commentators are not the only ones

to gatecrash our values and vernacular. Have you noticed the way in particular Costello and Vanstone and I think it might be speading to the opposition although with their being almost invisible and inaudible, I can't be sure, are dropping in, "Well gee that's a toughie" and "Gee whiz, I'd have to think about that one."
Listen, you politicians are paid enough to not have to "gee whiz" the people of Australia. If you can't do better than "gee whiz" us then you should vacate your position and give it to someone else who can handle the situation. The minder who dreamed up this attempt to proletariatise and vernacularise the representatives of the people ought to rethink the philosophy behind it. Their salaries are big enough for them to give honest, sensible and thought through answers. If Peter and Amanda can't do that, then let Kim and Julia have a go.
"Geez, that's a toughie. Fair dinkum."
You politicians have got your own language. Don't pretend you are one of us by trying to hijack our language.

when the language of the players becomes

the language of the commentators, why is it that the commentators have to use the language like a baby who has just learnt to say DaDaDaDa or MuMuMuMu. It got so wearing yesterday with nearly every commentator looking for the chance to get in 1 fer or 2 fer or 3 fer and the bigger - 6 fer.
What do they or the producers think they are doing to the game or the coverage? If they are looking for reality TV, by bringing the language of the players into the TV room, then I think it is wrong. Players have ways of talking in their vernaculars which is owned by the team and it is wrong for couldabeens or neverwases or oncewases to mimic the team language. Commentators are not part of the team so they should not rob the players of their language.
A couple years ago I was on the team bus coming home from a tragic grand final (in which one guy was paralysed and another guy died). As the beers turned the sorrow into if not exactly levity but memories, the players turned to team bonding songs and antics. I couldn't participate because I was not a team member. I'd have been a gatecrasher. Team language, team songs and all of that are part of the bonding. Players have got their sledges and shorthand speak. You commentators sound pathetic trying to think you are part of the team by mimicing their language. I'm sure the ABC doesn't do it. The players also use F, C, B, S words. If you must mimic, mimic them and then thankfully you might be taken off air. Who's the clever baby? 1 fer, 2 fer, 3 fer, 6 fer. Ahh, clever baby!

"I am right and everybody else is wrong.

All the time, in all circumstances, no exceptions. I supported the war in Vietnam. It was right then and I am not going to recant of the actions of Australia. It was the correct policy. It was right to kill the Vietnamese then just as it is right to call them our partners now."
Would you expect the Vietnamese to agree with you?
"Oh yes. President Linh van Huoc just told me 'Ah Prime Minister. So happi you come. So happi you kill planti of my countrymen 30 years ago. Vietnam no have population problem like China now. Very happi. Very good war. You very wise man.'"
And the Vietnamese people, they are happy too?
"Oh yes. One peasant just told me, 'Ahh your majesty. So grad you kill my father and mother and sisters and brothers. Now I do not have to share my house and land with them. So very happi."
And the Iraqis, they are happy?
"Oh yes, very happy. These buildings were over 2000 years old they told me. The bombing saved them the trouble of knocking them down."
And what about the dead people?
"Oh yes, they are very happy about that. They just love funerals. It gives them a chance to get on the streets in large numbers and celebrate just like we do at New Year."

I don't know what is the saddest.

Waiting for the bus at 8am was this drunk guy - at 8am with a bottle of beer. Then down at Speedway was this lame guy with a hunch back and a crippled leg who had no crutches and he was getting around on his hands and the foot of his good leg while he crippled leg just dangled behind. Then there was me and I didn't/couldn't/ wouldn't do anything to help him. I had lots of excuses though. I was busy. I was going to church. I had no medical knowledge. He was not my countryman. Any help would have been passing gulit help. His wontoks should help him. Lots of excuses. Tick one.

away for most of this week

Schools are about to go on holidays and universites and colleges are already on holidays. Already some colleagues have gone away. I will be away for one week.

The cricket series to end all cricket series

"This is the most anticipated test series of all time. This will be a beauty. Not since Bradman played has cricket been so alive. Get your tickets. Turn on the tele. Don't miss a ball."
Bullshit. If the Australian Cricket Board and Ch 9 are not guilty of false advertising they must at the very least be guiltyof unconscionable behaviour. This was never going to be a close series. Tied down by the ICB timetable, Australia was committed to hosting a very low quality team. England hasn't won against a reputable team since it beat Australia two years ago and it only won then without Australia's having McGrath and Warne when it counted. The admin knew that the only way they were going to avoid the boredom was to convince the public that the emperor was wearing the brandest newest of clothes. Why so many advertisers and public were sucked in defies belief and adds to the perception we're not a terribly bright lot.
Now take the Rugby League last night. 12 all at full time. That was sport because there was a contest. The ground wasn't full because we had come to expect Australia to win. But League was a winner last night because the competition was tough. World Cricket has to start sending Australians in their prime overseas to develop the sport at club level. There's just nothing coming through otherwise and the game is in danger of being the loser. With a World Cup coming up it might be too late.

ay Ric, what ya gunna do?

Are they batting again or what?
I dunno, what do you blokes reckon?
Well from a batsman's angle, I want another bat. I'm sick of only getting one bat.
Yair, well you did your job in the first innings.
We'd look pretty stupid if we went to Adelaide without giving ourselves some more batting time.
OK, message received. What about you Pigeon?
Yair I'd like another 6 fer in the one day. At less than 200 I'm only getting warmed up.
Warney, what do you reckon?
Well at 2 fer I want another bowl.
Nancy boy, how you holdin'?
I got a 3 fer but I want more fer. I'm set to bowl again.
That's alright for the bowlers. How am I gunna git me 7000 runs if we're only batting one innings? This is me last season.
Fair enough. Let's bat again.

tribesmen in bilas going to Communion

the Church choir

yesterday's power problems explained

"Members,
PNG Power has sent notification that the persistent load shedding is due to 3 machines being down at their Ramu Power Station.
This has also been compounded by loss of transmission between Goroka & Kundiawa.
PNG Power has not given us a time frame as to how long the load shedding will take place. Business houses are reminded to have alternative power supply arrangements to avoid ongoing disruption.
Kind Regards,Lae Chamber of Commerce Inc."

Power went off yesterday at 7.30am and then there was intermittent power during the day until finally it came back on at 6.10pm. I went in to the Vanda restaurant - first time I had been there other than for Sunday brunch one time. I had the chowder and the rack of lamb. Very nice! Thank you.

Kids off the street Mission

The Director,
Kids off the Street Mission.

Dear Reverend Crewes,
The PM would like to celebrate his Christmas worship and devotions with your organisation, Kids off the Streets Mission this year. Yours is a very worthwhile truly Christian operation and the PM would like to be part of your congregation for the celebration of the life of the baby Christ child.
The PM was invited to participate in the festivities at the Cathedral but their celebrations were too over the top with pomp and ceremony and he wanted to be part of a more modest Christmas service. Besides, he suspected they were too liberal-revisionist in their theology whereas he is more in line with fundamentalist-conservative Christianity.
If you feel your organisation would benefit from TV coverage owing to the PM's presence, my office would be able to assist you in organising this.
With very good wishes for a humble, holy and righteous celebration of Christmas,

L. Smithwilliam-Smith.
Liaison Officer.

what counts as sport tragic or couch potato

Oi John, y' know how you say you're a cricket tragic? Well what about me, would I be a fishin' tragic? I eat fish 'n' chips. Or would I need to say own a rod or hand line? Would that count towards being a fishin' tragic? What if I owned a tinny and a bait bag and tackle box? And I went out every weekend or so to Keepit or up on the Barwon and I taught me kids to fish. Would that count? And if I scaled and gutted and filleted me fish - would that count? Well what about you John. You tell me you're a cricket tragic. What does that involve? Oh I see. So you've got a presentation bat from the Australian team. Have you got your own bat and box and maybe a ball or two? No? Your old creams? No? Maybe on account of your being interest in the policy side you were Secretary of Greenwich Cricket Club? No? Maybe on account of your kids you umpired their Saturday morning cricket games? No? Well just what is it that you have done to describe yourself as a cricket tragic? I think you're a bullshit artist John. That's what I think. You try to live off the kudos of the game and the players and the spectators by gatecrashing what we have contributed without having put anything in yourself. You've never even paid for a ticket to get in to see a game have you? You've got a hide John. You've got a hide I'll grant you that.

from the National 23 Nov

Unitech unsure of ’07 academic year
By PETER KORUGL. THE fate of the 2007 academic year at the University of Technology hangs in the balance as the National Academic Staff Association (NASA) staff members will not participate in the selection of Grade 12 leavers.The members said they would respect the National Court orders and mark the final examinations and submit the results and participate in the selection of non-school leavers for students at Unitech next year. “But we will not participate in the selection of students who are coming out of Grade 12 this year,” a member said, adding that the matter was going to the full council. The full council of the university will meet on Dec 1 – eight days from today – to address issues raised by the National Academic Staff Association (NASA).The source at the Taraka campus told The National four members of the council who met with NASA executives on Tuesday decided that the issues raised were sensitive and required the full council to deal with them.“We put to them that we want the senior executive management of Unitech to be sidelined, an interim management be put in place and allow for an investigation to be conducted into allegations of mismanagement and misappropriation of resources,” the source said. NASA has raised other issues, like the non-payment of remittance of NASFUND contributions, payment of domestic market allowances.Other issues also arose as a result of alleged mismanagement and misappropriation by the Unitech administration. Last Thursday, the NASA members conducted a secret ballot, supervised by the Electoral Commission, and the result overwhelmingly supported a strike action. The following day, the National Court ruled on an appeal by the University of Technology against the striking members of NASA and ordered them to return to normal duties.The court ordered that NASA members carry out final assessments for the students and attend examination committee meetings. The court also ordered the NASA members to participate in the selection of students for next year, comply with relevant provisions of their own constitution. “The university wishes to advise all stakeholders, including the Government, corporate and private sponsors, parents and students of its obligation to ensure a successful conclusion of 2006 and commencement of the 2007 academic year,” acting Vice-Chancellor Wilson Tovirika said when commenting on the National Court decision.NASA has agreed to obey part of the orders issued by the National Court. NASA members agreed to mark the final examination papers “because the examinations were taken by the students before the vote to strike was taken” last Thursday.The member said NASA would not participate in the selection of the students but only non-school leavers whose applications had arrived at Unitech.“We will not be involved in the selections of school leavers or this year’s Grade 12 students,” the member said.

Yesterday I got a package from UNE Armidale.

The front was covered in customs declaration stickers, one of which said "Regular International Customer". I'm not sure if UNE is the customer referred to on account of having bought the stamps, or myself on account of being the international part. Either way, I thought it made me sound important. I was impressed. Wow, I'm a REGULAR international customer. How about that! I wonder if that entitles me to a corporate box at the Rugby or Cricket where I can be wined and dined as a REGULAR? We don't want to lose Outback to Jungle as a client. They are a regular international customer. International mind you - loaded with money. Invite them to join us in our box for the New Year Test.
Perhaps I should put this on my CV:
2006. Regular International Customer;
2005: Regular ordinary mundane 9-5 job;
2004. Regular unemployed at the Dole Office.
It looks as if I am aspirational and upwardly mobile.

Once upon a time shoes were made

for protecting the feet. After heavy rain overnight and continuing through the morning, the road at the front of the house had filled with water so I took off my sandals and walked barefoot to work. I carried my sandals to protect them and now I have a bruise on the sole of my left foot causing me to limp. To think that I valued the well being of my sandals more than my feet? Am I becoming a materialist to the extent that my possessions are more highly valued than my own body and soul?

The Rev'd Arnold Erinbrough

Dear Reverend Erinbrough,
His Grace has informed the Office of the PM that you are the Church's liaison person for the PM's celebration of Christmas in your Cathedral this year. I very much look forward to working with you.
I raise with you now some discussion points for your perusal which we can then discuss at our meeting on Friday?
1. Archbishop's procession. Perhaps this should enter through the north transept doors? This would provide more room for the PM's procession through the west nave doors?
2. When the A'Bishop is in place at his cathedra, the congregation should stand for the first hymn, How great Thou art?
3. At the end of the first verse, there should be a drum roll and trumpet fanfare (provided by Military Band? Sydney Symphony Orchestra?) and all stops out on the organ for the start of the chorus "Then sings my soul" as the PM's procession enters?. PM arrives at the altar at the last "How great Thou art"?
4. At the end of the hymn, A'Bishop vacates his cathedra and invites PM to take his place? Too theatrical do you think?
5. Suggestions for the readings. Old Testament, Isaiah 9, v2 and v6. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on them light has shined. For a child has been born to us and he named Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
New Testament reading, Luke 1; v 57 and v 6: " Elizabeth gave birth to a son and she spoke up and said, "he is to be called John."?
6. The Sermon. Perhaps the A'Bishop might posit a revisionist theology and raise the question of whether the angel might have confused the roles of Mary and Elizabeth and that he should have chosen Elizabeth as the Mother of the Messiah and that the John referred to is a present day John? What do you think?
7. The Confession. At the point "through our own most grievous fault", perhaps a clause could be added for the labor voters that they are really sorry and won't do it again?
8. The Absolution. The PM would be happy to pronounce this. If the A'Bishop prefers to do it, perhaps he should only bless the government voters unless the others have recanted? What do you think?

The PM remains open to suggestions and looks forward to constructive dialogue on these matters.

With best wishes,

L. Smithwilliam-Smith

Liaison Officer.

I wonder how bad the sledging will be?

My skin crawls as the saying goes whenever I see Ian Healey on TV. The West Indians are the nicest of cricketers and so someone would have had to have done something pretty ordinary for them to lock out another player but they would not let Healey into their dressing room - this was some years ago. Spiteful, nasty, threatening, sinister and bullying. And he does it with a smile, like the Gestapo. Surely we can find a more inwardly nice commentator than Healey?

we were comparing notes in the staffroom

yesterday about our comparative treatment of our family members. The expectatyion here is that the young will care for the elderly and the widows like it says in the Bible - but not for the biblical injunction but for the traditional way their society has been structured. One of the staff described how she had said "wrong things about her grandfather's children who had not looked after him" and this was not regarded as proper because she was a generation removed and so they had to do a purification of the area of the wrong with the tying of shell money and other gifts to the trees nearby. It is important that children take the body of a deceased relative back to their spirit land where their ancestry is and this can be very expensive.
My eyes are being opened to the value of learning from each other. Materially poor comparatively but spiritually rich. On the way home at Eriku the other day I waited for a Unigate PMV and a gentleman saw me there. It turned out he used to be a policeman and he was annoyed the police were not doing their job of making the PMVs go their designated route. He accompanied me on the bus as he wanted to make sure I got away from Eriku safely. There is always this protectiveness and kindness of people.

National Heritage Property.

Intellectual Property Right is acknowledged as an entity in law. As more farmers and bush people leave the land and the outback towns, then Farming, Grazing and Bush Property Right ought to be acknowledged as a entity that has to be paid for by the advertisers who use bush and grazing images. Bushies and cockies are holding up and sustaining this powerful image of Australianness but they are not being paid for doing it.
Yet city slickers skite to their overseas friends about the mateship of the legends of the bush, the land of droughts and bushfires and occasional flooding rains. They share in the image and the glory (if you can call it that, these days) of Bourke and Barcaldine and Cunnamulla and Tibooburra and advertisers exploit places like Silverton but ask them - well if it is so good to photograph - why don't you help our community by paying for the image setting we are maintaining and which sells your 4 wheel drive or whatever product, they are not interested and they retreat to their cosy little cul de sac in Woolara or wherever. Aborigine cultural rights are another entity that is not being paid its full value. How many more years before McLeod's daughters has no ring of truth to it whatsoever? If you believe in it, then how about you pay for it?

from the National 21Nov.

"National staff want probe into Unitech
By PETER KORUGL. STRIKING national academics at the University of Technology have decided not to immediately return to classes as ordered by the court, but to ask the governing council today to order an official investigation into the university. National Academic Staff Association president Michael Hasagama yesterday confirmed that his executive was meeting the council today to petition the removal of the current senior management team, appoint a caretaker administration and institute the probe. “We will be asking the council to order the investigation into the mismanagement of the affairs at the university and the misappropriation of the university’s resources,” Mr Hasagama told The National. Mr Hasagama said NASA was fighting for the good of the university and the stakeholders and not for personal gain, as may be assumed by the public. The meeting comes three days after the National Court in Waigani ordered the striking lecturers to return to normal duties. The National Court ordered that NASA members submit the results of the final examinations to the university and attend examination committee meetings and participate in the selection of the students for enrolment for the 2007 academic year. Acting Vice-Chancellor Wilson Tovirika yesterday claimed victory against the striking staff and urged them to return to work. “The university wishes to advise all stakeholders, including the Government, commerce and industry, corporate and private sponsors, parents and students of its obligation to ensure a successful end of 2006 and commencement of the 2007 academic year,” Mr Tovirika said. NASA, however, would not concede defeat; instead it referred the judgment to the Industrial Registrar for a legal opinion. “The national court orders were made last Friday, our members voted to go on strike last Thursday. We have referred the court orders to the Industrial Registrar for legal advice as we understand the affidavit presented by the university in court by its lawyer was altered at the last minute and our lawyer was not given a copy,” Mr Hasagama said. In the secret ballot, conducted by the Electoral Commission last Thursday, the NASA members were asked to vote on 15 issues, the main one being that of mismanagement of the university and misappropriation of its resources by the administration. The members of NASA were also asked to vote on the medical levy imposed on staff, non-remittal of contributions to Nasfund and Unitech Savings and Loans Society, delaying payment of staff entitlements, water levy to staff, hiring and firing of staff, appointment, promotion and appraisal of national academics, acting appointments, training, incentives to retain qualified staff and security for staff. Mr Hasagam said NASA would press for the current senior management to be sidelined, an interim management be put in place and investigation ordered into the university."

should Ian Thorpe retire?

Deary goodness gracious dear.
This was the poll question on Ch9 this morning. Why don't these people give up? As if Thorpy is going to look at the poll and say Hmm, 38% think I should retire. My own state of well being says I have to retire. But 62% say I should swim on. Oh well, perhaps they know best.
Not that Thorpe is likely to be pursuaded by polls but it is this sort of intrusion into his life that puts pressure on him exactly when he doesn't need it.
Do you think the drought will break before Christmas?
Hey look at this darling, 57% think the drought will break before Christmas. Perhaps we should put in a summer crop. What d'ya reckon?
Well you could be right. I mean, 57% of people couldn't be wrong could they?
Just how ridiculous are these polls and why do they bother? I could ask it of myself. Why do I get so worked about this inanity?

"they" say that parents want to know

how their child is performing comparative to the other children in the class. Can you imagine the same concern with health?
Yes but Doctor I want to know if Jimmy is healthier than Susie.
Well as a matter of fact, no he's not. He's 10% sicker than Susie and a staggering 50% sicker than Tommy. He is really sick. He is below average. He's in the 30th percentile for breathing and in the 20 th percentile for red cell blood count. He is average height and weight for age. He could do a lot better.
Oh, I see. Well thank you Doctor.

To the Archbishop

Your Grace,
The PM is making arrangements for his celebration of Christmas and he would be interested in attending the service in your Cathedral this year.
I am the Liaison Officer on the PM's staff responsible for making the necessary arrangements concerning protocol and security and woud be pleased if you would advise the officer or Priest with whom I should be conducting negotiations.
In order that the PM can be satisfied that your Cathedral is the most appropriate place, I need to be able to inform him of the following matters.
1. Which service generally has the greatest number of communicants? How does this compare with neighbouring churches?
2. If there is only candle lighting, will it be possible without being intrusive for the TV cameras to light up the section around the PM to show him blessing himself and kneeling with his eyes closed?
3. Is there a video tape of a traditional service the PM could preview in order to acquaint himself of the customs of when to kneel and stand?
4. Would it be appropriate for the PM to lead the congregation as the Chief Adorant in a procession to place a candle at the crib?
5. The PM has offered to deliver the sermon if you feel you have nothing new to say about the baby in the manger.
6. The PM prefers Sweet Sherry for the wine part or a good quality Riesling.
7. If the PM is to be part of the Official Procession, which robes should he wear - will a bachelor's gown and hood be sufficient? He thought the carrying the cross role would be appropriate as representative of all Australians. If there is to be a practice for this, the PM would be available from 5.15-6.00pm on the 17th

I trust that you will be excited by this enthusiasm of the PM to make your Church the centre of his Christmas devotions this year and I look forward to working with your delegated Priest to confirm arrangements.

With best wishes for the festive season. Merry Xmas

L Smithwilliam-Smith.
Liaison Officer.

Before the full time professional era

of sport, players used to migrate in the off season of the domestic competition to play in the club competition elsewhere internationally. English footballers came here to play with St George and Balmain and Parramatta among others in Rugby League. I remember in cricket that Sir Garfield Sobers famously played for South Australia - in fact did he captain the side? I'm not sure. Anyway this migration of players improved the game through the transmission of skills and tactics. Others clubs improved their skills against the prowess of the international import and so when the international match would occur, the host national team found that its players had developed skills commensurate with the visitors'.
Shane Warne and several other Australians have been giving of themselves to international clubs - Warne has made this possible on account of having withdrawn from the one day team - but to my knowledge we are inviting few if any imports into our Pura Cup or whatever the interstate competition is call these days. As for our League players, they elect to spend their retirement years in international clubs by which time it is rather late for the competition over there to develop defensive skills against a not quite has-been.
International Soccer has developed on account of the migration of players through the clubs competition and the benefit to Australian Soccer is obvious with our having made it into the World Cup finals this year. If Australia wants to remain on top in the Cricket, then it should retain the current policy of not importing internationals to play in our domestic competition. But we should not be surprised if crowds fall off and interest wanes as the result becomes ho-hum. And we should not be surprised further if Cricket the Game dies.
To revitalise world cricket, there needs to be a system by which players in order to be eligible for international matches must have contributed to the world game by having played say ten matches in the domestic competition of another country. Dutchmen and Canadians might need to start off in Metropolitan Grade but give them a few years and they could be pushed into State Cricket. It depends on what we value the most - winning now; or having a game to play in ten years time.
As an aside but by way of summary, look what happened to the Tri Nations crowd in Brisbane last Saturday - the biggest crowd in 30 years on account that Great Britain had socked it to Australia in the previous game and so they considered there would be a match worth watching.

from the National 18 Nov

"Bart’s home truths BART Philemon may not have been saying anything revolutionary when he addressed the 41st graduation at Busu Secondary school a week ago. Mr Philemon noted that public infrastructure had deteriorated so badly that government services no longer reached the people. He told his listeners that schools, aid posts and health centres, roads and bridges, police and prison services and general administration had collapsed, leaving people without any Government presence in the rural areas. It worsens with each passing year. Maintaining those facilities takes money. Sadly we have had a succession of past governments for whom income has meant the chance for flashy and often doomed investments. National income has been squandered on foolish projects that could never have succeeded. Huge amounts of money have been wasted on bread and circuses, on a kalaiescope of brilliant images as dazzling and as ephemeral as the flight of a bird of paradise. The people have trusted, and again and again, the people have been fooled. Our nation is littered with the incomplete shells of yesterday’s promised infrastructure, and with the ruins of projects whose origins lie far in the past. “I see poorly educated children and rundown buildings. I read news headlines everyday about fraud and corruption within our society. In urban centres like Lae, Port Moresby and Mt Hagen, I see the social effects of poverty expressed in crime and violence,” Mr Philemon said. "

In 1996, Ray Martin asked John Howard

why people should vote for him.
"Ray, I love this country, " he bleated.
Words are cheap John. I love this country too John but what does that mean to you? John, you knew you could not trust the voters. They had let you down before. You were Mr 18%. You could not risk scaring them away with the GST from your achieving your destiny then so you gave them the "no no never gone stone cold dead in the water" line. You had no intention that it was stone cold dead. You did not trust the voters to tell them the truth and like the philanderer who tells his wife he loves her, you have the hide to tell them you love their country.
Bullshit John. Words are cheap John. You love this country for what you can get out of it - some sort of immortality for having been PM. You got power and that's all you care about. Oh, and plus a photo of you with the Queen and US President Bush to show the grand-kids.
That's not OK but that's the way the system works. Only don't take the moral high ground thing. That adds insult to injury so do the right thing and spare us your hypocrisy John. Kneel down and bless yourself again John in front of the TV. You see John I saw you at a Church several times when there were no TV cameras and you didn't do the kneeling and blessing yourself thing because that's Catholic and you're Methodist. I get a kick out of seeing you do it for the cameras. You sleazy old image harlot. Tell the voters the truth John. A lot of people have First Aid these days and they'll stop you from choking.

In a marriage there is an expectation of trust.

When one partner tells the other, "I don't trust you", then the marriage is over because "I don't trust you" does not mean the same as "Yes, but honey, you trust me to bring in an income each week don't you and you trust me to provide a house for our family don't you?"
This was the distinction that PM Howard took to the last election. We voted him in on the second distinction but not the first.
PM Howard tells the voters how he loves this country. The adulterer philanderer also tells his wife how much he loves her. If he loves her, would he lie to her and cheat on her? If PM Howard loved his people like he says he does, then why would he lie about the GST and children overboard and the reason for invading Iraq? Why would he need to turn the concept of TRUST around to the second distinction which means expect rather than trust?
Real lovers do not need to mouth the words. Their actions give them away as lovers. Words are cheap.

the silted flats of the Markham River

Dad, are you really my father?

My darling child, of course I am. I love you. Why would you think otherwise?
Well Dad, we didn't want you to sell our pet Telstra. A loving Father would not have done that to his children would he? And then you told us those scary stories about the children overboard. A loving Father wouldn't scare his children. And then you promised us you would not drink GST ever ever again and now you are back on the bottle.
Ohh, my Child.
No wait Dad, there's more. Before I was born you promised Mum you only had 6 months of gambling debts to pay off with a tax surcharge but you lied because you extended it to 12 months. And then you managed our finances so badly you had to go to the bank manager and ask him to take the cap off 13.5% interest rates for you.
Ohh my child. Sometimes a Father knows best.
Well why did you shame us by getting into that brawl at the pub with Mr Hussein about which now all the kids are laughing at us saying "I told you so." And now you won't even stick up for our brother David in Guantamo Gaol. A real Father would support his children no matter what they did. Is Mr Beazeley my real Father Dad? Is that why you're always saying nasty things about him? And with your record of lying, how would I know if you are telling me the truth this time? Who is my real Father, Dad?

John, we didn't want Telstra sold, we

didn't want a GST, we didn't want to invade a country that had done nothing to us. But you sold Telstra, you gave us a GST, you invaded Iraq. Now you tell us that because most of us don't want David Hicks back here that you are going to be pursuaded by us.
John, that does not sound like the leadership of a brave leader. You are just hiding behind public opinion on this issue.
I know you're cunning John. Take the never ever ever no no never a GST. That's what you promised us. Then you got the Australian Business Council to give you overwhelming evidence that could cover your political track so you could give us what you promised you wouldn't.
Then last time you turned the word trust around from the noun to the verb.
You're cunning John and you are dishonest. Sadly for my country most people are not awake to you. But over David Hicks you show yourself to be a coward as well. Not a very impressive CV John. But like a lot of CVs, it's the style and not the substance that wins the job.
A cunning dishonest coward. You cover it up well.

if we've got an extradition treaty with the USA

why can we not bring David Hicks home until they are ready to begin the trial process if that is what it takes?
We can take Australian Citizen David Hicks' passport from him, we can put an ankle detector on him, we can restrict whom he is allowed to visit. When the Yanks have got things sorted they can request his presence again. What is wrong with that?
It is not ideal but it is better than the eternal waiting in Limbo. My understanding is that he was not an enemy combattant against USA anyway but then I don't know all the facts - just as no-one else knows all the facts. Just like I don't know all the facts in the Martin Bryant or OJ Simpson cases. Courts are meant to get all the facts.
Five years behind bars for an empty headed idealist is not what justice is about. If one's own children got in with the wrong crowd on account of immaturity or whatever reason - just like the drug traffikers waiting their fate in Indonesia - you would want to see them given a second chance.
Living by the sword and dying by the sword does not just apply to Hicks. Those of us who condemn him might remember the biblical caution - judge not lest ye too be condemned.

twisting the argument to suit the situation

When the government took Australia to war against national opinion which advised caution, PM Howard boasted that he was a great leader because he took a courageous decision against overwhelming odds.
Today he told the media that he would not bring David Hicks back here without trial because that is something that he suspected the majority of Australians would not want.
John, you cannot be a great leader in one area and not in another. Sticking up for the little people and particularly for someone who was probably mentally unbalanced in the first place requires guts.
There is no shortage of warmongers in the world - it's why we don't have peace. So to join the warmongers is no big deal. Sticking your neck out on a point of justice - that takes courage.
I agree with you John that a majority of Australians probably are motivated against David Hicks. The idea of leadership in government John is to do the right thing in the face of overwhelming odds. You might get defeated. But you don't give up or take the easy option.
It is why Beazeley was wrong on the boat people issue in 2001. He might very well have been defeated but at least his principles would have been intact. Far better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Far better to have stood up for principles than never to have taken a stand at all.

Broken footpaths, pot-holed roads

schools with no books or furniture. Go and tell someone who cares. I'm alright.

one other thing about the way

TV breakfast shows make their women behave. Where on earth did this formula of the giggling tittering guffawing woman come from? Why don't you ladies stand up for yourselves and tell the producers you are not going to play the role of the bimbo. Let the men be bimbos for a change and see how they like it.

so what you're saying is other couple's

weddings are not the wedding of the year? Tom and Katie are getting married in Italy and it was billed on Ch9 breakfast show as "the wedding of the year". Thanks a lot ch 9. I thought my wedding was pretty special. What makes their wedding more special than mine? Ohh, they're more celebrity than me and that makes their wedding more special? What about their divorce? It will be special too?

Why don't you think before you insult people who are not celebrities. Other people live on this planet too you know.

Lucky was there again this morning 2

In the same place that I had seen it before but looking so bad. Just folds of empty skin around its bottom, the hugest of hollows between its ribs and pelvis. I feel so guilty. What can I do? I know what I should do, but then there is the problem when I leave.

I lent another K20 yesterday. I'm on nationals' rates but at the higher end of the salary scale compared with other workers. I've got my own wontoks back in Australia that I could be helping. If wontoks are such a big deal here, why am I an ex-pat being asked to chip in? What are wontoks for? What about Lucky?

the end of federalism

was called a violation of democracy when Gough Whitlam began to strengthen local government over 30 years ago and now we get the right wing mouth piece Alan Jones this morning talking about the wastage of resources through duplication of health, education and transport responsibilities by means of the States. Why is it a good idea now but it was not a good idea when Whitlam proposed it and you fought it tooth and nail? Why was the identity card proposed by Hawke a bad idea then but a good idea now to stop the terrorists?

Conservatives behave like the proverbial dog in the manger. An idea is no good because it was proposed by Labor. We would have been 30 years into the future if we had done what Whitlam and Hawke wanted to do. Not that I am an apologist for Labor but I am an apologist for efficiency and good governance and I hate hypocricy.

No way am I going to give up

these nuclear weapons. It's not in the national interest of North Korea.
Rah rah, more power to Kim il Jung.
No way am I going to give up clear felling these forests. It's not in the national interest of Brazil.
Rah rah, more power to el Prez.
No way am I going to give up harpooning whales. It's not in the national interest of Japan.
Rah rah, more power to Kon Ichawa.
No way am I going to give up deep sea fishing in the southern ocean. It's not in the national interest of Iceland.
Rah rah, more power to Sven Ericsson.
No way am I going to give up milking bears for their bile. It's not in the national interest of China.
Rah rah, more power to Chung Bok Choi.
No way am I going to give up agricultural subsidies. It's not in the national interest of the United States.
Rah rah, more power to the USA. Born in USA, I was born in the USA.
No way am I going to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol. It's not in the national interest of Australia.
Rah rah, more power to the Prime Minister. Go you good thing. You stick it to 'em John. You show 'em we can be just as bigoted and selfish as they are. You got my vote John.

on the back of a PMV truck

Matt and Robert returned from the 11 mile City Mission. I have only ever one opportunity to catch a truck and then the bus cru came and got me to sit in the cabin.

living in an unequal society

Bring me bread and bring me wine. Where are you going?
Sire, to give some to the peasants.
Stay, I have not yet had my fill. More, give me more. Where are you going now?
If it pleases you sire, I thought you had seconds and that I should give some to the peasants.
Fool, you wait on me not on them. Give me more. Now is there any left?
No sire.
Well done fool. I hate to see too much food prepared which then has to be thrown out.

Politicians last week voted themselves generous increases in allowances. Meanwhile drivers drive on pot-holed roads; children sit in classrooms with no desks or books; and goodness knows what nurses and patients in hospitals put up with. I just loaded about a crate load of books for a school sent up by donations from Australia into a truck. Why are the politicians not concerned about the education of children as ex-pats and national teachers are?

Bring me bread and bring me wine.

volcanic ash fallout at Rabaul

from the National 14 Nov

"PNG’s existence vague: GG
By FREDDY GIGMAI. THE existence and reality of Papua New Guinea is still very much a vague concept to many people in the country, Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane said last weekend. “Many people in PNG continue to conduct their lives as simple villagers, having little or no care at all at what happens in the corridors of power in Port Moresby.” He said some people in parts of PNG were sometimes visited only once every five years by their MP or a public servant, adding that it was a rare experience. “To them, it may even be a bigger mystery on how police, magistrates, lawyers, and the correctional service worked together and furthermore, how they relate to provincial and local level governments”. Sir Paulias said what the people expected were services such as roads, schools, clinics and security and these expectations were often interpreted given PNG’s economic situation. He said there were already some good policies such as the Medium Term Development Strategy and other sector policies in place but they were delivered by “people who use initiative combined with energy and personal talents to bring about the desired policy results”."

I wonder myself whether a federal model rather than the uni-cameral model might be better because from my limited understanding people identify more as a Provincial rather than a National. I am often told that a certain behaviour is not Papua New Guinean - that's xyz and they are not like the rest of us."

Matt shelling coconut

Ezekiel is a good reminder of human nature

"Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves - should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat; you clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings. You do not strengthen the weak; you do not heal the sick; you do not bind up the injured; you have not brought back the strayed; you have not sought the lost. But with force and harshness you have ruled them."

Jesus told his disciples not to be like the scribes and pharisees because they don't practice what they preach. "They tie heavy bundles and lay them on the shoulders of others but they do not lift a finger themselves. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. They love to have the place of honour at banquests and the best seats in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces."

In 2-2 1/2 thousand years we are not much different. I wonder how long attitudinal evolution takes?

publish this while I can

Why didn't they ask Syria and Iran

for help beforehand? The most powerful physical nation in the world could wipe Iraq off the planet but what would that prove? True friends if that's what Australia thinks it is should have urged caution in the first place but instead we went in there gung ho with our posse of 990 troops. Our invasion of Iraq has left us smelling anything but of roses. Hey, John, John, you forgot to put your undies on this morning John. Ahh yuk, the flies are buzzing around the unmentionable John. Why don't you go home and put your undies on John. Please John, it's a disgusting image. Go and put your undies on.

I think the new google blogger

is having some problems. It took twelve or so attempts to post this picture of Matt before it finally took and I can't work out why it insists in publishing it in duplicate - print one , get one free or something.

Concerning the Bibles for Guns article, I was talking to one of the Salvo guys last night and he said one of the guys handing in his weapons told him "OK, now we have done the right thing and handed in our weapons, how are we going to feed our families if we have no work?"

I have never walked in the moccasins of someone who has had to rob in order to feed his family. The problem of unemployment is bigger than what the Salvos have resources for and it is a national government issue. What is the government going to do about it? So many people have moved out of villages where there are traditional foods and lifestyle and are living in settlements on the fringes of the big cities. This is a big big problem.