GLADYS: MORRISON IS A “HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE PERSON!”

Scott Morrison has been left visibly shattered after leaked bombshell text messages between former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and a current Liberal Minister were revealed by Network Ten journalist Peter van Onselen at Morrison’s appearance at the National Press Club earlier today.
‘I’ve got them right here,’ said Van Onselen.
In one she described you as, quote, “a horrible, horrible person“, going on to say she did not trust you, and that “you’re more concerned with politics than people.”
‘The minister is even more scathing, describing you as a fraud and, quote,”a complete psycho“.
‘Does this exchange surprise you?’ asked Van Onselen. ‘And what do you think it tells us?’
The Prime Minister was left almost speechless by the surprise attack, pausing briefly, apparently stunned, before replying curtly and moving on to the next question.
‘Well, I don’t know who you’re referring to, or the basis of what you’ve put to me,’ he said. ‘But I obviously don’t agree with it. And I don’t think that’s my record.’
For those who missed it. Check out the rapid blinking and the smug smirk…
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Oh noes! Backstabbing politicians – what has the country come to!
What a cock!
I suppose it is the “great length” which makes it “quite shocking”.
What a cock!
So, you were impressed?
Some more pearlers from his obituary. Hard to know why he doesn’t want to be asked questions by Tingle
“So, you were impressed?”
Just admit it – everyone is a size queen in their heart of hearts!
hmm, so no then?
I love how he’s running a party on values’, from an OnlyFans site
#auspol is cooked
‘When thieves fall out, honest men come by their own. ‘
History rhymes again … 😁 😎
But wait! There’s more! LOL!
Just the lynque is enough … 😁😁😁😁😁 😎
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/antivaxxers-at-parliament-house-protest-turn-on-oneanother/news-story/8ab55939fa04a6ec1baeb94d0ec97ecd
Gladys has just confirmed that the tweet is true
Gladys Berejiklian has ‘no recollection’ of calling Scott Morrison ‘horrible, horrible’ person in text message
Did you know? – “The Australian Office of Financial Management estimates the Reserve Bank will own around 36 per cent of all Australian government bonds on issue by February 2022, and declared its confidence that investors will step up their buying when the RBA’s purchases end.”
And today – “Since the start of the pandemic, the RBA’s balance sheet has more than tripled to around $640 billion, with this expansion providing continuing support”
Seems like it’s incest writ large – one arm of executive government ‘borrowing’ from another. So what’s the chance of a default?
Gladys has just confirmed that the tweet is true
Kneel! I’m impressed! You have finally discovered the art of sarcastic humour!
🤩 😎
Seems like it’s incest writ large – one arm of executive government ‘borrowing’ from another. So what’s the chance of a default?
Ahhhh … cynical humour …
Overfknwhelmed with grammatical styles!
MESSAGE TO DEFENCE MINISTER PETER DUTTON
STFU!
Seems like it’s incest writ large – one arm of executive government ‘borrowing’ from another. So what’s the chance of a default?
Is that you MN??
I thought you said govt debt is not a problem??
OT
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/01/fears-of-power-outages-as-unusual-weather-combination-ramps-up-queensland-heat
BTW it is not “unusual weather” for Queensland … the boofheads reporting this are either cockroaches, mexicans or 13 years old!
Fk me! This is the land of drought, floods, Westerlies (dust storms), cyclones and bushfires, invasion by mexicans, cockroaches and crow eaters. Unusual? GMAFB! Heat and humidity is QUEENSLAND …
Elon Musk proved the power of batteries in SA how many years ago … and we are still stuttering about relying on outdated power stations that – CAN”T KEEP UP with demand!
When will Australians wake up? Our governments are slack as shite …
Fart Factory Ltd recording of visiting politician: “what smell?”
I thought you said govt debt is not a problem??
And then you go and spoil it all, by saying something stupid like …. is that you- oo -oo MN?
TB
MN is a MMT believer who thinks govt debt does not matter. I have not spoilt anything.
I think MN has chickened out of previous comments.
Anyway the ALP does not think govt debt is a problem. Never have and never will
Kneel,
Anyway the LNP does not think govt debt is a problem. Never have and never will
No government does … that’s what MN is trying to explain to you … as usual; you believe the LNP bullshit!
TB
Howard/Costello cared about govt debt. They took debt from 18% of GDP in 1996 to zero by 2003.They are the only govt since 1972 to reduce govt debt.
But Labor does not care about people. govt debt, borders or anything other than winning govt
And MN has stated that debt is not a problem since we have a fiat currency, whatever that is
TB you come from the side of politics that misleads and deceives people. Always have and always will
Seems Morrison had somewhat of a shocker today. But then again, I tend to watch and listen to the ABC. One therefore wonders what the alternative reality looks like?
Dutton will be war-gaming because, as always, he’s a man guided by hubris .
Go Peter!
(TB, I see the problem(s) with trying to have a sensible conversation with Neil.
One wonders who helps him cross roads? Tie up laces? Change …. Be thankful for the NDIS?)
Mn, yer a quick learner … pity Kneel isn’t … 😉 😎
Dutton will be war-gaming
Perhaps he’s already launched his first skirmish?
Pathetic really how the winged monkeys in media flock in to assist
The musings now are, the election is lost, they will burn the fields, spend 3 years trashing and blaming Labor for it all (with a LOT of help from their winged monkeys), and then glide back in.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Ignoring the flippant journalistic nonsense, read further down the page to …
The Family at
workplay …Do not ever forget that this is, The Firm, that all Aussies pay for constantly … after all Elizabeth !! is our Head of State … she even has seven Governor’s General … that we pay for!
And for ToM (and I suspect a few other Royalists here) … a link*
https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/inside-prince-andrews-578000amonth-life/news-story/1120b51e4e6e95897c392b4d2f57a440
RIP Glenn Wheatley!
Hero among musos … I was never famous but I lived the era as a band member and later singer (seeking fame)
As Glenn Shorrock said … Wheatley took Australian music from hobby to industry …
As an aside I met Glenn Shorrock at, The Bowl, in Brisbane when he was lead singer with The Twilights …they performed, Paperback Writer, five – yes five – part harmony – blew me away!
I was drummer/singer with my band (we all sang), The Bits & Pieces, we introduced the set with one of my solos, And I Love Her, and the Twilghts followed … met a few of the bands that Glenn Wheatley managed …
Great times to be alive!
“Great times to be alive!”
True that, TB. I envy you your music, your skills and the good times.
I had fun then, but I didn’t have your talent!
Wasn’t all fun, splats.
Country dances cost me a fortune in new radio aerials for my Holden FX! 😄
And the yobbo’s who wanted to “belt up the boys in the band”
eg as we loaded our gear up – “I saw ya lookin’ at my girfriend” … Tom, our rhythm guitarist and my songwriting, mate. “oh, the ugly one?” Mmmm … imagine the rest.
So, TB what was your favourite song to sing from that era? There must have been some where you could really let go and become immersed in the music.
(You are excused from discussing groupies on the grounds of self-incrimination.)
CNN is imploding. Mired in a cesspit of its own sex scandals. Looks like Toobin is the only one of them to keep his hands to himself:
Meanwhile, what the actual fuck is this….??
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
(Meanwhile, what the actual fuck is this….??
Don’t know.)
Lol @ ivi… 😆
The 5th Dimension were classy, ivi. This lot are more like Spanky and Our Gang.
And Jen looks craaazy-suicidal but I doubt the noose she is wearing will support the weight.
Meanwhile, what the actual fuck is this….??
Bullshit … ?
Right now its pissing down … the aliens attacked last night (they reckon it was just a storm – more BS!). Our computers shut down mine stayed down The Minister’s came straight back up … (both assembled by moi, BTW 😎 so can’t complain)
And its been overcast and showering all day …
Brisbane my arse! Morrison is so friggin’ shallow, an election close so lets play in Brisvegas and set up a highly suspicious (all about timing) enquiry into the Queensland ALP government …
So, TB what was your favourite song to sing from that era? There must have been some where you could really let go and become immersed in the music.
Maybe not my favourite song liked all the songs I sang but “I Believe” won me Queensland’s New Faces – a trip to Sydney for Australia’s NF and the Encouragement Award (producer told me after the show that they had too many vocalists – a 14 yo cornet player won!)
The song did become a sort of signature.
Went on to do another four TV shows on channel O and 9 … the (reel to reel- now digitalised) tapes are amusing.
Last time I sang “I Believe” was in an Irish pub with piano and violin as backing – wacky wonderful.
As for the band we always began with Bits’n’Pieces of course.
And we gained quite a bit of kudos playing Help! at The Scene the week it was released.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(You are excused from discussing groupies on the grounds of self-incrimination.)
They are scary, man, my first solo gig at The Scene I was almost dragged off the stage (about 180cm high) they grabbed the mike cable and yanked – saved by the bouncers one either side lifted me under my armpits – out of the pits! Then the “boss” said get rid of your wedding ring and get your pants pegged 😁
Had a couple of girls drive around in the FX to gigs and practice nothing untoward … most girls took one look at my car and went home – not a pretty thing.
Enuff! 😎
BTW I always wore sunnies when I played. 😎 cool, hey?
Very cool, TB. I am very jealous and I’m glad you have such great memories and no doubt can still kill it karaoke.
… no doubt can still kill it karaoke.
I still have a PA and 100s of midi kar files and now “acquire” and modify online karaoke.
The only way I can sing – can’t remember words!
$300 a gig’s pretty good for an old fart! 😎
Once said “I used to be a muso” and got howled down by a bunch of fkn teenagers!
“You’ll always be a muso” … they said in lovely harmony.
Life is so fkn short but mine has been exceptionally privileged
My mate Tom, mentioned above, passed away @ 33 with cancer … left behind his wife and three girls …
On a brighter note … another mate of mine, Marc Tewksbury, I hadn’t seen for years ’cause he hangs out in Canberra, turned up on LinkedIn last year and we had a great chinwag … he’s 15 years my junior and loves The Beatles so we did a fair bit of singing/harmonising together (how long ago!) … he’s a pianist/guitarist songwriter and attempts to play timpani … catch him on Spotify …
Thanks for prompting, splats … and indulging …
And anyone else I’ve bored. 😎
You’re not boring anyone TB.
It’s good to have these conversations here.
“It’s good to have these conversations here.”
Indeed. Music brings out the best in us. I’ll try a bit less splatter for a week or so.
I have a picture in my mind of you singing “I Believe”, TB. Maybe a flash shirt with a big collar. It is a song of optimism and great humanity. A slow build to a passionate and perhaps overwrought finale. I wish I could sing!
One of my memories of the mid nineties – the last performance of the Jackson Code in Sydney – the lead singer asked for the audience’s indulgence to do something he had always wanted to do. He donned a gold lamé jacked and sang an Elvis song – True Love Travels on a Gravel Road – ending the performance lying on his back on the stage, overcome with emotion but still belting out the words.
Thanks, reb …
Maybe a flash shirt with a big collar.
Maybe a french brocade (purple/green) dinner jacket with maroon collars and maroon pants (same material as the collars) with a black stripe down the outside of each leg. White dress shirt, with ruffle of course, and a velvet maroon bow tie – still got all but the shirt and ruffle.
The first time I wore it, Bernard King, (you remember Bernard) simply said, “TB, your clothes are immaculate” (actually I think he said your “your dress is immaculate”) …
Pubs was either lime green or purple flares, matching long sleeved “pirate” style shirt and waistcoat with high heeled shiny blob toed maroon shoes.
Always with cut glass diamond shaped cufflinks.
These days its black suit and shirt – works for all occasions. 😉
Those were the days!
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsbJVhv_DPng_icmsZMJ_j13VVDpRLVSKyqA&usqp=CAU
Ah yes, the sartorial Mr King:
I see ToM keeps old photos …
That’s the man, splats, he asked me to go to his “workshop” – $2 a week – I couldn’t afford it! By that time I had a wife and child to support and a car on HP … rent etc …
What did Glenn Shorrocks say? Hobby – not yet an industry? Hobbies cost money…
oops Glenn Shorrock 😶
Interesting…
Top 20 Countries with the highest minimum wage in 2020 (US$):
Australia – $14.54
Luxembourg – $13.67
New Zealand – $13.18
Monaco – $11.88
Ireland – $11.54
France – $11.46
United Kingdom $11.37
Netherlands – $11.21
Belgium – $11.06
Germany – $10.68
San Marino – $10.55
Canada – $10.33
South Korea – $8.99
Israel – $8.17
Japan – $7.52
Spain – $7.30
United States $7.25
Andorra – $6.72
Slovenia – $5.84
Taiwan – $5.26
Yes it maybe ‘interesting’ but perhaps it’s also misleading. Take ‘tipping’ as an example. In the US, ‘tipping’ is the norm but in Australia far less so. (And that’s a good thing.)
There’s also a number of other variables that might be unpacked. (BTW, I don’t know anyone in Australia who works for $14.54 an hour.)
Should point out that $14.54 US converts to A$20.45 but the statement still stands.
Top 20 Countries with the highest minimum wage in 2020 (US$):
And your point?
oh! And leenk?
(BTW, I don’t know anyone in Australia who works for $14.54 an hour.)
Sadly, ivi, I know two … but in our family – the best time to look for a job – is when you have one … any job … two kids, five g/kids all believe in – being contributing members to society! and they are!
As usual ToM has no idea about how society (and our economy) functions …
He’s attempted this before …
Now comes the real question … how much TAX do the corporate billionaires (who influence our politics far more than we do) contribute to the sustainability of society … 👿
Note: Sponsoring the Australian Olympic Team is NOT paying taxes – its playing political stoopids – and TAX AVOIDANCE … the person who wanted to use nuclear explosions to dig more iron ore is not to be admired … even if ToM probably would.
I’m simply pointing out that Australia has the highest minimum wage in the world.
It’s interesting and adds a little context to the debate about employment standards and rates.
“And your point?”
Indeed… 🙄
Australia also has some of the most expensive housing in the world.**
**But you already knew that, so (as TB points out) what exactly is your point…..???
I’m currently holidaying in Malaysia where a retail shop assistant earns around RM2000 per month (about $700 Aus dollars), however a loaf of bread is $1.20 and petrol is less than 70 cents a litre.
Australians who are mortgaged up to the eyeballs are going to be in for a rude awakening when interest rates start rising again.
“Mortgage stress is spiking across key suburban electorates in Sydney and Melbourne despite record low interest rates as spiralling property prices leave two in five households struggling to make ends meet.”
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/mortgage-stress-soars-as-rba-says-tax-system-pushes-up-house-prices-20210919-p58sw3.html
Remember when James was ridiculed because he used personal experience in a discussion.
People here should try some facts before running off at the mouth
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp
And maybe even remember that those countries held up as models of civil society (Norway, Denmark, Sweden) don’t even have a minimum wage
Perhaps they don’t have a need for a minimum wage? That keeping workers’ wages as low as possible isn’t the priority? The priority? The driving force?
Or is it being suggested, that the ‘natural and right’ order is to appropriate the ‘all’ to ‘capital’? And bugger the other?
“People here should try some facts before running off at the mouth”
Indeed. From your own link, Australia ranks in the top 15 nations with the most expensive cost of living.
What was the point you were ‘trying’ to make again…?
Or was it this one…
“Remember when James was ridiculed because he used personal experience in a discussion.
But my mum’s library book….!!
:LOL:
More text messages slamming Morrison ostensibly from “his mates”. 😆
“Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has apologised for calling Prime Minister Scott Morrison “a hypocrite and a liar” in a text message that was passed on to former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-04/barnaby-joyce-apologises-for-texts-about-scott-morrison/100807094
* Highest minimum wage in the world
* 8th highest average wage in the world
* Similar living costs to other developed nations
…but let’s all complain about how miserable life is
…but let’s all complain about how miserable life is
All? Please explain?
You’ve been complaining here for how many years! 🙄
Even the RBA chief says a 3% wage rise is long ovedue.
My uni is now blaming (again) BB for the housing crisis.
Build more fkn houses … and limit “investment” houses in what should be homes for families …
Get rid of negative gearing … casual work … bans on overtime payments … reduce cost of expensive learning after HSC – uni, trade, TAFE – and reduce taxes for the people who need it not the rich and mean spirited.
And get rid of support for religious kiddie traps … and their false values.
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/data-shows-investors-are-back-buying-property-with-a-vengeance/news-story/3719e2b543c40a830ef4bbb98d9d35f6
The usual grab bag of random left talking points
“…but let’s all complain about how miserable life is”
FMD! You were whingeing relentlessly about how your mum couldn’t get a fucking library book……!!!
I used various examples of public service employees using the pandemic as an excuse to avoid providing a public service
E.R.E.A.D.E.R
The usual grab bag of random left talking points
And they are?
Wait for the dot points
And the lynx 😋
” using the pandemic as an excuse “
I know. Why can’t these so-called “people” just show up to work and die, so your mum can get her fkn library book..!
It’s not too much to ask..
People that suffered no reduction in wages couldn’t be bothered figuring out how to help.
After some public pressure, they go off their fat @rses
I used various examples of public service employees using the pandemic as an excuse to avoid providing a public service
Some of these Public Servants make my blood boil. I read one was complaining why people are protesting in Canberra. Well they are protesting because the govt has shut down their business.
When confronted with that comment the Public Servant then said why doesn’t the business up and leave downtown Canberra and start up in a Canberra suburb
This was stated by a person with a permanent Public Service job unaffected by the virus
Under Morrison’s direction way back in 2019:
So we had Tudge demanding changes to the curriculum (there was no compulsory, core competency in mistress bashing) and now we have Dutton buying tanks that can’t be transported, nuclear submarines that haven’t been designed and planes that shouldn’t fly, according to the US commissioners.
Then there’s Barnaby, the Deputy PM, who thinks his boss is a liar.
And some wonder what has gone wrong?
(Reb is that ‘Chicken Man’ still on Gurney Drive?)
After some public pressure, they go off their fat @rses
(Think you meant, get … )
Bananaby Joyce, f’rinstance?
I blame too much expensive Shiraz …
And I’m fkn slow!!!
I’m currently holidaying in Malaysia …
Holidaying! Fkn holidaying!
Enjoy! V
And I’m fkn slow!!!
I’m currently holidaying in Malaysia …
Holidaying! Fkn holidaying!
Enjoy! V
MN even gave us your address! Hehehehe! 🐔
We can always rely on left types to defend pen pushing, chain dragging public servants that work so hard to avoid providing the public with service
We can always rely on left types to defend pen pushing, chain dragging public servants that work so hard to avoid providing the public with service
It makes my blood boil when these Public Servants say if the business is failing because of govt policy they should go somewhere else.
Have these Public Servants have any idea how much it costs and what the risk is to take their small business somewhere else?? The business may have to spend $400,000 to move and then the move may not work so they go bankrupt.
This advice is given by people with permanent jobs on 15.4% Super
“Reb is that ‘Chicken Man’ still on Gurney Drive?”
The deep fried one…?? Yes still got.
😆
“Holidaying! Fkn holidaying!”
Aye son.
And fuckn lovin’ it…!
Did I mention how cheap the cost of living is here…..? 😆
That would be YOUR opinion?
Too much sugar in your diet can give you worms, splats, you need to see a doc and you’ll probably need a good deodorant
Did I mention how cheap the cost of living is here…..?
Often …
Have to change this gravatar it ends up where people are not so, shall we say, tolerant of humour … 😎
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Well there you have it…. 😆
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Love the Australian of the year one reb, the guy nailed it
I see the week ended up with an outbreak of harmony and understanding, was nice to see (and nice to read the memories coming out)
And then yomm wandered in, still angry about his mums kindle.
I reckon the Australian of The Year nailed it again just quietly 😉
So, has Carr just brought on an early election, a libspill, or just about to get served with papers?
Apparently there is a cryptocurrency for this:

“So, has Carr just brought on an early election, a libspill, or just about to get served with papers?”
Lovers of blood sports will be hoping for a spill (hopefully both Libs and Nats) and an early election. We need to return to the glory days of Little Billy Two-Knives and Talcy “Live by the Sword” Turdball?
Apparently there is a cryptocurrency for this:
Bugger that, I just want the NFT
“Bugger that, I just want the NFT”
This One?
The tinfoil akubra and chairman gladys and macron Le-frog all beating up on fact-free slomo is fcuking delicious. Almost as delicious as the product turning up on supermarket shelves soon. Right between the spam and tuna tins.`
Even tho they thrash about in quicksand ponds of their own making, they can still rely on the red gaggle to push them over the line until 2027.`
This One?
SOMEONE STOLE MY NFT!!!
Does anyone else (wistfully) remember the days when comedians were funny and the jokes they told made people laugh?
https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/jimmy-carr-blasted-for-joking-gypsies-being-killed-was-a-positive-of-the-holocaust/video/9173b60fc5bb0c9eebd9a94756dff1c1
Mongrel pig – what a fucking hero:
Mongrel pig – what a fucking hero:
Do ya know him, splats?
ToM’s not keen on cops either … teenage thing …
Does anyone else (wistfully) remember the days when comedians were funny and the jokes they told made people laugh?
Yep … but not that nonsense … I only read the title to your link (there wasn’t much else anyway)
1. I grew up with gypsies visiting my village … and we (kids) looked forward to it …
2. The Roma, Gypsies, Travellers (Ireland) have always been despised for one reason … they live a life of freedom that others envy … in fact the Romany have been around for centuries … and just because they are different cop shite (looking at you!) … treat a Romany as you expect to be treated and they are kind and giving and fun …
3. I’m a big fan of Jimmy Carr and recognise that sometimes comedians overstep the mark.
But racism (or worse) is not acceptable … for instance I’d never call you white, old man, rich and privileged … 😎
https://jamesmilson.com/about-the-blog/judge-softly-or-walk-a-mile-in-his-moccasins-by-mary-t-lathrap/
This really is sickening.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/07/sydney-private-school-lists-same-sex-relationships-along-with-abusive-relationships-as-not-acceptable
Time to stop supporting (billions of $$ go to brainwashing children in schools and patients in private hospitals >>> personal experience – didn’t go well for the missionary!) these “schools of the 1st Century” … and the creeping control of our democratic government by right wing religious nutjobs … it is so insidious people don’t even see it!
vis-a-vis
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/07/morrison-signals-attempt-to-pass-religious-discrimination-bill-in-the-near-future
Sick – the world does not revolve about your twisted “beliefs”!
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/07/citipointe-churchgoers-give-standing-ovation-for-under-fire-principal
The religious nutjobs’ hypocrisy at large!
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/brittany-higgins-reveals-she-hasnt-been-invited-to-parliaments-apology-to-victims-of-alleged-sexual-assault/news-story/43bf9d2e0f9c0c8f8e7f34dbe0570963
The ninth commandment! The shalt not lie! Nor deceive
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/prime-ministers-daughter-trolled-after-he-posts-family-pictures/news-story/1cac06311afd0841fc772007fbfbedb7
Most understand (and abjure) the concept of “racism”, (defined in terms of antagonism … against people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial …) but few understand (or appreciate) the concept of “ethnocentrism” (defined in terms of evaluating other cultures through the lens of standards and customs embedded in one’s own culture.)
Fact is everyone is “ethnocentric” to a greater or lesser extent. It can be no other way – at least as a starting point.
But for far too many, the starting point becomes the finishing point. Thus we have discrimination based on “culture” which might include ‘religion’, ‘dress’, ‘custom’, ‘language’, ‘expression’, etc etc. Seems to me, we should grow up and accept “difference” which will include how we construct reality.
If the mongrels want to distribute crack pipes in your community they aren’t really looking out for your best interests:
Safe injecting rooms have proven to be an overall benefit to community splats. Just saying 😉
Location is the problem with safe injecting rooms. The one here in Richmond is right next to a primary school.
Kids are stepping over comatose addicts as they turn up for school.
This move was about “racial equity”, whatever that means.
Still with the Dems are defunding the police I guess the crack dealers will thrive. Free crack pipes is just another stimulus to their business.
Given the big banks ownership interest in the Dems, the next step will be free $100 bills for bankers to snort coke through.
This move was about “racial equity”, whatever that means.
The article didn’t mention that?
Yes yomm, location is important. Sticking it next to a primary school is just dumb imo
(Seems to me….
Yes, of course, drop bears, eh?)
If the mongrels want to distribute crack pipes in your community they aren’t really looking out for your best interests:
As the Chinese found out early in their history …
And the Chinese have very long memories …
“And the Chinese have very long memories …”
Yes. Hopefully the Uighurs and Tibetans do as well.
So say all of us! splats!
They are just not in a position to take revenge … like the Chinese …
And Australia is still a European “outpost” … and pretty weak …
BTW – halve that 80k …well try 58k … and halve that …
Poke the dragon … and it spits fire … (<<>>) … and we ALL die …
Interesting … Potato Head disappeared from between the <>
https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/staunch-antivaxxer-did-not-want-jab-catching-covid19-changed-his-mind/news-story/84c616702ff4b45672baa44b343842b5
A noder one … you could call it a sick decision!
HEROINE!
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/discrimination-ian-thorpe-speaks-out-against-religious-freedom-bill/news-story/450ea53bb2994156d4a478fc57938f18
Anyone who votes Liberal Party, National Party, Liberal National Party, Australia Party, One Nation …. I hope you suffer the consequences of your vote next year!
Section 81 of the constitution states;
“All revenues or moneys raised or received by the Executive Government of the Commonwealth shall form one Consolidated Revenue Fund …
So all monies, taxes, tariffs, royalties, etc (income) paid to the Commonwealth goes into the (single) Consolidated Revenue Fund and there it stays. It’s not tagged, labelled or identified as to the categories collected from.
Further, Section 83 of the constitution states (in part):
… money cannot be drawn from the CRF without an appropriation Act.
The ‘appropriate Act’ is commonly known as the Budget – which ‘appropriates’ (allocates) funds to be spent in the foreseeable future via government ‘departments’, broadly defined. The Budget does not identify particular ‘source’. Legally, it’s now government funds, legally collected, to be legally spent. Not a ‘taxpayer’ reference in sight.
What WAS (source) is now out of the equation. Just like the dollars you paid to the butcher, baker and candlestick maker, they are no longer yours. They have a new owner.
Yet, politicians and others, speak of those government funds as ‘taxpayer funds’ (often implying a continuing ownership.) And if that were the case, there seems no recognition that ‘taxpayers’ include BHP (the biggest taxpayer) the Banks, etc. Taxpayers also include backpackers, foreign diplomats, even Murdoch if he buys an ice-cream at the airport.
Yet there is a case to be made that politicians are in fact spending OUR money. But the OUR in this case are Citizens (voters), whether they be taxpayers or not. There is no one-to-one correspondence between taxpayers and citizens. Citizens, in terms of voting rights, are all equal. Taxpayers aren’t.
In my case I am not an effective taxpayer because I receive more from the public purse that I contribute. (As Hockey pointed out, nearly half of citizens are not net taxpayers. They, like me, depend on corporations (both local and foreign) to pay their ‘fair share’.
But, for some strange reason most Voters prefer to identify as third rate taxpayers rather than first rate Citizens. (As an aside, get in trouble while overseas, go to an Australian Embassy and identify as a ‘taxpayer’ (as distinct from a Citizen) and see what matters.
The government is now in search of a solution to a problem of their own creation.
And having Ms C(r)ash leading the charge is profoundly ironic.
The Germans have gone mad:
splats, that is a dumb decision … there’s plenty of open country in Germany … and they do well with solar panels they are everywhere.
Why not use the coast like most other countries in North Europe
The state government that did this is a conservative-green coalition. That is weird in itself. But maybe this is the result of a trade-off.
The Germans would have been better off keeping their nuclear plants.
While employing the “scientific” method is currently the best way we have of “knowing” (at a particular moment in time), it does not give us TRUTH, in any absolutist sense.
Those ‘scientists’ (including the medical profession) who don’t publicly acknowledge that are doing themselves and the wider population a dis-service.
All scientific findings are (and should be) regarded as “tentative”. Just awaiting the next theoretical breakthrough.
But most people just want the TRUTH, (sworn to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth) and therefore fall as easy prey to those who (claim to) provide same. It’s why religion persists.
It’s why religion persists.
Indeed. And dodgy politicians.
Perhaps we get the politicians we deserve (as a generality). Imagine the outcome if a politician, when asked a (complex) question, responded with – “I don’t know.” – or something similar.
Shock, horror – a politician who ‘doesn’t know’. Poll numbers would be in free-fall – (by attempting to be truthful).
Perhaps, the root of the problem can be identified by glancing in the mirror?
MN
People vote Labor because they want stuff from the govt
Neil of Sydney re – “People vote Labor because they want stuff from the govt” Very true!
Also – “People vote LNP because they want stuff from the govt”.
Governments are there to do what individuals can’t (by themselves). Strength in numbers.
Collective action. And the like.
So?
Perhaps, the root of the problem can be identified by glancing in the mirror?
Speak for yourself! 😋
People – like Kneel -vote Liberal/National (a political UNION!) because they want to stuff most Australians …
Actually that’s a bit OTT … Kneel votes Liberal because he believes in the TRUTH … his truth … fuck other people desperate for housing, food, clothing, education, health …
We need to help our poorest an most needy ..
Australia is the WEALTHIEST country on the globe – an the MEANEST!
A lynx fer ToM!
https://www.ceda.com.au/NewsAndResources/Opinion/International-affairs/Australia-tops-global-wealth-rankings
And unless you’ve some education in statistics the “median” tells you more than the “average” wealth …
TB
Why are we the meanest?? Have you any idea the sort of help you can get from Centrelink??
Have you?
TB, did you know Australia has the highest minimum wage in the world?
That’s the type of thing a society does when it helps the least affluent
Neil Young – stinking hypocrite. Cancel the motherfucker:
Tom, – your reference to Australia’s ‘minimum wage’ (with approval) might further mask reality rather than illuminate it. Take Finland as an example (after a very quick Google)::
https://www.expat-finland.com/employment/wages_conditions.html#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20universal%20minimum,such%20as%20food%20and%20residence.
Then there’s *benefits*. Try university education as an example.
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/080616/6-countries-virtually-free-college-tuition.asp
In Australia, a university education is NOT considered a societal investment but is treated as a personal cost. (And yes that needs to be unpacked,)
Have you any idea the sort of help you can get from Centrelink??
https://www.themonthly.com.au/today/paddy-manning/2020/01/2020/1590990618/robo-dead
None of the Scandinavian countries have a minimum wage.
But imagine the political outcry here if a minimum wage was abolished and replaced with some vague notion about a “normal and reasonable” rate
Usually a high minimum wage means high unemployment but in Australia now we seem to have low unemployment despite the high minimum wage. Interesting.
Now we have a glimpse of the coalition talking points for the coming election. The Australian has a piece on Albanese wanting to impose an inheritance tax.
The article used statements Albanese made thirty years ago and did not refer to current ALP policy.
But imagine the political outcry here if a minimum wage was abolished and replaced with some vague notion about a “normal and reasonable” rate
Imagine if we had the same social system underpinning that the Scandinavian countries have. That’s why we need a minimum, and they don’t. Simple concepts appear hard for some
seem to have low unemployment
Emphasis on the ‘seems’ there 😉
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2021/sep/21/unemployment-in-australia-only-45-wait-until-i-stop-laughing
TB, did you know Australia has the highest minimum wage in the world?
That’s the type of thing a society does when it helps the least affluent
What! You have no idea what a society does.
Oh, so anyone can:
Change jobs at will.
Buy a home.
Travel extensively.
Raise a family.
Retire comfortably.
Change cars frequently.
Go out to restaurants for meals.
Purchase expensive wines.
Sustain an injury and live a comfortably.
Think again.
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/poverty-rates-australia-rising/?utm_source=paidsearch&utm_medium=ausgrant&utm_campaign=genericbrandname&gclid=CjwKCAiA6Y2QBhAtEiwAGHybPXY7awx-XhYFPEhIbY1Xtm1ChcGQwD5eBHPFw5uGsOKvRm9DoQXPohoC0e8QAvD_BwE
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal/from-military-service-to-homelessness/
https://thedeck.org.au/research/?research_master_categories=publications&publication_category=homelessness&gclid=CjwKCAiA6Y2QBhAtEiwAGHybPWKQDPISXkH-HA4R94chuji5DrzEOSVkQRenSoUjWnYg5rbTEIrnXhoCTXAQAvD_BwE
Even the billionaires say the inequity of wealth needs to change …
Minimum wage … jesus wept …
Time to seriously consider a UBI …
Really TB? That’s an interesting standard.
Which countries provide all that ?
Awesome:
A “work event”…. 😆
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Re:
LOL. (Sorry. It’s the ex-public servant in me that likes to get the detail correct for the historical record.)
As for:
None! Not one! But which country could provide at that level?
Perhaps one which didn’t allow for the free transfer of wealth to foreign shores?
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/revealed-australias-top-40-tax-dodgers-for-2021/
Where is the vision? Where is the ambition? The motivation, enthusiasm, zeal, commitment
sense of purpose, longing, yearning, hankering, get-up-and-go.
Held back by a conservative tunnel vision.
As I recall, TB chose to live here. I wonder whether he thinks he made the right choice.
If his shopping list represents his “society” where would he prefer to reside?
Which country has a “society”?
Re:
Good question. As society is an abstract concept usually defined (loosely) in terms of a web of social relationships . As an abstract concept it’s distinct from physical entity which we can perceive through senses. Thus it can’t be touched, tasted, smelt, felt, etc.
But it can be a useful concept. Something like the class concept.
Best if it’s defined in most instances.
I think Boris Johnson is finished as PM. His successor should be the English-born Tony Abbott.
That video is hilarious Splatter! You can see some of my highlights here!
yomm prefers to reside in a cuntry where cardigan wearing Government serfs can open a kindle book for him.
Real World Problems
TomR
That Robodebt link you gave is just another reason why i never trust you or the ALP.
Robodebt was started by Shorten in 2011. In 2016 Coalition brought in a new computer method to determine income.
After 2016 debt notices were sent to 900,000 people and of those 2,000 died. Guess what?? The died of old age, cancer, heart disease, etc The normal things people die from and it was a normal death rate for a population that size.
It became a urban myth supported by the ABC that those 2,000 people all committed suicide because of debt notices.
Here’s a “real world problem”
According to TB, we’re not a society because not everyone is buying expensive wine!
Robodebt was started by Shorten in 2011.
nil, you remain the dumbest fuck I’ve never met.
And your in direct competition with someone who can’t even operate a Kindle
TomR
Why did the ABC feel the need to publish how many people died after 2016 when the Coalition made changes to Labors Robodebt scheme started in 2011 by Bill Shorten??
Has the ABC ever published how many people died after changes to an existing policy was brought in??
Why did the ABC say 2,000 people died after 2016??
Why did the ABC imply those 2,000 dead bodies was due to Coalition policy??
On the internet that then morphed into all 2,000 committed suicide.
Fact is 2,000 died out of 900,000 over 2 years after 2016. A normal death rate for a population that size.
And yes. ROBODEBT WAS STARTED BY BILL SHORTEN IN 2011
Here in Queensland, the CMO retreats from absolutist (medical) predictions. Better late than never but uncertainty was predictable (and predicted).
The coming (local) Senate contest will be very interesting, While Labor and the LNP are guaranteed 2 each (4 out of 6 in total), the remaining two seats will see a contest between Clive Palmer (UAP), an ALP, a LNP, a Green, a PHON (Hanson), ex Premier Newman. plus a host of hopefuls.
Palmer is a strong chance. Money is no object.
No wonder people are sceptical of Covid mandates – politicians regularly ignore them.

Mandatory school masking doesn’t apply to mongrel politicians looking for a photo op:
ROBODEBT WAS STARTED BY BILL SHORTEN IN 2011
Even though the judge specified what was changed, when it was changed, and why it was illegal, you still continue with this phantasy.
I see Albo just killed off the religious fuckwittery bill, and the greens are still blaming him for …. I don’t really know anymore
They can get in the same bin nils in imo
TB- “I want a society where everyone gets a bottle of bin 389 each week!”
TomR
In 2016 Coalition brought in a new method to determine income called income averaging. It turned out to be a disaster and was illegal for some reason.
But why did the ABC feel the need to post the number of people who died after 2016??
But why did the ABC feel the need to post the number of people who died after 2016??
Perhaps to show how many people died after being sent illegal notices?
From memory, the story went to lengths to mention that the notes themselves were not proven to be the cause of the deaths.
They didn’t go to the same lengths with the Pink Batts deaths, in fact, they rarely mentioned that the deaths were caused by people breaking the laws.
TomR
The ABC was using taxpayers funds to play dirty politics.
Down the bottom of the ABC article which mentioned the 2,000 deaths in the title it was noted that it was a normal death rate for a population of 900,000 people.
But the topic was TB saying we are a mean nation. People can get help from Centrelink that people from most countries could not get. I actually think the govt is too generous. Centrelink should be for people in need not for wealthy people.
As I recall, TB chose to live here. I wonder whether he thinks he made the right choice.
Wrong again. My parents made the decision. 10 years later the Federal Government made a “rigged” decision and I was playing soldiers in the Australian Regular Army in NSW … with my wife and daughter in Brisbane … choice?
ToM quoting that stalwart ultra conservative – Margaret “Iron Lady” Thatcher There’s No Such Thing as Society
Every person for themselves??? … I ain’t experienced that, luckily …
My family will tell you, that helping others – “it’s what we do” …
And I think you meant … (but have never understood)
I prefer to live in a society, rather than survive in an economy …
The word egalitarian is lost on the LNP and its far right hangers on.
“I want a society where everyone gets a bottle of bin 389 each week!”
So do I. And a castle. And slaves and minnows and tiddlers.
But the topic was TB saying we are a mean nation.
Not the topic … but the LNP have raised the bar on meanness and created an economy that favours the rich and privileged and corporate class … supported by a, deliberately, poorly educated (takes $$$$) and easily misled bunch of supporters … who defend the worst and praise the worst …
“I prefer to live in a society, rather than survive in an economy …”
You do realise that you can’t have a society without an economy? The statement is juvenile.
So would you like to live in the “society” which was England immediately before Thatcher took over and rescued the country.
TB think equity involves a few bottles of 389 for everyone.
How sophisticated
And fine, did your parents make the correct decision about destination?
You do realise that you can’t have a society without an economy? The statement is juvenile.
You do realise that you can’t have an economy without a society?
And fine, did your parents make the correct decision about destination?
Mind your own business.
So would you like to live in the “society” which was England immediately before Thatcher took over and rescued the country.
Now that’s juvenile.
Mind my own business??
Well, TB I’m sure the UK would be delighted to have you back.
Which “society” is based on getting expensive wine?
“You do realise that you can’t have an economy without a society?”
Of course.
Well, TB I’m sure the UK would be delighted to have you back.
Yer a nasty piece of work, ToM. I’m Australian you twit!
Society NOT economy
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/11/government-still-fighting-high-court-battle-for-power-to-deport-indigenous-australians-from-their-own-country
Society NOT economy
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/sep/23/three-members-of-biloela-family-granted-year-long-visas-but-theyll-have-to-remain-in-perth
Society NOT economy
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/when-jarryd-hayne-will-learn-fate-over-fight-to-be-freed-from-prison/news-story/93033581c3dc53f903d8c50a81967015
Society NOT economy (read ALL the story)
https://www.kidspot.com.au/news/weve-been-homeless-for-six-months-and-my-9th-baby-is-due-any-day-now/news-story/a1ca4bb381dd4ce69b5586e3c3574254
Stupid NOT economy
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2022/02/11/scott-morrison-hawaii-ukulele/
Politics neither society or economy!
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/10/peter-dutton-has-plumbed-new-and-dangerous-depths-by-suggesting-china-is-backing-labor
As ToM prattles on about wine .. WTF is 389 anyway? He ignores all the other points especially 5800 (estimate) diggers on the street – who served Australia …
A nation thrives on education, health, assistance to those at risk and recognition of service to country … it needs a healthy economy but it also needs a caring society. Economies flourish when society flourishes … not just economies … greed is not good …
If you don’t recognise what that means — then you have not been around since Covid hit these shores!
What have you done for your country – ToM!
Society drives an economy …
You’re the one who think expensive wine for everyone is one of the requirements for a “society”
supported by a, deliberately, poorly educated (takes $$$$) and easily misled bunch of supporters
Thanks to your lefty ideas people now leave school unable to spell. Even when kids left school at an early age in the 1960’s they had the basics of reading and writing.
Plus Labor voters do not care about people. The only people who care about me are my parents. To suggest a political party like Labor cares about people is madness
Meanwhile at the bastion of clean living in the modern world… welcome to Tesla
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-02-11/la-fi-tesla-race-discrimination-lawsuit
Neil re:
Not ideal! So how many people do you care about and why? Assuming you care about yourself.
Tom from your link:
Is this grounds for discussion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) at some level?
Neil is concerned that kids leave school unable to spell . (Possibly talking about me who relies on the computer to underline spelling mistakes.)
Perhaps we should make first year university include some compulsory study of government (how it works and how it might). Or should we simply accept as proper that the current government is attempting to discourage such activity via fee increases?
You’re the one who think expensive wine for everyone is one of the requirements for a “society”
I must have missed that one yomm. I’m sure you can point to it for me?
Thanks to your lefty ideas people now leave school unable to spell
You do understand that the libs have been in power for something like 20 of the past 26 years, don’t you? And have moved the bulk of finance from public to private schools.
And yes, people now leave school unable to spell. And some of you can spell, but quite obviously are unable to think.
There’s so much to choose from…
What! You have no idea what a society does.
Oh, so anyone can:
Change jobs at will.
Buy a home.
Travel extensively.
Raise a family.
Retire comfortably.
Change cars frequently.
Go out to restaurants for meals
Purchase expensive wines.
Sustain an injury and live a comfortably.
What a complete load of random cr@p
Marx (in his later years) argued that ALL ideas/concepts (within a particular socio-historical context) are inter-related. If so, then the concepts of society and economy inter-twine, overlap are inter-dependent or whatever.
So while the concepts of society and the economy can be discreet, they can also be seen to be part of the same picture (as it were.) Nevertheless, at particular moments in time, it’s possible to prioritize one over the other.
In Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk prioritized the ‘social’ over the ‘economic’ before the last election and was rewarded with a clear victory. (Palaszczuk btw is not a political genius but she comes across as ‘one of the mob’ which is crucial in Queensland as Joh, Beattie et al demonstrate.)
Most people, as they age, want more emphasis on the ‘social’ at the expense of the ‘economic’ Me included,
(Indeed; Marx is engrossing.)
What a complete load of random cr@p
So, then you think a society should have a class of people who can’t afford expensive wines?
You do understand that the libs have been in power for something like 20 of the past 26 years, don’t you?
I thought State govts were responsible for education??
But during the 1960’s most people left in year 10 and were able to spell, read and write. And that was with class sizes of 40 plus.
Since then we have had smaller class sizes the removal of discipline. And private schools have taken off because people do not want to send their kids to State schools. I would guess that State schools still get the bulk of govt money.
The country is moving leftward every year. The current Coalition govt has done nothing to get the budget back into surplus
Unusually unintelligent, even for you and TB.
It’s weird that a couple of left types would go out of their way to define society on the basis of a grab bag of material possessions, such as expensive wine.
Perhaps society more about shared basic values, and respect for the institutions that support orderly behaviour.
Although I’d expect you and TB to think a slab is the basis for a civil society
And if access to expensive wine forms part of the criteria, underdeveloped countries are generations away from having a “society”
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Neil Re:
If you say so, but many employers way back disagreed then, constantly claiming what you are claiming now. Check the literature. They voice concerns today and will probably do exactly the same in the ‘morrow.
But go back to an earlier time when ‘schooling for the masses’ (public education) was just underway. Then the ability to ‘write’ (and therefore ‘spell’) was considered to be dangerous for those other than what one might call the ‘upper’ classes.
Reading was good. Provided it was for the study of the Bible and not ‘revolutionary’ literature that was emerging, circa 1848. Writing was bad because it might add to the spreading of those dangerous ideas. And besides it was not ‘necessary’ for employment. Those who needed to read could be recruited from the sons of the upper class, who were so taught.
But the world changes. These days the use of pen and ink is in decline as is the ability to to calculate grocery bills. Such is the result of computers and the like. Why, the youth of today can’t even drive a cart let alone shoe a horse. Where will it end?
“We’ll all be ruined” said Han …
It’s weird that a couple of left types would go out of their way to define society on the basis of a grab bag of material possessions, such as expensive wine.
Why, Commies can’t like things?
And, society is more than shared basic values, and respect for the institutions that support orderly behaviour, it’s about making things available to everyone who wants them, allowing everyone to fulfill all they want.
Which is what a UBI is talking about. There is more to life than work. We actually have the means now, thanks to technology, to be able to pursue self, rather than profit.
Will costellos shit sheet put up an apology?
If you say so, but many employers way back disagreed then, constantly claiming what you are claiming now.
I get your point. People are always saying things were better in the old days. But i still think kids leaving school in the 1960’s remembered more of the stuff they were taught than kids leaving school today.
I’m re-watching the Bernard Cornwall inspired TV series Sharpe … stars Sean Bean – actually born in Sheffield, Yorkshire … character Sharpe (in the TV series) was raised in the workhouse in a village close to where I spent my life from 4yo to 12yo.
The last village I lived in was called Marsden … and in the 17th Century the Luddites were very active … the episode I watched last night was titled “Yorkshire” …
And I pop in this morning to read comments that could have been written by the fat mill owners and landed gentry of the times described above.
As evidence:
Although I’d expect you and TB to think a slab is the basis for a civil society
And if access to expensive wine forms part of the criteria, underdeveloped countries are generations away from having a “society”
Well, well, ToM the upper class twit …
And UBI?
If you remember the 60’s, you weren’t really there.
Luckily for me, the 80’s is a blur 🙂
Seems scotties hand job from costello went well last night too
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLhATebacAEuuRm?format=jpg&name=small
If you remember the 60’s, you weren’t really there.
An oldie but mythology, TR …
Never touched any crap shoved at me in Green Rooms … you would not believe what was available … and WHO sold the shit! (“It’ll improve your performance, honest” — yeaaahhh)
The Minister and I would walk out of places if the weed came out.
Now as for a decent bottle of wine or good bourbon or scotch – guilty!
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2022/02/14/australia-warns-strong-russia-sanctions/
Why can’t this Federal government’s ministers keep their gobs shut!
Do they want Australia to be destroyed by ICBMs? … do they know how accurate they are? … do they realise that Australia’s population is primarily squashed in cities around the coast ie easy targets?
Dumb as shite, the Ukraine Crisis is in Europe … NATO is well experienced warlike activity and certainly don’t count on rantings from an Australian LNP sabre rattling politician …
I suggest looking at the efficacy of F35’s, nuclear submarines and armoured vehicles instead of waving a flag at the Russian bear! As useless as Federal Ministers.
Oh, and read some political/military history concerning Europe …
Speaking of Yorkshiremen … James Cook died 243 years ago … in Hawaii … now there’s a well known destination … 😎
you would not believe what was available
Oh, I think I might 😉
The worst weed ever was found there. many musos wanted to be in, but they really weren’t. I knew some characters back in the day who plied the nightclub scene for the profits
I also remember reading a story about how the drug barons in California made a killing selling crap to Black Sabbath, who basically supported their empires for a time.
The band were too stoned, and too rich, to know either way. Quantity overcame quality
Is it a surprise that inflation is taking off since govts have been stimulus spending??? I thought money printing dilutes the value of money.
Neil, I know you’re a ‘stickler’ for correct expression, including spelling, punctuation and the like (as taught in the good old days) so why have three (3) question marks as in the above.
Don’t think you’re asking three questions. So do you stutter? Please explain.
And why do people persist in using an apostrophe because a word ends in ‘s’? Plurals don’t need apostrophes.
(Probably because the Americans cant (can’t) handle conventional usage. Lol.)
“Luckily for me, the 80’s is a blur”
Good to know it’s not just me then…. 😉
The Minister and I would walk out of places if the weed came out.
Christ on a bike!
“Now as for a decent bottle of wine or good bourbon or scotch – guilty!”
Oh ok, o a sort of “drug snob”… Have I got that right……? 😯
Christ on a bike!
You are so insightful, my son … but that was in my early teens …
Oh ok, o a sort of “drug snob”… Have I got that right……?
Do you ever say anything that isn’t … ???* 😎
===========
Actually – “the place”, was a workmate’s home … we’d gone out with another three couples to the German Club for dinner and we got kicked out ’cause the four blokes (me included) were marching up and down the benches they used for seating doing the Nazi salute and seig heiling . Those were the days … 🙄
The Minister was funny in Amsterdam – she was born in Freisland and has cousins there … and in Amsterdam. Her cousin and I were chuckling as we passed a coffee shop – it doesn’t really “hide” the pot aroma … she had no idea what we were laughing about!
Anyway, seriously, I’ve known too many addicts and too many alcoholics to tread that path – it truly is frightening and sad … I feel for every one!
BTW, reb, that is Wild turkey I hope! 😉
Has anyone seen Lord ToM this evening? … He ain’t bin around …
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/nsw/2022/02/14/palmer-mcgowan-court-defamation/
? Shouldn’t this wanker 😮 be living in the Deep South of the USofA … instead of the Deep North of Australia?
Maybe the Republican Minority Leader’s cousin?
This is perfect….
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Good to see Klintonista Kuntz starting to be prosecuted for confecting the Trump-Russia hoax and manipulating the FBI and CIA to spy on a sitting president:
Even better that now more people are co-operating with the prosecution. We may eventually see Crooked’s crimes exposed in full. But don’t expect this to make headlines in the MSM, despite being way more corrosive of democracy than Jan 6.
lol with reb
lol @ splats
It’s hard to pinpoint why the libs just lost a seat to Labor (who have never held it before)
GOLD!
This is perfect….
🤬 🤬🤬 Just made a fkn coffee!!! Again!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10512571/Trump-Organizations-longtime-accountants-QUIT-doubt-reliability-Trump-financial-statements.html
Rats and sinking ships spring, instantly, to mind …
And almost a precedent …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Capone
Don’t think you’re asking three questions. So do you stutter? Please explain.
But what about my question? Is the rising inflation being caused by govt stimulus spending all around the world?
NB Only use one question mark when talking to MN
Whose NB?
Neil, inflation is a consequence of human choice.
But what about my question? Is the rising inflation being caused by govt stimulus spending all around the world?
Do you have evidence to base your questions on?
Did you know that deflation more serious than inflation?
Have you any knowledge of how a capitalist market economy actually functions?
Do you know what the current inflation rate is for Australia?
Do you know what would be an acceptable rate?
FYI The USA is currently 7.5%
That’s way to subtle for Kneel, MN
Neil, inflation is a consequence of human choice.
Yep. And inflation could be blamed on govts voted for by people who spend spend spend.
Govts who cut spending have a hard time winning govt.
Yep. And inflation could be blamed on govts voted for by people who spend spend spend.
So you blame rich LNP voters for high inflation? Well done, Kneel … you’re slowly getting there …
TB
WE have not run a surplus budget since 2007.The people who believe in budget deficits have won. Conservative Australians are now looking for other parties to vote for other than the Coalition.
Neil are you aware that the Liberal Party of Australia was founded by Robert Menzies?
Further, are you also aware that like any successful corporate leader, Menzies was willing to use long-run debt financing to fund long-run investments?
Did you know that Menzies ran budget deficits for the last nine years of his reign?
Seems like the ‘conservative’ side of politics has a proud history rooted in debt and deficit. So what is your problem?
Further, are you also aware that like any successful corporate leader, Menzies was willing to use long-run debt financing to fund long-run investments?
I see you have drunk the leftie cool aid.
So Menzies/Coalition took WW2 debt from 90% of GDP to ZERO by 1972 while running deficit budgets.
I am sure there is a telephone number you could call if you believe crap like that. Something else must have been happening.
Yes Neil: “Something else WAS happening”.
And a large part of that “happening” can be traced to the investments (or not) made in earlier times.
Take ‘education’ as an example. Queensland, under a Labor regime, failed to invest and its development lagged behind other States.
As for: “… if you believe crap like that…”
That Menzies was a ‘leftie’?
MN
Like i said i am sure there is a telephone number which people can call who believe that Menzies/Coalition took govt debt from 90% of GDP to zero while running deficit budgets and doing nothing else.
And i would guess it had nothing to do with govt spending.
I actually do not know how Menzies did it. I have an idea. But it is only an idea.
And recurrent expenditure isn’t “a long term investment”
And recurrent expenditure isn’t “a long term investment”
You ain’t studied economics … related to a nation … not business …
So you would consider wages as an expenditure? Not a long term investment?
That’s very funny TB.
Wages are “a long term investment! “
Biden has been a mental and moral cripple from at least the time he was punished for cheating at law school. And now the senile pervert is leader of the free world:
Truly he is a dog of a human being.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/15/why-andrew-had-to-settle-with-virginia-giuffre-lawyers-say-he-had-little-choice
Long live the
QueenThe Firm!! What hypocrisy in 2021!Wages are “a long term investment! “
Thanks for proving my point … you don’t pay wages, you don’t get workers, you don’t get workers, you can’t do business, you can’t do business, you can’t make a profit (in fact you will suffer a loss). …. very “funny” * indeed, ToM
I have another analogy I was told many years ago … about a man who became very ill … but I doubt you would understand it. Being a Lord ‘n all …
AS for Federal Government investment!
You might just point to the accepted business or economic or accounting standard that calls wages expenditure a “long term investment”
That makes as much sense as – we’re not a society because everyone can’t but expensive wine
Surprise, surprise, surprise …
I’m guessing the Qld government aren’t consulting epidemiologists (at this stage)
Don’t panic! Mr Morrison Don’t Panic!
it’s a fine line aint it splats. It wasn’t long ago the libs were Chinas mates, and Labor were the racist pigs
Or perhaps, both tales are just a loads of bollocks.
https://www.afr.com/policy/new-labor-china-fta-protectionism-draws-on-old-xenophobic-fears-20150909-gjirwm
PJ O’Rourke has died. He was just about the most entertaining, intelligent, outrageous writer.
Amazing at dissecting hypocrisy.
Yes Tom R. It doesn’t seem so long ago that Krudd was lecturing the Chinese people in Mandarin on Chinese TV.
But these days the Noble Stairman is in bed with them with the Belt and Road initiative. Keating and Carr are proving to be worth every cent Chinese government controlled entities paid them over the years, rushing to do the bidding of the CCP at every opportunity. And ALP shills spend their days bashing the Libs for daring to speak about the genocidal actions of the communist Chinese government.
And ALP shills spend their days bashing the Libs for daring to speak about the genocidal actions of the communist Chinese government.
Perhaps you mean speaking about genocidal acts they themselves don’t seem too far from?
And Yes, Rudd was able to criticise the Chinese, AND carry on formal relations. Labor were able to provide protections for Australian workers, AND deal with Chinese companies at the same time. Exactly as Labor continue to do.
The only ones here who would be dissected by PJ O’Rourke are the libs and their lackeys who pretend it is otherwise.
Besides, weren’t we now at war with Russia?
It really is difficult to keep up
The Russia show is a complete beat-up. Classic wag the dog – Biden is so unpopular, this is all he has going for him.
Mind you, the military-industrial complex would love another war.
Re:
Indeed. It is basic to start any discussion of the military-industrial complex concept with reference to C. Wright Mills’ The Power Elite (1956) but I won’t.
In Australia, and elsewhere, we lack structural arrangements and the political will to do anything about it.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Dutton scores a sinecure if he loses his current gig at the coming election. He’s been a good and faithful servant.
As for Biden. He’s a socialist . Lol. (That’s the level of debate they have in the USA. )
I look at the commentary on US newspaper sites, and I was a frequent visitor there
I think saying – That’s the level of debate they have in the USA demonstrates an odd generalisation verging on ignorance
Tom are you seriously claiming “that level of debate” with respect to Biden (with the noun Biden being the only antecedent) being a socialist) DOESN’T occur in the USA?
Perhaps you would like a link?
MN
I am still waiting for your answer about how Menzies ran deficit budgets but at the same time took govt debt from 90% of GDP just after WW2 to zero by 1972??
Hilarious! A link to prove something isn’t being said!
The level of political discourse under Biden and Harris is far more sophisticated than it is here, and particularly in Queensland and other outposts
No Tom a link to prove that something IS being SAID. (Which was the original claim.)
And here’s just one.
“Republicans accuse President Biden of pursuing a radical agenda that will turn the United States into a failed socialist state. … ”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/05/04/biden-isnt-pursuing-socialism-hes-just-trying-catch-up-with-other-wealthy-democracies/
It’s that level of debate that’s hilarious.
MN
I am still waiting for your answer about how Menzies ran deficit budgets but at the same time took govt debt from 90% of GDP just after WW2 to zero by 1972??
Was Menzies a genius??
Hilarious! An opinion piece that argues that Biden isn’t pursuing socialism, is proof of a debate about him being a socialist!!
Humans are “meaning makers” and “meaning givers”. There is NO meaning with a meaning maker.
Thus, humans don’t GET (receive) meanings – they GIVE (attribute) meanings.
Hence, the breakdown between an INTENDED meaning and one that is then GIVEN. (Just sayin ..)
(Read … ) There is no meaning WITHOUT a meaning maker.
How funny is the Zali Steggall debacle, gains political advantage from-
* Transparency
* Open dialogue
* Accountability
FAIL
My preferred pronouns are y’all and all y’all and my preferred honorific is “Water Sporter”.
I look at the commentary on US newspaper sites, and I was a frequent visitor there
Zali Steggall and the Voices of Party are dishonest hypocrites.
Simon Holmes à Cunt is just another example of the feeble-minded mongrels that are the children of the rich. The more money they have the more they splurge bolstering their insecure egos by signalling their virtue. In the process they become the out-sourced dirty tricks department of the Greens/ALP coalition that will soon be fucking up Australia.
they become the out-sourced dirty tricks department of the Greens/ALP coalition that will soon be fucking up Australia.
For the first time in my life i do not care who wins the next election. Not much difference between Labor and the Coalition these days.
The people who believe in deficit budgets have won.
In the process they become the out-sourced dirty tricks department of the Greens/ALP coalition that will soon be fucking up Australia.
If y’all think that then y’all is fucked up, boy …
(Note: I spent some time working in Atlanta, GA … LAX was like hobo’s motel half the time … on the way back from Santiago I once flew to San Fransisco for no reason except dumb airline staff mistakes … no tucker for 16 hours …
The people who believe in deficit budgets have won.
No-one “believes” in deficit budgets …
After the Great Depression governments learned that spending money on a crisis is better than tightening the treasury belt.
A story (analogy) from one of my lecturers.
“A young man, ToM, with a young family becomes very ill. He requires hospitalisation and serious surgery. He has no assets and little money. The government pays for his surgery.
ToM, returns to work … pays off the debt … and is later promoted to a senior level at his workplace … his continuing income taxes and his innovations at work return the government millions.
Moral: Sometimes you have to give to gain … not allow it to die … deficit isn’t a bad thing depending on how it is used.
A national economy is a living thing … most households enjoy when things are good and tighten the belt when they are not … smart households always have some in reserve – but that usually takes time.
Unless you are a Lord and born into wealth.
No-one “believes” in deficit budgets …
ALP supporters do.
Before i was banned at The Guardian the lefties told me that govt debt is nothing like household debt. So we do not have to worry about deficit budgets.
And Labor has never reduced govt debt because they do not believe it is a problem
The same people who say public debt isn’t a problem (and ignore those that are highly qualified in the discipline, undertake extensive research and demonstrate great expertise)…are the same people who criticise others for ignoring the expertise and research of climate science.
Weird.
Linx not working reb.
I’m still trying get through, Lord Tom’s verbose comment. (As I assume, were you – Yeah, nah?)
Before i was banned at The Guardian
Aren’t you lucky we tolerate you … 😑
The same people who say public debt isn’t a problem (and ignore those that are highly qualified in the discipline, undertake extensive research and demonstrate great expertise)
Tom
If i have understood what you are saying i am not sure you are right. The lefties can quote any number of economists with PhDs and Nobel prizes who say govt debt is NOT like household debt. So govt debt is not a problem.
Does that have any context splats, or just … is this just fantasy .. 🙂
(The people who believe in deficit budgets have won.
Indeed; enjoy thems tanks???)
IVI
Why don’t you just spit it out and tell us the point you are trying to make??
Kaushaliya Vaghela, has been subjected to vile harassment by misogynist ALP mongrels merely for doing the right thing, following her conscience and calling for crimes to be investigated.
The Stairman will probably double down, tell is party not to co-operate with any investigation and rely on the swamp to protect him. Truly he is a mongrel without conscience and vengeful to the bitter end. He probably thought he got away with it when his puppy-dog police force declined to do anything about his party’s theft of public funds. Fucking banana republic is all Victoria is these days.
“Does that have any context splats”
Have you still got your red shirt? Did you repay the people of Victoria?
Neil, those that promote MMT among economists are as marginal as the climate scientists that continue to argue that carbon emission doesn’t promote climate change.
They’re are a few of both, some are well qualified, but they’re a small minority
Are you angling for a gig with murdor splats?
People were wondering how the hell the pm can away with raising rhetoric in a manner that even the spooks are concerned about. Here’s the hint
Murdor, enabling criminals for the rest of us
Fucking banana republic is all Victoria is these days.
Well, it is full of mexicans …
Tom
MMT may be marginal but believe it or not deficit spending is not quite the same. There is a difference between deficit spending and MMT.
You know what the difference is?? Neither do i.
PS i may be speaking garbage
MMT proponents don’t believe in such things as a “deficit”
Because that suggests something that is limited by taxation. They don’t believe there is a connection between (federal) government expenditure and taxation.
The general limitation on expenditure is inflation
They don’t bother with issues like-
* Is there a guarantee that there won’t be adverse or unintended consequences for future generations
* Is their example of Japan as the case study, a happy outcome that we should all I’m to achieve
It’s as irresponsible as taking a risk with unabated carbon emission
“aim to achieve”
Tom
MMT is something to do with having a sovereign currency, whatever that is.
So MMT will not work for the EU countries because countries like Greece do not have a sovereign currency anymore. They have the EURO.
My understanding is that deficit spending and MMT is not the same thing. You need to have a sovereign currency for MMT to work
The EU has a sovereign currency, but that’s why I referred to federal government, not state
MMT wouldn’t use the term “deficit spending”, they wouldn’t express federal public debt Sa a percentage of GDP.
They don’t accept that any notion that a debt to GDP ratio of 250% is less desirable than one of 50%
It’s a theory to justify unfunded expenditure now, without being able to guarantee the outcome for the future
Tom
I do not get MMT. Apparently MMT and deficit spending are not the same. Govts have been deficit spending since the year dot.
For MMT to work you need a sovereign currency, whatever that is. So the MMTers say Greece cannot deficit spend for MMT to work because Greece has the EURO and not a sovereign currency
I am going to believe that MMTers are insane until proven otherwise.
And i believe that MMT is a leftie wet dream. These people are insane
Ahhh … RAT tests were well named … 🤪
splats, earlier comment, re: Biden … still dumb but in context …
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/16/joe-biden-dead-dog-republican-young-politician
And ………………….. I don’t live there … The Scumo Gang is a bit more interesting to me … is the LNP leading up to a take over of parliament if they lose the next election?
The right wing playbook written by Herr Hitler … read Mein Kampf before you reply …
(NB: I have a 1930 print – thanks to a family gift … warning … it is a difficult read.)
For Lord ToM, who surely must have an ereader by now …
https://onemorelibrary.com/index.php/en/books/social-sciences/book/political-science-183/mein-kampf-193
BTW M’lord are you sending Andrew a cheque? Or bank draught*****? M’lord?
Speaking of “insanity”. In Australia, we have a wide range of (unsatisfied) needs/wants. Indeed an almost infinite number.
Yet, generally speaking, we have the ability to ‘make things’. To satisfy those needs/wants.
We have the ‘technology’ (broadly defined in terms of the knowledge of how and what to do) to make those things. (Unmet needs/wants.
We have the ‘raw materials’ (the metaphorical ‘building blocks’ including minerals, organic matter etc to make those things. Further, we have the ‘labour power’ (humans) available (look around to see all the unemployed and underemployed).
So why aren’t we making these wanted things? What is needed is the money (capital) to bring it all together. To make things. To grease the wheels.
MMT theorists point out that (fiat) money (capital) can be easily created. Governments do it all the time. There’s always money for war toys, businesses in trouble, unemployment benefits, RATs, masks, etc etc. It’s created with a keystroke.
Thus, the real insanity is having all these elements in the production process (people, materials, technology, and capital) just sitting idle. That’s the real waste.
Re: – “MMT proponents don’t believe in such things as a “deficit”
Really? Or perhaps you mean that (some) MMTers are of the view that “deficit(s)” isn’t a particularly ‘useful’ concept?
By way of explanation. One upon a time, the concept of “phrenology” was considered to be particularly useful. (Phrenology was defined as the study of the conformation of the skull as indicative of mental faculties and traits of character.)
According to that theory, characteristics such as ‘criminality’, for example, could be determined by observing/feeling/studying etc the ‘bumps’ on a person’s skull. When Ned Kelly died, for example, his skull was preserved for close study so as to determined as to why he was so ‘bad’.
These days the concept of ‘phrenology’ is not considered ‘useful’. It still exists but (virtually) no-one uses it. Concepts are human constructs. And like any human construct, they can be discarded, reconfigured, resurrected, used in part etc.
Same with any theory, including economic theories, of which there’s any number.
Make no mistake, MMT provides insight into how money “operates” in our society. (And just for the record, many on the so called Left are not supporters of how it might be applied and its “usefulness”.)
How about we look at a disciple like this-
* The vast majority accept and endorse a position that is supported by their research
* The minority suggest an approach where they’re unwilling to provide ANY long term guarantees about the consequences
* The minority mainly rely on the experience of a society in economic and social decay as their case study
Great!!! Let’s all hurry to MMT!
Re:
Wouldn’t do that myself and certainly wouldn’t recommend it for others.
Nevertheless, while ‘progressives’ entertain ideas, ‘conservatives’ tend to reject them out of hand. Almost as a reflex.. The past, broadly defined, demonstrates that folly. Have a read:
Of more recent times:
Sciences – no matter whether they be the “social” or the “physical” – advance on the basis of theoretical breakthroughs, mental reconsiderations, revisions or whatever and it’s usually ‘messy’ and somewhat ‘inelegant’, at least in the early stages.
MMT might fall into that category.
MN, you forgot UBI … more than a concept but swished away by “conservatives” …
https://www.shoutoutuk.org/2022/01/24/is-the-idea-of-a-universal-basic-income-really-so-outrageous/
https://www.the-sun.com/money/4400813/universal-basic-income-payments-2022/
As usual “conservative” governments stop or run down the programs … bit like climate change and renewable energy projects …
Thus, the real insanity is having all these elements in the production process (people, materials, technology, and capital)
In fact 😉 the lack of human resources (with knowledge and skill) is our biggest issue in Australia … add a lack of a decent rail system and poor support for regional living and governments who think being a visionary means cleaning their glasses twice a day …
A thriving economy will only happen if you have a thriving, safe, educated and healthy society … the reverse is true of course … ’tis a symbiotic relationship until an economy becomes a vehicle for the rich to profit from the poor … and society objects …
Re:
Agree! But as developments in the sociology of knowledge demonstrate that’s not the end of the matter. Perhaps we need to do more “research” into “research” to see what underpins same.
Knowledge depends on the theory adopted: the methodology generated; which produces particular facts . All interwoven in an ongoing praxis.
Take spending in education as an ongoing example. While educators argued that spending was crucial to outcomes, economists (and conservative politicians) argued otherwise. At least until recent times. New theories, with different methodology gave rise to new facts and also won a Nobel Prize for economics.
You can read about it here.
https://www.chalkbeat.org/2021/10/13/22724766/economics-nobel-prize-education-research-school-spending
Best if we keep an open mind.
TB I’m not opposed to UBI. But I’ m not sure it’s the best way to proceed, at least for the many.
Seems to me that in the world in which we live there are so many unmet wants/needs. So many things that need to be done that require human skills. Aging for example.
Further, it also seems to me that humans have a need to ‘externalize’ themselves by making things. Matters not that they be mental or physical or a combination of same. Sitting under a tree watch the world pass by might not be an ideal future.
So rather than the UBI approach I tend towards a ‘job guarantee’ policy solution – not on economic grounds (AI will displace labour power anyway) but on social and personal considerations. Mental health etc.
UBI would work but might be a second best option.
Can’t disagree with that, MN but it is one way to overcome the inequity in incomes versus profits …
The auto trade is a classic example … the hourly rate charged for service and repairs is not reflected in the income of a mechanic … who needs to understand mechanics, electrics, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics and computer programming.
The world is and never has been fair I suppose. We just don’t need it to keep going back wards.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Of more recent times:
They are a’changing 😦
Nevertheless, while ‘progressives’ entertain ideas, ‘conservatives’ tend to reject them out of hand.
Maybe you can explain why the research and findings of experts in the climate discipline cannot be questioned, but the experts in the economic discipline can be
Fidel Jr seems to be following in his father’s tyrannical footsteps.
Also, he seems better able to recognise racism in others, proving yet again that there is nothing so unlovely as the children of the rich. In politics they become vain spiteful power crazies.
Tom, while the sciences are probably the best way we have of knowing at the moment they do not give us TRUTH (Mathematics and Logic might be exceptions). So at one level every finding is up for discussion. All ‘experts’ therefore should and must be questioned, particularly in a democracy. But scientific findings must be questioned rationally. By logical argument. NOT by popularity.
Contrary to popular belief, in the social sciences (including economics) accuracy, in terms of predications, is less likely than in the physical sciences. Why?
The physical world behaves much more predictably than the human world. Humans, to some extent at least, have ‘free will’ and are also subject to what we might call cultural change. They can also behave irrationally. They can be ornery.
Materials on the other hand tend to behave consistently. Metal(s) tend to melt at particular temperatures, bend with pre-determined force. And so on. No free will involved.
Climate science (involving a range of disciplines) does not give us TRUTH and no climate scientist would argue that. But, the findings are the best we have. They are at their best when they give us trends .
Economists really engage in political economy and while they try to deny they are in the social sciences of predicting human behavior, that’s what they are doing. Sure they like to ‘dress up’ by using mathematics (via models etc), but they are dealing with choice making human subjects.
Look at predictions re wage rises. How many times have we heard – this will be the year. As though human choices re whether to pay more or not is somehow subject to ironclad laws.
(Disciplines are also human constructs and not handed down from on high. Thus subject to ongoing revision.)
“Economists really engage in political economy … they are dealing with choice making human subjects.”
Indeed. Microeconomics is really a subset of psychology but with one fundamental assumption – people prefer more to less. Similarly, macroeconomics is a subset of sociology with the same assumption.
I remember being in a discussion with three economics graduates … I only know that ’cause it got around to the four of us discussing our employment … when I discovered what theirs was, I joked, ” So you blokes just come up with a weird monetary formula and your an economist?”
They all laughed – one said …”pretty much” …
As for climate change – I think we can all see a series of major changes around the planet an increase in number and intensity of natural disasters … from rain deaths and damage, floods, to draughts and bushfires, earthquakes, eruptions, glacier and pole melts – plant growth on Antarctica, drowning islands, cyclonic weather … we’ve noticed a change in bird, plant and insect life even in our garden … eg our stripey marsh frogs (that used to sound like machine shop at night in our ponds) have all but disappeared … we have plague of rhinoceros beetles …
And weather patterns really have changed dramatically …
As for coal mines … build wind and solar farms, turn the pits into dams and employ thousands of ex-mining personnel in construction of batteries, power lines, roads and rail … the mining industry has expertise by the bucket load (‘scuse the pun 😏 ) … and build more regional satellite towns (we really can do many jobs from a distance).
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
While I want to laugh, I did that my first time at trade school too reb. Not easy to get the rod where it’s supposed to be. Although, these days, they have those fancy flash/on helmets, so you shouldn’t need to be doing that anyway.
Unless they were trolling him 🙂
No doubt Morrison and Dutton will soon be wearing ‘khaki’ – metaphorically at least
Will the Made In China tag be visible?
All too easy to create a Look over there! distraction. Photos of Labor members eating in Chinese restaurants, or consuming take-aways, about to be published.
Or Ukuleles for Ukraine?
I heard the Chinese navy are flashing Lasers at the PM while he’s welding
I think I read that right?
BREAKING: Dan Andrews has fired a laser into the unprotected eyes of a Sydney Train which has in turn unleashed the Unions to terrorise the non Chinese passengers
This is gonna be some election 😦
According to international maritime ‘experts’, it’s not unusual to use ‘lasers’ to measure distances from approaching or departing craft. Wonder if Australian navy and commercial ships do that? Or do they use ‘tape measures’?
Who from the MSM will ask?
This is gonna be some election
My take exactly, TR … been away for four days, The Minister’s brother lives in Hervey Bay.
The LNP opposition in Queensland after almost silence for the last three years has suddenly fired up dramatically in the last few days over “integrity” of the ALP government.
And then the trains in Sydney (supposedly stopped by union strike action but really the NSW LNP government (luv to see the timeline) blaming the unions – and – wait for it – the Labor party in a conspiracy akin to “a terrorist attack” … and the fkn Fed election hasn’t even been called yet!!
I did that my first time at trade school too reb think we got “flashed” in dem good old days … but with the -not so new- polarising lenses you can see through until you strike an arc, then, like your sunglasses they go dark in milliseconds. Reminds me of a US president looking through binoculars …
According to international maritime ‘experts’, it’s not unusual to use ‘lasers’ to measure distances from approaching or departing craft.
Lasers are usually deployed to target the enemy, MN …
GPS for plotting course …
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-12.0/centery:25.0/zoom:4
MN on the marine tracker … you may find “unspecified ships” … 🙄
TB, Lasers are used to measure all sorts of distance(s) (even in the home). Isn’t confined to weapons direction. Range finding is rather common.
To suggest it was for the blinding of pilots is somewhat of a stretch. What – the Chinese crew tried and failed?
Or will tomorrow bring a story about how the brave AUSTRALIAN pilots engaged in defensive swerving tactics to defeat those EVIL Chinese?
As for declining educational standards, try this from Dr Sam Roggeveen (Director, International Security Program, Lowy Institute).
Yes he said lot more bigger . What’s wrong with simply a lot bigger ? Double comparatives really. And he has a PhD to boot.
Then again, he’s perhaps trying to to curry favor with Dutton.
MN, you must know more than Professor Peter Dean. I just listened to him on PM.
He disagrees with you.
https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/peter-dean
Tom disagreement can be good and healthy. So what exactly does Dean disagree with because I didn’t hear him?
Was it the use of the ‘double comparative’ perhaps? That the Chinese naval crew might have had ‘evil intent’? In short, I have no idea where you think this ‘disagreement’ has occurred. So – Please explain!
Dean, as I understand his overall position at other times, is/was very much in favor of “soft diplomacy” rather than “head butting”.
Range finding is rather common.
Yeah. I know, but there is home use and military use …
Yes he said lot more bigger .
Yep frightening ain’t it … last time I looked 40% illiterate … one of my roles as an RTO was to identify and assist illiterate people in the workforce … and direct them to help … the vast majority were grateful … in one case a wife who confronted at the Blackwater airport … I originally thought she was going to give me a “mouthful” in front of a pretty large group waiting for their flight!
Tom disagreement can be good and healthy.
Oh, dear …
All I can add is – plan for the worst – hope for the best!
And – the first shot fks any battle plan … 😎
Basically he said Australia had every right to engage in the surveillance of the Chinese ship, and there was no excuse for the use of the laser.
He made that point for about 5 minutes.
Tom, in the real world, every plane that’s flying is being tracked by someone, somewhere. Every ship/boat that comes within a bull’s roar of the coast is being tracked. Something to do with drugs or other contraband. So it comes as no surprise. Permission to ‘track’ is not an issue, surely? How does one say no?
And the notion that (even) nuclear submarines won’t be tracked in the future is fanciful also.
Seriously, it seems there’s no limit to this (electoral) brinkmanship. Imagine just three (3) (missiles) fired into Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne? (And one for Tamworth so that Barnaby doesn’t feel left out.)
Time to keep one’s head down!
Who in earth is threatening to fire missiles?
I mean really, that’s a very poor argument. It only results in every country thinking they’d better get plenty of missiles, and probably nuclear ones, if they want some attention
Yes, everyone becomes North Korea.
Re – “Who in earth is threatening to fire missiles?”
Answer – No one! Not a one! But “objective” facts are (largely) irrelevant when it comes to influencing political perceptions (and therefore actual outcomes).
People tend to vote on “emotion(s)” rather than “rationality”. Politics 101. (AND) Marketing 101.
So it’s not what threats are actually made but the perceptions of same. And when it comes to Morrison and his ability to identify emotional triggers, he is very, very accomplished.
Tom all sides acknowledge that using nuclear weapons (deliberately) is unthinkable. It’s still labelled MAD (I think.) Mutually Assured Destruction.
But there’s always the chance of accidents.
As for Ukraine, glance at its history. So many in certain parts want to be part of Russia – again. It’s the language they speak. The religion. The culture. etc
In so many ways they are already Russian. Given a vote, that’s where they would go.
Surely the West is in favor of self-determination?
Well said, MN!
The parts of Ukraine that are see themselves as Russian have already been annexed.
The the rest don’t want to be a Russian satellite state.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/theconversation.com/amp/why-ukrainians-are-ready-to-fight-for-their-democracy-175649
Yes Tom, Ukraine is loaded with claim and counter-claim. And I can understand why Ukraine wants to be a US ‘lackey’ rather than a Russian one. We all know Australia does. And that’s a ‘fact’. Lol.
But did you know?
So why aren’t there agreed procedures or protocols for handling encounters between Australian and Chinese military installations on the high seas? US has one – we don’t. Whose responsibility is it? Defense or Foreign Affairs? Dutton or Payne? Has responsibility evaporated?
Or is it the case that they don’t care? Or the lives of Australian pilots aren’t a high priority until they become politically useful?
Just imagine if Labor was holding the reins of power. Shock, horror. Time for a Royal Commission etc etc. Bolt would be having kittens. Murdoch would be livid.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-21/china-hits-back-vessel-shone-laser-australian-patrol-aircraft/100848916
But – a khaki election it will be.
What would Bolt etc say!!??… isn’t among your most persuasive arguments
In democratic countries, like Australia, people are entitled to determine their foreign policy orientation, even though it often annoys those that apparently know better
“Surely the West is in favour of self-determination?”
Yes, NATO annexed Kosovo from Serbia on the basis of what that particular part of Serbia wanted. At the time Putin warned that a dangerous precedent was being set. Those that supported the break-up of Serbia have no business complaining about Russian dominated areas of Ukraine deciding they’d rather be part of Russia.
Should we have ignored all this??
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_crimes_in_the_Kosovo_War
So people are entitled to determine their foreign policy orientation . Sounds good! But where are the structural arrangements that facilitate that? (Apart from an election.) We have the technology. What we lack is the political will. (On both sides of the aisle.)
In Australia, the citizens don’t get to determine (directly) who shall be the Supreme Leader. Nor do they have any power over other Executive appointments, including the Cabinet. Nor do they vote on foreign policy etc.
As for going to war, even their direct representative(s) is/are excluded.
The reality is – we indirectly elect a Dictator for three years (and maybe that’s a good thing.) For a democracy to really ‘work’ it needs active and informed citizens who are prepared to participate. But as Plato theorized – it ain’t going to happen .
History rhymes …
Despite Dementia Joe’s best efforts I doubt the current realignment in Ukraine will lead to world war.
Should we have ignored all this??
Maybe there were other things which could be done short of dismembering a country.
Oh dear!
My bold
Did the (then potential) prosecution of war criminals act as any deterrent to slaughter or to the war criminals?
Even after the war, those zealots seemed to wear the charges as a badge of honour
Right so dismembering countries is OK now if we think it is justified? Nothing less than that would do the trick – like arresting the war criminals (who weren’t all Serbian by the way) and trying them?
Is anyone watching Severance?
It’s very, very good…!
And it has Christopher Walken…..!!
Christopher Walken – I’m in! I need a good new series.
Also I’m enjoying The Widow on Amazon.