We as a nation get a week of free space to consider what to do come election day, who do we support and whose policies, or perhaps variations of policies do we want to keep the country running for at least the next 3 years.
I know I have grown a bit tired of claims and counter claims and evn more tired of the negative finger pointing associated with avoiding a recession. Yes, I may not be alone in the bafflement on that one and I would say there are equally numerous people who believe we should have done nothing to stop a recession. It is a perilous slope for me and as displayed over the last 3 weeks it was one for the politicians as well. The economy is on the mend and in better shape than anyone expected, it personally has made no difference to my lot in life but my neighbour kept is job and the guy across the orad got a new one- so it worked for them and I share the happiness in that.
I have watched world news and the problem with people smugglers is world wide and not just some isolated little concern for Australia, and while it is important to stop boats taking the dangerous journey to our lands, it is ten time more important to deal with illegal immigration through our airports and even the tracing of falsified and counterfeit documents. A few thousand people by boat is really a small problem to address, while the tens of thousands of people sneaking the other means doesn't get the direct attentions it needs. I can only speak personally and I think my blog really is just a personal view after all, Australia is under criticism for its treatment of illegal immigrants, Nauru was one of those serious problems and if we do want to be taken seriously in the United Nations we do have to apply international laws to the problem. Eat Timor may come on side, it may not, but during the negotiations Nauru and its government have the opportunity to deal with its own UN position, and once done it too can again be considered as part of a short term solution. It does make sense not to committ to a country whose government is undecided and who is not a signatory of the United Nations Refugee treatment agreement. To act too fast would put us in the same difficult position we were under during Mr Howard's last term.
Naturally I have an interest in broadband as I use it and it is fundamental to my childrens learning and education - if fact broadband, fast broadband will be their working environment once they have completed schooling. It is wise to set the network in place now, not in ten years time when all the jobs have gone overseas to countries with high speed access networks. I might not need full streaming myself, but big business needs this more and more each days as it deals with business interests globally; if Australia really is going to have a future in trade then a strong fibre service is imperative. It isn't a white elephant as some seem to suggest. In the late 1800 South Australia committed to the overland telegraph from Dawrin to Adelaide - it was opposed as costly and wasteful and many doubted it would have nay use for the future. In fact it was even declared no one could afford to even use it once it was completed. Australia was fortunate the program went a head despite protests as this single program opened up Australia to the world as well as itself. This NBN is no different in scope and no different in its boldness, but what will transpire in the future will be an acceptance that it was a damn fine program to run with.
Okay, these have been some major points and naturally the are other views and other positions, which is like any contest in the land, but this isn't a contest to be dicided just on the colours of your team, in fact it was probably following the team that caused some of the countries problems in the first place. Remember how long it took to even get climate up and running as an issue, and in the end the team sort of played an own ball then claimed they didn't. Now we are faced with a national problem of water, or the lack of in certain parts. It took over 100 years to decimate Australias rivers and I am surprised that some in the parties contesting complaining it hasn't been fixed in 3 years so the government has failed.
This is like being told to fill in the Grande Canyon in three years and being given on tip truck to do it. To do anything positive for the river system and for the Murray will take at least 20 years and even then it will be touch and go on it survival. Governments can do a lot to help but they cannot reverse, over night, the destruction of a century. The current government is reducing many of the free access points to water, but it will take time, a lot of time to even get a consistent flow back into the system. It does not help matter when one state doesn't want to put water into this environmental rescure operation and this must be an issue addressed swiftly, otherwise the 20 years will quickly become 50.
Always health is one of the pressure point in an election and already some areas have been greatly benefited by the new super clinics and the phone help services. This does not by pass tradition GPs, but it does help to combine expertise in localised areas for some regions, which in itself may help save someone having to journey to a hospital to wait hours for treatment one of these clinics could have given. I and I guess many, will admit it hasn't been the perfect roll out, but then in the history of all governments, no new system was delivered perfectly straight away. Medicare when it was introduced was a complete dogs breakfast; today it is very effective, if not always liked.
For me making decision is a serious business, I like to make the right one and I like to think I have at least thought about what I am going to do. Environmentally my decission was made easier. One party still had climate change on the table, true it isn't an election issue but it is still there; the other party won't put it on the table at all and has advertised it will again oppose any climate action. I know, like me, people wanted more than just a promise to promise but given the difficulties last time when the opposition simply blocked anything that was associated with dealing with climate change, I could see why this new path was taken. The important thing to remember is that the subject is still alive, there must be hope in that, because a dead subject means we go backwards.
This has been a long election campiagn and there have been pluses and minuses promoted quite freely about the interweb and traditional news streams; the polls are once more selling cereal and holiday homes up the coast so it is now just time for us to cast a vote and decide just how do we want to see Australia tomorrow. For many this will be a hard decission to make and I wish them well in their right to make it.
Thank you for your patience. but I hope keeping some idea of what is going on alive at least this one, single, ignored Australian had his voice heard...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
To Say Nothing For the Truth
Following any election campaign is an arduous task and trying to follow who is doing what is even harder. The election really isn't what is being promoted (some would dare say reported) by the general media, in fact it could be argued they are more interested in selling advertising than actually conveying anything remotely
pollitical.
But still, as a people we have a choice to make in a week and a bit and it isn't an easy one. Much has been made over and over again about the stimulus packages the Labor party instuigated to stave off a recession. The Liberal Party and even parts of the media coverage are claiming the stimulus was just wasteful spending. The sad point that seem to be constantly missed is that if Labor did not spend the money and spend it quickly we would not have only dropped into a recession we could still be in it and struggling as a country. When the Liberal Party was questioned on what it would have done if in power they said 'We would have put up interest rates'
It is easy to critcis a government after it has saved the country, it is easier still to blame that government for debt because you were not in power to make that hard call. Future governments will benefit from the undertaking and at the moment the idea the Liberal Government will step in and state how it saved the country give me, and perhaps many others a sense of frustration.
Given the emphasis on the economy it is surprising the Liberal Party has steered away from any debate on the issue, rather hiding behind add campaigns about debt and spending rather than stepping up to the microphone and stating quite clearly how they would have treated the Global Financial Crisis. This isn't a question isolated to me, but to many millions of Australians just wondering would the Liberal Party really have plunged us into a depression just to save money? Their percieved actions were what created the world's great depression and is probably what will also lead to a deep recession in the UK.
Natuarlly there are other matters, all just as valid and complex as the economy; one being immigration, which is now a choice between acting humanely or acting bastardly. It is on this issue we see racism bubble up and a very real thought bubble of the White Australia Policy. Ms Gillard's plan of negotiating with East Timor in the immediate and possibly Nauru later if they sign the UN Refugee charter (something which the Liberal Party don't seem to care about) does have the strongest humane merits, it processing stations can be called humane. The concept of turning boats back isn't one that sits well with refugee groups, nore does it sit well with most reasonable Australians. These boats on the whole are unseaworthy and on the verge of sinking by the times they reach our waters, to send them back, to turn them around would mean certain death for those people onboard. The Liberal Party policy makers may feel comfortable with that, but personally it sickens me.
These are all contentious issues that help us decide on the vote, I have a leaning and this is obvious - I make no apology for that but at least you are aware I have that leaning and I am not trying to lie to you.
At present I am not confident at all in Mr Abbott and the Liberal Party; their policies are awkward at best and under questioning they crumble - it is just at this time not too many real questions are being asked of them. Counter this with the intense scrutiny all Labor Policies have come under, and despite some stumbles and some inperfections a certain robustness has formed about them; but they had to be robust, as they have been challenged daily since announcements.
Popularity polls are being foisted upon us at the moment, and unfortunately being presented as what people thing on a popularity consnsus rather than what is best for the country. I did see one poll on the Sydney Morning Heral website the stated Mr Abbott won a town hall discussion by 74%. I have seen other polls on news media web site tta show the Liberal Party leading the election polls with over 60%. This would therefore give the impression that Labor would lsoe the election and the reporting is all geared in this fashion; yet most real polls show the Labor Party actually leading this questionable pre election guessing.
So for you, the voter it becomes difficult to know what to believe. Yes, trusting a politician is a difficult thing to do but when you have lost the trust of the media networks supposedly reporting where can you turn? Sadly there is nowhere to turn in Australia and if you read any of my blogs you would understand why.
At present we have a man presented as someone fit to be the future leader of the country who has shrugged and said, 'Don't ask me, I don't know' often and who has presented the country with such quotes as 'Nauru's detension centre is like a boarding school', 'broadband is only used for sending email and getting emaail,'. True, Ms Gillard is not perfect but she does not stumble over things, she understand the policies she is giving and understand what being a Prime Minister means - she knows you cannot just shrug away from a question with an 'I don't know.'
Well, not long now and it will all be over and the shouting and cursing in the office place can finally be at an end. Australia will naturally make its choice and I have my sellections written down.
I still have this prediction that Labor will win by 5 seats, maybe 7 and the man the Liberal party says is home and hosed, Mr Pyne of Sturt in South Australia will lose in a close one. Of all the Liberal candidates he is the only one I have an issue with. The only reason he is a LIberal is because Labor wouldn't gift him the seat. With committment like that what can you trust from him.
pollitical.
But still, as a people we have a choice to make in a week and a bit and it isn't an easy one. Much has been made over and over again about the stimulus packages the Labor party instuigated to stave off a recession. The Liberal Party and even parts of the media coverage are claiming the stimulus was just wasteful spending. The sad point that seem to be constantly missed is that if Labor did not spend the money and spend it quickly we would not have only dropped into a recession we could still be in it and struggling as a country. When the Liberal Party was questioned on what it would have done if in power they said 'We would have put up interest rates'
It is easy to critcis a government after it has saved the country, it is easier still to blame that government for debt because you were not in power to make that hard call. Future governments will benefit from the undertaking and at the moment the idea the Liberal Government will step in and state how it saved the country give me, and perhaps many others a sense of frustration.
Given the emphasis on the economy it is surprising the Liberal Party has steered away from any debate on the issue, rather hiding behind add campaigns about debt and spending rather than stepping up to the microphone and stating quite clearly how they would have treated the Global Financial Crisis. This isn't a question isolated to me, but to many millions of Australians just wondering would the Liberal Party really have plunged us into a depression just to save money? Their percieved actions were what created the world's great depression and is probably what will also lead to a deep recession in the UK.
Natuarlly there are other matters, all just as valid and complex as the economy; one being immigration, which is now a choice between acting humanely or acting bastardly. It is on this issue we see racism bubble up and a very real thought bubble of the White Australia Policy. Ms Gillard's plan of negotiating with East Timor in the immediate and possibly Nauru later if they sign the UN Refugee charter (something which the Liberal Party don't seem to care about) does have the strongest humane merits, it processing stations can be called humane. The concept of turning boats back isn't one that sits well with refugee groups, nore does it sit well with most reasonable Australians. These boats on the whole are unseaworthy and on the verge of sinking by the times they reach our waters, to send them back, to turn them around would mean certain death for those people onboard. The Liberal Party policy makers may feel comfortable with that, but personally it sickens me.
These are all contentious issues that help us decide on the vote, I have a leaning and this is obvious - I make no apology for that but at least you are aware I have that leaning and I am not trying to lie to you.
At present I am not confident at all in Mr Abbott and the Liberal Party; their policies are awkward at best and under questioning they crumble - it is just at this time not too many real questions are being asked of them. Counter this with the intense scrutiny all Labor Policies have come under, and despite some stumbles and some inperfections a certain robustness has formed about them; but they had to be robust, as they have been challenged daily since announcements.
Popularity polls are being foisted upon us at the moment, and unfortunately being presented as what people thing on a popularity consnsus rather than what is best for the country. I did see one poll on the Sydney Morning Heral website the stated Mr Abbott won a town hall discussion by 74%. I have seen other polls on news media web site tta show the Liberal Party leading the election polls with over 60%. This would therefore give the impression that Labor would lsoe the election and the reporting is all geared in this fashion; yet most real polls show the Labor Party actually leading this questionable pre election guessing.
So for you, the voter it becomes difficult to know what to believe. Yes, trusting a politician is a difficult thing to do but when you have lost the trust of the media networks supposedly reporting where can you turn? Sadly there is nowhere to turn in Australia and if you read any of my blogs you would understand why.
At present we have a man presented as someone fit to be the future leader of the country who has shrugged and said, 'Don't ask me, I don't know' often and who has presented the country with such quotes as 'Nauru's detension centre is like a boarding school', 'broadband is only used for sending email and getting emaail,'. True, Ms Gillard is not perfect but she does not stumble over things, she understand the policies she is giving and understand what being a Prime Minister means - she knows you cannot just shrug away from a question with an 'I don't know.'
Well, not long now and it will all be over and the shouting and cursing in the office place can finally be at an end. Australia will naturally make its choice and I have my sellections written down.
I still have this prediction that Labor will win by 5 seats, maybe 7 and the man the Liberal party says is home and hosed, Mr Pyne of Sturt in South Australia will lose in a close one. Of all the Liberal candidates he is the only one I have an issue with. The only reason he is a LIberal is because Labor wouldn't gift him the seat. With committment like that what can you trust from him.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Difficulty of Numbers
Sometimes during an election campaign the numbers of economy and deficit are thrown around as absolutes or even defining figures of what is really happening in our country. What isn't reported or shown is just how difficult it is to define these numbers and just how they can fluctuate so much over the course of a week you would need the skill of a stock market floor walker to keep pace. As an example this link will show you the nightmare that is GDP.
Just looking att he complexity of how this is calculated you can be assured that the simple numbers either side of an election party can create their own variations on what the actual number will be. I liken GDP to statistics, yes you have all the numbers in based on carefully formulated questions, but depending on what order you put those questions when writing your report will influence and dictate what kind of answer you will get, and even from the same data point you will get several conflicting answers. The most troubling thing is they are all correct in their own way. In this link you will see how we sit after the dramatic low during the heat of the GFC and it cannot be argued that we are worse off, so simply observationary evceluations shows Australia is moving forward (to use a phrase)from what were some pretty dire times.
Like all countries we had to go into debt, there isn't a country in the world that didn't. Australia had some surplus but it was nowhere near enough to step in front of the recession train, so more had to be borrowed but what has been borrowed, unlike say the USA or UK, can be paid back easier because of recovery in GDP - note some countries have had little or no recovery at this stage. To fully understand the numbers of the GDP and how it works you would need to be an economist with exceeding high credentials, and one Nobel Prize recipient economist has already stated the wise moves of the ALP in its actions in terms of the GFC. Yes, debt was taken on, and it had to be taken on and in a wise move the debt was taken on in areas that directly benefitted Australians, unlike the USA debt that went straight to banks, who immediately paid bonuses to executives on recieving of the stimulus. This was why Australia stimulus spending worked and the USA's failed.
Though we are no clearer with the GDP, which can include some government spending from memory, the important thing to note is where we are today as compared to last year and the year before. We want to keep this growth in progress and not do anything to halt or reverse the current upward motion. A lot rests on manufacturing and exports and getting fair payment for those exports.
It is true I believe Labor is in a better position to manage this future for at least another term, and it is my guestimation the budget will reach surplus comfortably - that may happen naturally because of how the system seems to work, but if the Liberals want to rush it to surplus faster, then we will have problems - not financial problems but more social problems, schools and health were big recipients of the stimulus and so to were environmental initiantives, all areas that will recieve some kind of budgetary cut under a different government.
GDP will rise steadily by estimates, but it is always wise to stick with a steady path otherwise to idea of going for a big money grab back could impact society.
My thoughts, anyway.
Just looking att he complexity of how this is calculated you can be assured that the simple numbers either side of an election party can create their own variations on what the actual number will be. I liken GDP to statistics, yes you have all the numbers in based on carefully formulated questions, but depending on what order you put those questions when writing your report will influence and dictate what kind of answer you will get, and even from the same data point you will get several conflicting answers. The most troubling thing is they are all correct in their own way. In this link you will see how we sit after the dramatic low during the heat of the GFC and it cannot be argued that we are worse off, so simply observationary evceluations shows Australia is moving forward (to use a phrase)from what were some pretty dire times.
Like all countries we had to go into debt, there isn't a country in the world that didn't. Australia had some surplus but it was nowhere near enough to step in front of the recession train, so more had to be borrowed but what has been borrowed, unlike say the USA or UK, can be paid back easier because of recovery in GDP - note some countries have had little or no recovery at this stage. To fully understand the numbers of the GDP and how it works you would need to be an economist with exceeding high credentials, and one Nobel Prize recipient economist has already stated the wise moves of the ALP in its actions in terms of the GFC. Yes, debt was taken on, and it had to be taken on and in a wise move the debt was taken on in areas that directly benefitted Australians, unlike the USA debt that went straight to banks, who immediately paid bonuses to executives on recieving of the stimulus. This was why Australia stimulus spending worked and the USA's failed.
Though we are no clearer with the GDP, which can include some government spending from memory, the important thing to note is where we are today as compared to last year and the year before. We want to keep this growth in progress and not do anything to halt or reverse the current upward motion. A lot rests on manufacturing and exports and getting fair payment for those exports.
It is true I believe Labor is in a better position to manage this future for at least another term, and it is my guestimation the budget will reach surplus comfortably - that may happen naturally because of how the system seems to work, but if the Liberals want to rush it to surplus faster, then we will have problems - not financial problems but more social problems, schools and health were big recipients of the stimulus and so to were environmental initiantives, all areas that will recieve some kind of budgetary cut under a different government.
GDP will rise steadily by estimates, but it is always wise to stick with a steady path otherwise to idea of going for a big money grab back could impact society.
My thoughts, anyway.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Time of Consideration
It is often the chest beating of supporters that reduces the ideals of democracy to an argument of childish proportions. Instead of the people of Australia examining the policies and planning for the countries future we get consumed by rumour, poor manners and innuendo devised to mislead or even circumvent reasonable debate and then electioneering. Outrageous claims are shouted from party headquarters battlements while the truth that makes up a bare minimum of the shouts content is quickly flushed down the toilet with this week’s opinion poll.
Where is the state of play today? Who is leading in the polls and who is the preferred Prime Minister? Who do you trust? Who can you listen to when it comes to reporting on the election? The reporters have their axes to grind, the commentators have their readerships to entertain and the polls have coffee to sell in small cafes across the land.
To be frank and honest with you, you can trust no one in any election campaign because every single person has their own, singular and selfish point of view to ram down the voters throat. The choice comes to a head when you, the voter, have to decide one thing, who do you trust to stand up with other countries and serve our interests well. Yes, we have the economy, but it is runny well at the moment because of some good and quick action, we have the jobs situation – well at the moment that is good as well and will get better if Labor win, or may get a little less better with the Liberals – this really depends on where Mr planning cuts; the jobless rate could go up within a month if current key areas fall under the knife. Given this, it is still only a minor consideration as governments don’t truly run countries, there e public services that keep things in motion no matter who is at the helm.
If you must have trade negotiation with Russia who would you truly have the confidence in? Ms Gillard, who has been in public life a very long time, or Mr Abbott who since taking the leadership has said some pretty outrageous and insulting things to people. Some people may not even consider this when they vote and it isn’t something that comes up during elections – not because it doesn’t exists, but more because calling people names sells more papers than talking actual politics.
It is clear I have sided with Labor and it would be wrong of me to hide that point, but I also feel I am not in a position to state categorically you have to vote one way or another. Every person in Australia (well almost) has the right to vote for who they so choose and we have choices, Labor, Liberal, National, Greens, Family First and many other possibilities. So choose wisely.
Ranting and raving about who did what to whom and when has nothing to do with policy making or the ruling of a country, it is simply the media circus designed to sell advertising and even promote positions that support the ideals of nameless and faceless people. If you examine the major parties you find whose interests will be met before the interests of the general public ; this isn’t wrong as it is just a facet of the political system. The Liberal Party has support from the media, big business and the mining sector, so naturally if you do anything in those regions there is hell to pay – as we have already seen. It is known well and openly the Labor party has Union support, though it must be understood by now it isn’t quite what it use to be in the 1970s. It is still there but not as controlling as suggested. The Greens have a multitude of environmental groups connected to it, so naturally you will hear these independent concerns taking centre stage while other parties may no show interest.
The choice this election is more about who do you trust no to put their foot in their mouth during important meetings and contacts across the world. Yes, I have decided, but that is my choice, you now need to decide which person and party actually will develop the future.
Where is the state of play today? Who is leading in the polls and who is the preferred Prime Minister? Who do you trust? Who can you listen to when it comes to reporting on the election? The reporters have their axes to grind, the commentators have their readerships to entertain and the polls have coffee to sell in small cafes across the land.
To be frank and honest with you, you can trust no one in any election campaign because every single person has their own, singular and selfish point of view to ram down the voters throat. The choice comes to a head when you, the voter, have to decide one thing, who do you trust to stand up with other countries and serve our interests well. Yes, we have the economy, but it is runny well at the moment because of some good and quick action, we have the jobs situation – well at the moment that is good as well and will get better if Labor win, or may get a little less better with the Liberals – this really depends on where Mr planning cuts; the jobless rate could go up within a month if current key areas fall under the knife. Given this, it is still only a minor consideration as governments don’t truly run countries, there e public services that keep things in motion no matter who is at the helm.
If you must have trade negotiation with Russia who would you truly have the confidence in? Ms Gillard, who has been in public life a very long time, or Mr Abbott who since taking the leadership has said some pretty outrageous and insulting things to people. Some people may not even consider this when they vote and it isn’t something that comes up during elections – not because it doesn’t exists, but more because calling people names sells more papers than talking actual politics.
It is clear I have sided with Labor and it would be wrong of me to hide that point, but I also feel I am not in a position to state categorically you have to vote one way or another. Every person in Australia (well almost) has the right to vote for who they so choose and we have choices, Labor, Liberal, National, Greens, Family First and many other possibilities. So choose wisely.
Ranting and raving about who did what to whom and when has nothing to do with policy making or the ruling of a country, it is simply the media circus designed to sell advertising and even promote positions that support the ideals of nameless and faceless people. If you examine the major parties you find whose interests will be met before the interests of the general public ; this isn’t wrong as it is just a facet of the political system. The Liberal Party has support from the media, big business and the mining sector, so naturally if you do anything in those regions there is hell to pay – as we have already seen. It is known well and openly the Labor party has Union support, though it must be understood by now it isn’t quite what it use to be in the 1970s. It is still there but not as controlling as suggested. The Greens have a multitude of environmental groups connected to it, so naturally you will hear these independent concerns taking centre stage while other parties may no show interest.
The choice this election is more about who do you trust no to put their foot in their mouth during important meetings and contacts across the world. Yes, I have decided, but that is my choice, you now need to decide which person and party actually will develop the future.
Friday, August 6, 2010
In a Moment of Clarity
The wonderment and bafflement continues in the Australian election of 2010. It isn’t the question of the election being closely fought but more the more serious question of why it will be a close call come polling day? Even a cursory glance at the current positions of the two major parties would see Ms Julian Gillard, the leader and current PM representing the Australian Labor Party in a far better position than what is being reported or dare I say suggested by media outlets across the country.
I have followed politics for many years and this is the only election that has me, and I dare say millions of other Australians, baffled why it will be close.
Let’s look at the positions from the Australian Liberal Party/Coalition position. The leader Mr Tony Abbott has stated openly he does not believe in climate change and because of this sees no real need for a proper climate change policy. He also has stated that he will stop the roll out of a national broadband network. The Liberal party refused to ratify the Kioto protocol, refused to apologise to the Australian Aboriginal people for their past treatment and has even stated publicly over and over again that is did not believe in the stimulus policy of the Labor party during the Global Financial Crisis.
Nobel Prize recipient Professor Stiglitz, a former World Bank chief economist and economic adviser to the US government, said federal Labor did a fantastic job of saving Australia from the global economic crisis. A situation the Liberal/Coalition argues against. The position taken at the time by the Liberal/Coalition was a do nothing and wait while the Labor party set in motion stimulus programs to save Australian jobs and keep the country’s economic position viable.
Ms Abbotts part has said of the programs that they have been utter failures, yet Mr Stiglitz harks to their resounding success. A report on the Education Building Program was released and it showed that 97% of the programs work did the desired job and better, but some improvements and adjustments need to be implemented to address complaints aimed at a small percentage of failings. Given the enormity of the program and the fact it was being run by a government the outcome comes as a surprising boost to the country in general. Ms Gillard acknowledged the lessons that needed to be learned from the few failures to deliver and admitted she would do the same again if the country once more faced economic distress.
Faced with the positive reports on two fronts, both independent and separate of government the Liberal/Coalition continues to flood the Australian people with cries of mismanagement and failures while the evidence shows the reverse of such claims. Mr Abbott continues to support a cutting of all these development programs if elected and yet in a bemused fashion I sit an wonder why the media coverage supports such a position when it is clear such action is not in the best interests of the country, let alone any political entity.
When questioned on the report into the Educations Building Program, sitting Liberal member for Sturt, Mr Christopher Pyne commented the program has been a total failure and that Ms Gillard should be ashamed of such wasteful spending. When presented with the hard evidence released to the media, Mr Pyne didn’t change his mind, despite hard evidence to the contrary of his opinion and position he maintained the program was a failure.
This is where the idea of a close election seems incongruous to what is in reality a poor presentation of s suitable opposition party. Why is the pure negativity of Mr Tony Abbott and the likes of Mr C Pyne more important to report than the actual successes of the economically sound programs already in place?
I haven’t even addressed the position of the Australian Labor Party yet and already questions must be asked on why are the Australian people being sold the close election story when if reported correctly and honestly the choice of government would require little thought at all.
At present there have been some difficulties in some of the programs, and the ALP admit this openly and directly, but all of the programs created jobs, despite these difficulties. The Labor party want to move to a positive environmental position and the only reason it is hesitant to take such a position to an election is because the Liberal/Coalition blocked over and over any attempts to address environmental issues. This does not mean there wont be a solid policy coming, it is just it will have to come after the Labor party have the people’s vote to do so comfortably.
When faced with critical decision in regards to Australia the choices do seem to be blatantly clear, yet for some unknown reason it is being reported and supported that Australia want to dive into a well of despair.
What has happened in the last few weeks, have all Australians suddenly had lobotomies and are they really stupid enough to listen to what can be argued a poor alternative to real future prosperity for the country. News polls show the Liberal/Coalition in the lead, who is being polled here – vegetibles?
Despite what is being reported and promoted through networks the Australian Labor Party is the one deserving of a vote, if not then the Greens who have in recent years shown some stamina and fairness; but if you are one of those who believe Australia should take some kind of regressive step then it would be fair to believe that while Australians were sleeping someone stole their fortitude and intelligence – there can be no question about it.
Who are you going to believe; world experts, independent reports, and the strength of today’s economy or the view of people who are still denying the everything thing from Climate Change to the GFC?
Where do you stand – or have Australians fallen into the US model of politics and allowing the popular media to decide who should lead our country?
I have followed politics for many years and this is the only election that has me, and I dare say millions of other Australians, baffled why it will be close.
Let’s look at the positions from the Australian Liberal Party/Coalition position. The leader Mr Tony Abbott has stated openly he does not believe in climate change and because of this sees no real need for a proper climate change policy. He also has stated that he will stop the roll out of a national broadband network. The Liberal party refused to ratify the Kioto protocol, refused to apologise to the Australian Aboriginal people for their past treatment and has even stated publicly over and over again that is did not believe in the stimulus policy of the Labor party during the Global Financial Crisis.
Nobel Prize recipient Professor Stiglitz, a former World Bank chief economist and economic adviser to the US government, said federal Labor did a fantastic job of saving Australia from the global economic crisis. A situation the Liberal/Coalition argues against. The position taken at the time by the Liberal/Coalition was a do nothing and wait while the Labor party set in motion stimulus programs to save Australian jobs and keep the country’s economic position viable.
Ms Abbotts part has said of the programs that they have been utter failures, yet Mr Stiglitz harks to their resounding success. A report on the Education Building Program was released and it showed that 97% of the programs work did the desired job and better, but some improvements and adjustments need to be implemented to address complaints aimed at a small percentage of failings. Given the enormity of the program and the fact it was being run by a government the outcome comes as a surprising boost to the country in general. Ms Gillard acknowledged the lessons that needed to be learned from the few failures to deliver and admitted she would do the same again if the country once more faced economic distress.
Faced with the positive reports on two fronts, both independent and separate of government the Liberal/Coalition continues to flood the Australian people with cries of mismanagement and failures while the evidence shows the reverse of such claims. Mr Abbott continues to support a cutting of all these development programs if elected and yet in a bemused fashion I sit an wonder why the media coverage supports such a position when it is clear such action is not in the best interests of the country, let alone any political entity.
When questioned on the report into the Educations Building Program, sitting Liberal member for Sturt, Mr Christopher Pyne commented the program has been a total failure and that Ms Gillard should be ashamed of such wasteful spending. When presented with the hard evidence released to the media, Mr Pyne didn’t change his mind, despite hard evidence to the contrary of his opinion and position he maintained the program was a failure.
This is where the idea of a close election seems incongruous to what is in reality a poor presentation of s suitable opposition party. Why is the pure negativity of Mr Tony Abbott and the likes of Mr C Pyne more important to report than the actual successes of the economically sound programs already in place?
I haven’t even addressed the position of the Australian Labor Party yet and already questions must be asked on why are the Australian people being sold the close election story when if reported correctly and honestly the choice of government would require little thought at all.
At present there have been some difficulties in some of the programs, and the ALP admit this openly and directly, but all of the programs created jobs, despite these difficulties. The Labor party want to move to a positive environmental position and the only reason it is hesitant to take such a position to an election is because the Liberal/Coalition blocked over and over any attempts to address environmental issues. This does not mean there wont be a solid policy coming, it is just it will have to come after the Labor party have the people’s vote to do so comfortably.
When faced with critical decision in regards to Australia the choices do seem to be blatantly clear, yet for some unknown reason it is being reported and supported that Australia want to dive into a well of despair.
What has happened in the last few weeks, have all Australians suddenly had lobotomies and are they really stupid enough to listen to what can be argued a poor alternative to real future prosperity for the country. News polls show the Liberal/Coalition in the lead, who is being polled here – vegetibles?
Despite what is being reported and promoted through networks the Australian Labor Party is the one deserving of a vote, if not then the Greens who have in recent years shown some stamina and fairness; but if you are one of those who believe Australia should take some kind of regressive step then it would be fair to believe that while Australians were sleeping someone stole their fortitude and intelligence – there can be no question about it.
Who are you going to believe; world experts, independent reports, and the strength of today’s economy or the view of people who are still denying the everything thing from Climate Change to the GFC?
Where do you stand – or have Australians fallen into the US model of politics and allowing the popular media to decide who should lead our country?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Coloured Girls Sing
It is a shame that in Australia the freedom of the individuals voice is dictated to by those who own the networks where these voices attempt to get expressed. One place that has problems with what could be determined as fair reporting, or more to the point, editing in a fashion that portrays an idea that is very different from reality - though this could be said about the world's media outlets.
Today in Australia (Sydney to be exact)NOBEL prize-winning economiist Joseph Stiglitz gave the positive endorsement to the Australia Labor party for its quick intervention during the global financial crisis - more importantly it salvation of the Australian Economy. Big words from a highly respected economist.
But, during this election campaign the Coalition party, who want to oust the Labor party in Australia are crying mismanagement during the crisis, and every paper in the land is supporting this somewhat desparative claim. The world says Labor did a great job, yet the opposition party is being given media time to say the country was poorly managed. Who do you listen to? How do you stand against such questionable positions? You can't. Yes Australia is a free nation and its people are permitted the freedom of speach, but the venues for such freedom ARE NOT FREE. All venues where free expression is allowed is owned by corporate interests, even the local newspaper is no longer the voice of the people but more a voice of edited and targetted opinion -
In Tasmania today the Leader of the Coalition Mr Tony Abbott promised a hospital in Bernie a Linear Particle machine for its cancer ervices - a machine promised by the current government. Mr Abbott claimed he will deliver this machine if he wins government. He cited a failed promise. What is ignored and even the most cynical must ask why, is that these machines are ordered through the Australian Health Adnisnistration offices and you cannot buy them off the shelf like you would buy a bed pan. The machine will be delivered once it has reached it turns in the order process. So, Mr Abbott just promised a machinen paid for by Labor, odered by Labor and promised by Labor. Not one question about this lie - a bare faced misleading of the Australian people.
The only places left for people to voice this outrageousness is through blogs with limited coverage or through social networks, which will soon also fall to media power brokers.
We in Australia are being well and truly manipulated to serve puposes that do not sit well with the actua;lity of what is happening in our country. Simply follow the forum posts on www.adelaidenow.com.au, review their polls and the study the policies and the idiocy being presented...
Is it questionable, possibly. Is it steering opinion to A DESIRED direction, sometimes it could be argued the case is there. It often appears that the freedom of speach notion the forums are meant to allow are restricted to only those who share the opinions of the editor - or at the whim of the editor. Choose for yourself.
What has happened so far that has unususual reporting about it.
Julia Gillard is questioned abruptly and considerably about her changing positions with Mr Rudd.
Tony Abbott is not questioned at all about his deposing of Mr Turnbull
(A sitting memeber) Kevid Rudd support Julia GIllard as future PM -- Party called a rabble and one of disunity.
Tony Abbotts part won't talk to him and he gets support from an Ex PM who lost his own seat in an election -- party reported as standing united and strong
Julia Gillard reported as not being fit for the position because she is single, in a defacto relationship and is an atheist.
Tony Abbott presented as a man who is marriued with a family and is a good Christian.
Can you see the interesting pattern emerging so far:
Julia Gillard wants to keep the environment on the agenda
Tony Abbott does even agree there is a problem with the environment -- his position is ignored. Julia Gillard is attacked becaue the Coalition party stopped environmental progress. Abbotts party stopped the progress ht e Labor party are attacked. Interesting reporting.
Julia Gillard is continuing with improved national broadband services -
Tony Abbott will scrap it as he see broadband as a waste of time and money - Australia doesn't need it. Reporting supports his view
Tony Abbott wants to cancel all Labor established programs - schools, hospitals and other services will be effected. Nothing is reported against this stand.
Julia Gillard's and the x PM Mr Ruidd's programs kept a nation from going into recession. Reporting on this fown played.
And as stated earlier, NOBEL prize-winning economiist Joseph Stiglitz, supports and applauds the Labor Parties moves to save the nation.
Reporting supports Mr Abbotts claims, we didn't need to be saved.
Freedom of speach and fair elections in Australia - dubious at best. It is claimed China censors all its media networks, it would be easy to see why when we complain to them about such matter they ignore us as hypocrits.
And the coloured girls sing lah, di lah, di lah, di, dah.
If you want to speak up against how the world in AUSTRALIA IS BEING REPORTED THEN MAYBE START YOUR OWN BLOG, BECAUSE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE PAID EMPLOY OF THE MEDIA NETWORKS YOURSELF YOU WILL HAVE NO VOICE IN THIS COUNTRY.
Today in Australia (Sydney to be exact)NOBEL prize-winning economiist Joseph Stiglitz gave the positive endorsement to the Australia Labor party for its quick intervention during the global financial crisis - more importantly it salvation of the Australian Economy. Big words from a highly respected economist.
But, during this election campaign the Coalition party, who want to oust the Labor party in Australia are crying mismanagement during the crisis, and every paper in the land is supporting this somewhat desparative claim. The world says Labor did a great job, yet the opposition party is being given media time to say the country was poorly managed. Who do you listen to? How do you stand against such questionable positions? You can't. Yes Australia is a free nation and its people are permitted the freedom of speach, but the venues for such freedom ARE NOT FREE. All venues where free expression is allowed is owned by corporate interests, even the local newspaper is no longer the voice of the people but more a voice of edited and targetted opinion -
In Tasmania today the Leader of the Coalition Mr Tony Abbott promised a hospital in Bernie a Linear Particle machine for its cancer ervices - a machine promised by the current government. Mr Abbott claimed he will deliver this machine if he wins government. He cited a failed promise. What is ignored and even the most cynical must ask why, is that these machines are ordered through the Australian Health Adnisnistration offices and you cannot buy them off the shelf like you would buy a bed pan. The machine will be delivered once it has reached it turns in the order process. So, Mr Abbott just promised a machinen paid for by Labor, odered by Labor and promised by Labor. Not one question about this lie - a bare faced misleading of the Australian people.
The only places left for people to voice this outrageousness is through blogs with limited coverage or through social networks, which will soon also fall to media power brokers.
We in Australia are being well and truly manipulated to serve puposes that do not sit well with the actua;lity of what is happening in our country. Simply follow the forum posts on www.adelaidenow.com.au, review their polls and the study the policies and the idiocy being presented...
Is it questionable, possibly. Is it steering opinion to A DESIRED direction, sometimes it could be argued the case is there. It often appears that the freedom of speach notion the forums are meant to allow are restricted to only those who share the opinions of the editor - or at the whim of the editor. Choose for yourself.
What has happened so far that has unususual reporting about it.
Julia Gillard is questioned abruptly and considerably about her changing positions with Mr Rudd.
Tony Abbott is not questioned at all about his deposing of Mr Turnbull
(A sitting memeber) Kevid Rudd support Julia GIllard as future PM -- Party called a rabble and one of disunity.
Tony Abbotts part won't talk to him and he gets support from an Ex PM who lost his own seat in an election -- party reported as standing united and strong
Julia Gillard reported as not being fit for the position because she is single, in a defacto relationship and is an atheist.
Tony Abbott presented as a man who is marriued with a family and is a good Christian.
Can you see the interesting pattern emerging so far:
Julia Gillard wants to keep the environment on the agenda
Tony Abbott does even agree there is a problem with the environment -- his position is ignored. Julia Gillard is attacked becaue the Coalition party stopped environmental progress. Abbotts party stopped the progress ht e Labor party are attacked. Interesting reporting.
Julia Gillard is continuing with improved national broadband services -
Tony Abbott will scrap it as he see broadband as a waste of time and money - Australia doesn't need it. Reporting supports his view
Tony Abbott wants to cancel all Labor established programs - schools, hospitals and other services will be effected. Nothing is reported against this stand.
Julia Gillard's and the x PM Mr Ruidd's programs kept a nation from going into recession. Reporting on this fown played.
And as stated earlier, NOBEL prize-winning economiist Joseph Stiglitz, supports and applauds the Labor Parties moves to save the nation.
Reporting supports Mr Abbotts claims, we didn't need to be saved.
Freedom of speach and fair elections in Australia - dubious at best. It is claimed China censors all its media networks, it would be easy to see why when we complain to them about such matter they ignore us as hypocrits.
And the coloured girls sing lah, di lah, di lah, di, dah.
If you want to speak up against how the world in AUSTRALIA IS BEING REPORTED THEN MAYBE START YOUR OWN BLOG, BECAUSE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE PAID EMPLOY OF THE MEDIA NETWORKS YOURSELF YOU WILL HAVE NO VOICE IN THIS COUNTRY.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
And the Big Wheel Turns
Pomposity is a word I have not had the opportunity to use of late but when I view Australian media networks and papers I would apply such a term most vigorously to the over generous support they apply to Mr Tonay Abbott and the Coalition Government. The Coalition is so lack lustre and dull that the best support is to simply ignore the man and attack everything the Labor Government of Juliia Gillard stands for.
Interesting, though not a surprise and something at least I and miliions of others have been aware of for the last 7 years or so. Examine the documents of donations for the Coalition government and you will find donors comming from right across the media scene; so much so that every time there is a breaking headline you would be best aware there was a sizable donation made to ensure such headline hit the mark.
a DISSappointing situation in a so called free and liberated country, but Australia is no more free than the monks of Tibet and of course no better dressed either. How about we swing a few points, or the points that no one is touching what so ever - The Liberal Coalition does not even believe there is climate change, so they have no policy to combat it and of course big business is happy because they won't have to pay for their pollution with this government - we hear nothing about this mind you, because Australians are stupid and all we think about is how much the next beer round is going to cost - yep, it's true, the majority of Australians can't count too far past a six pack these days and if you follow current government promises they are appealing to the lower lifes that shout loud when the keg runs dry.
Am I cynical - you bet. Tony Abbott is being portrayed as some leading light, some shining hope in Australia's future, yet everything he is offering is a step back into the 1950s when racism and bigotry was well intrenched in the Australian landscape. The man dislikes gays, thinks women are best in the home, see cutting money to hospitals (despite his weak offer to help) and schools is the best action for the country.
These are some of the key points the media have been selling Australian beer swiklling men in plaid shirts. Tony Aboot is a happily married and moral man with a stable family in the truest traditions of the church. Julia Gillard is unmarried in a defacto relationship with no children and is godless.
I see -- One Nation nwas driven out of politics by the Liberal party because of what it stood for in Australia, yet today, this very day the whole concept of One Nation idewals is now being presented by the Coalition government as the one true alternative - the alternative to what? Better schools, better hospitals, better economy, better communications services, more freedoms for gay people and couples and a better understanding of Australia and the worlds environmental needs.
For me, and I am biased here, to vote for the Coalition is to actually send Australia back in time - Japan will hesitate in dealing with us and China will see the clear opportunity to play the bully because Tony Abbott can't be trusted to open his mouth.
SO, in a couple of weeks who will you be voting for? The COalition (Liberal party)which has become the new version of One Nation, or the Labor Party (with its union links) - you could vote Greens of course, but to be honest there is no way in hell you would let any of those clowns near a functioning government - the first thing they would ban would be mining -- oh the choices...
Be miserable my friends, because if Tony Abbott wins we are screwed... really really screwed...
Interesting, though not a surprise and something at least I and miliions of others have been aware of for the last 7 years or so. Examine the documents of donations for the Coalition government and you will find donors comming from right across the media scene; so much so that every time there is a breaking headline you would be best aware there was a sizable donation made to ensure such headline hit the mark.
a DISSappointing situation in a so called free and liberated country, but Australia is no more free than the monks of Tibet and of course no better dressed either. How about we swing a few points, or the points that no one is touching what so ever - The Liberal Coalition does not even believe there is climate change, so they have no policy to combat it and of course big business is happy because they won't have to pay for their pollution with this government - we hear nothing about this mind you, because Australians are stupid and all we think about is how much the next beer round is going to cost - yep, it's true, the majority of Australians can't count too far past a six pack these days and if you follow current government promises they are appealing to the lower lifes that shout loud when the keg runs dry.
Am I cynical - you bet. Tony Abbott is being portrayed as some leading light, some shining hope in Australia's future, yet everything he is offering is a step back into the 1950s when racism and bigotry was well intrenched in the Australian landscape. The man dislikes gays, thinks women are best in the home, see cutting money to hospitals (despite his weak offer to help) and schools is the best action for the country.
These are some of the key points the media have been selling Australian beer swiklling men in plaid shirts. Tony Aboot is a happily married and moral man with a stable family in the truest traditions of the church. Julia Gillard is unmarried in a defacto relationship with no children and is godless.
I see -- One Nation nwas driven out of politics by the Liberal party because of what it stood for in Australia, yet today, this very day the whole concept of One Nation idewals is now being presented by the Coalition government as the one true alternative - the alternative to what? Better schools, better hospitals, better economy, better communications services, more freedoms for gay people and couples and a better understanding of Australia and the worlds environmental needs.
For me, and I am biased here, to vote for the Coalition is to actually send Australia back in time - Japan will hesitate in dealing with us and China will see the clear opportunity to play the bully because Tony Abbott can't be trusted to open his mouth.
SO, in a couple of weeks who will you be voting for? The COalition (Liberal party)which has become the new version of One Nation, or the Labor Party (with its union links) - you could vote Greens of course, but to be honest there is no way in hell you would let any of those clowns near a functioning government - the first thing they would ban would be mining -- oh the choices...
Be miserable my friends, because if Tony Abbott wins we are screwed... really really screwed...
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