decided to duke it out.
But here is the kicker.
The bird sensibly buggered off to greener pastures during the brawl.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Ruddock strikes again.
When it comes to sheer manipulation of public opinion and fear-mongering Phillip "Stop calling me Monty Burns" Ruddock is in a class of his own.
The curfew on Jack Thomas can only be described as an evil bloody payback by a pack of law-hatin' mutants.
Let's look closely at the practicalities of this situation. Thomas would have to be the most famous person (or second most-famous behind Hicks) accused of being a terrorist in Australia. Does anyone think any potential terrorist group would want anything to do with "Jihad" Jack? Why would any wannabe terrorist blow their cover by associating "Jihad" Jack? Say what you want about militant Muslims, but let's not pretend they are that stupid.
And look at the wording of the court order. Thomas isn't allowed to contact Al Qiada. Does anyone seriously believe Thomas still wants anything to do with bin Laden's loony bunch of extremists? And do you really think he is so unbelievable dumb that he would try and contact terrorists with the AFP looking at his every move?
Ruddock's action have got nothing to do with public safety. They are a smokescreen for the AFP's incompetence and a tactic to keep people scared. For this he is willing to detain people acquitted of any crimes.
In Australia, Ruddock can accuse people of being a terrorist, get a court order (how many judges are going to say no), and take away someone's freedom. And those accused have no right to argue their case before they are locked up. It's third world despot stuff which is open to cynical political abuse.
So Jack Thomas is now a prisoner in his own home from 12pm-5am. And channel 9 showed half of Melbourne the house Thomas will be locked up in every night. How long before some nutjob vigilantes take action?
On behalf of Jack Thomas, his wife and their small children can I just say, thanks a fucking lot Channel 9 and Phillip Ruddock.
When it comes to sheer manipulation of public opinion and fear-mongering Phillip "Stop calling me Monty Burns" Ruddock is in a class of his own.
The curfew on Jack Thomas can only be described as an evil bloody payback by a pack of law-hatin' mutants.
Let's look closely at the practicalities of this situation. Thomas would have to be the most famous person (or second most-famous behind Hicks) accused of being a terrorist in Australia. Does anyone think any potential terrorist group would want anything to do with "Jihad" Jack? Why would any wannabe terrorist blow their cover by associating "Jihad" Jack? Say what you want about militant Muslims, but let's not pretend they are that stupid.
And look at the wording of the court order. Thomas isn't allowed to contact Al Qiada. Does anyone seriously believe Thomas still wants anything to do with bin Laden's loony bunch of extremists? And do you really think he is so unbelievable dumb that he would try and contact terrorists with the AFP looking at his every move?
Ruddock's action have got nothing to do with public safety. They are a smokescreen for the AFP's incompetence and a tactic to keep people scared. For this he is willing to detain people acquitted of any crimes.
In Australia, Ruddock can accuse people of being a terrorist, get a court order (how many judges are going to say no), and take away someone's freedom. And those accused have no right to argue their case before they are locked up. It's third world despot stuff which is open to cynical political abuse.
So Jack Thomas is now a prisoner in his own home from 12pm-5am. And channel 9 showed half of Melbourne the house Thomas will be locked up in every night. How long before some nutjob vigilantes take action?
On behalf of Jack Thomas, his wife and their small children can I just say, thanks a fucking lot Channel 9 and Phillip Ruddock.
Tasmanian Timber giant Gunns Limited has just lost it's third court case to silence its' critics.
In another win for the good guys, Justice Bongiorno ruled that the Tasmanian timber company's third statement of claim was "too general" and "Too much is sought to be alleged against too many."
In other words, come up with something specific rather than a blanket claim of a Green conspiracy.
Gunns still have other opportunities for their anti-free speech campaign, and judging by their hard-ball attitude, the Friends of Gunns 20 should be kept busy in the future.
At the risk of being sued, click here for a history of dodgy Gunns dealings.
Gunns were also part of a shadowy campaign for "majority government" in Tasmania. This campaign most likely breached the electoral act in regards to undisclosed donations and political advertising.
Something should be done about Gunns, but Tasmania's Premier Lennon isn't going to reign in big timber, especially after they renovated his sandstone mansion.
Meanwhile, Tassie's tall forests continue to be leveled by a company that must come stone-motherless-last in any corporate responsibility contest.
In another win for the good guys, Justice Bongiorno ruled that the Tasmanian timber company's third statement of claim was "too general" and "Too much is sought to be alleged against too many."
In other words, come up with something specific rather than a blanket claim of a Green conspiracy.
Gunns still have other opportunities for their anti-free speech campaign, and judging by their hard-ball attitude, the Friends of Gunns 20 should be kept busy in the future.
At the risk of being sued, click here for a history of dodgy Gunns dealings.
Gunns were also part of a shadowy campaign for "majority government" in Tasmania. This campaign most likely breached the electoral act in regards to undisclosed donations and political advertising.
Something should be done about Gunns, but Tasmania's Premier Lennon isn't going to reign in big timber, especially after they renovated his sandstone mansion.
Meanwhile, Tassie's tall forests continue to be leveled by a company that must come stone-motherless-last in any corporate responsibility contest.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Site Tracker.
Last week I attached a fabulous site tracker to this page. It gives me a chance to see how many people are visiting the site, how long they are staying for, and where readers are accessing Broken Left Leg Blog.
I was very surprised at the locations. I thought my audience would be largely local, but Broken Left Leg has managed to get visitors from every continent this week. Morroco to Sau Paulo, and good number of Yanks, Fins, Poms (English), Mexicans, and a very diligent reader from Bangalore. So welcome people.
It's Sunday, spring is here, my wife is 9 and a half months pregnant, and things are great in my little part of the world. I live on the wonderful Surf Coast which is 110km South West of multicultural Melbourne. It's called the Surf Coast because the region has some of the best waves on the planet. We also have a great art scene down here. Musicians, painters, sculptures and poets.
I don't like to spruik too much, but please go and grab yourself a CD of our most famous cultural export Xavier Rudd.
Xavier plays about 20 different instruments and when he is up on stage by himself it sounds like he has a four piece backing band.
Enjoy the lyrics from my favourite Xavier Rudd song.
So come sit down
Will you talk with me now?
Let me see through your eyes
Where there is so much life
We are biding our time
For these myths to unwind
These changes we will confront
So peace be where
With every place that you had
Look to your soul
For these things that you know
For the trees that we see
Cannot forever breathe
With the changes they will confront
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things
This sacred land it has
Seen many hands, it has
Wealth and gold yet it is
Fragile and old and all the
Greedy souls just don't care to know
Of the changes it will confront
So speak out loud of the
Things you are proud
And if you love this coast
Keep it clean as it evolves
Cos the way that it shines
May just dwindle with time
With the changes it will confront
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things
So hold nice and close
The ones that get to your soul
So that when it is cold
You wont feel so alone
Cos the roads that you take
May just crack and break
With the changes you will confront
With each gift that you share
You may heal and repair
With each choice that you make
You may help someone's day
Well I know you are strong
May your journey be long
Now I wish you the best of luck
Well I know you are strong
May your journey be long
And now I wish you the best of luck
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things.
Last week I attached a fabulous site tracker to this page. It gives me a chance to see how many people are visiting the site, how long they are staying for, and where readers are accessing Broken Left Leg Blog.
I was very surprised at the locations. I thought my audience would be largely local, but Broken Left Leg has managed to get visitors from every continent this week. Morroco to Sau Paulo, and good number of Yanks, Fins, Poms (English), Mexicans, and a very diligent reader from Bangalore. So welcome people.
It's Sunday, spring is here, my wife is 9 and a half months pregnant, and things are great in my little part of the world. I live on the wonderful Surf Coast which is 110km South West of multicultural Melbourne. It's called the Surf Coast because the region has some of the best waves on the planet. We also have a great art scene down here. Musicians, painters, sculptures and poets.
I don't like to spruik too much, but please go and grab yourself a CD of our most famous cultural export Xavier Rudd.
Xavier plays about 20 different instruments and when he is up on stage by himself it sounds like he has a four piece backing band.
Enjoy the lyrics from my favourite Xavier Rudd song.
So come sit down
Will you talk with me now?
Let me see through your eyes
Where there is so much life
We are biding our time
For these myths to unwind
These changes we will confront
So peace be where
With every place that you had
Look to your soul
For these things that you know
For the trees that we see
Cannot forever breathe
With the changes they will confront
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things
This sacred land it has
Seen many hands, it has
Wealth and gold yet it is
Fragile and old and all the
Greedy souls just don't care to know
Of the changes it will confront
So speak out loud of the
Things you are proud
And if you love this coast
Keep it clean as it evolves
Cos the way that it shines
May just dwindle with time
With the changes it will confront
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things
So hold nice and close
The ones that get to your soul
So that when it is cold
You wont feel so alone
Cos the roads that you take
May just crack and break
With the changes you will confront
With each gift that you share
You may heal and repair
With each choice that you make
You may help someone's day
Well I know you are strong
May your journey be long
Now I wish you the best of luck
Well I know you are strong
May your journey be long
And now I wish you the best of luck
You know some people
They just wont understand
They just wont understand these things
Thank you for your message
But I don't understand
No, I just wont understand these things.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Friday Conservative Fucksticks Part 3
It's been an interesting week for Australian conservatives. There hasn't been many unbelievably stupid episodes, but they certainly made up for things by being just downright mean.
Ex federal court judge, Marcus Einfeld has been copping an absolute bollocking at the hands of the conservative press. Even the Herald Sun put him on the front page. Since Einfeld is from Sydney and doesn't play AFL, most of the Hun's readers would be asking themselves, justice who?
Einfeld is currently being investigated in regards to a speeding fine and can't say anything until the investigation runs it's course. News Limited have done the journalistic equivalent of kicking the shit out of someone who has their hands tied behind their back. The investigation should be finished within a couple of months and if it comes out in favour of Einfeld we could well see a ripper of a defamation case. Well connected legal heavy hitter vs News Ltd. It may be like Popovic vs Bolt.
Speaking of Bolt, he has a crack at Human Rights Watch's Lebanon reporting from the comfort of the Herald Sun office in Melbourne. He'd have to get a good source to back up such allegations. Possibly someone in Beirut? What is Bolt source? A right wing conspiracy blog titled Volokh Conspiracy. Pu-lease.
Local conservative fucksticks this week include the Surf Coast Shire Councilors who voted for Mark Casey's "retirement village" 5km outside of Torquay. Casey's last "retirement village" turned into a 5 star resort after council approved it. This new one is stacked with 3 bedroom apartments. And don't retirees love three bedroom apartments. My bet is that it will become a golf course or hotel development before too long. At least the ex-mayor will be happy. It's on his land.
And did you know that Victorian Premier Steve Bracks kills babies? Uber-conservative Peter Kavanagh, the DLP's candidate for the upper house seat of Western Province, declared, "... if Mr Bracks is re-elected, even healthy late term babies will be killed in Victoria, some even as they are being born".
The DLP is a joke. They can't find candidates, can't man booths, can't raise funds, have racist homophobic policies etc and the DLP will be lucky to get half a per cent of the vote. But that doesn't stop their delusions about actually winning a seat.
These conservative idiots pale into absolute insignificance when lined up against perhaps the biggest moron ever to make it to the US Senate. Folks I give you George Felix Allen.
George is currently campaigning to keep his senate seat. And as per usual at political rallies, the opposition record them on video. George decided to make an example of a 20 year old democrat volunteer of Indian extraction who was behind the video camera. George kept calling him "macaca" which is a popular racial slur meaning monkey.
Meanwhile the 20 year old kept the tape rolling and rolling and rolling.
George then offered the lamest excuse for the insult claiming he got "macaca" and "mohawk" mixed up. Here is a picture of the camera man.
And I call people without a mohawk "mohawk" all the time!
It's been an interesting week for Australian conservatives. There hasn't been many unbelievably stupid episodes, but they certainly made up for things by being just downright mean.
Ex federal court judge, Marcus Einfeld has been copping an absolute bollocking at the hands of the conservative press. Even the Herald Sun put him on the front page. Since Einfeld is from Sydney and doesn't play AFL, most of the Hun's readers would be asking themselves, justice who?
Einfeld is currently being investigated in regards to a speeding fine and can't say anything until the investigation runs it's course. News Limited have done the journalistic equivalent of kicking the shit out of someone who has their hands tied behind their back. The investigation should be finished within a couple of months and if it comes out in favour of Einfeld we could well see a ripper of a defamation case. Well connected legal heavy hitter vs News Ltd. It may be like Popovic vs Bolt.
Speaking of Bolt, he has a crack at Human Rights Watch's Lebanon reporting from the comfort of the Herald Sun office in Melbourne. He'd have to get a good source to back up such allegations. Possibly someone in Beirut? What is Bolt source? A right wing conspiracy blog titled Volokh Conspiracy. Pu-lease.
Local conservative fucksticks this week include the Surf Coast Shire Councilors who voted for Mark Casey's "retirement village" 5km outside of Torquay. Casey's last "retirement village" turned into a 5 star resort after council approved it. This new one is stacked with 3 bedroom apartments. And don't retirees love three bedroom apartments. My bet is that it will become a golf course or hotel development before too long. At least the ex-mayor will be happy. It's on his land.
And did you know that Victorian Premier Steve Bracks kills babies? Uber-conservative Peter Kavanagh, the DLP's candidate for the upper house seat of Western Province, declared, "... if Mr Bracks is re-elected, even healthy late term babies will be killed in Victoria, some even as they are being born".
The DLP is a joke. They can't find candidates, can't man booths, can't raise funds, have racist homophobic policies etc and the DLP will be lucky to get half a per cent of the vote. But that doesn't stop their delusions about actually winning a seat.
These conservative idiots pale into absolute insignificance when lined up against perhaps the biggest moron ever to make it to the US Senate. Folks I give you George Felix Allen.
George is currently campaigning to keep his senate seat. And as per usual at political rallies, the opposition record them on video. George decided to make an example of a 20 year old democrat volunteer of Indian extraction who was behind the video camera. George kept calling him "macaca" which is a popular racial slur meaning monkey.
Meanwhile the 20 year old kept the tape rolling and rolling and rolling.
George then offered the lamest excuse for the insult claiming he got "macaca" and "mohawk" mixed up. Here is a picture of the camera man.
And I call people without a mohawk "mohawk" all the time!
The resources boom pissed up against the wall.
It is no secret that the government's coffers are overflowing as a result of the commodities boom, but when exactly do we see any improvement in government services.
The budget can't afford dental help for pensioner's teeth, or even third world housing for indigenous Australians, but we can blow it on the military.
Howard's latest military expansion is another symptom of a failed foreign policy, and he has just uttered the finest red herring mentioned in Canberra since WMDs.
Howard says "This country faces ongoing, and in my opinion increasing, instances of destabilised and failing states in our own region.
And he "... belive(s) in the next 10 to 20 years Australia will face a number of situations the equivalent of, or potentially more challenging than, the Solomon Islands and East Timor."
Surely it would be better and cheaper to make sure states did not fail in the first place rather than using a military option to pick up the pieces.
We could start by increasing our pathetic overseas aid budget to comply with the UN suggested figure of .7% of GDP. We currently spend 25 cents per $100 of income on overseas aid.
We could bring in guest workers from island nations to help pick fruit or work in any of the hundreds of thousands of positions that go unfilled.
We could introduced fairer trade for impoverished nations and relieve them of crippling debt payments that can never be paid off.
I will spell it out to my fellow journos/bloggers. Increased troop numbers has got nothing to do with helping failed states. There is nothing altruistic about this policy at all. It is simply about falling into line with Washington and ensuring Australia is ready the next time the US administration (and lets pray that the neo-cons don't win in 2008) asks us to jump.
One More thing:
With $10 billion in the kitty to spend, I shudder to think how it will be mismanaged, given the current government's track record on defence spending
It is no secret that the government's coffers are overflowing as a result of the commodities boom, but when exactly do we see any improvement in government services.
The budget can't afford dental help for pensioner's teeth, or even third world housing for indigenous Australians, but we can blow it on the military.
Howard's latest military expansion is another symptom of a failed foreign policy, and he has just uttered the finest red herring mentioned in Canberra since WMDs.
Howard says "This country faces ongoing, and in my opinion increasing, instances of destabilised and failing states in our own region.
And he "... belive(s) in the next 10 to 20 years Australia will face a number of situations the equivalent of, or potentially more challenging than, the Solomon Islands and East Timor."
Surely it would be better and cheaper to make sure states did not fail in the first place rather than using a military option to pick up the pieces.
We could start by increasing our pathetic overseas aid budget to comply with the UN suggested figure of .7% of GDP. We currently spend 25 cents per $100 of income on overseas aid.
We could bring in guest workers from island nations to help pick fruit or work in any of the hundreds of thousands of positions that go unfilled.
We could introduced fairer trade for impoverished nations and relieve them of crippling debt payments that can never be paid off.
I will spell it out to my fellow journos/bloggers. Increased troop numbers has got nothing to do with helping failed states. There is nothing altruistic about this policy at all. It is simply about falling into line with Washington and ensuring Australia is ready the next time the US administration (and lets pray that the neo-cons don't win in 2008) asks us to jump.
One More thing:
With $10 billion in the kitty to spend, I shudder to think how it will be mismanaged, given the current government's track record on defence spending
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Some people wonder why Sydney has become the most intolerant city in Australia and the home of the country's only fully-fledged race riot. Perhaps those folks should have a good look at what Sydney morning radio heavyweight Alan Jones has to say.
He of course doesn't have any solutions to intolerance, but gladly whips it along for commercial gain.
In recent weeks Sydney has experienced a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic graffiti and attacks. The same can be said for attacks on Muslims in the harbour city. Most commentators believe the conflict in Lebanon has hightened tensions and so far there is little evidence on who is committing these crimes.
Jones doesn't know who the criminals are so instead of outright accusations, he makes some pretty strong inferences that it's Muslim students to blame.
"Now on the prayer room front, that's another story.
I have a mountain of correspondence from people telling me about Islamic prayer rooms set aside almost everywhere.
If there are to be prayer rooms, why they cannot be non- denominational, no one seems to know.
But all of this is most probably a manifestation of the white flag of surrender approach to the militant Islamic problems," rants Jones.
He then goes on to ask, "Well, what is happening in our universities, in our classrooms and, yes, in our Mosques?
But more importantly, what are we doing about it?"
For his slower listeners Alan spells out the answer, "absolutely nothing" before quoting the thinking women's Pauline Hanson
Janet Albrechtsen.
Albrechtsen has absolutely no evidence that Muslim students are terrorists in Australia so she heads to England for her evidence. Jones then ties it to the local graffiti issue. It really is pathetic and dangerous punditory.
The shockjock finishes his editorial with this quote, "This is state sanctioned euthanasia where instead of morphine tolerance is society's chosen drug. And, not to put too finer point on it, too much of the stuff may end up killing more of us." Don't try re-reading that last sentence hoping to find a meaning. I don't even think Janet could understanding it, but don't you just love it when an anti-Muslim rant ends with the word "us" (that's a code word for nice white people in the world of dog-whistle broadcasting).
In the hands of Jones, disgraceful anti-Semitic graffiti and hate crimes (that may have actually been committed by the lunatic far right) suddenly becomes a Muslim threat to all of "us".
And attacks on Muslims get ignored.
He of course doesn't have any solutions to intolerance, but gladly whips it along for commercial gain.
In recent weeks Sydney has experienced a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic graffiti and attacks. The same can be said for attacks on Muslims in the harbour city. Most commentators believe the conflict in Lebanon has hightened tensions and so far there is little evidence on who is committing these crimes.
Jones doesn't know who the criminals are so instead of outright accusations, he makes some pretty strong inferences that it's Muslim students to blame.
"Now on the prayer room front, that's another story.
I have a mountain of correspondence from people telling me about Islamic prayer rooms set aside almost everywhere.
If there are to be prayer rooms, why they cannot be non- denominational, no one seems to know.
But all of this is most probably a manifestation of the white flag of surrender approach to the militant Islamic problems," rants Jones.
He then goes on to ask, "Well, what is happening in our universities, in our classrooms and, yes, in our Mosques?
But more importantly, what are we doing about it?"
For his slower listeners Alan spells out the answer, "absolutely nothing" before quoting the thinking women's Pauline Hanson
Janet Albrechtsen.
Albrechtsen has absolutely no evidence that Muslim students are terrorists in Australia so she heads to England for her evidence. Jones then ties it to the local graffiti issue. It really is pathetic and dangerous punditory.
The shockjock finishes his editorial with this quote, "This is state sanctioned euthanasia where instead of morphine tolerance is society's chosen drug. And, not to put too finer point on it, too much of the stuff may end up killing more of us." Don't try re-reading that last sentence hoping to find a meaning. I don't even think Janet could understanding it, but don't you just love it when an anti-Muslim rant ends with the word "us" (that's a code word for nice white people in the world of dog-whistle broadcasting).
In the hands of Jones, disgraceful anti-Semitic graffiti and hate crimes (that may have actually been committed by the lunatic far right) suddenly becomes a Muslim threat to all of "us".
And attacks on Muslims get ignored.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Furious anger and no solutions
The quashing of Jack Thomas' terrorism conviction has launched one of the most vitriolic media campaigns seen this year.
Conservatives are livid.
The Australian went the character assassination route claiming "Mr Thomas decided whose side he was on in the war on terror years ago and he has, for the moment, at least, escaped punishment for his evil allegiance.... Jack Thomas betrayed Australia by traveling to Afghanistan to serve the cause of terror. In avoiding punishment for this evil act, he has done it again."
Piers Ackerman was at his feral best going the judges and claiming " the law is an ass". Let's hope the judges involved throw a contempt charge at Sydney's Tweedldum to Melbourne's Bolt Tweedledee.
David "Mr Elite" Flint says "While the criminal class openly scoffs at its impotence, the law-abiding majority have all but lost confidence."
"Look-at-me-everybody" lawyer Peter Faris QC suggested Friday's Court of Appeal decision to free Mr Thomas was a win for civil liberties over national security.
Mirko "torture is fine" Bagaric wants the conviction to stand and the AFP officer involved to be disciplined. True to form, Mirko turned a blind eye to Thomas's torture.
I could go on, the line of conservatives lining up on this one is staggering. The only problem is, none of them have any solutions or future directions for terror trials.
If you want Thomas to be behind bars, you simply must support the use of tainted evidence in court. Their arguments in regards to Thomas indicate these conservatives must condone torture, but you won't see them saying it outright.
I for one think the "war on terror" can't be won by throwing out our hard fought civil and legal rights. Torture, Guantanomo Bay, rendition, and draconian legislation will only create mistrust and further abuse for political gain.
My question to the to the angry conservatives is, we know what you don't like, but what do you support? Where do they draw the line in regards to evidence? Is a little torture OK?
But don't hold your breath waiting for an answer on this issue from the furious anger folk in the media.
The quashing of Jack Thomas' terrorism conviction has launched one of the most vitriolic media campaigns seen this year.
Conservatives are livid.
The Australian went the character assassination route claiming "Mr Thomas decided whose side he was on in the war on terror years ago and he has, for the moment, at least, escaped punishment for his evil allegiance.... Jack Thomas betrayed Australia by traveling to Afghanistan to serve the cause of terror. In avoiding punishment for this evil act, he has done it again."
Piers Ackerman was at his feral best going the judges and claiming " the law is an ass". Let's hope the judges involved throw a contempt charge at Sydney's Tweedldum to Melbourne's Bolt Tweedledee.
David "Mr Elite" Flint says "While the criminal class openly scoffs at its impotence, the law-abiding majority have all but lost confidence."
"Look-at-me-everybody" lawyer Peter Faris QC suggested Friday's Court of Appeal decision to free Mr Thomas was a win for civil liberties over national security.
Mirko "torture is fine" Bagaric wants the conviction to stand and the AFP officer involved to be disciplined. True to form, Mirko turned a blind eye to Thomas's torture.
I could go on, the line of conservatives lining up on this one is staggering. The only problem is, none of them have any solutions or future directions for terror trials.
If you want Thomas to be behind bars, you simply must support the use of tainted evidence in court. Their arguments in regards to Thomas indicate these conservatives must condone torture, but you won't see them saying it outright.
I for one think the "war on terror" can't be won by throwing out our hard fought civil and legal rights. Torture, Guantanomo Bay, rendition, and draconian legislation will only create mistrust and further abuse for political gain.
My question to the to the angry conservatives is, we know what you don't like, but what do you support? Where do they draw the line in regards to evidence? Is a little torture OK?
But don't hold your breath waiting for an answer on this issue from the furious anger folk in the media.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Little Johnie latest blame shifting over housing prices demonstrates he really is a contemptible little man.
Apparently the housing "crisis" is the state's fault because they won't release enough land on the rural fringe.
His quarter acre block nostalgia is a testament to the save now-pay later society.
The cheap block in the middle of nowhere involves spending an enormous proportion of your weekly wage on petrol for the rest of your life. But Johnie forgot to mention that to the quarter acre block utopiasts.
And why should the rest of society pay for expensive infrastructure in the new suburbs?
And what about Howard's generous negative gearing/capital gains tax schemes for investment property? That of course makes things difficult for first home buyers.
And what about rorting of the first home buyers grants? Did Howard stop that? And I bet little Timmy Howard got his hands on the grant after Daddy put up the money for his first home.
Interest rate rises due to massively inflationary tax cuts? That must be the state's fault.
Shortage of skilled builders? State's fault again.
AND there is big one reason, that you just can't tell the ass-pirational voter, for housing in-affordability. Houses are 40% bigger and average people per household is 30% less compare to 20 years ago. Empty McMansions are expensive.
And little Johnie certainly didn't mention that housing prices are crashing in Sydney anyway. Well at least in the areas that the PM wants more land to be released for new suburbia.
It's starting to unravel for Howard's ass-pirational and massively indebted set, and all little Johnie can do is try and score political points.
But don't expect Labor to offer any solutions to housing affordability. That would mean upsetting the whats-in-it-for-me crowd who want/have three investment properties.
It would political suicide in today's Australia.
Apparently the housing "crisis" is the state's fault because they won't release enough land on the rural fringe.
His quarter acre block nostalgia is a testament to the save now-pay later society.
The cheap block in the middle of nowhere involves spending an enormous proportion of your weekly wage on petrol for the rest of your life. But Johnie forgot to mention that to the quarter acre block utopiasts.
And why should the rest of society pay for expensive infrastructure in the new suburbs?
And what about Howard's generous negative gearing/capital gains tax schemes for investment property? That of course makes things difficult for first home buyers.
And what about rorting of the first home buyers grants? Did Howard stop that? And I bet little Timmy Howard got his hands on the grant after Daddy put up the money for his first home.
Interest rate rises due to massively inflationary tax cuts? That must be the state's fault.
Shortage of skilled builders? State's fault again.
AND there is big one reason, that you just can't tell the ass-pirational voter, for housing in-affordability. Houses are 40% bigger and average people per household is 30% less compare to 20 years ago. Empty McMansions are expensive.
And little Johnie certainly didn't mention that housing prices are crashing in Sydney anyway. Well at least in the areas that the PM wants more land to be released for new suburbia.
It's starting to unravel for Howard's ass-pirational and massively indebted set, and all little Johnie can do is try and score political points.
But don't expect Labor to offer any solutions to housing affordability. That would mean upsetting the whats-in-it-for-me crowd who want/have three investment properties.
It would political suicide in today's Australia.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
The Honourable Justice Marcus Einfeld AO QC PhD
Justice [ret'd] of the Federal Court of Australia and State Supreme Courts
Justice of Pacific and Caribbean Supreme Courts
AUSTCARE'S Ambassador of Refugees
UNICEF Ambassador for Children
UN Peace Laureate 2003
Australia's National Living Treasure
Foundation President, Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and Australian Paralympic Federation
Hon. Justice Marcus Einfeld AO
Bio:
Justice Einfeld has led a distinguished career in the legal field, both locally and internationally. In 1998, Justice Einfeld was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for services to international affairs and human rights. He was the UN Peace Laureate in 2002. As a QC, Judge of the Supreme Court and Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, he has mediated and decided cases in almost every area of law, including significant social justice cases on immigration, refugees and native title. As President of Australian Legal Resources International (ALRI), Justice Einfeld has also been actively engaged in the establishment of democratic parliamentary, legal and judicial systems in various parts of the developing world. Justice Einfeld was the Foundation President of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and is recognised as one of Australia's foremost activists for human rights at home and abroad. Justice Einfeld has also undertaken many critical international missions on human rights and refugees, particularly in his role as AUSTCARE'S Ambassador for Refugees. As UNICEF Ambassador for Children and Chair of its Taskforce on Children, Justice Einfeld has been a vigorous campaigner for the need to address the many issues that adversely impact on children in Australian and abroad.
Seems like a nice bloke concerned about the rule of law and dispossessed.
I s'pose that's why he needs to be character assassinated by a jackbooted journo called Chris Merritt.
This is the only paragraph worth reading in Merritt's hack job.
"Mr Einfeld was invited yesterday to discuss his recent troubles, he said: "You have got to be joking. Thank you for calling. Goodbye." Well said Marcus.
Perhaps Justice Einfeld's reaction was the result of reading this article by Merritt a week earlier.
This cultural warrior also gladly took part in this contemptible corps kicking campaign (John Marsden's) by News Ltd.
Luckily for Merritt, the dead can't sue.
News Limited should be ashamed of themselves but in the culture wars, anyone is fair game, no matter how much they have served the country.
Justice [ret'd] of the Federal Court of Australia and State Supreme Courts
Justice of Pacific and Caribbean Supreme Courts
AUSTCARE'S Ambassador of Refugees
UNICEF Ambassador for Children
UN Peace Laureate 2003
Australia's National Living Treasure
Foundation President, Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and Australian Paralympic Federation
Hon. Justice Marcus Einfeld AO
Bio:
Justice Einfeld has led a distinguished career in the legal field, both locally and internationally. In 1998, Justice Einfeld was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for services to international affairs and human rights. He was the UN Peace Laureate in 2002. As a QC, Judge of the Supreme Court and Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, he has mediated and decided cases in almost every area of law, including significant social justice cases on immigration, refugees and native title. As President of Australian Legal Resources International (ALRI), Justice Einfeld has also been actively engaged in the establishment of democratic parliamentary, legal and judicial systems in various parts of the developing world. Justice Einfeld was the Foundation President of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and is recognised as one of Australia's foremost activists for human rights at home and abroad. Justice Einfeld has also undertaken many critical international missions on human rights and refugees, particularly in his role as AUSTCARE'S Ambassador for Refugees. As UNICEF Ambassador for Children and Chair of its Taskforce on Children, Justice Einfeld has been a vigorous campaigner for the need to address the many issues that adversely impact on children in Australian and abroad.
Seems like a nice bloke concerned about the rule of law and dispossessed.
I s'pose that's why he needs to be character assassinated by a jackbooted journo called Chris Merritt.
This is the only paragraph worth reading in Merritt's hack job.
"Mr Einfeld was invited yesterday to discuss his recent troubles, he said: "You have got to be joking. Thank you for calling. Goodbye." Well said Marcus.
Perhaps Justice Einfeld's reaction was the result of reading this article by Merritt a week earlier.
This cultural warrior also gladly took part in this contemptible corps kicking campaign (John Marsden's) by News Ltd.
Luckily for Merritt, the dead can't sue.
News Limited should be ashamed of themselves but in the culture wars, anyone is fair game, no matter how much they have served the country.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Friday Conservative Fucksticks Part 2
It's been a very busy week for conservatives, and the stupidity has been flowing thick and fast. In fact, just plain stupidity won't be enough to get a mention this week. Only stupidity of the highest order gets a run in CFC part 2.
First of the bat we have the wacky editor at The Australian who claimed that the British Muslims and Labor backbenchers who wrote an open letter to the PM were acting like "standover men". What was their crime? Suggesting Britain's foreign policy (eg Iraq invasion) was giving ammunition to extremists.
This rubbish highlights the modern day McCarthyism that is News Limited. Muslims who express a very valid point, according to the Australian "use threats of violence to bully the world's oldest democracy into abandoning its principles."
Next up is Thomas A. Opre. Who? I hear you ask. Thomas is Republican candidate in Montana who beats his wife during the campaign. Nuff said really.
And back to Australia. Wilson "I beat up abos with a blunt instrument" Tuckey this week blamed Labor for any future "boat people" arrivals in Australia. The people they were fleeing aren't really a problem for Wilson!
Local Conservative Fucksticks this week included my favourite nutty councilor Ron Humphrey and his old buddy Ray Gully. Ray wrote a scathing letter about Ron in the local paper urging him to give up politics. Ray conveniently forgot to mention that he was the very person who recruited Ron for the Safe The Surf Coast election team. You've got to be a really terrible councilor if your political masters tell you to resign within 10 months of being elected.
GWB was at his most dangerous best declaring that Israel had won the war. Was he trying to get Hezbollah to prove him wrong?
Andrew Bolt had a very busy week being a nutter. His article about patriotism was a classic grab anything and everything rant. He brought in The Boy from Oz, Crocodile Dundee, Kath & Kim and The Castle, a gay showman, Melbourne's oldest flag-maker, Sydney's Cronulla riot, the fashionably Leftist Australian Education Union, the Herald Sun's Pride of Australia award, September 11, and dangerous Lebs.
Bolt argued that sales of Aussie flags in Melbourne skyrocketted in the month after the Cronulla riots. Bolt of course knew the reasoning behind the flag sales spike. It was a show of defiance (to the Lebs). I for one think it probably had something to do with the fact the Commonwealth games were just around the corner and Australia Day happens in the month Bolt sited. But why look to the obvious when you are on a rant. Bolta also knew why Lebanese flag sales went up. It wasn't a sign of defiance, it was a sign racism. But the most disturbing thing about Bolt's article was that it wasn't even close to being his most wacky column of the week.
Bolt dragged out his old "Greens are Nazis crap this Thursday.
Let's get some real nazi opinion on this one. Do they like Bob Brown? Not at all.What about Andrew Bolt? They love him
Bolt wasn't the only one struggling with foreign flags. Redneck conservative activist, June Griffin, lost the plot over a small Mexican flag in Tennasee. She's facing misdemeanor charges of theft, vandalism and harassment and felony charges of civil rights violations.
But the funny thing about this nutter is she has been trying to get every flag other than Ol' Glory banned in her county. Land of the free anyone?
In the words of Arnoldo Swartznegger
Pasta la Vista
It's been a very busy week for conservatives, and the stupidity has been flowing thick and fast. In fact, just plain stupidity won't be enough to get a mention this week. Only stupidity of the highest order gets a run in CFC part 2.
First of the bat we have the wacky editor at The Australian who claimed that the British Muslims and Labor backbenchers who wrote an open letter to the PM were acting like "standover men". What was their crime? Suggesting Britain's foreign policy (eg Iraq invasion) was giving ammunition to extremists.
This rubbish highlights the modern day McCarthyism that is News Limited. Muslims who express a very valid point, according to the Australian "use threats of violence to bully the world's oldest democracy into abandoning its principles."
Next up is Thomas A. Opre. Who? I hear you ask. Thomas is Republican candidate in Montana who beats his wife during the campaign. Nuff said really.
And back to Australia. Wilson "I beat up abos with a blunt instrument" Tuckey this week blamed Labor for any future "boat people" arrivals in Australia. The people they were fleeing aren't really a problem for Wilson!
Local Conservative Fucksticks this week included my favourite nutty councilor Ron Humphrey and his old buddy Ray Gully. Ray wrote a scathing letter about Ron in the local paper urging him to give up politics. Ray conveniently forgot to mention that he was the very person who recruited Ron for the Safe The Surf Coast election team. You've got to be a really terrible councilor if your political masters tell you to resign within 10 months of being elected.
GWB was at his most dangerous best declaring that Israel had won the war. Was he trying to get Hezbollah to prove him wrong?
Andrew Bolt had a very busy week being a nutter. His article about patriotism was a classic grab anything and everything rant. He brought in The Boy from Oz, Crocodile Dundee, Kath & Kim and The Castle, a gay showman, Melbourne's oldest flag-maker, Sydney's Cronulla riot, the fashionably Leftist Australian Education Union, the Herald Sun's Pride of Australia award, September 11, and dangerous Lebs.
Bolt argued that sales of Aussie flags in Melbourne skyrocketted in the month after the Cronulla riots. Bolt of course knew the reasoning behind the flag sales spike. It was a show of defiance (to the Lebs). I for one think it probably had something to do with the fact the Commonwealth games were just around the corner and Australia Day happens in the month Bolt sited. But why look to the obvious when you are on a rant. Bolta also knew why Lebanese flag sales went up. It wasn't a sign of defiance, it was a sign racism. But the most disturbing thing about Bolt's article was that it wasn't even close to being his most wacky column of the week.
Bolt dragged out his old "Greens are Nazis crap this Thursday.
Let's get some real nazi opinion on this one. Do they like Bob Brown? Not at all.What about Andrew Bolt? They love him
Bolt wasn't the only one struggling with foreign flags. Redneck conservative activist, June Griffin, lost the plot over a small Mexican flag in Tennasee. She's facing misdemeanor charges of theft, vandalism and harassment and felony charges of civil rights violations.
But the funny thing about this nutter is she has been trying to get every flag other than Ol' Glory banned in her county. Land of the free anyone?
In the words of Arnoldo Swartznegger
Pasta la Vista
Revenge is sweet.
This blog was born 178 posts ago, after my leg was broken in a soccer match.
Last weekend we had the grudge match of the century.
The boys were desperate to avenge the grand final loss and my broken leg.
The game was a vicious affair with the opposition playing in their usual style. But in soccer brute force only gets you so far and the boys triumphed 4-2.
The win was exceptionally sweet for the following reasons.
1. A league exec saw the match and reported the guy who broke my leg for overly rough play.
2. The opposition are now out of the finals race.
3. It was at their home ground
and 4. The team's dressing rooms are seperated by a very thin door that was repeatidly banged on during a vigorous rendition of the club victory song.
In weekend warrior team sports, it doesn't get much better than that.
This blog was born 178 posts ago, after my leg was broken in a soccer match.
Last weekend we had the grudge match of the century.
The boys were desperate to avenge the grand final loss and my broken leg.
The game was a vicious affair with the opposition playing in their usual style. But in soccer brute force only gets you so far and the boys triumphed 4-2.
The win was exceptionally sweet for the following reasons.
1. A league exec saw the match and reported the guy who broke my leg for overly rough play.
2. The opposition are now out of the finals race.
3. It was at their home ground
and 4. The team's dressing rooms are seperated by a very thin door that was repeatidly banged on during a vigorous rendition of the club victory song.
In weekend warrior team sports, it doesn't get much better than that.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
It is about time we rename Tony Abbott "The Minister for giving up on childhood obesity"?
Because that is precisely what he has done.
Nutritionists and other experts are calling for a fat tax on junk food and making healthy food cheaper.
This of course means doing something sacreligious for conservatives and tampering with market forces. This attitude has meant Australia has the fastest growing childhood obesity rate in the world.
Seriously, if this trend keeps going. These kids will be the norm in Australia.
And these kids will be the freaks.
Today the Minister for Health declared you can't legislate healthy eating.
This of course is bullshit of the highest order.
You could, put a fat tax on high sugar high fat food, invest funds in exercise programs, ban junk food ads during kids TV, subsidise healthy food, introduce an ad campaign for parents, implement other schemes with GPs etc.
But my question to the Lord of the (blubber) Rings (Howard and Abbott) is, what the hell happened to the Liberal's Playing for Life Scheme?
Lazy politicians who support the junk food industry=the fattest kids in the world.
Because that is precisely what he has done.
Nutritionists and other experts are calling for a fat tax on junk food and making healthy food cheaper.
This of course means doing something sacreligious for conservatives and tampering with market forces. This attitude has meant Australia has the fastest growing childhood obesity rate in the world.
Seriously, if this trend keeps going. These kids will be the norm in Australia.
And these kids will be the freaks.
Today the Minister for Health declared you can't legislate healthy eating.
This of course is bullshit of the highest order.
You could, put a fat tax on high sugar high fat food, invest funds in exercise programs, ban junk food ads during kids TV, subsidise healthy food, introduce an ad campaign for parents, implement other schemes with GPs etc.
But my question to the Lord of the (blubber) Rings (Howard and Abbott) is, what the hell happened to the Liberal's Playing for Life Scheme?
Lazy politicians who support the junk food industry=the fattest kids in the world.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
If the Middle East ceasefire doesn't work, look out.
In an amazing display of diplomatic stupidity George Bush has just declared that Israel won and Hezbollah lost the month long war.
George, It's not a football game, and besides, Hezbollah have not been defeated and they have even more support than ever on Arab Street.
The President has also declared that he certainly hopes the ceasefire will hold. This of course begs the question, why would George make such a provocative statement? Is he trying to encourage Hezbollah to prove a point and lob a few more Katyusha rockets at the "winners".
The nutter-in-chief's actions do however fit Seymour Hersh's theory that George and Israel had planned to take on Hezbollah well before the two IDF soldiers were kidnapped.
According to Hersh, George was itching for a fight so he could take out Iran's alleged Nuclear Weapons program.
So the big question is, Does George really really want the ceasefire to work?
At least Brendan Nelson is planning to increase our defense Force numbers for the inevitable chaos.
Best not to think about the fact that Loony Tunes has his finger on the button.
In an amazing display of diplomatic stupidity George Bush has just declared that Israel won and Hezbollah lost the month long war.
George, It's not a football game, and besides, Hezbollah have not been defeated and they have even more support than ever on Arab Street.
The President has also declared that he certainly hopes the ceasefire will hold. This of course begs the question, why would George make such a provocative statement? Is he trying to encourage Hezbollah to prove a point and lob a few more Katyusha rockets at the "winners".
The nutter-in-chief's actions do however fit Seymour Hersh's theory that George and Israel had planned to take on Hezbollah well before the two IDF soldiers were kidnapped.
According to Hersh, George was itching for a fight so he could take out Iran's alleged Nuclear Weapons program.
So the big question is, Does George really really want the ceasefire to work?
At least Brendan Nelson is planning to increase our defense Force numbers for the inevitable chaos.
Best not to think about the fact that Loony Tunes has his finger on the button.
Monday, August 14, 2006
I don't think little John Howard has thought things through with his latest fuel relief package.
Firstly the LPG conversion rebate.
$677 mil over 8 years.
I tried to get my car converted to LPG 2 years ago. "Sorry mate we're all booked out for the next 6 months".
Johnie's rebate scheme works out to be another 56,425 cars per year assuming a 50:50 split between conversions and new LPG cars. And this is assuming an even 8 years. So my question is, who's going to do the work Johnie?
$20,000 to petrol stations to convert to ethanol blend. Three words for this plan, "Shameless corporate welfare". And will Shell, Mobile, Caltex etc actually do it?
No mandatory ethanol targets? Those campaign donations from the oil industry are certainly paying off aren't they.
More money for oil and gas exploration? This of course won't drop oil prices 1 cent at the bowser, because our prices are tied to barrel prices traded through Singapore, NY etc. Our taxes going to further exploration will no doubt be very very appreciated by BHP/Billiten.
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane has also been asked to put up a proposal to cabinet to fund a program to make Australia a leader in gas-to-liquids and coal-to-liquids research. Who wrote this policy? The fossil fuels industry?
And of course there wasn't 1 cent for public transport, bio-diesel, or demand reduction.
And low import duties on gas-guzzling 4WDs won't be brought into line with other vehicles. Don't want to upset the ass-pirational set do we.
Considering that we have, or are about to hit peak oil, Howard's announcements can be described with three phrases: more-of-the same, environmentally irresponsible, and monstrously short-sighted.
Firstly the LPG conversion rebate.
$677 mil over 8 years.
I tried to get my car converted to LPG 2 years ago. "Sorry mate we're all booked out for the next 6 months".
Johnie's rebate scheme works out to be another 56,425 cars per year assuming a 50:50 split between conversions and new LPG cars. And this is assuming an even 8 years. So my question is, who's going to do the work Johnie?
$20,000 to petrol stations to convert to ethanol blend. Three words for this plan, "Shameless corporate welfare". And will Shell, Mobile, Caltex etc actually do it?
No mandatory ethanol targets? Those campaign donations from the oil industry are certainly paying off aren't they.
More money for oil and gas exploration? This of course won't drop oil prices 1 cent at the bowser, because our prices are tied to barrel prices traded through Singapore, NY etc. Our taxes going to further exploration will no doubt be very very appreciated by BHP/Billiten.
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane has also been asked to put up a proposal to cabinet to fund a program to make Australia a leader in gas-to-liquids and coal-to-liquids research. Who wrote this policy? The fossil fuels industry?
And of course there wasn't 1 cent for public transport, bio-diesel, or demand reduction.
And low import duties on gas-guzzling 4WDs won't be brought into line with other vehicles. Don't want to upset the ass-pirational set do we.
Considering that we have, or are about to hit peak oil, Howard's announcements can be described with three phrases: more-of-the same, environmentally irresponsible, and monstrously short-sighted.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Don't believe everything you see
War zones attract a wide variety of media personnel. Some are highly trained and totally ethical, others are mere propaganda merchants.
Twenty years ago pictures didn't lie, but with the days of digital cameras and photoshop, you simply can't believe everything that is published.
Last week at least two doctored images from the Middle East have hit the internet and regular press. Reuters, who distributed the images have done the right thing and dropped the photographer.
In a separate incident, Associated Press published this photo of a small girl who died in Gaza from a swing accident. The caption associated with the photo indicated she was killed by an Israeli air strike. AP quickly correctly the mistake, but numerous media outlets did not notify their audience of their inaccurate reports.
Andrew Bolt complained bitterly about the caption mistake last week, but does he have clean hands on this issue. During the children overboard affair, Bolt claimed he had "proof positive" that kids had been thrown into the water by their parents. The photos he was relying on had had their captions removed by Peter Rieth's staff.
Journalists are going to make mistakes and they are going to be misled with propaganda during times of war. The skilled ones will cut through the crap and find the truth.
And it seems those screaming that the media is anti-semitic, anti-American, and anti-Western have a very poor record when it comes to publishing/criticising phony images.
Here are just a few of my favourites.
Republican political attack advertisement using doctored footage of the twin towers. Nice and subtle. Not.
After you become a Tory candidate, and before you become a Tory candidate.
Fun at the UN with Colin Powell.
And the photo that launched a 1000 lies.
And how many RWDBs have ever complained about (and used) these propaganda images?
War zones attract a wide variety of media personnel. Some are highly trained and totally ethical, others are mere propaganda merchants.
Twenty years ago pictures didn't lie, but with the days of digital cameras and photoshop, you simply can't believe everything that is published.
Last week at least two doctored images from the Middle East have hit the internet and regular press. Reuters, who distributed the images have done the right thing and dropped the photographer.
In a separate incident, Associated Press published this photo of a small girl who died in Gaza from a swing accident. The caption associated with the photo indicated she was killed by an Israeli air strike. AP quickly correctly the mistake, but numerous media outlets did not notify their audience of their inaccurate reports.
Andrew Bolt complained bitterly about the caption mistake last week, but does he have clean hands on this issue. During the children overboard affair, Bolt claimed he had "proof positive" that kids had been thrown into the water by their parents. The photos he was relying on had had their captions removed by Peter Rieth's staff.
Journalists are going to make mistakes and they are going to be misled with propaganda during times of war. The skilled ones will cut through the crap and find the truth.
And it seems those screaming that the media is anti-semitic, anti-American, and anti-Western have a very poor record when it comes to publishing/criticising phony images.
Here are just a few of my favourites.
Republican political attack advertisement using doctored footage of the twin towers. Nice and subtle. Not.
After you become a Tory candidate, and before you become a Tory candidate.
Fun at the UN with Colin Powell.
And the photo that launched a 1000 lies.And how many RWDBs have ever complained about (and used) these propaganda images?
Friday, August 11, 2006
Friday Conservative Fucksticks Part 1
It seems that regular Friday segments are all the rage in Melbourne's blogging community. Ms fits has here famous Q and A session on RYWHM, and Anonymous Lefty has a rather witty Dear Mister Howard section.
I've decided to join these two fine bloggers. Welcome to the first installment of Friday's Conservative Fucksticks (TM).
Before I begin, I would just like to highlight what FCF is all about. I will scan the world for the looniest conservatives for the week, and blog the result. They may be local, national, or international nutjobs, and I hope you get as much fun out of them as I do.
First off the rank we have an international conservative fuckwit. Despite huge funding and resources from corporate lobbyists, and despite the Washington establishment backing him all the way, Senator Joe Lieberman managed to lose preselection for the Democratic nomination in Connecticut. Hang on, did I just say Democratic? Yes folks, I did, but this "Democrat" is a total embarrassment to the party. Lieberman clapped and cheered Bush all the way as he fucked up Iraq. He built up a huge war chest of corporate donations, he surrounded himself by dry conservative hacks, and he has just had his arse handed to him by Ned Lamont and a group of web savvy progressive bloggers.
I would have liked to nominate Wilson Tuckey for the the first Australian Friday conservative fuckstick, but I've decided a group achievement is more appropriate. And it goes to the entire WA Liberal Party. What is it with these people? Wilson "I bash abos with an iron bar" Tuckey is their hero. The WA Libs keep supporting Ross Lightfoot despite him strutting around Iraq with a gun and sacks of money, and they are looking increasingly likely to dump Judi Moylan. Judi is one of those nice small L Liberals who actually believes kiddies shouldn't be detained indefinitely for daring to seek asylum in Australia. She obviously is totally innapropriate for the WA Libs.
But who is the big challenger? It is none other than One Nation candidate turned Liberal wannabe Jamie Falls. Jamie says he fell into "One Nation by accident, and fell out fairly quickly." Yeah right? The Libs have adopted One Nation's policy, and it was only a matter of time before they adopted their candidates as well.
Jamie, Ross and Wilson, great fucking party. NOT.
And now for a local (well at least for me) conservative fuckstick named Councilor Ron Humphrey. Sure I have blogged about him before, but as they say in the classics, when you are on a winner...
It been a bad week for Ron. About a month ago, a room that had been dug into the dunes at Torquay, was found right across from Ron's house. Ron screamed perverts and made up a new word. "Deprivates". He then screamed sexual abuse and demanded a nude beach a kilometer away have it's clothing optional status removed. It was a moral panic for the prudish types of Torquay. Unfortunately for Ron, the local coppers did not know of one case of sexual abuse from the area, so Ron called them names. Yesterday the kids who built their cubby came forward putting a rather large hole in Ron's campaign to get rid of sickos building homo lairs.
Ron also went on 3AW Wednesday afternoon bitching a moaning about councilors with too many fingers in the pie. Earnie Sigley may be called Mr Entertainment, but it is a pity he doesn't do any Mr Research. The councilors with their fingers in the pies were Humphrey's running mates.
Ron also bitched about a Labor-dominated council. What party are you from Ron? Not the Liberals? No?
But what I would really like to know is whether Ron took up a shire car for his little interview with Earnie. Using shire cars for personal trips is really really naughty. I hope someone checks the car pool records.
Until next week.
It seems that regular Friday segments are all the rage in Melbourne's blogging community. Ms fits has here famous Q and A session on RYWHM, and Anonymous Lefty has a rather witty Dear Mister Howard section.
I've decided to join these two fine bloggers. Welcome to the first installment of Friday's Conservative Fucksticks (TM).
Before I begin, I would just like to highlight what FCF is all about. I will scan the world for the looniest conservatives for the week, and blog the result. They may be local, national, or international nutjobs, and I hope you get as much fun out of them as I do.
First off the rank we have an international conservative fuckwit. Despite huge funding and resources from corporate lobbyists, and despite the Washington establishment backing him all the way, Senator Joe Lieberman managed to lose preselection for the Democratic nomination in Connecticut. Hang on, did I just say Democratic? Yes folks, I did, but this "Democrat" is a total embarrassment to the party. Lieberman clapped and cheered Bush all the way as he fucked up Iraq. He built up a huge war chest of corporate donations, he surrounded himself by dry conservative hacks, and he has just had his arse handed to him by Ned Lamont and a group of web savvy progressive bloggers.
I would have liked to nominate Wilson Tuckey for the the first Australian Friday conservative fuckstick, but I've decided a group achievement is more appropriate. And it goes to the entire WA Liberal Party. What is it with these people? Wilson "I bash abos with an iron bar" Tuckey is their hero. The WA Libs keep supporting Ross Lightfoot despite him strutting around Iraq with a gun and sacks of money, and they are looking increasingly likely to dump Judi Moylan. Judi is one of those nice small L Liberals who actually believes kiddies shouldn't be detained indefinitely for daring to seek asylum in Australia. She obviously is totally innapropriate for the WA Libs.
But who is the big challenger? It is none other than One Nation candidate turned Liberal wannabe Jamie Falls. Jamie says he fell into "One Nation by accident, and fell out fairly quickly." Yeah right? The Libs have adopted One Nation's policy, and it was only a matter of time before they adopted their candidates as well.
Jamie, Ross and Wilson, great fucking party. NOT.
And now for a local (well at least for me) conservative fuckstick named Councilor Ron Humphrey. Sure I have blogged about him before, but as they say in the classics, when you are on a winner...
It been a bad week for Ron. About a month ago, a room that had been dug into the dunes at Torquay, was found right across from Ron's house. Ron screamed perverts and made up a new word. "Deprivates". He then screamed sexual abuse and demanded a nude beach a kilometer away have it's clothing optional status removed. It was a moral panic for the prudish types of Torquay. Unfortunately for Ron, the local coppers did not know of one case of sexual abuse from the area, so Ron called them names. Yesterday the kids who built their cubby came forward putting a rather large hole in Ron's campaign to get rid of sickos building homo lairs.
Ron also went on 3AW Wednesday afternoon bitching a moaning about councilors with too many fingers in the pie. Earnie Sigley may be called Mr Entertainment, but it is a pity he doesn't do any Mr Research. The councilors with their fingers in the pies were Humphrey's running mates.
Ron also bitched about a Labor-dominated council. What party are you from Ron? Not the Liberals? No?
But what I would really like to know is whether Ron took up a shire car for his little interview with Earnie. Using shire cars for personal trips is really really naughty. I hope someone checks the car pool records.
Until next week.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Got to go to birthing class.
No time to blog.
Please email Stephen Fielding from Family First and tell him no true Christian would dare vote for Howard's "let's deny refugees a safe haven" bill.
Depending on the number of Liberal Senators who cross the floor/abstain, Fielding may be the crucial vote on this issue.
Here is the address.
senator.fielding@aph.gov.au
No time to blog.
Please email Stephen Fielding from Family First and tell him no true Christian would dare vote for Howard's "let's deny refugees a safe haven" bill.
Depending on the number of Liberal Senators who cross the floor/abstain, Fielding may be the crucial vote on this issue.
Here is the address.
senator.fielding@aph.gov.au
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
The cruelty of religious fundamentalism
Today our little PM demonstrated that he is the ultimate 21st Century luddite by refusing to overturn government enforced limits on embryonic stem cell research.
Not only did the PM reject his own committee's recommendations, he is also refusing to allow a conscience vote on this issue.
It clearly looks like Howard has bowed to pressure from the religious fundamentalist (and George Bush) who oppose research on a collection of cells because they believe that life starts at conception.
Opponents of stem cell research know when and where to pick their battles. These people seem to have no problems with IVF technology that creates thousands of un-used (and ultimately destroyed) embryos every year. You don't see these fundamentalists lining up outside IVF clinics calling patients murderers. They also seem to have no problems imposing their religious opinions on others. And the fundies certainly don't want parliament to debate this crucial issue.
Scientists are starting to leave Australia because of Howard's religious-based bans, but I feel truly sorry for people with genetic illnesses who may go un-cured because of Howard's ban.
It is time Howard explained to people with spinal injuries or degenerative illnesses why he is limiting the chances of Australian researchers finding a cure for their diseases.
Who's rights are more important. A man-made embryo's or someone in a wheel chair?
The politics of Howard's decision is obvious. He cares more about the voting patterns of religious fundamentalist than the future of sick people. I find that unbelievably offensive.
I know it sounds horrible, but I hope someone Howard loves gets struck down with a degenerative disease. Only then will our PM be forced to live with his disgraceful religious-based policies on stem cell research.
I'm pretty sure if little Timmy Howard got sick and was slowly dying in front of his dad, the PM would change his mind on therapeutic cloning, give up pandering to the fundies, and lift the limits on stem cell research.
And one more thing. How many of these fuckwits who oppose therapuatic cloning would refuse treatment derived from this type of research on moral grounds? Can you see any of Howard's cabinet saying, "I don't want that life saving treatment and will gladly die a slow painful death, because life was destroyed during research for this technology"?
A pox on the cabinet.
Today our little PM demonstrated that he is the ultimate 21st Century luddite by refusing to overturn government enforced limits on embryonic stem cell research.
Not only did the PM reject his own committee's recommendations, he is also refusing to allow a conscience vote on this issue.
It clearly looks like Howard has bowed to pressure from the religious fundamentalist (and George Bush) who oppose research on a collection of cells because they believe that life starts at conception.
Opponents of stem cell research know when and where to pick their battles. These people seem to have no problems with IVF technology that creates thousands of un-used (and ultimately destroyed) embryos every year. You don't see these fundamentalists lining up outside IVF clinics calling patients murderers. They also seem to have no problems imposing their religious opinions on others. And the fundies certainly don't want parliament to debate this crucial issue.
Scientists are starting to leave Australia because of Howard's religious-based bans, but I feel truly sorry for people with genetic illnesses who may go un-cured because of Howard's ban.
It is time Howard explained to people with spinal injuries or degenerative illnesses why he is limiting the chances of Australian researchers finding a cure for their diseases.
Who's rights are more important. A man-made embryo's or someone in a wheel chair?
The politics of Howard's decision is obvious. He cares more about the voting patterns of religious fundamentalist than the future of sick people. I find that unbelievably offensive.
I know it sounds horrible, but I hope someone Howard loves gets struck down with a degenerative disease. Only then will our PM be forced to live with his disgraceful religious-based policies on stem cell research.
I'm pretty sure if little Timmy Howard got sick and was slowly dying in front of his dad, the PM would change his mind on therapeutic cloning, give up pandering to the fundies, and lift the limits on stem cell research.
And one more thing. How many of these fuckwits who oppose therapuatic cloning would refuse treatment derived from this type of research on moral grounds? Can you see any of Howard's cabinet saying, "I don't want that life saving treatment and will gladly die a slow painful death, because life was destroyed during research for this technology"?
A pox on the cabinet.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Over recent weeks, Broken Left Leg has highlighted some massive beat ups and biased reporting in the Geelong Advertiser.
Well folks, the worst paper in Australia (TM) is at it again. On Saturday, their editorial (titled "Curbing the hot air about hot air) declared that, due to recent developments, "the whole global warming debate is effectively back to the drawing board."
And what exactly are these recent developments? The Geelong Advertiser's editorial essentially rehashed Alan Wood's terrible opinion piece which was written three weeks ago.
Wood quoted an academic named Wegman who chairs the US National Academy of Sciences committee on applied and Theoretical Statistics. The Advertiser said the information came from the US National Academy of Sciences committee itself. Damn it, the Geelong Addy has such trouble with basic attribution.
The Addy certainly didn't go into too much detail about Wegman's study, largely because it didn't actually test the figures of a global warming paper it was critiquing. Wegman's paper was hardly earth shattering or conclusive, but "US National Academy of Sciences committee on applied and Theoretical Statistics" certainly sounds authoritative doesn't it?
The Addy then went on to highlight the work of David Henderson, Ian Castles and the Institute of Public Affairs.
They conveniently forget to tell their readers that the IPA is largely funded by resource companies. And they certainly were not going to mention Henderson and Castles membership of the Lavoisier Group, and that organisations subsequent links to right wing think tanks funded by the oil industry.
The Advertiser also neglected to mention that Henderson and Castles haven't produced any substantial papers since 2003, and critics of their 2003 paper claim Henderson and Castle's alternative economic modeling does not make "a substantial difference to projections of (CO2) emissions".
John Quiggin has demolished the opinion piece by Alan Wood (and subsequently the Geelong Advertiser editorial) on his blog.
So what exactly happened to justify this editorial? Not much really. A hack (maybe this environment hating redneck) at the Addy has got their hands on a thoroughly discredited three week old opinion piece, poo-pooed renewable energy targets, and called for "steady heads to prevail in the greenhouse debate".
No doubt those steady heads have nice financial links to the resource sector.
With poor attribution, massive omissions, and quoting highly dubious research papers, the Addy really does have contempt for their readers.
And now for some action.
Please write to the Addy's editor on yoursay@geelongadvertiser.com.au voicing your concerns about their pitiful research or their absurd rhetoric regarding global warming.
Well folks, the worst paper in Australia (TM) is at it again. On Saturday, their editorial (titled "Curbing the hot air about hot air) declared that, due to recent developments, "the whole global warming debate is effectively back to the drawing board."
And what exactly are these recent developments? The Geelong Advertiser's editorial essentially rehashed Alan Wood's terrible opinion piece which was written three weeks ago.
Wood quoted an academic named Wegman who chairs the US National Academy of Sciences committee on applied and Theoretical Statistics. The Advertiser said the information came from the US National Academy of Sciences committee itself. Damn it, the Geelong Addy has such trouble with basic attribution.
The Addy certainly didn't go into too much detail about Wegman's study, largely because it didn't actually test the figures of a global warming paper it was critiquing. Wegman's paper was hardly earth shattering or conclusive, but "US National Academy of Sciences committee on applied and Theoretical Statistics" certainly sounds authoritative doesn't it?
The Addy then went on to highlight the work of David Henderson, Ian Castles and the Institute of Public Affairs.
They conveniently forget to tell their readers that the IPA is largely funded by resource companies. And they certainly were not going to mention Henderson and Castles membership of the Lavoisier Group, and that organisations subsequent links to right wing think tanks funded by the oil industry.
The Advertiser also neglected to mention that Henderson and Castles haven't produced any substantial papers since 2003, and critics of their 2003 paper claim Henderson and Castle's alternative economic modeling does not make "a substantial difference to projections of (CO2) emissions".
John Quiggin has demolished the opinion piece by Alan Wood (and subsequently the Geelong Advertiser editorial) on his blog.
So what exactly happened to justify this editorial? Not much really. A hack (maybe this environment hating redneck) at the Addy has got their hands on a thoroughly discredited three week old opinion piece, poo-pooed renewable energy targets, and called for "steady heads to prevail in the greenhouse debate".
No doubt those steady heads have nice financial links to the resource sector.
With poor attribution, massive omissions, and quoting highly dubious research papers, the Addy really does have contempt for their readers.
And now for some action.
Please write to the Addy's editor on yoursay@geelongadvertiser.com.au voicing your concerns about their pitiful research or their absurd rhetoric regarding global warming.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Our PM has been doing a lot of hand wringing on economic issues lately.
Inflation up. Bananas and fuel price increases are to blame.
Petrol prices up.
"We can only have cheaper petrol in Australia if there is cheaper crude oil around the world ... and I'd be misleading the Australian public, and so would anybody else, if they pretended otherwise."
"We're going to have to unfortunately live with higher prices that we used to have as recently as 18 months ago, but I HOPE not indefinitely with the current very high prices". Johnie then told us he HOPES prices will stabilize around the $1.15 a liter, and he told us this isn't a educated analysis of prices more a desire (paraphrasing here).
Interest rates up due to spiraling debt and inflation.
"One of the reasons they borrow, many of them to the hilt and some too much, but one of the reasons they do it is they feel secure, they feel they can take the liability, assume the liability.
"That is a product of them feeling that there are a group of people responsible who are steady, dependable and prudent,"
House prices for McMansions and big screen TVs? Unrealistic lifestyle expectations? Johnie has more chance of saying "sorry" for the Stolen Generation than mentioning that to the aspiration voter.
So folks there you have it. Howard's economic credentials. They are based on unrealistic hopes on petrol prices rather than a sensible plan to bring alternative fuels into the mix. On interest rates, Howard's delusion of responsible, steady, dependable and prudent borrowing, doesn't match the reality of totally unsustainable personal debt.
And when it comes to inflation he blames bananas, "hopes" for petrol price stability, and will no doubt offer billions of dollars of highly inflationary voter bribes again in 2007.
And I haven't even touched on foreign debt.
And you really thought this supreme economic manager would "keep interest rates low" didn't you?
Inflation up. Bananas and fuel price increases are to blame.
Petrol prices up.
"We can only have cheaper petrol in Australia if there is cheaper crude oil around the world ... and I'd be misleading the Australian public, and so would anybody else, if they pretended otherwise."
"We're going to have to unfortunately live with higher prices that we used to have as recently as 18 months ago, but I HOPE not indefinitely with the current very high prices". Johnie then told us he HOPES prices will stabilize around the $1.15 a liter, and he told us this isn't a educated analysis of prices more a desire (paraphrasing here).
Interest rates up due to spiraling debt and inflation.
"One of the reasons they borrow, many of them to the hilt and some too much, but one of the reasons they do it is they feel secure, they feel they can take the liability, assume the liability.
"That is a product of them feeling that there are a group of people responsible who are steady, dependable and prudent,"
House prices for McMansions and big screen TVs? Unrealistic lifestyle expectations? Johnie has more chance of saying "sorry" for the Stolen Generation than mentioning that to the aspiration voter.
So folks there you have it. Howard's economic credentials. They are based on unrealistic hopes on petrol prices rather than a sensible plan to bring alternative fuels into the mix. On interest rates, Howard's delusion of responsible, steady, dependable and prudent borrowing, doesn't match the reality of totally unsustainable personal debt.
And when it comes to inflation he blames bananas, "hopes" for petrol price stability, and will no doubt offer billions of dollars of highly inflationary voter bribes again in 2007.
And I haven't even touched on foreign debt.
And you really thought this supreme economic manager would "keep interest rates low" didn't you?
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Sunday Age columnist Terry Lane has offered to resign after what can only be described as a serious lack of judgment.
Terry's crime was to write an anti-war column based on US Army ranger Jesse McBeth, who unfortunately for Lane, was an internet hoax.
While it is impossible to defend such a poor piece of writing, it is easy to compare Lane's response with other columnist who have fallen for similar hoaxes/poor research.
This howler from Miranda Divine about DDT has been doing the rounds for years. Despite John Quiggin's demolition job on Devine her career just goes on.
Janet Albrechtsen is another right wing journo whose crime is infinitely worse than Lane's poor fact checking. Janet, the thinking women's Pauline Hanson, wrote an article titled "Talking Race Not Racism." It was largely plagiarised, it misquoted academics, and deviously added the words "white" before women and "Muslim" before rapist.
This disgraceful column was exposed on Media Watch, but luckily for Janet, being a conservative means you never have to admit you are wrong.
Not only did The Australian refuse to discipline her, they gave her extra columns to attack her critics. She was then appointed to the board of the ABC.
The Dole Army, was another classic hoax which Today Tonight and ACA fell for. Any repercussions?
Michael Warby (a terrible conservative columnist) fell for an internet story about Jane Fonda being a commie sympathizer in Vietnam. He claimed she caused the deaths of three American POWs in Vietnam. It took his employer, an ultra conservative pro-business lobby group called Institute of Public Affairs, two years to fire this sorry and completely incompetent arse.
I could write all night about journos falling for hoaxes, but I stop now and leave you with this conclusion.
Journalists are human, and they work in a pressure cooker environment. They have deadlines and they do make mistakes. When errors are inevitably published journalists should own up to them like Terry Lane. I personally believe that a correction and apology is required, but for Lane to fall on his sword after his first stuff up after years of writing is a very harsh punishment indeed.
His crime is to write an anti war piece based on a fabrication. And now for the double standard. How many pro-war pundits have fallen on their swords after telling their readers that Saddam had WMDs?
Terry's crime was to write an anti-war column based on US Army ranger Jesse McBeth, who unfortunately for Lane, was an internet hoax.
While it is impossible to defend such a poor piece of writing, it is easy to compare Lane's response with other columnist who have fallen for similar hoaxes/poor research.
This howler from Miranda Divine about DDT has been doing the rounds for years. Despite John Quiggin's demolition job on Devine her career just goes on.
Janet Albrechtsen is another right wing journo whose crime is infinitely worse than Lane's poor fact checking. Janet, the thinking women's Pauline Hanson, wrote an article titled "Talking Race Not Racism." It was largely plagiarised, it misquoted academics, and deviously added the words "white" before women and "Muslim" before rapist.
This disgraceful column was exposed on Media Watch, but luckily for Janet, being a conservative means you never have to admit you are wrong.
Not only did The Australian refuse to discipline her, they gave her extra columns to attack her critics. She was then appointed to the board of the ABC.
The Dole Army, was another classic hoax which Today Tonight and ACA fell for. Any repercussions?
Michael Warby (a terrible conservative columnist) fell for an internet story about Jane Fonda being a commie sympathizer in Vietnam. He claimed she caused the deaths of three American POWs in Vietnam. It took his employer, an ultra conservative pro-business lobby group called Institute of Public Affairs, two years to fire this sorry and completely incompetent arse.
I could write all night about journos falling for hoaxes, but I stop now and leave you with this conclusion.
Journalists are human, and they work in a pressure cooker environment. They have deadlines and they do make mistakes. When errors are inevitably published journalists should own up to them like Terry Lane. I personally believe that a correction and apology is required, but for Lane to fall on his sword after his first stuff up after years of writing is a very harsh punishment indeed.
His crime is to write an anti war piece based on a fabrication. And now for the double standard. How many pro-war pundits have fallen on their swords after telling their readers that Saddam had WMDs?
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Wouldn't be nice to see the people overseeing torture at the Abu Graibh and Guantanomo Bay prisons being brought to justice. Maybe before the International Criminal Court. It would be nice wouldn't it?
But it's not going to happen, because the US hasn't signed up to the ICC treaty, and the chief jailer has just retired as a hero.
Other news.
Yesterday Bolta told us "...we're off today to go meet Gore himself and tell him what we think. Not kidding. I'’ll tell you how it goes."
And he hasn't told us how it went. Can we assume it went badly for Lug nuts? Bolt vs Gore on global warming. Ha Ha, Bolt has more chance beating Kelly slater in a surfing contest than beating Gore in a global warming debate.
And now for an episode of "Local Media Watch".
I picked up a copy of the Surf coast Times today, and our ex-Mayor, Keith Grossman, has excused himself from voting on a proposal to build a retirement village 5km out of Torquay. Keith's got a point. It's on his land. This is the same land that mysteriously found it's way onto a list of properties the then Mayor wanted excused from state planning laws. Keith resigned as Mayor but wouldn't admit any guilt and claimed he didn't know anything about it. Pu-lease. Anyway I have digressed.
The paper then went on to report the wonderful efforts of the retirement village proponent, a super chap named Mark Casey.
The paper talked about the desperate need for a retirement village in Torquay. And the Surf Coast Times has a point. The last big development approved by council was supposed to be a retirement village, and after it got through the planning and approvals process, it suddenly turned into a 5 star resort.
Guess who didn't deliver on the first retirement village?
That's right Mark casey.
And guess who owns the Surf coast Times?
It couldn't be, could it?
But it's not going to happen, because the US hasn't signed up to the ICC treaty, and the chief jailer has just retired as a hero.
Other news.
Yesterday Bolta told us "...we're off today to go meet Gore himself and tell him what we think. Not kidding. I'’ll tell you how it goes."
And he hasn't told us how it went. Can we assume it went badly for Lug nuts? Bolt vs Gore on global warming. Ha Ha, Bolt has more chance beating Kelly slater in a surfing contest than beating Gore in a global warming debate.
And now for an episode of "Local Media Watch".
I picked up a copy of the Surf coast Times today, and our ex-Mayor, Keith Grossman, has excused himself from voting on a proposal to build a retirement village 5km out of Torquay. Keith's got a point. It's on his land. This is the same land that mysteriously found it's way onto a list of properties the then Mayor wanted excused from state planning laws. Keith resigned as Mayor but wouldn't admit any guilt and claimed he didn't know anything about it. Pu-lease. Anyway I have digressed.
The paper then went on to report the wonderful efforts of the retirement village proponent, a super chap named Mark Casey.
The paper talked about the desperate need for a retirement village in Torquay. And the Surf Coast Times has a point. The last big development approved by council was supposed to be a retirement village, and after it got through the planning and approvals process, it suddenly turned into a 5 star resort.
Guess who didn't deliver on the first retirement village?
That's right Mark casey.
And guess who owns the Surf coast Times?
It couldn't be, could it?
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