Author: peterimrich

LNP, LNP Corruption, LNP Government, LNP Tactics

Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop doesn’t stack up, says federal government

‘Massively expensive’: Can Victoria now afford the suburban loop?

Morrison punishes Victoria a Labor State he knows he simply can’t win. Smoothing the path for Matthew Guy in November his only hope. Morrison has to go!!

Even more interesting is The Age’s opinion section. It  is currently promoting the witholding of funds by the Morrison government. It’s a biased opinion and plain to see written by an member of none other than the Victorian LNP. No surprise now that Ch9 owns the  masthead and is run by Peter Costello. We must in the long term SAVE AND REVIVE OUR ABC

The Morrison government says Victorian Labor’s multibillion-dollar Suburban Rail Loop does not “stack up”, raising questions about the state government’s ability to pay for the project if forced to go it alone. Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher also hit back at attacks from the state government, which has criticised the Commonwealth for only allocating 6 per cent of the budget’s infrastructure funding to Victoria, which is home to 26 per cent of the nation’s population.

Source: Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop doesn’t stack up, says federal government

Pacific Region

Heavy-handed approach to aid has disenchanted Pacific Island nations and compromised Australia’s security | Nick Bisley and Shahar Hameiri | The Guardian

Solomon Islands foreign minister, Jeremiah Manele, with China’s foreign minister Wang Yi.

With the arrival of Abbott our Foreign Policy in the Pacific had a major shift. Australia Radio vanished after 75years and Foreign Aid became far more transactional. It became more business than aid. Abbott clearly had his sights on stronger relationships with Europe rather than the Pacific Islands. The LNP allowed for a vacuum to develop in the Pacific Region. They gifted it to their friends China.

As the Pacific’s biggest aid donor, Australia has often taken a heavy-handed approach, trying to dictate to Pacific islanders how to run their governments and public institutions. Much of its aid also ended up in the pockets of Australian companies and consultants. Many in the region resent this. Chinese presence constrains Australian paternalism. It has also led Australia to pledge more money for infrastructure, which the Pacific sorely needs. Additionally, while Australia sees China as its biggest security threat, the Pacific associates that level of danger with climate change, not China. Australia’s dismal approach to climate change mitigation, and disapproval of Pacific climate activism, rankles. Granted, China is not itself a climate change paragon, but Australia’s claim to regional leadership has been harmed. A progressive-realist approach would recognise that China is in the region to stay, because Pacific governments want it there. Hence, leading in the Pacific does not mean kicking China out, as efforts to achieve this would probably backfire.

Source: Heavy-handed approach to aid has disenchanted Pacific Island nations and compromised Australia’s security | Nick Bisley and Shahar Hameiri | The Guardian

Communist Party, History

How the Communist Party of Australia Built a Mass Movement

The very notion of Democracy and the Separation of Powers lead to a Godless State. However, Scott Morrison believes he was chosen to correct that. He believes he’s more than a member of an elected government but a member of God’s “elect” born to rule and that’s why he’s neither a liar nor a bully. He’s simply right!!

For much of the twentieth century, communism was a global movement, with branches in almost every nation, that sought to do away with the present state of things. It demanded and inspired unswerving loyalty from its members, who built a counterculture embracing almost every aspect of their lives. In this way, communist parties were unlike typical bourgeois parties, who extend politics only to elections and stakeholder management.

Source: How the Communist Party of Australia Built a Mass Movement

Trump

Watch: ‘Donald Trump Is Mentally Unwell’ Says CNN’s Harwood in Warning to GOP | The Smirking Chimp

Donald Trump by definition is mentally ill. He’s openly ready to self-harm and is definitely intent on harming others.

CNN reports that in “a new interview published Tuesday, former President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to release any damaging information he has about the Biden family, in a brazen request for domestic political assistance from America’s top adversary.” Watch Harwood:

Source: Watch: ‘Donald Trump Is Mentally Unwell’ Says CNN’s Harwood in Warning to GOP | The Smirking Chimp

Fox News

The Kremlin is promoting Tucker Carlson’s false Fox News bio labs segment | Media Matters for America

Tucker Carlson Fox News

What would Putin do without Murdoch’s Fox News?

The Kremlin is once again using Fox News host Tucker Carlson to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this time promoting his recent segment pushing the Ukrainian biolabs conspiracy theory.

Source: The Kremlin is promoting Tucker Carlson’s false Fox News bio labs segment | Media Matters for America

Andrew Bolt

Russian Soldiers Suffer Acute Radiation Syndrome At Chernobyl | Crooks and Liars

Russian Soldiers Suffer Acute Radiation Syndrome At Chernobyl

Remember when Andrew Bolt bragged that he’d take his family on holiday to Chernobyl. He told us it was perfectly safe and that there was no danger of any long lasting nuclear radiation fallout.

Yaroslav Yemelianenko, who works for the Public Council at the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management, called them “irradiated terrorists” on Facebook. He seemed unsympathetic to their plight and likely permanent health problems as a result. “Digging the trenches in Radu Forest, bitches? Now live the rest of your short life with this.”

Source: Russian Soldiers Suffer Acute Radiation Syndrome At Chernobyl | Crooks and Liars

Putin

Yes, Putin and Russia are fascist – a political scientist shows how they meet the textbook definition

The problem Hitler comitted suicide. Putin has the bomb and a bullet big big difference.

I believe Putin’s fascist Russia faces a serious risk of breakdown in the not-too-distant future. All that’s missing is a spark that will rile the people and elites and move them to take action. That could be an increase in fuel prices, the development that led to a citizen revolt in Kazakhstan earlier this year; a blatantly falsified election, such as the one that led to riots in autocratic Belarus in 2020; or thousands of body bags returning to Russia from the war in Ukraine.

Source: Yes, Putin and Russia are fascist – a political scientist shows how they meet the textbook definition

Uncategorized

Old Dog Thought- Democracy & the separation of powers constitute a godless state. Morrison was chosen to rule with a stick if necessary part of the “elect” who understands Q

Fighting Fake News with REAL 1/4/22 Will the REAL Scott Morrison be Exposed? Roy Morgan; Jacqui Lambie, Concetta Fierravanti-Welles; Barnaby Joyce; QAnon;

Informed Comment

What’s the plan, boss? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

The Coalition claims the budget sets out their plan for the nation, so what is that plan? To address cost of living pressures, millions of people will be given a one-off few hundred dollars and a temporary reduction in petrol prices. No permanent increase to pensions or Jobseeker. No support for an increase to the minimum wage. Nothing to address unaffordable housing and childcare. To address climate change, we will increase our exports of “cleaner” coal and pin our future on gas, carbon capture and storage, and buying carbon credits. No plan to genuinely cut emissions. No risk assessment of potentially stranded assets. No commitment to, or recognition of, the global effort to keep heating below 1.5 degrees. To address the aged care crisis, a few hundred million will be spent on improving medication management. No increase in wages for aged care workers. No mandated staff to resident ratio. No requirement for specifically trained staff. To address national security, we will spend hundreds of billions on war toys that won’t arrive for decades, recruit more personnel, who also won’t materialise for decades, and join the dirty world of cyber and space warfare. No thought of the value of soft diplomacy or being a responsible, respectful, reliable global citizen – it’s all about military ‘alliances’.

Source: What’s the plan, boss? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Bogus bullying, the buy-your-vote Budget and a fake tan fight-back

The same universe where budget pledges, along with most other promises, are simply empty announcements that never come to fruition. And the one where the ever-faithful establishment media will do their darndest to ensure we all focus on the trinkets and any rumours about the Opposition and forget about the facts. Perhaps the $1.16 billion being spent on future space travel within the universe in question is really an insurance measure for the Government in case they get booted out of office and beyond the stratosphere?

Source: Bogus bullying, the buy-your-vote Budget and a fake tan fight-back

Uncategorized

Barnaby Joyce not the first to call Scott Morrison a liar

 

Scott Morrison feb 6 lies

But consecutive leaks showing senior figures in his government view untrustworthiness as one of Scott Morrison’s most salient personality traits is going to cement the Prime Minister’s credibility problem. Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce was forced to apologise on Saturday for a text he sent less than a year ago, while on the backbench, saying Mr Morrison “earnestly rearranges the truth to a lie”.

Source: Barnaby Joyce not the first to call Scott Morrison a liar

Uncategorized

Scott Morrison must reveal any text messages from QAnon friend, information watchdog orders | Scott Morrison | The Guardian

After two-year freedom of information battle with Guardian Australia, the PM’s office has been told to search for any messages with QAnon proponent Tim Stewart

Source: Scott Morrison must reveal any text messages from QAnon friend, information watchdog orders | Scott Morrison | The Guardian

Budget

From Back in Black to a Trillion in Debt – » The Australian Independent Media Network

 

Last night we saw an out of touch and desperate Federal Government trying to buy your votes just before an election – an election which the polls suggest the Morrison Government will be heavily defeated in – by delivering a terrible budget which has no long-term plans for this country’s future. The only plan regarding this budget is an attempt to re-elect Mr Morrison as Prime Minister, a man whom in the words of Senator Fierravanti-Wells is an “autocrat and bully who has no moral compass” (Pauline Hanson is also alleging today she too has experienced Mr Morrison’s bullying). We deserve better than this, Australia.

Source: From Back in Black to a Trillion in Debt – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Economy

Blinded by dodgy stats: Frydenberg’s sermon relies on rusty tablets – Michael West Media

Scott Morrison watches as Josh Frydenberg hands down the 2022-23 Budget.

Australia’s recovery is leading the world? Biggest economic shock since the Depression? There used to be a rule against misleading Parliament. No longer, it seems, writes Alan Austin. This is almost certainly the most corrupt budget process Australia has endured in living memory. Its deceptions and contradictions are found throughout the budget documents and the Treasurer’s presentations. The glaring falsehoods

Source: Blinded by dodgy stats: Frydenberg’s sermon relies on rusty tablets – Michael West Media

History

How the Communist Party of Australia Built a Mass Movement

This history has been cut from any schools curriculum

Though little discussed today, Australian communism was a movement that changed the lives of its members — and the course of national history.

Source: How the Communist Party of Australia Built a Mass Movement

Green Energy

Combined, Green Sources generated 38% of global Electricity in 2021, for 1st Time Exceeding Coal

Morrison denies that rapid transition is possible the world says otherwise

In fact, 50 countries now get at least 10 percent of their electricity from wind and solar alone. Wind and solar need to grow 20% a year for us to remain on track to meet the Paris climate goals, Ember points out. The report observes that in recent years, that is exactly how fast wind and solar have grown. This finding is a rare note of optimism in the sustainable energy field, and we should celebrate this impressive and skyrocketing growth.

Source: Combined, Green Sources generated 38% of global Electricity in 2021, for 1st Time Exceeding Coal

Putin

British spy chief says Russian President underestimated Ukrainian defence and global response to war – ABC News

A Russian marine takes position in front of a helicopter during a training exercise

Sir Jeremy Fleming says Russian soldiers are “refusing to carry out orders”He warns countries like the UK, the US and Australia may be targeted by Russian cyber attacksHe says China is backing Moscow for now in part because of its plans for Taiwan

Source: British spy chief says Russian President underestimated Ukrainian defence and global response to war – ABC News

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought- Murdoch cashing in his investment chips. Nothing about Lismore No War In Ukraine. Murdoch’s Bullshit Blitz

Fighting Fake News with REAL 31/3/22; REAL NEWS, REAL FACTS, MICHAEL WEST MEDIA;

Informed Comment

Big Budget Bluff: how the Coalition conned its media allies and left 10m Australians in the lurch – Michael West Media

Federal Budget, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg

After two weeks, two long weeks of fawning Budget coverage, leak after leak, story after story brown-nosing the Coalition, reciting Treasurer Frydenberg’s talking points; after all that free publicity, what do they do? They miss the story. Michael West reports.

Source: Big Budget Bluff: how the Coalition conned its media allies and left 10m Australians in the lurch – Michael West Media

LNP, LNP Corruption, LNP Tactics

Savage assessment of Morrison a bolt of lightning for election campaign

Liberal senator unleashes on the PM

What has come into relief with Fierravanti-Wells’s  ferocious tirade on Scott Morrison is why so much effort was made in the past 2 weeks to have Anthony Albanese look like a heartless, uncaring bully and thug in the case of Kimberly Kitching even though she made no formal complaint. The debate about Kitching was orchestrated along with the accusations about the “mean girls” as a PR smokescreen for what Morrison knew was laying ahead. Because Fierravanti- Welles’s thoughts and accusations let loose about Morrison were no secret within the Liberal Party machinery and were going to be unstoppable pre-election. It demonstrates just how Trumplike and American the Australian Liberal Party from Abbott to Morrison has become. The Liberal Party dirt brigade has been working overtime.

They like the Republicans claim they are the only Party defending our true religion and faith and Morrison isn’t shy claiming he is the spiritual head of the new politically Christian Liberal Party. His decisions are based on protecting faith and culture and his decisions far superior to any facts put forward by divisive godless experts and scientists. Unfortunately he represents minority interests who claim they are the true defenders of all Australians. This began with John Howard who cosied up with the Exclusive Bretheren and other religious cults

The savage assessment of Scott Morrison by one of his nominal allies is like a bolt of lightning into the debate about whether the Prime Minister deserves another term in power.It electrifies the election campaign when Morrison is trying to make the contest about his leadership and the personality of his opponent, Anthony Albanese.

Source: Savage assessment of Morrison a bolt of lightning for election campaign

Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison labelled an ‘autocrat and bully who has no moral compass’ by Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells | Liberal party | The Guardian

Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells during a condolence motion for the late senator Kimberley Kitching in the senate chamber of Parliament House in Canberra

We now start to realize why Morrison’s media were so desperate to have Kitching on the front pages for so long and fingers pointing at Albanese. Morrison’s dirt brigade knew what was in store for him.

Senator, who has been relegated to an unwinnable spot on the Liberal party’s NSW upper house ticket, says in parliament ‘the fish stinks from the head’

Source: Scott Morrison labelled an ‘autocrat and bully who has no moral compass’ by Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells | Liberal party | The Guardian

Informed Comment

They simply have a plan to keep wages low. They always have. – » The Australian Independent Media Network

My thought for the day We exercise our involvement in our democracy every three years by voting. After that the vast majority takes very little interest. Why is it so? ( John Lord )

Source: They simply have a plan to keep wages low. They always have. – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Uncategorized

We must turn solidarity with Ukraine into the new normal for all refugees

Morrison was and still is an architect of Australia’s racist shame when it comes to asylum seekers and refugees. He was the first in line to yell that Ukrainians were allowed to “jump the queue” that queue that had others incarcerated for over a decade and still continues do. Afghanis who fought shoulder to shoulder with Australians were never given that same spontaneous welcome. Peter Dutton’s direct attacks on African Christians readily threw fuel on the fire to distract from the LNP’s underlying racism and incompetence. They keep telling us Africans Lebanese and Indigenous Australians have poor fitting cultures not suited here. Yet, they are far more likely to be practising Christians and in the case of Africans more educated than the average Australian. What they are are really denying is Australia’s multiculturalism and more specifically their race and colour.

We must turn solidarity with Ukraine into the new normal for all refugees The global North’s unprecedented support for Ukrainians has revealed racist double standards. But it’s also an opportunity to extend such solidarity to everyone.

Source: We must turn solidarity with Ukraine into the new normal for all refugees

Donald Trump

Putin May Be Accused Of War Crimes In Ukraine, But Trump’s Still Asking For His Help | HuffPost Latest News

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, June 28, 2019.

Hitler was around politically for quite some time before being written off in a bunker. That seems to be a problem that democracies they simply don’t have the laws to deal with would be fascists. Trump is currently opening the door for Putin and promising him a “deal” and there isn’t anything America can do. If Trump wins in 2024 he will abandon NATO.

Even on the day Putin sent his armies into Ukraine last month, Trump called him a “genius” and “very savvy” for having invaded. Since then, as images and stories of Putin’s slaughter have emerged, Trump has criticized the invasion, but still has not been critical of Putin personally. After losing the 2020 election by 7 million votes nationally and 306-232 in the Electoral College, Trump became the first U.S. president in more than two centuries of elections to refuse to hand over power peacefully. His incitement of the 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, a last-ditch attempt to remain in office, killed five people, including one police officer. That day’s violence also injured another 140 officers and led to four police suicides. Nevertheless, Trump remains the dominant figure in the Republican Party and is speaking about running for the presidency again in 2024.

Source: Putin May Be Accused Of War Crimes In Ukraine, But Trump’s Still Asking For His Help | HuffPost Latest News

Trump

Trump Begs Putin To Dig Up Dirt On The Bidens While Invading Ukraine | Crooks and Liars

Trump Begs Putin To Dig Up Dirt On The Bidens While Invading Ukraine

Just another perfect, not-quid pro quo, request. But he leaves Julian Assange, ex- Wikileaks boss and once Trump hero  under the bus after doing his Russian email dump of Hilary’s emails

Source: Trump Begs Putin To Dig Up Dirt On The Bidens While Invading Ukraine | Crooks and Liars

Informed Comment

Why do Putin, Trump, Tucker Carlson and the Republican party sound so alike? | Robert Reich | The Guardian

‘Putin, Trump and Carlson have been promoting much the same narrative – for much the same reason.’

 

It was the third time in recent months Putin has blasted the so-called “cancel culture”. Which is exactly what Trump, Tucker Carlson, and the Republican party have blasted for several years.

Source: Why do Putin, Trump, Tucker Carlson and the Republican party sound so alike? | Robert Reich | The Guardian

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought- A budget covered in gifts yet to be delivered of $0.70 a day for Pensioners and $1.10 for middle-income earners by an a-hole who we pay $250 a day. They have been the highest taxing Government this century and lie to boot

Fighting Fake News with REAL 30/3/22; The Budget, Capitalism, Workers, National Planning , Cuba,

Budget

Budget 2022: government’s emergency is political not economic

Josh Frydenberg and Scott Morrison are preparing to hand down another budget.

Watch out for the bandaids attached to this Norman Gunston budget, The one-offs, Cost of Living Help of $4-$9, the fuel excise cut etc. Like the one off emergency payout of $800 promised flood victims that’s been so slow its “coming” but not arrived. The red tape put in place even more costly. But then promises pad the “appearance” of this government that has continuously failed to deliver anything but promises. They’re a government where style is more important than meaning, where  hi-viz uniforms that are meant to make Morrison and his MPs appear to know what he’s doing. Where inexperience and politics dominate decision making over expertise and studied  experience.  One-off gifts promised in the short term to allay but do nothing for the nation. This has been a short-term knee-jerk government since 2013. Imagine a one-off $250 bonus for pensioners $0.70cents a day to be ripped ioff them after a year WOW that’s a bonus!! But does that promise really drown out the “Nope Nope Nope” the anthem we’ve heard for the past decade? Or the false promises “No Cuts” to the ABC , Health, Education, Aged-Care, Wages, Public Service, etc etc etc?

Australians are used to being told the federal budget will give them billions of dollars in urgent cash to help them through a crisis, but Josh Frydenberg will have to adjust that message on Tuesday night.

Source: Budget 2022: government’s emergency is political not economic

Informed Comment

The first time Morrison lost the nation’s confidence: the story they don’t want you to know – Michael West Media

Scott Morriosn - Tourism Board Australia

Like Trump, there is a trail of NDAs set in place to prevent us from knowing his past history. Why would that be? There are no such barriers to Anthony Albanese

”Clearly not within scope,” said the department when Jommy Tee went on a Freedom of Information hunt for reasons a future prime minister’s first Australian government job ended in acrimony. Our correspondent found that while the Prime Minister seeks inquiries into the conduct of others, information about his departure from Tourism Australia is kept out of sight.

Source: The first time Morrison lost the nation’s confidence: the story they don’t want you to know – Michael West Media

Informed Comment

Michael Pascoe: Morrison gone, Frydenberg trying to save the furniture

Scott Morrison is gone. Anthony Albanese will win the election. Josh Frydenberg is fighting to save some of the furniture. There, it’s been said. The commentariat generally is too scarred from getting the 2019 election wrong to call it, carefully hedging their collective bets. Something similar happened in 1996 after Paul Keating’s surprise 1993 “true believers” victory, but the polls and the national mood have had enough of the Morrison government in 2022 as they had had enough of the Keating government in 1996. The majority of the electorate perceives the Coalition as tired, cynical and short of talent after nine years in power – not fit for purpose.

Source: Michael Pascoe: Morrison gone, Frydenberg trying to save the furniture

Informed Comment

Why isn’t our “strong economy” benefitting workers? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

 

It’s time the workers united again to claim their share of the profits their labour produces. Companies should fulfil their part of the social contract by paying fair wages and taxation. With 12% of Australians living in poverty, it’s time we had a government that puts the welfare of its people first. It’s time.

Source: Why isn’t our “strong economy” benefitting workers? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Corporate Greed

Time to end the party of greed – » The Australian Independent Media Network

 

Morrison has a unique campaigning method. Death by boring repetition, and a boundless lack of shame. Only today he was upset that Lismore residents are not more grateful for Government assistance. He also broke old ground today, informing us that if we vote for Labor, we will get Labor. That is something of a compliment to the Australian Electoral Commission, and a huge relief. He sees no warning in the South Australian election debacle. So, call the election. We know you now.

Source: Time to end the party of greed – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Uncategorized

Racism is still an everyday experience for non-white Australians. Where is the plan to stop this?

Racism is a historic needless appendix to our Institutions and is given strength it doesn’t deserve in the heartbeats and mindset of a cultural minority that keeps telling us they represent “most” of us. The only thing this “most” represents in a multicultural society is the echo of the cyclops bigotry of “some” of us and we certainly know the groups that uses it and where to find them.

However, it’s fading and grows weaker with each and every passing generation. After all we are only 220 years old. If we want to really rid ourselves of it positive action against privilege, the economic, and opportunity divides need to be addressed in order to allow multiculturalism to really flourish. Scandinavian countries are streaks ahead of us in their institutional approache to multicultural democracy and its reflected in their public institutions primarily in their education system which begins in kindergardens through to secondary schools.

Australia’s political leaders often talk about its multicultural credentials, making sweeping statements about its unmatched success in diversity. According to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Australia is the “most successful” multicultural country in the world. This self-congratulatory speech, however, masks the reality that we are a country with a deep racism problem that is not getting better. Racism in Australia My recent co-authored book Racism in Australia Today with Amanuel Elias and Yin Paradies looks at various manifestations of racism in our history and across key institutions.

Source: Racism is still an everyday experience for non-white Australians. Where is the plan to stop this?

Cuba

Cuba Prepares for Disaster | The Smirking Chimp

Projecting potential future damage led Cubans to to realize that by 2050, rising water levels could destroy 122 coastal towns. By 2017, Cuba had become the only country with a government-led plan (Project Life, or Tarea Vida) to combat climate change which includes a 100 year projection.

Source: Cuba Prepares for Disaster | The Smirking Chimp

Trump

Trump’s Attempt To Overturn Election Was a Crime, Federal Judge Says – NowThis

Former president Donald Trump will likely face charges for a felony crime for his role in the spread of misinformation regarding the 2020 presidential election.

Source: Trump’s Attempt To Overturn Election Was a Crime, Federal Judge Says – NowThis

Uncategorized

Will Smith went low by slapping Chris Rock. In his attempt to justify it, he went even lower | Joseph Harker | The Guardian

Will Smith on the monitor at the Governors Ball afterparty.

Will Smith Apologises but will that be the end of it?

I’m sad that, at the pinnacle of his career, Smith has trashed his own reputation. I’m sadder still that, in their own moment of glory, he chose to taint the Williams family too.

Source: Will Smith went low by slapping Chris Rock. In his attempt to justify it, he went even lower | Joseph Harker | The Guardian

and

Source: Will Smith Apologizes Publicly To Chris Rock For Oscars Slap: ‘I Was Out Of Line’ | HuffPost Entertainment

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” he wrote in an Instagram statement.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Fox News

Fox vets keep leaving the network and saying it is propaganda | Media Matters for America

picture of Chris Wallace

Chris Wallace, the longtime host of Fox News Sunday, is the latest example of a curious phenomenon: Fox News veterans leaving the network and then telling the public that their former employer is a right-wing propaganda outlet.

Source: Fox vets keep leaving the network and saying it is propaganda | Media Matters for America

Russia

Free Press Advocates Demand End to Russian Censorship as Last Independent Paper Closes

Dmitry Muratov

But they get Fox News and Tucker Carlson. That’s American so it must be truly Independant.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that Russian news outlets be allowed to provide unbiased coverage.”

Source: Free Press Advocates Demand End to Russian Censorship as Last Independent Paper Closes

Fight against Fake News, Fighting Fake News

Old Dog Thought- Budget has more bandages than Norman Gunston but not the laughs

Fighting Fake News with REAL 29/3/22; Morrison is Trump; Lobby Land, The Norman Gunston Budget;

LNP, LNP Corruption, LNP Government

Out of the Frydenberg and into the fire ahead of the budget, with debt and deficits for at least another decade – ABC News

Ongoing deficits graph Verrender column

In 2012 We were in Bad Shape  the Sky was Falling in. In 2022 We are told we are in Good Shape because of the LNP has taken our debt from 10% under the ALP to 40% of GDP. Claiming no fault of theirs how is it possible because Morrison doesn’t lie? Oh easy, throw facts out and simply say }it would have been worse under the ALP and call that a predictable truth.

When Tony Abbott was elected prime minister, our net debt sat at around $200 billion, or about 10 per cent of the size of our economy. He proclaimed it a disaster. It wasn’t. Our debt had doubled by the time the pandemic hit and, at just under 20 per cent of GDP, it still wasn’t a problem. It’s due to hit 40 per cent within the next year or so — at around $1 trillion —

Source: Out of the Frydenberg and into the fire ahead of the budget, with debt and deficits for at least another decade – ABC News

Public Health

Brick by brick we say goodbye to Medicare – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Channel 9 also interviewed Mrs Morrison on 25 March 2022. The very resourceful online journalist Ronni Salt has previously examined on 13 March 2021 Media Cloud, and she discovered either Mr Morrison’s communications team, or some partisan elements of the media, referring to Mrs Morrison’s personal health problems on the following occasions:

1 July/August 2018 when Mr Morrison was vying to become leader of the Liberal Party (don’t be fooled by that hand on Mr Turnbull’s shoulder).

2 April/May 2019 when Mr Morrison was campaigning for re-election.

3 September 2019 when the story broke about Mr Morrison trying to obtain an invite for Mr Houston to attend a dinner at the White House with former President Trump.

4 February/March 2021 when questions were raised about the alleged conduct of some Liberal members or staffers.

Now I can’t say definitively what motivated Mr Morrison’s announcement on 25 March 2022 regarding some funding for endometriosis and pregnancy treatment, but the announcement has been made right before an election will be called, and if it wasn’t a politically motivated initiative  then why didn’t Mr Morrison introduce the proposed medical funding during June or July of 2019? Notwithstanding what opinions you may form about Mr Morrison’s announcement on 25 March 2022, or Ms Salt’s previous investigations, one fact is certain; Medicare is slowly but surely being pulled apart brick by brick, particularly by the Morrison Government.

 

Source: Brick by brick we say goodbye to Medicare – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Conservative Media, Media, Media Bias, media distortion

Sikh Volunteers Australia Drove 34 Hours To Assist Flood-Affected Victims In NSW

Sikh Volunteers Australia preparing food deliveries

Peter Costello’s AGE spent yesterday attempting to smear Dan Andrews for his relationship with the Sikh Community in Victoria. They seemingly tried to suggest that a positive and progressive relationship  was nefarious and suspicious in nature the equivalent of what we have seen done in LNP’s rorts scandals. The Age was acting more as a PR agent in an effort of damage control for the shambles Matthew Guy and the Liberals had found themselves in. However, even Pr agents can be idiots and chose the wrong community and the wrong relationship to focus on even one one dating back to 2018.

But it’s during difficult times like these that Australians bond together to help each other out — and that can be seen by the efforts of Sikh Volunteers Australia, an organisation that aims to reduce distress in the community by providing free food to people in need. Sikh Volunteers Australia preparing food deliveries

Source: Sikh Volunteers Australia Drove 34 Hours To Assist Flood-Affected Victims In NSW

Commentary

Bill Shorten and Andrew Landeryou weaponize the death of Kimberley Kitching to blackmail Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party – Kangaroo Court of Australia

I probably would not write about Kimberley Kitching and her past but her husband Andrew Landeryou, Bill Shorten and his friends keep on driving the issue and have politicised it which could have an impact on the federal election due in 2 months. So, on that basis, it could and should be discussed so we can see the bullying allegations are a political stunt that has no credibility and all the people involved should be ashamed of themselves.

Source: Bill Shorten and Andrew Landeryou weaponize the death of Kimberley Kitching to blackmail Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party – Kangaroo Court of Australia

Homelessness

Sleeping rough – all these years and nothing has changed – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Being an idiot for Tony Abbott is a lifestyle choice being homeless isn’t

There is no local plan for those that are homeless, although council is prepared to share links. That does very little for a man that is homeless in the early hours of the morning! To get anything done out here requires access to transport, access to the Internet. Heaven forfends my few ‘possessions’ were left unguarded at a railway station if I sought to take a train into the city; there are no lockers although there is a secure place for bikes at the Boronia Railway Station. The other man was desperately trying to get two dollars for a cuppa and is sleeping on the ground, in a car park that belongs to a shop; he had more serious problems than mine. Homelessness is not an issue, it’s a crisis! I repeated something I did a few months ago, something I experienced a few years ago. After all the reports, after all the academic insights and opinions there is a serious national crisis that is not even being talked about in a realistic way. Maybe that is the way things are done. Lots of talk, glossy magazines and self-promoting publications giving the appearance of change whilst changing nothing.

Source: Sleeping rough – all these years and nothing has changed – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Michael Savage’s PM greatness echoed in Anthony Albanese

Albanese, even if he never leads Australia, will leave a lasting legacy. His infrastructure will make the nation safer and more prosperous for the next century or longer. Savage will always be honoured for New Zealand’s visionary social security system and for his Government’s low rate of ministerial departures due to corruption, incompetence or scandal. Australia needs another Michael Joseph Savage, a reformist leader who can bring high values to the top job and transform the nation. And, importantly, win an election and stay in office.

Source: Michael Savage’s PM greatness echoed in Anthony Albanese

Climate Change

Fire and Rain – » The Australian Independent Media Network

An election is due within a few months. A number of Australians have chosen to run for office as conservative independents in Coalition held seats. Most, if not all of these ‘teal’ independents are partially motivated by the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison Collation Government’s complete and utter disregard for the environment that our children and grandchildren will have to endure. They seem to be confident of changing the voting habits of a reasonable number of formerly rusted on Coalition voters. We also know from history, that once an electorate chooses an independent candidate, it is difficult for the major parties to regain the seat. Poetic justice would be that when the next ‘unprecedented’ natural disaster hits Australia, Morrison is sitting on his couch and watching the rolling coverage of the unfolding disaster. with the Prime Minister of the day showing Morrison how the job is done and the media making the comparison for all to see. At the same time his daughters are telling him in no uncertain terms that he could have done something when he was PM to stop the tragedies of the future, and didn’t. What do you think?

Source: Fire and Rain – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Uncategorized

Will Smith, Chris Rock 2022 Oscars moment: Actor’s slap was violence, pure and simple | Opinion – 9Honey

Will Smith wins Best Actor at 2022 Oscars

A comedian’s poor joke isn’t the issue here. Neither is the personal offense taken by Smith. But violence is and should not be condoned under any circumstance let alone at an award ceremony. Will Smith should have been told to leave. The Academy was not only tarnished by Smith but by its own inaction.

Will Smith instantly went from hero to the worst imaginable role model for American kids watching the Awards on the night. Rock on the other hand gained people’s support and respect for the coolness of his reactions under the circumstance.

It was assault, plain and simple. Smith should have been ejected from the auditorium. Smith played Richard Williams in the movie King Richard, the story of the father/coach of Venus and Serena Williams. He was the favourite to win Best Actor and, yes, he won. So, in one night he was a winner and a loser. A hero and a zero.

Source: Will Smith, Chris Rock 2022 Oscars moment: Actor’s slap was violence, pure and simple | Opinion – 9Honey

Informed Comment

The US Blockade Against Cuba Is an Act of War

For sixty years, the United States’ blockade against Cuba has worked to hinder the island’s development and prevent it from trading even with third countries. It’s time Washington stopped its cruel punishment of its smaller neighbor.

Source: The US Blockade Against Cuba Is an Act of War

Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells Russian journalists Ukraine willing to adopt neutral status – ABC News

A Ukrainian serviceman walks past a burnt-out car and damaged house.

Key points:

The self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic could hold a referendum soon,

one of its leaders says Ukraine is asking allies for fighter jets and tanks to sustain a defence against Russian forces

Intelligence officials say Russia is trying to split Ukraine into two countries, similar to North and South Korea

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells Russian journalists Ukraine willing to adopt neutral status – ABC News

Putin

If Biden Really wants Putin to Fall, He should make Green Energy a War Measure

Biden is positioning clean energy and climate measures to be part of his budget this year. It might be harder for Republicans and two Democrats in Congress to obstruct the president’s plans if he framed them as a war measure to take on the menace of the Russian rogue state. The rhetoric of a war on Russian oil and gas would be powerful, and would expose congressmen and senators who dragged their feet to charges of aiding the enemy.

Source: If Biden Really wants Putin to Fall, He should make Green Energy a War Measure