We Like you...But pity about your President.

PM's friendship with Bush sours view of US: poll
Craig Skehan
SMH

In the new opinion survey, conducted for the Lowy
Institute for International Policy, 57 per cent of
respondents believed Australia should not continue
to be involved militarily in Iraq.

AUSTRALIANS still generally like Americans,
but a new survey says a low opinion of their President,
George Bush, has eroded support for the US's political
role in world affairs and there has been a dampening of
enthusiasm for the once-sacrosanct ANZUS alliance.

"Although attitudes in general were more favourable
than not, there was still a substantial body of negative
opinion," the survey said in reference to the US.

Some 69 per cent said Mr Bush caused them to feel
unfavourably towards the US, while 63 per cent said
American foreign policies had the same effect.

But US culture found disfavour among only 41 per
cent, while personal dealings with Americans prompted
less than 20 per cent of Australians surveyed to hold
an unfavourable view of the US.

Three-quarters thought the US paid little heed to Australia
in its foreign policies.

The Lowy survey found Australians were divided on
whether it would be good if US political power waned,
with slightly more respondents thinking it would be
a mainly positive development.

Two-thirds of Australians believed Mr Howard's support
for Mr Bush on issues such as climate change and Iraq
had hurt Australia's reputation.

Report

A report has been published that indicates 2 million Australians ( out of 21mill) are living below the poverty line.
We are constantly being reassured that we are in economic "boom" times, that we have 'never had it so good'.
As suspected there is a huge gap widening in our society that has never been there before.
We are following a road we neither asked for nor desired.
The rich getting richer and blaming the poor for their circumstances.
The poor getting poorer and not being able to work long enough, hard enough to gain what they believe is possible.

It was not in our imagination after all. It is real, very real.
Where are we going now?



Sir William Deane’s Message on Fairness in Australia
‘Let us rejoice and be grateful for all the achievements of our past.
At the same time, let us be honest and courageous about the failures
and flaws which mar those achievements. The damage we have done to
the land, its rivers and coasts, notwithstanding our love of its beauty.
The unacceptable gap between the haves and the have-nots, in this the
land of the "fair-go" for all. How far we still have to travel on our
journey towards genuine reconciliation between Australia's indigenous
peoples and the nation of which they form such a vital part. Together
we can overcome these flaws and look forward to a fairer Australia’

Sir William Deane, former Governor General of Australia (1996-2001).

http://www.australiafair.org.au/upload/site/pdf/publications/3078__Australia%20Fair%20Report.pdf

ON: Those whose need is religion/cults/sects

From a book I am reading by Susan Hepburn,
an English author.
No don't bother reading it
...not great literature at all,
but this one passage struck me.



"It's fascinating the way the group mind can work
- or the individualmind, in cases like this.
People want something to believe in, but nine
times out of ten, they can't be bothered to
think for themselves.Want someone else to work it
out for them and tell them what's so. It ultimately
comes down to an abnegation of personal responsibility
- let the leader decide - whether that leader is Stalin,
the Pope, or somebody like Jim Jones or David Koresh.
And that gives power to the ones they put on a pedestal.
Their word is law, because their word is God's word.
On the other hand, of course, in the less hierarchical
types of sects or cults, the set-up attracts those who
are powerless or marginalised in modern society. In the
world, they're nobody. In their group, they can be a
prophet or speak in tongues. They have their own
hot-line to God without the mediation of a leader,
 and that validates them,gives them a sense of
self-worth, makes them feel they're important after
 all - in the divine plan, if not the cultural one.
A great deal is down to psychology
and the power of suggestion." 

How the Cartoonist sees the Truth

attachment (JPEG Image, 470x332 pixels) - Scaled (97%)

Of Interest.

Laurence W. Britt's analysis of the seven major fascist regimes in
recent history reveals fourteen common threads that link them in
recognisable patterns of national behaviour and abuse of power.
The Howard Government gets a score of 14 out of 14 on Britt's
following fascism characteristics:

1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism and xenophobia.

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights.

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause.

4. The supremacy of the military and police.

5. Rampant sexism.

6. A controlled mass media.

7. Obsession with national security.

8. Religion and ruling elite tied together.

9. Power of corporations protected.

10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated.

11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts.

12. Obsession with crime and punishment.

13. Rampant cronyism and corruption.

14. Fraudulent elections, referenda, plebiscites or public opinion polls

Howard is now 'spinning' the idea for all the so called 'security' for APEC is to protect the visitors from the 'violent demonstrators' not from a threat of 'terrorism'. What the hell are we raving on about democracy for if demonstrators are not allowed anywhere near the power pussies of the world???
This is facism!

BTW Bush's early arrival for APEC is costing the tax payer an extra $4mill. Could we send him the bill for this? It could go a long way in helping to address the shortages in our hospital system, our public education system, the disabled services or any number of needs.

AWE!

And the stars rained down on me
"Oh say can you see...?"
Beautiful from above, the showers of light.
Pyrotechnic, bonfire of their vanities.
Showering of fire above our heads.
What is this for?

Oil, freedom, democracy, money.
Centralised ideas, hegemony
And the blinding future.

Ripped, rent, between poverty and wealth
Star, sparkled, lighted tails..tales -
ending where?

In the life, in the death of my baby.
Standing over the fields of time and dreams
Power and glory, for ever and ever


And I am left without my baby, without my dreams
Without a belief in any of this.
And they say, as more stars rain down on me,
They say;
"This, this, is for you!"

It is done...

- - what have they done?
Their will be done, their coalition of their wills be done.
Forever and ever....

"Aspiration"

This term that has been spouting from the mouth of Howard and should be reviled and viewed with suspicion. It is meant to be aimed at those who 'want better' for themselves, their families and their future.
It has come to mean those who are greedy, judgmental, wealthy and comfortable.

"Aspirational" was intended for the lower to middle class worker who had a hunger for an upper class job and life style, but turned into a distortion that gave permission to those whose nature revelled in bigotry, racism and an excuse NOT to be generous to the needy.

Howard has now made a new declaration:
"Aspirational Nationalism" to be taken yelling and screaming into the up-coming elections.

As soon as this term was coined and spewed forth the mind turned immediately to the fist thumping pictures of a little man with a moustache and a huge ego back in 1933. He was whipping up support for his Nationalist Socialists to raise their nation from the ashes of WW1.

So what does Nationalism really mean and what is intended by its aims?
This parochial and dangerous term has precedents and no one need look very far to see the resultant effects of what Nationalism produces historically.

We have seen the syrupy cloyingness of American nationalism, the flag-waving dangers of each end of the spectrum ( Fascist and Communist), and the 'us and them' mentality on the sports field during the Olympics or even a local school game.
It is time we moved on from such archaic and parochial attitudes and realise with relish that we are children of the Universe, brothers and sisters of the planet, and we all should be working as One to combat global warming, poverty, drought, flood, food shortages, AIDS and other diseases and to aim for Peace in all corners of the globe.

So all Australians who hear this term "Aspirational Nationalism" should reject totally the notion of any form of nationalism in any Australian Government now and into the future.

The speech (see below) shows an arrogance and an ability to shove statistics around like they were writ in stone.
(BTW - The reason for a rise in 'volunteerism' is that HE has made it apart of the "Work for the Dole" mantra. It is no longer a altruistic ideal, but a carrot and stick approach that can be utilised so that the poor can get their meagre and mean social security.)

http://www.pm.gov.au/media/Speech/2007/Speech24507.cfm

A sense of aspirational nationalism in the Federation

PM J.W HOWARD:
We should be aspirational nationalists, and applying this spirit to the governance of the Federation will be my third goal of a next term.

I've often said that there are two powerful trends in Australia today: localism and nationalism. Neither are of a brash, exclusivist variety; both embody a very Australian brand of quiet, understated pride and patriotism.

This is dangerous, selfish and twisted logic that demeans the real meaning of being a citizen of this country.

Roll on elections!!!

A Season...

The yellow tufts fluff off the sage green growth
Seemingly to fly low through the leaves
The season of yellow fruitfulness
Abounds through this ancient land.

A declaration over a hundred years ago
Held strong this flower as our emblem
She is regular in her expression
Throughout this ancient land.

The nostril rises and fills with pollen
Spring is on her way
The sun is reflected in the golden glow
Of the wattle of this ancient land.

The dry creek beds are lined awaiting the day
That the spring rains will fill their needs
And the grey green foliage musty in dust
Hides the promise of the ancient land.

With the coming of September first
And the rivers and creeks do swell
The small clusters of yellow balls burst again
Show how ancient is this land.


http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/aust.emblem.html

Unhinged!

BLESSED ARE THE CRACKED FOR THEY ARE

THE ONES WHO LET IN THE LIGHT!

POLLS

Families and welfare : Should bad parents have their welfare managed for them?

Yes. The interests of children must be the priority - 69%
No. The government should stay out of family business - 31%
Total Votes: 1476 Poll date: 03/07/07

It is interesting to read polls in this nation.
I wonder sometimes how people actually answer?
Do they answer to sway the figures?
Do they answer honestly?
Do they answer the first choice coz they are busy and want to get it out of the way?

In other words, are they considered and responsible answers.

For instance in the poll above conducted on the Sydney Morning Heralds website, there is something wrong here.
Firstly the idea that first arises in most peoples mind about 'welfare' are preconceived pictures of the 'dead beat dad', the drunken aboriginal, the layabout son, the drug addict, the smoking slovenly single mum.

In actual fact if this idea of welfare conjured up a picture of a middle aged women who has finally devolped the full effect of MS, or a family caring for their adult disabled son, or decent poor people trying to put food on the table and a roof over the heads of children. Or how about the women whose husband has run off with his best mates sister and she is left to pay bills and organise her life again whilst going through emotional hell? How about the adult child who is caring for her demented mother?

However, no matter what the 'picture' in the heads of those polled, or even in the minds of those who have never 'been there', has it ever EVER occurred to 'others' that in all history the beginnings of the vilification of one 'group' within a society, always, ALWAYS, inevitably leads to the vilification of more and more sections of the community.
If you think "MY taxes" shouldn't be squandered, then maybe the place to start is always at Government spending first on infustructure, then public service, then wages and then the needy and desperate.

Sooner or later ( unless you are very fortunate or very greedy) you your self may be in 'need', through no fault of your own. So if you can't be generous enough if your own heart, then maybe by thinking selfishly 'it could be ME' you may want to reconsider the 'interference' in our (previously) fair and 'christian' welfare system.

As it is it is heading to hell in a hand basket along the lines of the wealthiest nation on earth.

So next time you are asked a question on in a poll. Stop and consider the long term repercussions.
It could be, it just might be YOU next in the firing line!!

OH Dear..the beginning of the "moral majority" power

What is this 'Scores - gentlemans club"?
Should we be worried that someone who is contesting a democratic election later on this year was a guest of this place FOUR YEARS AGO????

Please, could we have some real important news and investigative reporting?
If the papers and journalists can't think of any subjects I am sure given half a chance most of the populace could head them in the right direction!!!




Sunday August 19, 04:26 PM

Rudd blames Downer for strip club story

Federal Labor leader Kevin Rudd has suggested that Foreign Minister Alexander Downer may be behind a smear campaign over his visit to a New York strip club on a drunken night out.

Mr Rudd was embarrassed when details of the evening, which occurred in September 2003 while he was opposition foreign affairs spokesman, were splashed across Sunday newspapers.

The committed Christian admitted visiting the Scores "gentlemen's club" in Manhattan with Labor backbencher Warren Snowdon and New York Post editor Col Allan during a taxpayer-funded visit to the United Nations.

Describing it as a foolish mistake, Mr Rudd said he had had too much to drink and had only hazy memories of the night.

He apologised if he had offended anybody and said he expected to take a hammering in the polls.

But he questioned a claim that he had been warned by management about his behaviour and suggested Mr Downer's office could be the source of the story.

Asked if he thought it was the start of a Liberal Party smear campaign ahead of the upcoming election, Mr Rudd said that was something for Mr Downer to answer.

"It's a question you should put to Mr Downer and his staff, but my responsibility is simply to be up front and accountable for my own actions," Mr Rudd told reporters.

"I've done that, and I'll take whatever result ensues in terms of the way in which the public judge me.

"That's a matter for the public and they'll make their determination on these things come next election."

A spokesman for Mr Downer said the minister would not dignify Mr Rudd's suggestion with a response.

Senior ministers were at pains not to comment on the story, with even Health Minister Tony Abbott refusing to bite.

"I have decided to be a Trappist monk on this topic," Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney.

"I think a vow of silence is good."

Treasurer Peter Costello said it was a matter for Mr Rudd.

But he said he had not been to the strip club.

"No, I can honestly say that neither have I been there, nor has Col ever suggested that to me," Mr Costello told the Ten Network.

"I find when I'm in America on official business they pack your program pretty full. I don't think that you get much time for that kind of activity."

Mr Rudd said he was too drunk to remember much of his visit to the club.

He said neither he nor Mr Snowdon had a "completely clear recollection" of whether there were semi-naked women in the club or what they were doing.

"We can't actually recall anything that you wouldn't see in most pubs across Australia," Mr Rudd told the Nine Network.

"But that doesn't absolve me for going in that door in the first place. That's where I made the error of judgment and it's something I shouldn't have done."

Mr Rudd rang his wife, Therese Rein, at home in Brisbane the next day to tell her about his mistake.

He said he was not a big drinker and could only remember two occasions when he had drunk too much - the Scores night and at a party at his home on his 35th birthday.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said the story would endear Mr Rudd to voters because it showed he had "blood in his veins".

But Mr Rudd said he could think of better ways to humanise his image.

An Answer

This was an answer to a group of articles sent for comment, one being headed;
"Why make Pariahs of the Childless?" printed in The Age newspaper and written by Chris Fotinopoulous


Hi,
I found these very interesting.
I had already read the middle lot, but had not read the first article nor the last.

I agree that the 'childless' should not be made pariahs of, but I think the article ( written by a man) is rather ignorant of the experience of the last 30 years of your life. I suggest before he makes the finally decision ( or the finally 'cut') he should visit a few retirement villages, retirement homes and aged care facilities on all economic levels.
I think the thing that is missed by so many 'young' people IS the last 30 years of your life. Not the first 30 where they are making their 'mark', being productive and laying down their careers.
To go and visit (as you yourself have done many times since you were little singing in old peoples homes) the elderly at the end time of their lives ( and not just the disabled, sick or demented) is very informative for where life actually leads us.
(If ever we get the right to voluntary euthanasia of course it may have a different look.)

What I am trying to say, is that even though friends are a wonderful and important asset, there IS no substitute for family, in all their icky, dysfunctional and demanding guises when it comes to love, care and concern in the end times. Whether it be your grandfather or ****** ********* ( I am purposely choosing men here) the comfort and support family bring, and their ability to 'lobby' on your behalf as the world moves beyond your control is vital to longevity.

With children ( whether they be biological or adopted) your last years though bearable as long as your health holds, life seems a little softer and more explanatory through their eyes and love.
Children are not static beings. They are not always and forever a burden or a 'responsibility' unless of course they are damaged in any way.(Mentally, psychologically or emotionally). They grow into amazing and fabulous people who, if you are lucky, become your friend and confidante.
Also the studies now being done state that the more daughters a man has the longer he lives. Why? They didn't answer that one, but I am presuming because it is the daughters who give the continuum of children ( ie meaning) to life and they are also the champions of their aging parent.

I am lucky.

Love you
Mum

WE

We said as we stepped upon the sandy shore;
We claim this land for ourselves and our King
We said as we took what didn't belong to us;
We will decide who comes here and under what circumstances

We said as we poisoned the water holes and the food;
You don't have any right to these things
We said as we hunted and killed;
We know you are but stone age humans who will never survive

We said as we took their children;
You cannot be responsible for these ones with white blood
We said as we moved them far away from family and land;
We know what is best and it is all YOUR fault

We said as the army moved in, as the police surrounded your place;
You can't help yourselves so we will do it for you
We said as they nodded and smiled to be polite;
We know better and anyway it is all YOUR fault.

We said as we divided the land and gave most to your enemies;
You have lost the war and so we will give you the barren section
We said as we trained guns on their children;
It is all YOUR fault for not being able to pick yourselves up.

We said as we flattened the rain forest and dragged the timber away;
We know what is best for us and your land is now ours
We said as we mired your pride and replaced it with our god;
You are but savages and anyway it is all YOUR fault.

We said as we decimated the igloos and introduced coca cola;
You don't know how to use this land properly so now we take it
We said as we took your beliefs and replaced them with an imaginary friend;
We know what is best for you and anyway it is YOUR fault.

We said as we pushed the women down the mines, made them slaves, forced them to give up their bodies;
You are weak and stupid and only worth half a man
We said as we prohibited them from equality, their children, their humanity, their control of their bodies;
You are our chattels, our goods, our fools and anyway it is all YOUR fault.

We said as we bombed the people, the babies and the elderly;
You are the harbingers of terrorism so take that
We said as your land fell apart and your oil was stolen;
Why are you not grateful and anyway IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT

Who are we?
We are the white colonialists, the white imperialists, the white power.
We are the good Christian folk down the ages
We are the white Christian men who claim to know but who always say
ANYWAY, IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT.

Desolate

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
-- Douglas Adams, from Last Chance To See

To illustrate the vain conceit that the universe must be somehow pre-ordained for us, because we are so well-suited to live in it, he [Adams] mimed a wonderfully funny imitation of a puddle of water, fitting itself snugly into a depression in the ground, the depression uncannily being exactly the same shape as the puddle."
-- Richard Dawkins, in "Lament for Douglas" (14 May 2001)

To surrender to ignorance and call it God has always been premature, and it remains premature today.
--Isaac Asimov, "On Religiosity," Free Inquiry

Imagine the people who believe such things and who are not ashamed to ignore, totally, all the patient findings of thinking minds through all the centuries since the Bible was written. And it is these ignorant people, the most uneducated, the most unimaginative, the most unthinking among us, who would make themselves the guides and leaders of us all; who would force their feeble and childish beliefs on us; who would invade our schools and libraries and homes. I personally resent it bitterly.
-- Isaac Asimov, Canadian Atheists Newsletter, 1994

People everywhere enjoy believing things that they know are not true. It spares them the ordeal of thinking for themselves and taking responsibility for what they know.
-- Brooks Atkinson, Once Around The Sun (1951)

Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.
-- Francis Bacon (attributed: source unknown)

For that rogue Rove:
Goodbye and may the law of truth and exposure follow you the rest of your days and beyond. You are a man of little dick and brain, of innate cruelty and injustice.
This quote is for you!!!
Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.
-- Francis Bacon (attributed: source unknown)
And this:
Truth is the daughter of time, not of authority.
-- Francis Bacon (attributed: source unknown)

All religions, with their gods, their demi-gods, and their prophets, their messiahs and their saints, were created by the prejudiced fancy of men who had not attained the full development and full possession of their faculties.
-- Mikhail Bakunin, God and the State (1871), quoted from Emma Goldman, "The Philosophy of Atheism" (1916)

Religion is a collective insanity.
-- Mikhail Bakunin, from Rufus K Noyes, Views of Religion, quoted from James A Haught, ed., 2000 Years of Disbelief

Theology is the science of the divine lie
-- Mikhail Bakunin, from George Seldes, ed., The Great Quotations, quoted from James A Haught, ed., 2000 Years of Disbelief

Patronising Govt!

Govt under fire over 'patronising' intervention push

August 10, 2007 - 10:30AM
Source: ABC

Rex Wild says the intervention is patronising and paternalistic. (File photo) Photo: AFP

The head of the federal Family and Community Services Department has told a Senate committee there has been no consultation with the authors of the report that sparked the federal intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.

Aboriginal leader Pat Anderson and lawyer Rex Wild QC wrote The Little Children are Sacred report, which described the high levels of sexual abuse against Aboriginal children.

The Federal Government announced in June it was responding to the report by intervening in more than 70 Aboriginal communities.

Mr Wild and Ms Anderson have not been asked to give evidence to the Senate committee.

Mr Wild says the findings of the report and its 97 recommendations were well founded.

"Everybody says the same thing - so why is it that after all of the reports, including ours and everything that's been said, it's now necessary to move in a patronising, paternalistic way, which is the very same thing which has caused all the difficulties in the last 200 years," he said.

He says it is frustrating the Federal Government has ignored the report's recommendations.

"Our hope was that we would remove a lot of the political noise and shouting which goes on about this and other issues and by there being an immediate collaborative approach," he said.

"I just think there was a missed opportunity there."

The head of the Family Services Department, Jeff Harmer, told Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett there has not been any consultation with the authors since the Government intervention announcement.

"The authors made it pretty clear what their views were and what was happening," he said.

"We didn't feel the need to go back to talk with them and frankly in responding quickly to this, we didn't feel that that was the highest priority in the things we had to do."

Mr Wild and Ms Anderson have They have made themselves available to give evidence to the senators during the committee's lunch break today.

Compensation

A Federal Government official has refused to say what form the compensation will take when more than 70 Aboriginal communities are taken over for five years.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert asked senior government bureaucrat Wayne Gibbons what form it would take.

"What's been implied in the media is that provision of infrastructure may be used as compensation and I've just asked you to guarantee to me that that is not the case and that the issues around compensation are completely separate from the other interventions," she said.

"The other provision of infrastructure and things like that and you've just said to me [that] you're not prepared to talk about it now?"

Mr Gibbons replied: "No, because I believe I'd be prejudicing the Commonwealth in those negotiations, Senator".

Apt Name for this Government

Too good to be true, but it is.

What is the name for a group of cheetahs?

A COALITION!!!

Hahhahhaahahahah!!!!!!!!

One for the faults!

attachment (JPEG Image, 470x333 pixels)

Please read up on what is being passed today in our Parliament.
It is complex, sad, horrific and shameful.

It is all too much.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22200885-601,00.html

Don't say the "F" word here!

So Jerry Falwell, that deliciously disgusting excuse for a human, who has the Prezzies earhole, demands that you no longer call the 'happy clappies' "Fundamentalists". They are now to be addressed as "Evangelists".
MMMM! Really, you dip stick!!

What the hell do you think 'fundamentalism' is??? It all began in the U-nited States of a merka...and was written during the time when the Scopes legal case was under way. About ten books were written called "THE FUNDAMENTALS" where the point was declared that the bible was no longer to be considered a book for all seasons but one that was written and should be taken as read, believed, followed, word for word!
Hence the birth of 'fundamentalism'.

What a disgusting history lies at the base of this stupid, mind numbing, heart destroying movement.

A grey haired old lady, one where butter wouldn't melt in any orifice ( her being so fridged and all!!!) stands in her flowery apron with room for a bible and a gun!
On her back her sweat-shirt declares;

"Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition".

OH MY FUCKING GOD!!!

This is George Bush country.
This is the Land of the Free.
This is the basis of democracy.

"NO sair..there ain't never gonna be one of them pesky Mosqueie things evah built here in Tenna-see. No sirree...nor none of them Hindui thingys neither!!"

You nasty piece of shit.

"WE have the right to bomb them and stop 'em coming into ah comm-oon-et-ee. They ain't welcome he-ar".

My god!

So why bother going to travel for adventures in eastern climes?

Just go to the great white heart-breaking knee-jerk hole that is Dayton, Tennessee, USA!

NOW this IS something to be afraid of...this IS terrifying...this is the downward spiral of fear and hatred that shows itself in ALL fundamentalism....no matter the religion.
Time to get rid of religion...of all hues..time to get back to care, love, inclusion, tolerance, patience and generosity of spirit.

This attitude, this religion thing, this place is for the hating, fearful, mob that hung so many from trees, that bombed the innocent, that gassed the 6 million, that throws up fences so they don't have to look at the poverty and needs of others.

YOU are right?
YOU are doing 'the lord's work'?
YOU are an inspiration?
YOU have all the answers?

Well hell no, ma'am...YOU are evil!


Jerry Falwell, you know what you do..you will not be forgiven!

(Information gathered on the following programme...PLEASE prove me wrong!!)

ON ABC TV:
http://www.abc.net.au/compass/index/compass2007.htm
(Australian TV)

COMPASS: THE FUNDAMENTALISTS - Part 1
August 5

Following our 3-part series on the emerging interfaith movement this is a timely and thought provoking examination of fundamentalism spanning five faiths: Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Jewish. Former Dominican friar Mark Dowd, meets radical xenophobic Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka, gun-toting Tennessee housewives and the mothers of suicide bombers in the Middle East. He chronicles their angry rebellion against a modern world and asks what can be done to quell the advance of militant faith?

In Part One he visits the American bible belt to chart the origins and growth, of the 'moral majority movement' now influencing the highest levels of politics. In India he visits the ancient holy city of Ayodhya, site of the disputed Ram-Temple, to explore how simmering tensions between Hindus and Muslims have been exploited for political gain. And he meets militant Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka who've embraced a radical nationalist agenda to fight Tamil Tigers (dominantly Hindu). We cannot stop bombs by meditation, they argue.

INFO

From "Marcus of Adelaide":

Shall we look at the Howard Governments ‘success’ in the various portfolios:
Defense: Massive Overspending on faulty & Outdated Equipment. $3 billion spent on a Quagmire in Iraq.

Foreign Affairs: Totally missed our sole wheat exporter giving $300 million in bribes to a nation we were about to invade.

Health: A Private Health rebate & Medicare ‘Safety Net’ scheme that have collectively blown out by over three times their original budget.

(And has slashed dental care for the poor and the lower paid....And has totally ignored the importance of dental care in health!!)

Aged Care: A massive shortage in nursing home beds causing the elderly to spill over into our hospitals.

(Never mind that the elderly have to sell their homes to even get on the waiting list for a nursing home place)

Finance & Trade: a tripling of our foreign debt over the last 10 years & a near doubling in interest rates since 2002.

Environment & Water: Complete inaction on climate change for the last 10 years, ignoring specialist advice to nix Wind Farms for electoral gain, routine underspending of money allocated to water conservation & a new Water Initiative devised on the ‘back of an envelope’.

Immigration: a 457 Visa scheme that is being rorted to undermine wages & conditions for local workers, & regular detention & even deportation of Australian Citizens (Rau & Solon being just the most notable examples).

Treasury: regularly miscalculates the budget bottom line to the tune of $2-$3 billion.

(And uses the 'surplus' for advertising, pork barrelling, buying votes, brain washing the electorate oh and raising their own pay packets by 14%).

Transport & Regional Affairs: The National Highway Scheme & Regional Development Scheme is really nothing more than a massive Pork Barrel, whilst national infrastructure & many regional communities go begging.

(Bold type editorial additions).

Quotes for these Times.

“They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security” - Benjamin Franklin

“When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default it can never be recovered” - Dorothy Thompson

“It is not the fact of liberty but the way in which liberty is exercised that ultimately determines whether liberty itself survives” - Dorothy Thompson

“We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.” - Edward R Murrow

“The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government - FDR

Graffiti

What does it mean?
Why do it?

It has always been a sign of frustration, anger, despair, artistry, freedom, declaration of independence from the law, revolution, 'up-yours', 'coz I can', and a variety of other signals.

Worse things could happen than for it occur on your own fence.

A relative ( or rather a 'once relative') indulged lawfully for creative reasons, and was persistent, careful, studied and clever in it.

Now some teenagers have brought it home.

It was not a good sign like "No War" or "Howard Suxs" or anything. Just a postcode from another state.

What the hell is the point?

If you are going to make a mark, ruin some property, feel the wind beneath your artistic wings, for god sake make it a point!!!

So off to scrub once again.

Bricks are a bugger to clean.

Ah me!