Rostrum: Welcome to the ‘Premium Plaza’ Edition

That doesn’t look like the first class lounge.

http://www.news.com.au/national/heat-seeking-sidewinder-missile-found-in-house-at-modbury-north/story-fndo4dzn-1226462521401

What is it with Adelaide??

Truro, Snowtown and now missiles stored in suburbia!

My gods TB, you sound like Barnaby.

My guess is they will turn this cotton farm into a food bowl…food security. Could be wrong, but with the price for cotton depressed they would be mad not to take advantage of some good seasons ahead.

I have some interest in the Lower Lakes, but I’m off to dinner so it will have to wait.

True, and these people supply about ¾ of the ALP parliamentarians. Teachers provide the remaining ¼.

“Meanwhile, I see that the liars and speculators continue to congregate at Café Whispers.”

Clearly I am out of the loop on this but why are you and Reb banned from that blog? I see a lot of the “old group” there? Is Adrian running things or something? LOL

‘FFS, Neil should sue those f*ckwits.’

Sancty could draw up the papers.

Sorry, Gordo, no cigar. There’s talk that Min has studied Law and no right minded man would take her on!!

‘There’s talk that Min has studied Law and no right minded man would take her on!!’

Bush lawyers have a reputation for being tough.

‘Elsewhere this week, the Workplace Relations Minister, Bill Shorten, this week ruled out increasing the dole, although he acknowledged it would be tough getting by on $245 a week.

‘Why, he found it hard enough to make ends meet on his ministerial salary, he said.
Shorten was roundly mocked – unless you’re Kanye West or a Saudi prince, $330,000 a year is generally considered good coin.’

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/flipflop-and-theres-a-gotcha-moment-20120831-255ib.html#ixzz25AQUZH00

“There’s talk that Min has studied Law and no right minded man would take her on!!”

Well, I always found her to be pretty damn sweet and inclined to show deference but never found anybody’s ideas that I disagreed with “fearsome” enough to not engage..Still, what is the rift between Joni and Reb?

None that I know of with Joni and Reb. Joni wanted something a bit more sensible, Reb wanted something more fun. It’s in Joni’s retirement that the “troubles” began.

The Cafe aligned themselves with The Political Sword then just started banning anyone who could articulate an opposing view. They keep a couple there “for balance” but most of us have been banned along the way.

Then Min caught Miglo with Pip at Darling Harbour and all hell broke loose. It seems Pip lost.

Haha, yeah, crazy old burnt out Clint was talking to an empty chair in Florida, or something.

Yeah, but still, let’s get rid of the monarchy. I’m noone’s subject, least of all that bag of bones in the UK.

Point taken about the absurd nature of US presidential election campaigns.

“Point taken about the absurd nature of US presidential election campaigns.”

It has been downright painful listening to these tools campaign for the past 2 years..6 months is one thing but if this is the new normal; Jesus…

That’s how I voted, Toilet and TB. It’s the direct election mob that fcked it.

As for Harry, he got nude in Vegas. Good on him. Should be mandatory. And the person who took and sold the photos is the one that should be up for public judgement. Name him and shame him I say.

No policy, err, no comment, err, don’t mention the firmwares…

If I was running al-Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008, and pray, as many times as possible, for a victory not only for Obama, but also for the Democrats.

This is an old speech from Abbott on the environment…

‘The political left shouldn’t be seen as “owning” the environment (it’s too important for that) and I am determined to challenge any assumption that it does. Conservative political parties and the conservationist movement both want to preserve what’s best in our heritage.

‘Different emphases notwithstanding, they have a shared respect for the natural order of things. It was, after all, the Fraser Government (not the Whitlam or the Hawke governments) that protected the Barrier Reef and Fraser Island, established the Kakadu National Park, ended Australian whaling and saved Antarctica from development.

‘It was the Howard Government (not the current one) that led the campaign against Japanese whaling, established mandatory renewable energy targets for the power industry, and committed $10 billion to restoring the Murray-Darling basin.’

Just on another topic, I’d like to offer a very thoughtful and insightful, quite personal piece from helen razer on the most recent social media controversy.

http://www.mamamia.com.au/news/trolls-fame-and-blame-helen-razer-on-charlotte-dawson/

…And I hope that somewhere the daughters that Charlotte and I never got around to having are preparing to enter a world where loudmouth ladies are just loudmouth ladies and not women who asked to be beaten down…

At the very end of the article is my quoted paragraph above and that has led to me asking the question:
Why it is so acceptable for male loudmouths like alan jones, the bolter and others to be obnoxious and annoying, even lauded in our society by the powerful and influential, but their female counterparts have to be viciously stomped upon and preyed upon? [quite often led by those same male loudmouths].

‘Male loudmouths’ is subjective and sexist, others might think of them as heroes in the face of adversity.

Males are generally more forceful because of genetic programming…

‘The advent of horizontal drilling has famously combined with the older hydraulic fracking technique to bring about a revolution in the global energy industry (outside the EU that is, for within the Union poverty generation dominates the political agenda).

‘So while European consumers worry about their energy bills, in North America, the glut of shale gas has caused a collapse in gas prices, to the extent that few in the gas industry can now make money.’

Bishop Hill

The farm … went into receivership in 2009 with debts of $300 million
…
The $320 million cotton station has been under administration for three years, with the government unable to find an Australian buyer.

A consortium negotiating the sale will be 80 per cent controlled by Chinese textile company Shandong RuYi.

Australian family-owned wool group Lempriere will hold 20 per cent.

Mr Swan said the approval was only given on the condition that RuYi sell down its stake to 51 per cent within three years.

The government also secured “undertakings” from the consortium to offer jobs to all current employees as well as “arms length” management of cotton sales and water extraction and use, which would continue to be subject to government regulation.

“The government welcomes foreign investment in Australia and continues to ensure that investments are consistent with Australia’s national interest,” Mr Swan said.

http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/labor-to-sell-the-farm/story-fnda1bsz-1226462753550#ixzz25Bzxo1K0

‘Concerns have been raised over the Government’s approval of a foreign bid for Australia’s largest cotton farm, with Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce labelling it “a disgrace”.

ABC

Abbott could use one of Mitt’s lines…

“President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the
oceans.
(LAUGHTER)

“And to heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your
family.”
(APPLAUSE)

Mitt Romney

Mandarin should be taught in schools as our second language, drop the French and German.

Pensioners in the UK and Australia are suffering the same fate, struggling to support their children and grandchildren.

‘It highlights how pensioners are ‘caught in a vice’ between high inflation and record low interest rates.

‘At the same time, increasing numbers of pensioners are finding the ‘bank of granny and granddad’ has become a safety net for younger generations struggling in the recession.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2196625/Bank-granny-granddad-goes-bust-Pensioner-insolvencies-record-high.html#ixzz25CEZoT1S

‘Romney claims renminbi is kept artificially cheap, giving Chinese exports an unfair advantage over US goods.

He ‘has vowed several times during the campaign that he would label China a “currency manipulator” on his first day in office if he’s elected.’

China Daily

These elections have politicised the China question.

thanks to the man himself, planking is no longer, we now have #eastwooding

Eastwooding………Snigger..

http://twitpic.com/appf55

‘Stewart told the Tampa crowd that in New York City, it’s not uncommon to see old men yelling at inanimate objects, but generally it does not happen on stage at political conventions.’

hehe

Handbagz are rooted next week.

That’s ageist and I did note your unwarranted snide remarks on Noddy at the cafe.

And he deserves every one of the remarks, neil is a one-eyed lib/nat barracker who comes here for no other purpose than to spout liberal HQ propaganda and talking points, I would not be surprised if he is paid by to do so. He is not interested in genuine debate at all, which is why most of us don’t bother anymore. If you ask anything remotely inquiring or critical of his beloved libfibbers, he simply reverts to his version of “the three wise monkeys”.

‘…and calling me personally a liar … I didn’t see you chastising, Noddy, for that!’

I didn’t see it, but I agree there is no need for that sort of language.

‘… and when did you put on the sherriff’s badge, egg? Playing poster policeman now …?’

No, its not my bag, Sparta’s comments had me thinking and James filled out some blog history. Which I found illuminating.

As for Neil, he deserves the right of reply on an alien blog.

stangers = strangers

As for Neil, he deserves the right of reply on an alien blog.

What alien blog, he’s been crapping on this place since the beginning and in tim dunlop’s days. You can go for as much right of reply as you like, I prefer not to engage with his sophistry and outright misrepresentation, there is no point to it.

However, there’s a certain comfort in neil coming, knowing some things just never change. he’s a comfortable fit, just like your oldest and smelliest shoes, kept just for walking through manure or other dirty jobs.

There was nothing surer than Eastwood’s speech would see the haterz turn on him. Sad. I’ve still got a soft spot for Clint though. 😉

http://blogocrats.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/a-review-of-gran-torino-featuring-clint-eastwood/

(It’s not a “look over there”, this is an open thread. But if we’re demanding apologies, how about you apologise for calling me a plagiarist?)

“as I say a lack of humopur abounds amongst the right of thread posters ..”

Projection? 😯

(If you genuinely don’t know, and I’ll happily take your word for it, it might be because I don’t bang on and on about it when someone “offends” me.) 😉

Thanks Kitty.

‘…and egg scrambled opinions as usual …’

Surely not. Just recently you praised my opinions and I dispute your argument that the right don’t understand irony.

‘Deputy National Party leader Barnaby Joyce demanded Mr Swan reveal the shareholder list of the Chinese company, accusing it of being an arm of the Chinese government: “I absolutely and utterly disagree with this. I’ve got no problem with the Chinese being clever. I’ve got an issue with our government being stupid.

“What this says is that the Foreign Investment Review Board is in a mess and is simply not interested in protecting the national interest.”

Daily Telegraph

…You demonise anybody who does not have your opinion. You are a natural totalitarian.
I really believe that if you had the power you would kill anybody who does not share your beliefs…

…And I don’t see anything in Neil’s reply to Kittylitter that’s any worse than than what it was responding to.

well, just to debate that misrepresentation [and perhaps sly dig] of james, where would be the evidence to support the view stated by neil?

he was responding to my post @ armchair opinionator
September 1, 2012 6:13 pm

Where is my comment not an accurate description of neil’s entire commenting history and style here?

You accused him of being a paid plant.You said he was not interested in genuine debate. It was not unreasonable for him in reply to label you a natural totalitarian. You are one.

You accused him of being a paid plant.

No, I didn’t, I said I would not be surprised if he was, not the same. And go back over all his comment history [or, just his more recent ones] and you could see that any reasonable person could draw the same conclusions.

You said he was not interested in genuine debate.

he’s not, and that shows by his commenting history and responses, as do yours most often, you seek to misrepresent and argue by sophistry and semantics rather than honest debate.

It was not unreasonable for him in reply to label you a natural totalitarian.

You are one.

Not true at all, and totally unfounded. I express my opinions as do you and everyone else, why am I labelled so and not all you others?

In fact you capitalist grovellers would be espousing the traits of totalitarianism much more more than myself.

All this talk of totalitarianism got me to thinking about the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Prague.

‘It shows seven bronze figures descending a flight of stairs. The statues appear more “decayed” the further away they are from you – losing limbs and their bodies breaking open. It symbolises how political prisoners were affected by Communism.

‘There is also a bronze strip that runs along the centre of the memorial, showing estimated numbers of those impacted by communism:
205,486 arrested
170,938 forced into exile
4,500 died in prison
327 shot trying to escape
248 executed

‘The bronze plaque nearby reads: “The memorial to the victims of communism is dedicated to all victims not only those who were jailed or executed but also those whose lives were ruined by totalitarian despotism”‘

http://twitpic.com/6rywdz

730, you wrote that Barnaby would not have opposed the sale of Cubbie Station if Howard had been in power.

You’re wrong.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/The-power-of-one-in-the-bush/2005/04/15/1113509927310.html

*it was a war against their ideological heroes, the USSR
and the People’s Republic of China.

You have been opposed to me for years online yet you still know or understand nothing about me. A capitalist? Just because I oppose Communism and Socialism does not make me a Capitalist.

You see, this is where you and neil become so personal with your commentary. I haven’t been opposed to you personally, opposed to your point of view, yes and I will argue mine [with a lot more evidence provided to back it up]. I don’t make it personal, I don’t feel a need to put you down.
I don’t rush in to attack you as soon as there is some perceived opportunity to sink the slipper. I don’t bother about the sly digs and innuendo anymore, I’m not interested in expending that much energy on an ideological battle where dishonesty, obfuscation, accusation and misrepresentation come masquerading as debate.

It’s your lack of capacity to read and understand that makes you a totalitarian.

What total rubbish, even if that were true, that I couldn’t read or understand anything, why would that make me a totalitarian? unreal, another completely irrational argument. I now wonder if you even know what a totalitarian is!

It is your utter illogical thinking and deliberate misrepresentations that pigeonholes yourself.

Well all he’s doing now is making a shitload of noise.

El Gordo quoted words that he said. You said it would be different under Howard. I think I have shown it wouldn’t. Next time do your research. And give yourself a fkn name FFS. 730reportland is a ridiculous way to have to address someone.

(*Guffaw* is an acceptable “argument” in certain quarters, apparently. 😉 )

Dear Armchair, please stop using IST-words in our cult of Corporatology

Yes, it is an argument to curtail my freedom of speech, censorship.

Kittylitter, you have called me a capitalist,…

You accused me of being a natural totalitarian, and that is patently untrue. I didn’t realise capitalist was such an insult, gee I should get much more upset when I am continually accused of being a communist, a totalitarian, a watermelon, having a lack of capacity to read and understand etc.

I will assume that you won’t be voting for any of the neoliberal, pro capitalist parties then, like Labor or Liberal?

I still think you are [over] reaching, you were spoiling for a free kick and it is personal with you, it always has been. Which is why you rushed in [inappropriately] to defend neil when TB and el gordo were having a spat about it.

BTW TB, I hope you have a fantastic holiday, happy travels, lots of good times and good company!

Barnaby Goose would do as John-W would tell him.

Of course he would, and has, and he’ll do whatever abbott tells him, otherwise he’d be an independent. He might even cross the floor as a token protest for the country folk he supposedly represents [as long as they have the numbers and it doesn’t matter].

What has barnaby done to prevent the sale? It is privately owned isn’t it? Where are barnaby’s calls for an australian consortium of buyers over the last three years? Surely there’s enough wealth in australian business to rake up 300 million, he’s got miner mates as well – why should he expect the taxpayer to stump up for cubbie?

‘Of course he would, and has, and he’ll do whatever abbott tells him, otherwise he’d be an independent.’

Bullshit to that, Tony Abbott’s totally in favour of selling Cubbie to the Chinese and Barnaby is not because he thinks the new owners are probably in the pay of big communist government…not that there is anything wrong with that. They are different capitalists.

‘It is official at last: Britain is not at risk from unidentified flying objects.
Those who have long feared an invasion from Mars or further afield can relax – at least, that is, if they believe the Ministry of Defence.

‘An end has been ordered to all official investigations of Unidentified Flying Objects, or UFOs, after the ministry ruled they do not pose a threat to the nation’s security.

‘It comes as the head of UK Air Traffic Control admitted the country is visited by around one unidentified flying object a month.

‘Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about the existence of UFOs, Mr Deakin confirmed they were still being seen by his staff.’

UK Telegraph

Barnaby doesn’t do spin, he’s a charismatic leader of the agrarian socialists.

‘I don’t think he deserves to get mocked the way he always is on this board.’

Or in that other place, it was TBs comment which created this small brush fire and I support the proposition that we treat Noddy as an equal and not somebody wet behind the ears to be mocked.

According to the UK Mail…wisdom is quantifiable and comes with age.

Your falsehood, 730, was that Barnaby would not have made the same comments about Cubbie Station had it been a Howard sale. My truth as demonstrated by a number of links which give a crystal clear view of Barnaby Joyce’s history on the subject, is that you are demonstrably wrong.

Barnaby Joyce has crossed the floor on three occasions when John Howard was in Government. How many Labor members have done so since 2007? Your accusations are empty. The issue of foreign ownership of Cubbie Station is only a recent one. Of course there aren’t public comments over 3 years. There may be, but I can’t be bothered looking them up for you.

Barnaby Joyce has been entirely consistent on the issue of foreign ownership. And outspoken.

“It’s the nature”

In truth, I don’t think Neil’s contributions are any more partisan than others and I don’t think he deserves to get mocked the way he always is on this board.

Obviously myself and TB think differently, we see him as a partisan stooge.

Neil does enough mocking of his own. neil’s contributions are completely and unashamedly partisan. There is no attempt to reason or debate the issue other than to rattle off the liberal party spin. neil believes the liberal party can do nothing bad and the labor party can do nothing good. neil is pig headed, obstinately persistent and defiant in the face of all and any overwhelming evidence against the liberal spin. According to neil, if the labor party says something, that’s a reason for him not to believe it.

Kittylitter, on reading my contributions last night I came across more aggressively than intended…

…I don’t really shy away from what I said, but the way it was expressed and the personal nature of it leaves me somewhat uncomfortable.

Is that another of those not-really-an-apology, apologies!

I thought it was completely unnecessary and I thought that you must have been looking for an argument. Of course everyone should have their say, but not when it turns into a personal attack. I think el gordo stirs shit up without knowing the past history of the blog.

I don’t shy away from anything either. It was uncalled for, misguided and personal by both you and el gordo.

Or in that other place, it was TBs comment which created this small brush fire and I support the proposition that we treat Noddy as an equal and not somebody wet behind the ears to be mocked.

Well he should start acting more mature then, if he’s going to behave like such a partisan dope and liberal party stooge, he will be treated like one by me and TB.

TB did not start it, neil was just being his usual self. Neil is as neil is, he doesn’t need anyone to defend him, he gives as good as he gets and often provokes what comes his way.

Why do you feel so protective of him? it’s not as if the conservatives are outnumbered on this forum, he doesn’t need to be nurtured and coddled by the fellas.

BTW, It was you that started it eg, by attacking TB to defend neil on something that is another world away, on another blog:

That’s ageist and I did note your unwarranted snide remarks on Noddy at the cafe.

Neil had his say and I had mine and that was going to be the end of it…but you had to attack TB and mount an unnecessary defence of neil. You rubbed salt in the wound by accusing TB of being age-ist when he has been copping the prejudice from that himself [because he is so open and honest about his life]. Have any of you felt that TB could be a bit sick and tired of the age-ist remarks continually thrown his way? I know he has a good sense of humour but it is often used in argument as a put down instead of addressing his valid arguments.

TB and I could see instantly what was happening, you eg starting to agitate for neil when neil is totally capable of being vindictive and nasty on his own behalf, he didn’t need you to blow the bugle for the troops.

TB was going to make an issue of it,defending me for neil’s rudeness [thanks btw,TB] and I tried to head it off by saying no apology necessary. I still don’t think there was, it was neil and me – just the usual neil nastiness when called out for what he does, but then everyone else felt they had to rush in, skirts, chests, blouses and petticoats flouncing and a-quivering on neil’s behalf 😆

I was thinking that “the boys” might be sensitive after their tony was acting like such an idiot on national TV and then there is the brotherhood [alan jones, grahame morris] attacking women for daring to contribute in the national discourse, declaring the “war on uppity women” so perhaps there is a collective of wounded egos and warriors on parade at present.

The ALP has a rich history of punishing anyone who speaks against a collective decision. It really is pointless for ALP supporters to argue that it’s any different to this.

I don’t think ALP supporters do, [and i’m not one of them] everyone knows that collective decision making is formal party policy that all labor mp’s sign up for.

The hypocrisy of the liberals is that they bray publicly about ‘individualism’ and their tolerance of it when in reality they don’t practise it. Coalition MPs cross the floor when in parliament not when in opposition. Howard famously said “disunity is death” and he tried to keep any individualism in check by applying pressure of punishment and banishment. True political bravery is displayed if an MP crosses the floor when the party does not have the numbers, now that may be barnaby, i don’t know i haven’t checked.

It is the two party unity that defeats democratic outcomes, ignores the wishes of the majority of voters and deems the vote value of marginal electorates as more important than that of other voters.

What about the much lauded howard, he of the “government and policies we wish to go back to”. When he had an individual thought on IR recently he was suddenly disowned, poor thing! So much for tolerance of individualism.

I would have jumped in there and then…but decided to come back to trash headquarters and whinge.

Why?
Some of us don’t care what goes on over there let alone hosting shitfights here over it.
If your fight with TB was something said there it should have remained there.
If commenters are going to carry on like that what would be the purpose of being two separate blogs? I don’t think it’s appropriate, but that’s just my opinion.

but TB was quoting from Noddy’s past and everyone guffawed.

Everyone here? Where is that and why does it matter? It’s not as if neil is an innocent in this. There’s a lot of guffawing at times here too, has the sherriff outlawed that? Who is in the posse?

There’s a lot in neil’s past to guffaw about, mostly we don’t, only when he’s here and in our faces!

I don’t see people rushing to condemn the very personal hounding out, guffawing, gang attacks, general abuse and nastiness to people like N5 and the others who have dared to participate here until feeling they had best be gone. They happen to be from ‘the other side’ of politics. They weren’t allowed to have their ‘honest opinions’ and free speech heralded and protected by the ruffled blouses & petticoats here.

ok kitty…

Tony’s never ridiculed me. And I have a very good handle on Tony’s positions and his reasons.

Nature5 targeted me personally. If he’s sooked off due to my responses I can assure you I won’t be losing a moment’s sleep. I’ll apologize if warranted, as above. It’s not warranted where Nature5 is concerned.

It is the two party unity that defeats democratic outcomes, ignores the wishes of the majority of voters and deems the vote value of marginal electorates as more important than that of other voters.”

I’m inclined to agree with this, and I’d like to see more of a breakdown of party discipline and control. I’d even like to see more independents, like Wilkie and Xenefone.

But not Oakeshott, he’s a dill, has no idea what his own electorate thinks, completely out of touch and is self absorbed.

——————–
I think N5 was a pretty good contributor, but he didn’t get particularly picky with me. I also quite like Neil’s contribution, Neil is unashamedly partisan, and takes on partisan opponents (and even some that aren’t partisan such as AO).

There are a range of people in the blogosphere who want to make public political comment, and then get all bothered at having debate or justify their comments. Neil isn’t one of those, but there are many among his debating opponents elsewhere.

I asked him many times to state his own position. He never did. His contribution (where I was concerned) was to simply make snide comments…

…Tony’s never ridiculed me. And I have a very good handle on Tony’s positions and his reasons.

So, as long as the person comes from the same side as you and you, it’s tolerated and acceptable?

N5 had good reasons and positions too [not that we have a right to demand them of anyone anyway] to some of us, you just didn’t like the way he expressed them and the way he got the better of you.

…and in deference to N5, “not least…”
——————
By the way N5 also tested TB pretty vigorously on competency based training and testing and a means of education.

N5 just liked to test everyone.

N5 just liked to test everyone.

That’s true, I think it was the schoolteacher in him, teachers like tests.

And that’s what was so likeable about N5, you had to be on your game, you had to know what the shit you were talking about and you did not get away with lyin’ and cheatin’ and lazy research assertion.

…and in deference to N5, “not least…

My, the standards have really slipped, N5 would be really, sorely tested to come back to this, the spelling, the grammar, the opinion masquerading as fact.

We would all get an F 🙂

‘…the active discourse on anything.’

I’ll pay that.

Australians are generally positive.

http://www.smh.com.au/polls/being-positive-and-negative-20120903-259dy.html#poll

The money joolya gave them for their power bills?

‘AUSTRALIAN stayed away from department stores in droves in July, precipitating a shock slump in retail sales that suggest government handouts were mainly responsible for the recent shopping splurge.’

Adam Creighton

Carr is given to hyperbole. His statement that asylum seekers could consume the entire immigration intake is bizarre.

Carr likes to talk it up. I think he was a good Premier* but may be out of his depth now.

*but crushed by the powerbrokers/hacks.

I’m happy to debate anyone, Toilet, as you of all people surely know. And I can do it in a largely respectful, if robust at times, manner.

Nature5 refused to debate. He refused to take a position. To the extent that I am one of those you refer to as not being the exception, I am certain Nature5 made me look silly in the eyes of those who would measure success or failure by that object. Pretty well like the schoolyard bully is successful if in calling someone a poof he achieves the laughs of the crowd. Great.

And I didn’t raise it, nor do I ever. I’d rather not think about the malicious prick. I was accused above of chasing him off the blog. I doubt that I did, and I am defending my actions towards him, as I have every right to do.

Neil cops far worse, far more regularly, and for far less reason than Nature5 ever did. Neil’s only crime is that he is an unashamed Coalition supporter.

So, 730, my links to Barnaby Joyce’s history are testament to a personal attack on you are they?

Barnaby Joyce criticised the sale of Cubbie Station. You said he would have “no problem with” it under Howard.

Barnaby Goose would have no problem with this Gordo, if they, the John-W regime was still in power and they were allowing it.

The comparison is his public statements, not his vote. Because what Gordo linked was a public statement. Now as it happens, in return for not crossing the floor on the Telstra sale, Barnaby was able to secure a multi billion telecommunications package for rural and regional areas. Here’s the part that you left off your quote. I wonder why.

On 17 August 2005 the Government announced a package of $3 billion to improve telecommunications services in regional and rural areas. On the basis of this,

Barnaby Joyce has crossed the floor at least 3 times. On two of those occasions it led to the vote being tied. He is no Liberal lap dog.

730, you are demonstrably wrong.

Neil is infatuated with the Howard era and the rusted ons accuse him of boorishness, but in reality no different to me on CC.

I thought N5 went overseas and came back a different man…I gained the impression he had outgrown us.

Hi Tom…did you catch the Bolt/Lomborg interview? It seems our contribution in reducing temperature, by the end of this century, will be 1/200th of a degree.

You really need to get your Bold and Italics and Quote Blocks sorted out 730.

Northern hordes are verboten in Victoria. 😯

‘It’s perfectly legal. It just doesn’t seem right to me.’

‘THE number of Sri Lankan asylum seekers has risen tenfold this year as a row erupts over a Coalition plan to automatically reject people arriving from the island nation.

‘But two exiled Sri Lankan journalists have warned that ethnic strife is still rampant.

‘‘There is no shelling now, there is no bombing, but the situation as far as human rights and democratic rights are concerned, nothing has changed,’’ said Bashana Abeywardane, a reporter from the Sinhalese majority who fled Sri Lanka to Europe in 2006 and feels unable to return home.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/abbott-backs-push-to-say-no-to-flood-of-sri-lankans-20120903-25ajs.html#ixzz25Rhh8nxQ

———–

Ethnic strife continues between the Sinhalese and Tamils…as it has for more than a century. The Tamils escaping repression are economic refugees.

THE construction union has given ground to builder Grocon in their bitter industrial dispute, offering to stop industrial action against the company beyond the 14 days recommended by Fair Work Australia chief Iain Ross.

But Grocon chief executive Daniel Grollo last night rejected the offer, saying the company would only re-enter talks if the union agreed to permanently lift all action.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/daniel-grollo-refuses-compromise-by-union/story-fn59niix-1226464273761

Unions only think one dispute at a time, Grollo is obviously thinking about how he positions his company for a long term future.

By the time all this is over, the CFMEU will be in debt to Grollo to the tune of over $5mill. They’ll have to provide some enforceable undertakings about industrial behaviour on his sites, Grollo will be positioned to establish efficient construction practices that will give his company a competitive advantage.

Meanwhile, the CFMEU and the government they partly own will put up with the high cost and the political consequences.

That all seems fair.

“….meanwhile …take nice deep breaths….slow them right down…in…and then out…think of something pleasant.”

OK

Tony Abbott in the Lodge

FEDERAL independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor are likely to face a united Coalition enemy at the next election after NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell virtually ruled out allowing “three-cornered contests” in their seats.

No liberal party representation allowed? Which is basically what 730 was saying isn’t it, the national party and the liberal party are not separate entities?
They wouldn’t be trashing democracy just to get elected would they? Oh, that’s right, that’s the only reason we have a coalition, it exists purely to gain political power, neither party would get elected in their own right.

uh oh, barnyard playing populist politics, I guess he is going to single handedly save cubbie station!

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/joe-hockey-slaps-down-coalition-critics-of-the-cubbie-station-sale/story-fn59niix-1226464512682

…OPPOSITION treasury spokesman Joe Hockey has rebuked frontbench colleague Barnaby Joyce for contradicting Coalition policy on the sale of Cubbie Station.

The Nationals Senate leader has described the sale of the 93,000 hectare Queensland cotton farm to a Chinese consortium as a “bloody disgrace”, declaring it should have been purchased by the government and broken up for sale in smaller lots.

Mr Hockey accused Coalition critics of the sale of “freelancing” on the issue.

“They do not speak for the Coalition. They don’t even speak for the National Party or the Liberal Party,” he told Sky News.

Mr Hockey said this was acceptable for backbenchers, but shadow ministers should toe the party line.

“Frontbenchers have a responsibility to be part of the team. Backbenchers can freelance because they are on the back bench.”

Mr Hockey said he alone was authorised to speak on foreign investment policy, and declared the Coalition’s support for the Foreign Investment Review Board and its decision to greenlight the Cubbie sale…

take that barnyard

…Senator Joyce rejected Mr Hockey’s criticism, saying the sale of Cubbie Station was a Nationals issue as well as one for the Coalition.

“Farmers are clearly asking me why they didn’t get a chance to put in a tender for a subdivided Cubbie Station,” he said.

Was it a secret sale?

I think we really need the NBN as it is obvious that cubbie being for sale the last three years had not managed to reach the bush!

Or…could they all have been thinking that the government’s agents, the taxpayers, should bear the cost of a private sale and once the issue of cost is socialised, happily rush in to pick up some cheap assets?

Where was barnaby these last three years, he could have saved cubbie, no good screeching after the fact!

Gillard thinks the ALP has an electoral problem that she can overcome to take them to victory.
She’s right and wrong on that count……………………………..because it’s her.

And say again, what was abbott’s personal rating ?
A reporter asked him about that at his highway ‘intervention’ this am, but he didn’t seem to answer or understand the question, he spoke about gillard gillard gillard 😉

If you want a great poster you can get it here:

http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/08/23/did-i-mention-juliar-has-been-bullying-the-mining-industry/

“And say again, what was abbott’s personal rating ?”

So….?……..she’s the incumbent. She should be double what he is.

So we’ve gone from “Barnaby would never stand up to his Coalition bosses” to “Barnaby should have organised personally the purchase of Cubbie Station”.

I don’t really care what barnaby does, he is irrelevant to most things, even to his own coalition party it seems.

You make another misrepresentation, I was making the observation that if barnaby is apparently soooo concerned about cubbie all of a sudden and he does happen to represent Qld, why hasn’t he been screeching to the media during the last three years of receivership? Why make a fuss now, after the fact, when he could have made an effort to gather an interest in the sale. He can take the time to write letters to gina rinehart’s children about family issues, why not take some time about cubbie? [if he really is concerned about australian ownership].

Or was he just thinking like a true national party man, that the taxpayer should be obliging enough to fund private enterprise? That seems to be the gist of what he is saying, that the government should have bought it. Why?

I don’t mind minority government as along as all MPs have to pass an IQ test.

I’d be happy to see many more independents like Wilkie and Xenephon,, but a parliament with more Oakeshotts would require a change to the carbon tax, he is a major emitter of noxious gas.

They have brought stability to the country in these troubled times.

Such sentences should come with a warning. I just vomited in my mouth.

We’ll see how the electorates of Lyne and New England regard their “independant” support of the ALP.

‘the Gillard government will be remembered for its brilliant policy achievements’

That would appear unlikely.

‘…putting Australia on the solid economic foundation of sustainable industries.’

We are sliding into a deep recession and the power bills have made rebels out of rusted ons. You can stick the archaic green stuff up your proverbial.

Who the fuck are you calling a liar TB and why?

My that’s an anger management issue, if ever I read one … 😉

I wasn’t calling anyone a liar (as I think Simple Acountant – Tautology, pointed out) … in fact it was an analogy I’ve used here before … and a bit of satirical irony …

Don’t fret so … just sayin’

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Just back from Richmond Old Hobart Model Village and then lunch at Salamanca … no one told me you had to buy parking tickets!

Just been trying to pay the $32.50 fine! Invalid Infringement Notice … ie we have to wait till the Park Officer gets back to the office! Ah … well … they could certainly do with a few bob down here …

Visited Port Arthur yesterday … well worth it …

Off to MONA tomorrow (opens Wednesday to Monday ???) Taswegians get in for free anyone else pays … then off to Strahan.

The prices for a lot of things are very high especially wine!

I’d move to the mainland if I lived here!

Countryside is great, people are very friendly (unlike some Taswegian asylum seekers we know) … thoroughly enjoying …

“Oakeshott has considerable rhetorical skills…………….”

Scratch one cup of coffee ………………………….

Now I am convinced that Minipig is in fact just a parody.

No doubt the venomous inbred hysteria spewing from the Nationals and the landed gentry will take its toll. I certainly hope the voters are not duped.

Because they’re stupid you reckon?

“But even if one or both of Oakeshott or Windsor lose they will know that in the long run their massive contribution to this nation will be appreciated. Churchill was voted out of office in 1945 but his legacy endures.”

Well Eg

I think when you start comparing Oakeshott and Windsor to Churchill you really do have a credibility problem.

‘Well Eg’

Hope you’re not attaching me to those ridiculous words.

Speaking of Darling Harbour, I used to frequent Bobby McGees there about 20 years ago.

It was heart breaking stuff then, but where do “mature” folk go these days for a lover’s tryst?

Just please excuse any confusion on your part next time I give an unsolicited reply to one of your posts and while I’m at it infer you are a Liar.

I didn’t know you had inferred anything … and I can assure you I’m not “confused” … methinks you are … and …. like, egg, have become involved in something that has nothing whatsoever to do with you … if, Neil, wants to post here or at CW and say silly, misdirected and nonsense comments then I shall reply to them, however, I like …. if you lot want to try and defend the boy’s childish nonsense … then that’s up to you …

I do hope you’ll understand when it happens and not complain like you did when Neil implied same

I’m afraid your wrong again, Wally … Noddy, didn’t imply anything … he called me liar when I mistyped the number of ADFdeaths in Iraq (I think it was 1 instead of 12) …

I agreed the number was incorrect and apologised … Neil still accused me of lying …

“You clearly implied I was a Liar via your analogy.”

If that was not the intent then why not just say as much………?

“Come home, behave reasonably and all will be forgiven”…right up until there is a discussion about-

• Asylum seekers and why it is fine to take punitive action against them these days
• Why gays shouldn’t be allowed to participate in the institutions of society (eg marriage), unless it is politically convenient for the ALP
• Why telling a lie isn’t a lie
• The reason it is ok for the current Prime Minister to break the written agreement that delivered her the job
• Anything else that might be contentious for Gillard

Is Jaws as thick as Neil pretends to be?

JAWS

I don’t miss him simply because he contributed sweet f*** all to any debate other than cherry pick a single sentence to take the current debate at the time completely off the rails.

Tom R

other than cherry pick a single sentence
😆

from the mouths of babes

730reportland

cherry pick a single sentence to take the current debate at the time completely off the rail” sounds familiar, jaws

TB Queensland

“cherry pick a single sentence to take the current debate at the time completely off the rail” sounds familiar, jaws

Have you noticed how liars always call others a “liar” or thieves call someone else a “thief” … even drive by shooters always blame someone else of doing it! BANG!

How amusement …

TB wasn’t calling you a liar ya thick bastard Jaws. He was saying the same as Tom R & 730reportland. He was saying you have been known to “cherry pick a single sentence to take the current debate at the time completely off the rails” Pots & kettles ‘n stuff 🙄

Or the ability to contend with dissenting opinions.

Are you accusing me! 😆 😆 😆

While many others are bereft of any ability to think for themselves whatsoever..

jesus reb, kick ’em while they’re down why don’t ya’

According to them, a “troll” is someone who-

• Advocates a non punitive policy on asylum seekers
• Thinks the Prime Minister should keep their word, particularly the written one that delivered her the job
• Supports marriage equality, even if this is politically inconvenient for the PM
• Thinks Thomson has a “case to answer”
• Argues on topic and doesn’t respond to being called a “turd” or a “troll”

Other than that, they’re really tolerant, open and diverse in their opinions.

‘Oh, I see, I’m not allowed to call you what you freely admitted to being’

It’s a pots and kettles thing.

‘GREENS Leader Christine Milne says she’s disappointed in the party’s three-point slump in the latest Newspoll, declaring voters may have “misunderstood” the party’s asylum-seeker policies.

‘Support for the Greens fell to 8 per cent in the weekend’s Newspoll, from 11 per cent the fortnight before.’

Ben Packham in the Oz

Re – Current Education Debate

I think Gillard is missing the point on education reform. The problem isn’t the quality of the teachers, or the number of schools halls, or even (particularly) the proportion of GDP occupied by education expenditure.

The reform is needed in the stifling bureaucracy, the control exercised by teacher unions, the institutionalised lack of accountability within the school management.

Fix all that up, which can be achieved at no cost, and there will be a far better system of education.

Just watching the 7.30 Report, notice how Joe Hockey licked his lips and smiled whenever he talked about “growing the pie”, I think you could hear his stomach rumble through the microphone.

Just like Pavlov’s dog.

Alex Schlotzer has a post up at the kaf on trolls….guffaw.

I bet they miss Pip. She had a great sense of humour, a bit like Lee Rhiannon

😉

Fix all that up, which can be achieved at no cost, and there will be a far better system of education.

Now, ToM, so that I can debate on an even footing …

– what qualifications do you have in education, training and or human development

– what qualls degree or above do you have in learning psychology

– what other qualifications do you have (to demonstrate a lifetime learning experience)

– what management experience and/or quals do you have

– how many children have you raised

Let me know and then we’ll have our debate … I agree with some of your comments but not others …

Funny that the Education Minister has an Arts and Law degree but none in learning … 🙄

… you have taken me right out of context

I know just how that feels, 703! 😛

So Julia goes off to a major mining conference in Perth and gives a speech on education. Barely a mention of the mining industry in a speech to miners.

Does this fuckwit of a PM enjoy antagonizing industries or is she just a mentally challenged fuckwit in the Oakeshott category.

Which is it ?

So Julia now acknowledges that the National Income is falling due to the fall in commodity prices and decides to act by going on a massive spending spree with a dental scheme , an education scheme, and a national disability scheme……..all unfounded.

If you were told your salary was being cut would you go down to DJs and spend up big ?

What an idiot we have as a PM.

She is a disgrace

Minority government leads to policy paralysis and lost opportunity.

If Joolya had said to Brown ‘lets hook up’ but leave carbon and refugees off the table. The soft options…gay marriage, pokie reform, drug law reform, equal pay for women, etc etc should have been the road ahead in their first term.

The PM is a brainless watermelon.

Policy paralysis ultimately leads to electoral defeat.

‘BOB Brown has defended the Greens’ stance on asylum-seekers as “courageous, legal and humane” as the party confronts warnings of a long-term electoral crisis and criticism its boats policy has helped drive away at least 450,000 supporters.

‘The former Greens leader yesterday praised his successor Christine Milne’s handling of the recent parliamentary impasse over asylum policy and played down the significance of Newspoll showing a six-percentage-point drop in primary support over the past three months.’

Joe Kelly in the Oz

So, the Nationals want the Government to take over the farms.

Will the oo be running with this image but with barnie in the lead?

The red head is flying a kite, as a warning to the Rudd push, if I catch you counting heads I’ll call an early election.

An early election would only make sense if-

• Gillard knew the economy is on the slide
• There is more to come on her Slater & Gordon activities
• Thomson is likely to be charged
• Ditto Slipper

Then a “save the furniture” election might be understandable. Otherwise, it’s suicide and she’s better off just hoping, wishing that something will happen, such as Abbott being photographed in the cot with Pell. Something like that might give her a chance.

Perhaps. The 3-way squirrels might indicate that, although I did wonder whether 730 was Bacchus. But then, I think Bacchus is a bit smarter than 730.

It’s not me.

It’s not me.

Is that contribution plagiarised? 😉

‘Is that contribution plagiarised?’

😯

I’m not attacking the teachers, but the system is stuffed. There is no visible accountability in the management of the system.

Principles should hold more authority within the school, have greater discretion in promotion and discipline. Odd as it may seem, I think there should be a stronger role for parent representatives in monitoring school academic performance and teaching appointments.

I don’t think the performance pay concept works either; I’d prefer to see higher rates for teaching in lower socio economic schools.

Schools should have a better connection to parents and the community, rather than to the bureaucracy.

I also think the high level of militancy and industrialisation of teaching has diminished it as a profession, it has become more of a clique.

Kittylitter, I think if it an essential service that the consumer has no choice but to purchase, such as power, water, or even telecommunications, there is a good argument for public ownership. But the emphasis should be on less public ownership, simply because any dealings with a public (government) entity is frustratingly inefficient.

Go to a public hospital and you will lose an entire day. Go down to VicRoads, the same. Yet you see people standing around, talking and laughing, because quite simply, the client doesn’t matter to them. They don’t have to worry about winning repeat business.

People are leaving the public education system in droves and it has nothing to do with funding, but with standards.

An Iron Ore price falling to $86.90 (Treasury forecast >$90) and Wayne has already spent the money from the MRRT

With $11.3B in Long Term Debt, no wonder Fortescue Metals share price has gone into a death spiral this morning.

Gillard and Swan are treating people as idiots if they continue to keep up this charade of a Surplus.

Then again I think people like 730 probably still believes them.

” It is absolutely laughable that people who don’t consider themselves to be retarded actually can believe in a giant conspiracy theory between scientists and the world’s scientific bodies the media and the Liberals to redistribute wealth bring down the government.”

“Barnaby wants economic and technological progress.”

And that’s where I think he’s wrong about who ultimately owns “the Farm”. Whilst he has a very good point in sofar as we need too closely vet these acquisitions by foreigners ( I still prefer a lease of some sort) I think we are rapidly moving on from the traditional “Family Farm Model” to a Corporate Model where vast tracts of land will be joined to create Mega Farms where Corporates can afford the most cutting edge of equipment and technology to reap the largest yields possible from the Land.

The Family Farm will probably end up niche farming for a select few (restaurants, specialized butchers etc) who want Wagyu or specialty cheeses, freerange pork, goats, lamb and that sort of thing.

Coles and Woolies might one day wake up and find all the Family Farms gone thanks to them and be confronted by Corporates with a “F*** You” attitude who wont take the Coles or Woolies price as they’ll have the contacts OS to export their produce rather than be price takers.

Then we’ll really have a problem

It’s never done much more than broken even. But it’s more about the lifestyle than expecting staggering profits.

I’m just glad I can still go there whenever I want. Only half an hour in a car to peace of mind.

Barnaby should consider his future, according to catlick prophecy the end of the world is happening later this month. I imagine his bags are packed.

You’ll know if the rumour has legs…there will be ‘three days of darkness’ prior to the big event.

These iron ore miners (Not FMG) are looking very tempting at the moment.

The Market concensus seems to be that Chinese Steel Mills are just running their current stockpiles right down for the time being

This from Dow Jones

“11:00AM [Dow Jones] For iron ore prices to remain at current lows, one-fifth of global steel output would need to shut, and remain shut for at least a year, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia estimates; “this is unlikely.

Latest global steel output figures suggest growth of 1%-2% for 2012,” CBA says. It argues that although soft demand from steel mills has spurred the recent collapse in iron ore prices, destocking will have to reverse at some point.

This should be “in a matter of months, on our current read,” the bank says. In addition to restocking activity among steel mills, further iron ore project delays and cancellations should help tighten supply to the market “leading to stronger prices in the next six to 12 months,” the house says. Spot iron ore 62% Fe at Tianjin port is down 2.5% at US$86.90/ton, its lowest level since October 2009.”

Also, I just watched that video from Revolting Rinehart.

What a hideous beast. She won’t be winning many popularity contests, trying to lower the minimum wage & lecturing others on their lifestyles.
It’s self evident that if she ever ran into genuine ‘hard work’, she’d have a coronary in about 10 minutes flat. She wants wage slaves to further bloat her gross wealth.

I have a hard time swallowing a lecture about working harder from someone who was born into privilege. She’s an inhabitant of the fantasyland of the overentitled, with a platform bought with money & influence to peddle her self indulgences.

Toilet, I haven’t seen the video, but was she advocating lower wages or was she just pointing out the comparitive challenges faced by our mining industry, one of which is obviously labour costs?

Or as the resident Twitter “perpetually outraged” claim was she suggesting Australian workers should be paid $2 per day?

Totally agree with all of Splatter’s comment.

It was a genuine question, Toilet. I haven’t seen the video. But she was certainly misrepresented in her comments the other day about getting out of the pub.

If Gina had the appearance of Aphrodite…would toilet have a different view?

“If Gina had the appearance of Aphrodite…would toilet have a different view?”

Toilet has long been obsessed by Gina. Every waking moment she seems to occupy his mind

I have long suspected that he actually harbours an absolutely overwhelming case of the “hots” for Gina.

Where’s our Blogmaster today ?

He’s not in secret peace talks with the Taliban of the Blogosphere is he ?

The poor diddums landscaper with tentacles that go all the way to the top might shed some crocodile tears at this news…

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/gillard-rejects-ginas-zone-wage-calls/story-e6frea7l-1226465689338

“…flatly dismissed Gina Rinehart’s call for a special economic zone in Australia’s north. “

I doubt that cutting the minimum wage would have much effect on the mining industry as the anecdotal evidence in my possession is that no-one in the mining industry is on the minimum wage in any event. I could be wrong.

“There, fixed it.”

Err, no.

I don’t deny using language prejudiced against her ‘fitness level’ to describe Rinehart. I’ve already stated that I won’t be apologising for that, especially while she sits in one place lecturing others about the virtues of ‘hard work’.

What you tried to suggest was that if she was ‘fitter’ that I’d have a different view of her proclamations. That’s just total shit…& no amount of cute rearranging of my sentences changes that.

Bowie always looks like a really miserable SOB

‘So, once she’s made her billions here, she’s off to exploit developing nations’ labour at $2 a day?…no moral issue there at all, I suppose.’

I’ll expand on this when I’ve got more time but the workers in those nations are much better off with those jobs than without them. They are not slaves and do those jobs voluntarily because it is better than the alternative – which in most cases is no job. The wages are set by local market conditions. In fact, the more companies that go to developing nations, the more competition for labour which drives wages up.

*the more competition for labour, which drives wages up.

Also, it’s not just her monstrous wealth which I take issue with. It’s that she uses her wealth & position to try & influence regulatory outcomes in her favour.
How many ordinary people get that kind of leverage?…none.

I dunno, there’s a few corrupt trade unionists who seem to do ok on the influence front.

Libs are fuming over this old school association.

‘Mr Abbott today said Mr Joyce was “a local” who lived very near to Cubbie Station.

“I can understand why Barnaby and local people feel strongly about this,” Mr Abbott said.

One senior Liberal said there was a lot of frustration about the special rules for Mr Joyce.

“Everyone is talking about it … no one can understand how he gets away with it. But he always does.”

“Tony seems to treat Barnaby with kid gloves,” another said.

‘One senior Liberal insisted Mr Abbott had “repeatedly” spoken to Mr Joyce, “but he just ignores him”.

‘Asked if Mr Abbott had tried to pull Mr Joyce into line, his spokesman said the Coalition leader “talked to his colleagues all of the time”.

‘Normal rules of shadow cabinet solidarity rules still apply to other Coalition frontbenchers.’

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/solidarity-rule-doesnt-apply-to-joyce-angry-coalition-mps-20120905-25dx7.html#ixzz25aUSewVf

‘The Stern Review projects a world in which, even if we do nothing to prevent global warming, average incomes will rise by, on the gloomiest scenario, seven times and otherwise up to twelve times their current level by 2200.’

The power of free enterprise.

Ahem . ……Martin Ferguson has also today compared our mining industry to Africa’s.

Seems Gina’s rant is being misrepresented although having seen it she really can be taken
on a “road trip” of interpretations.

It was silly of her to be baited by Swan to “engage” in the debate about Billionaires at all.

This one you’ve definitely got arse-up. All wealth is generated by the private sector. Every cent the government spends is because the private sector has earned it and the government has taken it in taxes.”

This is one of those shallow, at face-value americanisms teabags call truth. But when inspected deeper, the reverse is usually true.

Most definitely.

http://heteconomist.com/?p=622

Taxes are not needed to fund government expenditure. Rather, government expenditure creates money that then cycles back in the form of tax payments. Government expenditure ‘finances’ tax payments.

So, in a fiat money system, there is no need for taxes to be used as a means of funding government expenditure.Taxes are not needed to fund government expenditure. Rather, government expenditure creates money that then cycles back in the form of tax payments. Government expenditure ‘finances’ tax payments.

So, in a fiat money system, there is no need for taxes to be used as a means of funding government expenditure.

That should send the mentally challenged here into a spin 😆

When they first discovered gold in Australia the government tried to keep it quiet, but because of its rare value the word became irrepressible and the rush was on.

Free enterprise is a wonderful thing.

‘all in the national interest of course.’

Gina pays her taxes directly and indirectly according to law, which is a fantastic boost in the national interest.

“This is one of those shallow, at face-value americanisms teabags call truth. But when inspected deeper, the reverse is usually true. If this americanism is applied to Gina, it ignores the Taxpayer/government owner mineral asset that, her father was given for mere pennies in the dollar.”

What a load of crap 730.

Using your logic someone who paid $700 for a house in inner city Sydney back in the 1960s should be hit with a huge tax bill now because it was “given for mere pennies in the dollar” compared to its worth today.

Hear hear Jaws…

I took her point to be more about red and green tape. The talk about African workers was merely to illustrate some of the competitive disadvantages when compared to other nations. The Mining Industry aren’t paying minimum wages so dropping the minimum wage would have no effect on Labor costs anyway. The demand for the labour is simply too high.

She’s just saying “in light of all of this, stop making things fkn worse”.

‘Why else mention it if that wasn’t her point….?’

Gina’s flirt with Fairfax has turned her into a media junkie, successfully gaining the limelight on this occasion. She is well advised.

“i think it’s pretty fkn obvious to anyone with half a brain that”……….. she mentioned it so as to make people with half a brain aware that that’s who we are to competing with and that we need to stop throwing up barriers to investment via Draconian IR Laws (which now predate Keating’s reforms) and Red Tape.

“Why else mention it if that wasn’t her point….?”

So why does she want to import 1700 workers (and allowed to by the Federal Government ) and pay them the same rate ?

She’s not saying people should be paid $2 per day. However I do agree that

1) She should have had some advice as to scripting as anything she did say was always going to be used/twisted against her if she was not careful as to her language. It was not a wise comparison. She should have used Brazil as Vale are BHP, Rio and Gina’s chief competitors.

2) She should just stay out of the limelight as she did prior to the MRRT. Swan has successfully baited her into it.

The irony of all Swan’s baiting is that looking at the Iron Ore price predictions for the next 2 months he’ll struggle to raise even a fraction of his MRRT. And if the predictions are wrong on the high side then its Goodbye Twiggy and Fortescue. He cant make a profit and pay his debts at a price below $90 a tonne.

PS. Most of Gina’s frigging wealth is still in the ground and being measured at prices that no longer apply.

What, in case she might end up down to her last sixty grand again…?

Actually, she quite specifically excludes herself from those deserving of sympathy. As she points out, she is unlikely to be affected by drops in profits. It’s the employees who are going to lose out.

My opinion is that Gina is well advised and her timing impeccable.

The Twitterverse is going nuts. Just imagine if the language prevailing was used with regards to Julia Gillard instead of Gina Rinehart. Might wander over to the Cafe and read the stream of objections which will no doubt appear due to the misogyny.

Yep, as I expected. Silent outrage!!

Twiggy’s Company Secretary has resigned.

Not a good look

In mid April Fortescue was at just over $6.00 per share.

It just hit $2.81 after opening at $3.11 this morning.

And this is just the sort of crap Gina was warning about………..

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/working-days-lost-to-strikes-hit-eight-year-high-in-australia/story-fn59niix-1226466381899

Kitty

Seems you missed this quote

“A few years ago, this guy would have been carrying our bags.”

Read more: http://clashdaily.com/2012/09/clinton-on-obama-a-few-years-ago-this-guy-wouldve-been-carrying-our-bags/#ixzz25erLlnUl

But I s’pose that would not have fitted in with your Republican rascism theory of last week so I can understand why you missed it.

‘…so I can understand why you missed it.’

groupthink no less

I’m interesting that Kittylitter seems silent on the blatant misogyny of the ALP and Teh Left generally in their attacks on Gina Rinehart. I’m sure it was just an oversight.

Watch this then.

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/turnbull-targets-cynical-politics-20120905-25ewb.html

§ High numbers of working days lost were driven by large disputes in the Education and training and Health care and social assistance industries in June quarter 2012 and September quarter 2011.
§ The combined Education and training and Health care and social assistance industries accounted for 67,800 (67%) of the total number of working days lost in the June quarter 2012.

Interesting that those cheering on Gina have no concept of what it’s like to be ‘labour’.

Never been in that position, evidently.

‘no concept of what it’s like to be ‘labour’.

That is simply not true…although to be honest, I haven’t had much to do with organised labour.

Teh Left suffer from tall poppy syndrome.

“Gina’s worked very hard to inherit everything she has today.”

Yeah…………clearly she’s just been sitting on her arse twiddling her thumbs all these years since her father died……….

://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gina_Rinehart#Business_career

‘I’m not ‘Teh Left’, moron.’

I didn’t say you were, its a social phenomenon which is more common amongst the left.

‘Tall poppy syndrome (TPS) is a pejorative term primarily used in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Anglosphere nations to describe a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are resented, attacked, cut down, or criticised because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers.’

You sound like some sort of Equal Rights advocatet

More disputes, fewer jobs, WEF says our labour market regulation is rooted.

It’s all going really, really well!

Toilet and kitty seem grumpy, perhaps because their side is losing on so many fronts.

Is Talcum behaving like Barnaby just for fun, or is he the Libs Rudd?

‘TONY Abbott loyalists have hit out at Malcolm Turnbull, accusing him of disloyalty following a speech in which he criticised Coalition tactics.

‘In last night’s speech on “truth, leadership and responsibility”, Mr Turnbull questioned the Coalition’s question time strategy and the “confused, hyper-partisan nature” of the climate-change debate.’

Ben Packham in the Oz

If you haven’t worked out yet that I don’t have a ‘side’ then you’re below contempt.

Thanks to the ALP we’ve sunk to about 100 on the ranking of wage regulation and labour efficiency.

Labour efficiency doesn’t require lower wages, it requires better practices, and investment security requires industrial stability (ie timely delivery of a project).

Investment here is held back by labour reliability, and like it or not it has caused under investment in manufacturing, where the splinter unions with coverage of shutdowns and maintenance unions screw up expansion. They see investment as an opportunity to make industrial gains.

This is also hurting mining.
—————
Meanwhile, I’ve just posted a comment at TPS, so I’d imagine Bacchus will pop in there shortly – to take on his current very important role.

Every time Tony Jones hosts Lateline he just about puts me to sleep. His interview subjects are of very narrow interest.

What is it with the Left and boring people ?

‘So eg………can you limbo dance ?’

I’m as fit as a fiddle, having just returned from the gym, so yeah.

Toilet thinks I’m below contempt (me from Labor’s far left) for suggesting he might be an old comrade. He protests too much.

Freelancers…oh yeah I see.

Apologies to toilet for assuming he’s aligned.

“…….economics is one of those arts or sciences which is utterly unaccountable.”

Its basically a study of Herd Psychology and tries to predict how the Herd will obtain its “needs” and “wants” (Read Non Discretionery and Discretionary Goods and Services) given the resource base at its disposal

“Plus bonuses of course…..”

What…………………….one of your fucking CDs ?

Reb, I agree, but there is a vast difference between fcking it up and turning it into however many billion. There are a lot of fkn idiots who have managed to fck up large inheritances or even large bank balances.

If I was given $75 million I’d be posting all day from the Whitsundays/Great Barrier Reef and pointing out each day its continued presence and tip top health…..but that’s for another thread too 🙂

“Their slimy spin merchants have advised that there is political mileage in demonsing wealthy and successful Australians”

I don’t think the Public is taking it too well. I feeds into the general unease that people are feeling. The last thing they want to hear about are Class Wars. People have had a gutful of fighting and blame games. They want some FUCKING action.

They want to hear about how rising prices (especially power) are going to be capped.

Interesting to see the print press and airwaves filled with very angry people receiving their first post 1 July quarterly power bills right now.

Swan can bleat all he wants. He’s just doing more damage, as people dont feel as though the real issues are being addressed, which will hopefully see him kicked out of his seat next election.

Lets face it the majority of the electorate do not see any personal gain from an NDIS a new Dental Scheme or an Education Crusade.

All they see are more and more of their taxes being spent without there own day to day issues being addressed.

Gina should do herself a favour and hire an articulate CEO to do the talking.

Pontificating billionaires don’t attract positive sentiment.

Kitty, did she actually say she wanted to reduce our minimum wage or just a meme invented by left wing blogs?

I doubt that Kitty even watched the video. Kitty seems to get all her info from Kim Park Pork Chop on the North Korean version of Q @ A

“When they want to impose third world wages and conditions onto australian workers simply to increase their own wealth at a cost to others, it is indeed class warfare. ”

Yet again I ask you……………………who said that ?

But wasn’t she just talking about those who had as their goal becoming super wealthy?

The quote…..

There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire, if you’re jealous of those with more money, don’t just sit there and complain, do something to make more yourselves, less drinking and social time and more work time, become one of those who work hard ,invest and build, and at the same time, create employment and opportunities for others.

It makes sense. It’s a prick of a place to live and work but there’s untold benefits more broadly if people do. So give ’em a tax advantage. Why not?

Zone Rebates already exist. You just never hear about them these days as they are not as extensive or as generous as they used to be. And they only apply to individuals

http://www.ato.gov.au/scripts/zonecheck/

‘Yet there is one advantage for the Labor Party in an early election – there would be no half-Senate election with any early House election.

‘This means that a new Coalition government would be forced to try and govern with the current Senate for more than a year.’

Antony Green

You’d have to have a good imagination to think that SkyNews is a leftwing blog…

http://www.skynews.com.au/businessnews/article.aspx?id=789503

“She also suggests the government should lower the minimum wage of $606.40 a week and cut taxes to stimulate employment.”

“Shall we BAN THEM ALL…??”

Let them wallow in their muck.

Oink…………….Oink…………………..Oink !

http://www.ask.com/web?gct=serp&qsrc=2417&o=100000027&l=dis&locale=en_AU&tpr=2&q=piggies+beatles

“Have you seen the little piggies
Crawling in the dirt
And for all the little piggies
Life is getting worse
Always having dirt to play around in.

Have you seen the bigger piggies
In their starched white shirts
You will find the bigger piggies
Stirring up the dirt
Always have clean shirts to play around in.

In their sties with all their backing
They don’t care what goes on around
In their eyes there’s something lacking
What they need’s a damn good whacking.

Everywhere there’s lots of piggies
Living piggy lives
You can see them out for dinner
With their piggy wives
Clutching forks and knives to eat their bacon.”

Oink…………Oink………….Oink

“She also suggests the government should lower the minimum wage of $606.40 a week and cut taxes to stimulate employment.”

Hang on……………………..before you Lefties were saying she wanted to lower it to $2.00 per day

Because I work in very small business I earn a third of the minimum wage and ideally I would like a couple of Timorese to take my place…so that I can retire.

I complained to the lady at centrelink that the $100 a week offered by Joolya will see me worked to death. She replied that the government’s intention is to keep me in harness for as long as possible.

Gina is the only one who cares about my plight.

“before you Lefties were saying she wanted to lower it to $2.00 per day”

Firstly, I’m not fkn ‘you lefties’.

Secondly, please demonstrate where I said she ‘wanted to lower it to $2.00 per day’. Good luck with that.

“Gina is the only one who cares about my plight.”

I’m afraid that Gina doesn’t actually give a toss about your plight. It’s just the packaging she wraps her business plan in.

You wingnuts can twist her words any way you like, but I read about what Gina said: She wants everyone to work for two dollars a day – and be damn well happy about it!

Except I never said that. Ever.

That’s ok, I spent a year at Deltoid and I’m tough.

There is an economic theory that says the minimum wage is harmful to the employment opportunities of low skilled workers. It is a position that would be considered extreme in Australia, and Ms Rinehart’s call to lower the minimum wage is a tinkering around the edges of that theory.

Ms Rinehart is tinkering around the edges of how to sell the lowest paid a shit sandwich, for her own benefit…but couched in false sympathy.

I can see why you guys reject the overreach on AGW, I really can. I don’t understand why you don’t recognise the same sort of self interest in the actions & words of those like Gina Rinehart.

** I have been a little over the top with my responses in the last day or so, snacty. For that I apologise.

Funny how everyone else can read between the lines, snacty. Even The Australian, News.com & SkyNews.

A PR stumble.

‘ …like Tasmania.’

Brilliant! The coldest and warmest places in Australia could become tax havens.

Attracting cheaper labour in the form of guest workers (families preferred) with the possibility of becoming residents when you can fend for yourself in the habitable zones.

Joe Hockey agrees with ANDEV’s notion – ‘that Australia’s north should be classed as a distinct economic zone for tax and concessions.’

“It’s been something that Tony Abbott, myself, Andrew Robb have all talked about,” Mr Hockey told reporters in Perth.

That was good, convinced me.

‘When President Clinton took office in 1993, government expenditures were 22.1% of GDP, and when he departed in 2000, the federal government’s share of the economy had been squeezed to a low of 18.2%. As the accompanying table shows, during the Clinton years, federal government expenditures as a percent of GDP fell by 3.9 percentage points. No other modern president has come close . . . When it comes to the appropriate size of government, Clinton and Obama are polar opposites.’

“now she’s says a competitive way to lower labour costs is by utilising illegal labour.”

Wayne is a fkn liar, Gina didn’t say that. Next he’ll be saying that Rinehart wants to put illegals into Crappervilles across the top end for half the minimum wage.

I’ll relocate.

So whats so minimum about $600 a week anyway ?

After rent you still have $300 odd to spend on your drugs.

Seriously what more do you Lefties want ?

How much in tax do I have to pay to keep you where you belong

Silent !

I blame Greenspan for everything.

Ill be barracking for the Swans.

It was great to see Collingwood get done, just a pity that it had to be Hawthorn that won.

Cubbie Station…Barnaby told to pull his head in.

‘Abbott shut him down and Joe Hockey asserted his authority on Coalition economic policy to support the Foreign Investment Review Board framework. He said the Coalition naysayers were “freelancing” and did not represent Coalition policy.’

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/abbott-cuts-joyce-loose-20120907-25jos.html#ixzz25pkq7x7j

Done Deal

‘Mr O’Neill said it was in the hands of the Australian government how long it would take to open the centre and PNG’s only pre-condition was for Australia to improve to facilities on Manus Island.

“This is a regional issue, we’re not interested in making money out of it,’’ he said.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/labor-strikes-deal-over-png-asylum-centre-20120908-25krj.html#ixzz25qtfgWKw

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*well played, those handbagz smothering cunts

** but seriously, well played. Strong win.

This is for anyone cheering the red & the white…

I must be getting old. This is why I have no respect for the ‘younger generation’ what with their [male] hair products, their clean hands & their complete lack of a grip on reality [mainly the metropolitan ones]…

No doubt, y’all aren’t up for the aggressive soundtrack, so man up & just read the words, mute that shit, it’s a lyric video…

Exactly what death metal needs if its proponents wish to expose it to the mainstream: subtitles and a mute button. 😐

The masses are too easily amused by sugary crap. What death metal needs most certainly isn’t ‘the masses.

😯 😆 😉

There’s much to be said for feeling good. And bubblegum, although my confection of choice would be dark chocolate.

Whatever lends bouyancy to your particular maritime conveyance.

Seriously. 😉

I used to think I had eclectic tastes and could enjoy any kind of music. Until I came across that stuff. For me, it just doesn’t flick the pleasure switch. (Do you actually find it “musical”?)

It has taken me about 26/37yrs to acquire an ear that can appreciate that stuff. Otherwise it would probably sound like ‘noise’. Thing is, there’s so much happening at so many bpm that, particularly if you’re only ever exposed to mid tempo safety-music, your ear won’t decipher the signals between your eardrum & your chillax zone. I can’t explain it to the lay listener any other way. You will never ‘get’ it because it would be too endurance draining to get up to speed with it.
It would be a chore, a terrible chore if you didn’t want to listen to it…probably akin to how I measure something like Nickelback, Katy Perry or LMFAO.

So, yes, I find it intensely ‘musical’. There is melody & hyper-pattern in it.

I fkn love it. What’s more, I know that I’m far from the only one. I know many people personally & there are plenty in the woodwork.
The internet has increased it exponentially, but has also lead to plenty of generic rubbish; as with all things.

I’ve been into SLAYER & others since 1985.

‘THE Greens suffered a voter backlash across the state yesterday, with swings of between 10 and 15 per cent against the party in most parts of NSW.

‘Councils in Sydney’s inner suburbs felt the brunt, including Leichhardt, Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick and Marrickville, which had previously been Greens-friendly and used by the party to promote foreign affairs concerns and other ambitious policies.’

Daily Telegraph

God botherers cherry pick Leviticus to get a good result.

…and in the meantime, stop her from travelling overseas and talking to people. It’s humiliating.

I hate him. It’s got fuck all to do with South Australia.

Other dishonourable mentions got to Eddy thefuckwitvictorian , Malcolm Blight, Tony Shaw, Huddo, that woman they cut & some more I’m probably not thinking of.

Dennis Cometti(sic) is about the pick of the bunch.

Bwooce gushes like a man who’s never seen a football up close.

‘Is being killed a better option for them?’

🙂

The Rust Belt states in the US mid west are in the process of economic transition…there is a movement towards ‘brown’ jobs.

http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2012/09/06/brown-jobs-up-in-swing-states/

‘FEDERAL Labor will sharpen its attack on the Greens over core policy disputes after weekend elections that heartened ALP supporters angry at the concessions made to their allies in the minority government.

‘Voters turned on the Greens in some of the party’s local government strongholds as part of a shift to the Right blamed in part on federal policy rows over asylum-seekers and climate change.’

David Crowe in the Oz

It may be a little late to keep the bastards honest, but I agree it would be ‘good for the parliament.’

Victoria’s top traffic cop is canvassing the idea of reducing the legal blood alcohol limit from .05% to .02%. Taxis and bottle shops will approve. Pubs and clubs won’t. Nor will many of their patrons.