Category: Informed Comment

Informed Comment, Trump

Trump’s Latest Threat Is a Doozy | The Smirking Chimp

The News Most Recent Threads The Blogs Most Recent Threads The Forums Most Recent Threads Home » blogs » Robert Reich’s blog Trump’s Latest Threat Is a Doozy Robert Reich’s picture Robert Reich Article Tools E-mail | Print Comments (0) FB comments (1) Donald Trump by Robert Reich | September 16, 2022 – 7:28am — from Robert Reich’s Blog Yesterday, Donald Trump threatened that if he is indicted on a charge of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House, there would be “problems in this country the likes of which perhaps we’ve never seen before,” adding “I don’t think the people of the United States would stand for it.

” These words followed on last month’s threat by Senator Lindsey Graham that if Trump is prosecuted, there would be “riots in the street.” Trump appeared to endorse Graham’s threat, sharing a video link on his Truth Social platform.

Trump’s latest threat requires four responses:

Source: Trump’s Latest Threat Is a Doozy | The Smirking Chimp

Informed Comment

A quick grab for power? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

So forget about the time for reflection, the possibility of making the monarchy more democrat friendly. You have been awe-bombed by a family which relies 100% on our ability to quiet our inner voices, which naturally know the absurdity of a ruling family placed above the populace.

If we ask why do they continue to ‘serve’ we note their lack of political weight, their potential capture by those lucky enough, or devious enough to hold prime ministerial power.

The only ‘sweetener’ in this for a British sovereign seems to lie in the need to satisfy the personal mission of service, and the vast wealth and prestige attached to the office. In a month or so, as the novelty of a new king wears off, he will probably tail off in his relentless efforts to legitimise the existence of a hereditary monarchy, and simply continue the family tradition of opening things.

Source: A quick grab for power? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Don’t ask me to give the Queen a minute’s silence, ask me for the truth about British colonialism | Lidia Thorpe | The Guardian

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra

Truth-telling, truth-listening and treaty are the ways to heal Australia, not a day of mourning for a far-off monarch

Source: Don’t ask me to give the Queen a minute’s silence, ask me for the truth about British colonialism | Lidia Thorpe | The Guardian

Informed Comment

Why is mainstream US TV spreading moral panics about affirmative action run amok? | Robert Reich | The Guardian

‘My biggest regret is that the national conversation is in the hands of producers chasing ratings and advertising dollars, with no regard for how they’re distorting the public’s understanding.’

A few days ago, I received an email from an associate producer at the Dr Phil Show. They recently came across my film Inequality for All and wanted to know if I’d be “interested in joining Dr Phil as an expert guest for an upcoming episode”.

Hey, why not? The Dr Phil Show is the No 1 rated daytime TV talkshow in America. It has over 2 million viewers. I have lots to say to those viewers about the perils of widening inequality.

Then I read the rest of the email:

For this conversation we will be asking questions like: do college admissions enroll minorities over prospective Caucasian students? Are Caucasian teachers and professors being laid off to “make up for past discriminations” against minority educators, as seen in Minneapolis?

These were the only questions included in the email. In other words, it would be a show about favoritism to Black people over white people.

Source: Why is mainstream US TV spreading moral panics about affirmative action run amok? | Robert Reich | The Guardian

Informed Comment

CEOs of Australia’s top 20 companies given nine times the pay rise of full-time workers | Business | The Guardian

The incumbent chief executives of Australia’s top 20 companies enjoyed a pay rise averaging 17.16% over the past year, more than nine times the average raise received by ordinary full-time workers, data compiled by Guardian Australia reveals.

Source: CEOs of Australia’s top 20 companies given nine times the pay rise of full-time workers | Business | The Guardian

Informed Comment

Yanis Varoufakis on Europe’s Energy Crisis, War in Ukraine & Crackdown on Dissent After Queen’s Death | Democracy Now!

2019-04-13 Yanis Varoufakis by Olaf Kosinsky-0658 (cropped).jpg

Once Australia’s own Yannis Varoufakis explains

Varoufakis says a history of market liberalization and reliance on cheap Russian gas has left the continent scrambling, in turn pushing up energy costs in the Global South as richer European countries buy up other sources of energy. “Yet again, Europe is exporting misery to the rest of the world,” says Varoufakis, a member of the Greek Parliament and former finance minister. His latest piece for Project Syndicate is “Time to Blow Up Electricity Markets.”

Source: Yanis Varoufakis on Europe’s Energy Crisis, War in Ukraine & Crackdown on Dissent After Queen’s Death | Democracy Now!

Informed Comment

The inevitable question arises: Should we have an Australian as head of state and become a republic? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

My thought for the day

Our lives have become controlled by the noise of the mass media. The sad thing is that we listen. (John Lord )

Source: The inevitable question arises: Should we have an Australian as head of state and become a republic? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

The Big Myth About Inequality: It Just Happened! – scheerpost.com

It Took More than Trade to Screw the Country’s Workers But trade is not the whole story of the upward redistribution of the last decade. We also made government-granted patent and copyright monopolies longer and stronger. We also encouraged the financial sector to become bloated, giving big paychecks to Wall Street types at the expense of the rest of us. And, we have a corrupt corporate governance structure that allows CEOs and other top management to line their pockets and rip off the companies they work for. And we also ensured that highly paid professionals, like doctors and dentists, are protected from the same competition that their less educated counterparts face.

This is the topic of Rigged [it’s free]. It’s also the focus of a video series I recently did with the Institute for New Economic Theory, How to Unf*ck America. (Coming soon to a theater near you.)

Perhaps what is most striking about the inequality just happened story is how deeply ingrained it is among people in policy circles. When we make policy decisions that are virtually guaranteed to redistribute income upward, the implications for inequality do not even get raised.

Source: The Big Myth About Inequality: It Just Happened! – scheerpost.com

Informed Comment

Opinion | It Is Time to Throw the Monarchies of the World Into the Dustbin of History | Chris Hedges

Queen says "Off With Her Head"

Chris Hedges September 12, 2022 by Scheerpost

The fawning adulation of Queen Elizabeth in the United States, which fought a revolution to get rid of the monarchy, and in Great Britain, is in direct proportion to the fear gripping a discredited, incompetent and corrupt global ruling elite.

Source: Opinion | It Is Time to Throw the Monarchies of the World Into the Dustbin of History | Chris Hedges

Informed Comment

‘We don’t need a new king’: Lidia Thorpe calls for Indigenous treaty then a republic | Indigenous Australians | The Guardian

Lidia Thorpe

Australia’s path to a Republic is less complex than Canada’s or NZs we have no treaties and Indigenous Australians aren’t even named in our Constitution We only admitted Terra Nullis was wrong 25-30 years ago and are trying to remedy our historic failings now. A Republic seems simple as do treaties under an entirely new Constitution that goes with a Republic.

Greens senator says people expected her to be ‘ranting and raving’ after Queen’s death but she has reflected and now wants Labor to ‘show ambition’

Source: ‘We don’t need a new king’: Lidia Thorpe calls for Indigenous treaty then a republic | Indigenous Australians | The Guardian

Informed Comment

Did Tourism Australia really get a KPMG report, or was it Scomo’s imagination? – Michael West

Tourism Australia, Scott Morrison

There are still many questions surrounding Scott Morrison’s ill-starred time at the helm of Tourism Australia, writes Jommy Tee. Newly released documents confirm KPMG did not undertake a probity audit in 2005 into the assessment and evaluation of shortlisted tenderers for Tourism Australia’s advertising contracts.

From his controversial “jobs for the boys” appointment, his run-ins with his minister and the board, his lack of transparency in the role, and his obfuscation at Senate Estimates it is no wonder that his departure came sooner rather than later.

Should Morrison ever look for a corporate gig after politics … well corporate Australia he’s all yours.

Source: Did Tourism Australia really get a KPMG report, or was it Scomo’s imagination? – Michael West

Informed Comment

JOHN PILGER: Silencing the lambs — how propaganda works

For decades, propaganda has steered the course of the mass media’s narrative, dominated by the needs of state and corporate power. John Pilger explains that nothing has changed in today’s world.

Source: JOHN PILGER: Silencing the lambs — how propaganda works

Informed Comment

Just ousting Morrison and his cronies alone improved the tone of our governance, but is it enough? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

My thought for the day

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything. They make the most of everything they have.( John Lord )

Source: Just ousting Morrison and his cronies alone improved the tone of our governance, but is it enough? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign Glamorized Britain’s Political Backwardness

During Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, the UK witnessed immense social transformation. Throughout this tumultuous period, the monarchy served one purpose: suppressing Britain’s political divisions in the name of unity and deference to the Crown.

Source: Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign Glamorized Britain’s Political Backwardness

and

Rather than doing away with the old aristocracy, capitalism has found its own uses for the British monarchy. The two now function in tandem to preserve the status quo in Britain — and should be opposed together.

The British Monarchy Has Woven Itself Into the Fabric of Capitalism

 

Informed Comment

A Personal Question to Powerful People Who Continue To Deny the Results of the 2020 Election | The Smirking Chimp

I have a serious question for people who have power in America and who continue to deny the outcome of the 2020 election and enable Trump’s Big Lie: What are you saying to yourself in private? How are you justifying yourself in your own mind?

I don’t mean to be snide or snarky. I’m genuinely curious.

Source: A Personal Question to Powerful People Who Continue To Deny the Results of the 2020 Election | The Smirking Chimp

Informed Comment

ClubsNSW’s private criminal prosecution against Friendlyjordies

The latest display of power by the gambling industry over a whistle-blower and a YouTuber should disturb us all. Managing editor Michelle Pini reports

Source: ClubsNSW’s private criminal prosecution against Friendlyjordies

Informed Comment

Stage three tax cuts: Are they justified? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

 

My thought for the day

The basic test of any nation surely must be the manner in which it treats its most vulnerable.( John Lord )

Source: Stage three tax cuts: Are they justified? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Raise the corporate tax rate and kill three birds with one stone

Among proposals for tax reform considered by the Albanese Government, lifting the corporate tax rate should be included, as Alan Austin reports.

Source: Raise the corporate tax rate and kill three birds with one stone

Informed Comment

Democracy is under attack – and reporting that isn’t ‘violating journalistic standards’ | Robert Reich | The Guardian

‘It is dangerous to believe that “balanced journalism” gives equal weight to liars and to truth-tellers, to those intent on destroying democracy and those seeking to protect it.’

But the media treated the speech as if it were just another in an endless series of partisan vollies instead of what it was – a declaration by the president of the United States that America must choose between democracy and authoritarianism.

The major networks didn’t broadcast the speech.

Why must we wait until some of America’s ablest journalists are sacked before they are willing and able to tell America the truth?

It is not “partisan” to explain what Trump and his anti-democracy movement are seeking.

It is not “taking sides” to point out that the Trump Republicans are trying to establish an authoritarian government in America.

It is not “violating journalistic standards” to tell the unvarnished truth about what America is facing today.

In fact, a failure to call out the Trump Republicans for what they are – liars, enablers, and accessories to crimes against the constitution – itself violates the most basic canons of journalistic ethics.

“Balanced journalism” does not exist halfway between facts and lies.

  •  

Source: Democracy is under attack – and reporting that isn’t ‘violating journalistic standards’ | Robert Reich | The Guardian

Informed Comment

What Must We Expect of Journalism in This Crisis? | The Smirking Chimp

Why do the LNP, IPA, and Murdoch want us Americanised?

Why must we wait until some of our ablest journalists are sacked before they are willing and able to tell America the truth?

It is not “partisan” to explain what Trump and his anti-democracy movement are seeking. It is not “taking sides” to point out that the Trump Republicans are trying to establish an authoritarian government in America. It is not “violating journalistic standards” to tell the unvarnished truth about what we are facing today.

In fact, a failure to call out the Trump Republicans for what they are — liars, enablers, and accessories to crimes against the Constitution — itself violates the most basic canons of journalistic ethics.

Source: What Must We Expect of Journalism in This Crisis? | The Smirking Chimp

Informed Comment

Restoring trust in the political system after a political hatchet job – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Re-establishing trust in Government is one of the essential things the Albanese Government can do.

Until Morrison came along, I considered Tony Abbott to be the most extraordinary liar ever to walk the plush green carpet of the House of Representatives. He, however, proved to be amateurish alongside Morrison. So good was his lying that he took it to heights never before witnessed in Australian politics.

Now with an inquiry into the duplicate ministries scandal and a Royal Commission into Robodebt, the Coalition thinks it’s all a hunt to discredit Scott Morrison, and we should “move on” from all the cock ups they ever made.

John Howard advised Tony Abbott that it would be foolhardy to implement Royal Commissions into Pink Batts and the Unions because, in the future, such actions might turn around and bite you on the bum. That is precisely what has happened.

 

Source: Restoring trust in the political system after a political hatchet job – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Informed Comment

Stagnating Summit’s Shortfalls – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Stagnating Summit’s Shortfalls – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Real solutions

I don’t doubt that concessions will be generated from the Job Summit, but they will be bandages rather than solutions. But what would serious reform of the jobs market include?

  1. Restoration and widening the scope of the public service/taxation/health/education/industrial relations departments.
  2. Reviewing agricultural policy that subsidises agricultural employment – subject to annual review of employee conditions – to maintain viable, essential food security and attract Australians to farms. (As outlined above).
  3. Nationalising private employment agencies and implementing ambitious public sector-driven active labour market programs comparable to what exists in Scandinavia.
  4. An end to TAFE & university education fees to facilitate a more highly educated public that can reduce the growing professional job vacancies.
  5. Establishment of technically based career paths from entry-level positions to professional and senior executive roles.
  6. A return to centralised wage-fixing such as what existed in the 1970s.
  7. A decrease in the exploitation of migrant labour by increasing random fair work inspections of workplaces backed by substantial legal penalties.
  8. Expansion of cadetships and apprenticeships, and graduate programs in public service departments.
  9. End costly Public Private Partnerships infrastructure projects to staff public sector expertise for infrastructure development fully.
  10. A Federal Job Guarantee linked to career paths.
  11. Implementing a Green New Deal where energy and transport infrastructure is wholly returned to the public sector.

I am confident I can predict none of these, especially the re-conceptions of the public sector, will come out of this weekend’s Jobs Summit. The reason is necessary, and fair reform isn’t on the agenda. Besides this, the way they measure Australia’s unemployment and the issues and focus on what job vacancies matter is misdirected.

Stagnating Summit’s Shortfalls – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Informed Comment

The Most Important Battle of Our Lifetimes | The Smirking Chimp

Indeed, the two threats – one, from an increasingly authoritarian-fascist Republican Party; the second, from ever-larger amounts of corporate and billionaire money in our campaigns and elections – are two sides of the same coin. Americans who know the system is rigged against them and in favor of the moneyed interests, are more likely to give up on democracy and embrace an authoritarian fascist demagogue who pretends to be on “their side.”The battle to preserve and protect American democracy is the most important battle of our lifetimes. If we win, there is nothing we cannot achieve. If we lose, there is nothing we can achieve

The Most Important Battle of Our Lifetimes | The Smirking Chimp
Informed Comment, Uncategorized

Anti-AUKUS campaign ramps up over U.S.-China war talk

A recent Lowy Institute poll showed that just over half the Australian population is not in favour of supporting the United States in a war against China.

Anti-AUKUS campaign ramps up over U.S.-China war talk
Informed Comment

Maybe US mainstream media should begin using the term ‘fascism’ | Robert Reich | The Guardian

‘If you’re seeking a presidential nomination in today’s GOP, there’s nothing like an accusation of fascism to rally Trump supporters.’

My tweet about Ron DeSantis provoked outrage in rightwing media – perhaps it hit the nerve of the fascism now taking root in the Republican party?

Source: Maybe US mainstream media should begin using the term ‘fascism’ | Robert Reich | The Guardian

Informed Comment

They seem to have a plan – » The Australian Independent Media Network

NOPE, NOPE NOPE

Clearly Dutton is using the same tactics as Abbott did – total opposition – which is what got us into this ‘wasted decade’ in the first place.Despite the various ‘experts’ ruminations on when it was over, that’s probably why Albanese is still ‘enjoying a honeymoon’ three months after the election. There are promising signs the adults are in charge and have a long-term plan that doesn’t rely on marketing and coverups.

They seem to have a plan – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Informed Comment

Europe dries up from climate change-driven drought

Meanwhile Andrew Bolt, Rowan Dean, etal keep pumping out the notion that global science is just a hoax, a new religion, and that the planet isn’t subject to man-made climate change,or that the warming we are experiencing is in fact good for the planet, why? Because if we accepted otherwise CO2 emitters and producers might just have to change the course of history and forgo the profits they have been making.

Climate change has drastically affected water levels in famed rivers across Europe. Whole territories are vanishing with the current drought — possibly the worst in 500 years, writes Dr Binoy Kampmark.

Europe dries up from climate change-driven drought
Informed Comment

How Republicans Could Steal The Next Presidential Election | The Smirking Chimp

First, expand the Supreme Court to add balance to a branch of government that has been stolen by radicalized Republicans. This is not a far-fetched idea. The Constitution doesn’t specify how many justices there should be — and we’ve already changed the size of the Court seven times in American history.

Second, impose term limits on Supreme Court justices, and have them rotate with judges on the U.S. courts of appeals.

Third, Congress must restore federal voting rights protections and expand access to the ballot box. We need national minimum standards for voting in our democracy.

But these congressional reforms can only happen if Democrats retain control of the House in the midterm elections and add at least two more senators willing to reform or abolish the filibuster.

Your vote is important, and not just in federal elections. Make sure you also vote for state legislators who understand what’s at stake and will preserve our democracy.

Because, as this Supreme Court case shows, the future of our democracy is not guaranteed.

How Republicans Could Steal The Next Presidential Election | The Smirking Chimp
Informed Comment

Guilty of lying to us, or just omitting to tell the truth? – » The Australian Independent Media Network

My thought for the day

The ability of thinking human beings to blindly embrace what they are being told without referring to evaluation and the consideration of fact, truth, and reason never cease to amaze me. It is tantamount to the rejection of rational explanation.

We would be a much better society if we took the risk of thinking for ourselves, rather than allowing ourselves to be manipulated and obstructed by the unadulterated crap served up by the media, self-serving government and self-interest groups. (John Lord)

Guilty of lying to us, or just omitting to tell the truth? – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Informed Comment

Kevin Rudd: Has Lachlan Murdoch bitten off too much with Crikey?

Crikey’s article did not name Lachlan specifically, but “the Murdochs” in general. So if Rupert agrees with Lachlan about this article, shouldn’t he also be suing? And if he doesn’t, might we conclude that Rupert doesn’t mind the imputation of being Trump’s co-conspirator? Or, at the very least, that Rupert doesn’t consider Crikey’s article damaging enough to sue over? And if that’s not it, then why hasn’t Rupert sued?

Kevin Rudd: Has Lachlan Murdoch bitten off too much with Crikey?
Informed Comment

Scott Morrison secret ministry report: Scathing legal advice to be released | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site

Bombshell legal advice from the nation’s solicitor-general examining Scott Morrison’s secret power grab is “scathing” of the decision to trash time-honoured conventions that ministerial changes are made public.

Scott Morrison secret ministry report: Scathing legal advice to be released | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site
Informed Comment

Spears in place of Bridges: Australia, China and Fashioned Ignorance – » The Australian Independent Media Network

The reality is less rosy and more delicate. Australian diplomacy, practised in its ignorance, has little understanding about the importance of not losing face, and how it remains the precept that governs the cultural considerations of many of its neighbours. Coarseness, and an unqualified resolve to go to war in comradely fashion with the United States, remain dominant. Instead of being an accommodating bridge between East and West, Canberra remains a fashioned spear for Western power.

Spears in place of Bridges: Australia, China and Fashioned Ignorance – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Informed Comment

The Trump-Republican Violence Machine | The Smirking Chimp

Robert Pape, a professor at the University of Chicago who studies political violence, has conducted half a dozen nationwide polls since the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and repeatedly found that between 15 million and 20 million American adults believe that violence would be justified to return Trump to office.

Trump’s claim that America has become more violent and dangerous over the last year and a half is true. But this is not because of Biden and the Democrats. It is largely because of Trump — and the Republican violence machine he has created.

The Trump-Republican Violence Machine | The Smirking Chimp
Informed Comment

Environmental Protests Work — That’s Why Australian Governments Are Banning Them

Across Australia, Labor and Liberal governments are cracking down on the right to protest. Their motivation is clear: both parties care more about the fossil-fuel industry than the environment.

Environmental Protests Work — That’s Why Australian Governments Are Banning Them

Informed Comment

The 6 Secrets to Becoming a Fabulously Rich Con Artist | The Smirking Chimp

As the saying goes, in America everyone is entitled to a second chance — especially con artists. Herewith the 6 rules for getting a second (or third or fourth) chance to sell a giant con:

An estimated 5.2 million Americans couldn’t vote in the last presidential election because of felony “convictions,” including one in every 13 Black adults, according to the Sentencing Project. Last Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis touted the arrests of 20 people on charges of “voter fraud,” who had voted in 2020 but had been convicted of crimes for which Florida made them ineligible to vote. (Many said they would not have voted had they known they were ineligible.)

Many millions more can’t get jobs because employers don’t want to consider people who have broken the law. (Unlike Marc Andreesen, most employers don’t “love seeing people grow from lessons learned.”) Although some states and localities now prohibit employers and landlords from considering conviction or arrest records in their initial screening of applicants, it’s still the case that one big mistake on the part of someone who’s poor or of color can end their careers and perhaps their freedom.

But if you’re not poor or a person of color, you can get away with the giant cons Adam Neumann and Donald Trump have gotten away with. Just follow the steps enumerated above. Hell, you might even become President.

The 6 Secrets to Becoming a Fabulously Rich Con Artist | The Smirking Chimp
Informed Comment

Why Australia cannot simply move on from Scott Morrison’s many ministries | Malcolm Farr | The Guardian

Despite the former PM’s burden-of-office plea for victimhood, his violation of Westminster conventions raises larger issues to be addressed

Why Australia cannot simply move on from Scott Morrison’s many ministries | Malcolm Farr | The Guardian
Informed Comment

America used to regulate business. Now government subsidises it | Robert Reich | The Guardian

America used to regulate business. Now government subsidises it | Robert Reich | The Guardian

I argued that the government was already engaged in a hidden industrial policy, disguised, for example, as grants to the aerospace and telecom industries by the Department of Defense and to the pharmaceutical industry by the National Institutes of Health. It would be far better to do industrial policy in the open, so that the public could assess what it was paying for and what it was getting in return.

Opponents, which included just about every Republican, were indignant at the very idea that government ought to be “intruding” on their blessed free market.

America used to regulate business. Now government subsidises it | Robert Reich | The Guardian
Informed Comment

Morrison’s duplicity proves he’s unfit for parliament

THE REVELATION that Scott Morrison secretly swore himself into five portfolios during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, without telling the ministers of the departments, shows he was completely unfit to be prime minister and has no place in the Australian Parliament.

Morrison’s duplicity proves he’s unfit for parliament
Informed Comment

Scott Morrison – a man for all reasons – » The Australian Independent Media Network

My thought for the day

The right to vote is the gift that democracy gives. Suppose a political party is not transparent in supplying all the information necessary to exercise this right. It is destroying the democracy that enables it to exist. ( John Lord )

Scott Morrison – a man for all reasons – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Informed Comment, Uncategorized

People of Cook, you can make Josh the comeback kid – Michael West
Former prime minister John Howard campaigning with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in Kooyong on Tuesday. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

Fresh from the mortifying news that he was sharing the second highest post in government with his leader, former treasurer Josh Frydenberg is being spoken of as a Liberal saviour. Apparently Peter Dutton has not inspired the nation in his role as opposition leader.

As outrage swirls around Scott Morrison for running a secret parallel ministry, there is are some wistful musings about the prospect of Josh getting back into parliament, even by replacing ScoMo. The former PM has become an unwelcome presence on his own side, and few would be sorry to see his back. Perhaps only Labor really wants him to hang around.

People of Cook, you can make Josh the comeback kid – Michael West
"White People", Informed Comment

Organized Crime Raising costs of housing

‘Lucky Laundry’ review: how Australia got caught in a toxic spin cycle

Informed Comment

View from The Hill: Morrison reverts to type in an unconvincing defence

One of the more bizarre things Scott Morrison said in his hour-long, sometimes combative, Wednesday news conference was that he’d had a “wonderful” conversation with Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday.

Morrison contacted Frydenberg after the revelation the former prime minister had himself sworn into the treasury portfolio in May last year and never told the treasurer. On the same day he’d inserted himself in the home affairs ministry, unbeknown to occupant Karen Andrews.

When she learned this week of his action, Andrews exploded and called for Morrison to leave parliament. Frydenberg, now in the investment banking world although retaining a hankering for politics, acted with more restraint.

But for the ex-treasurer and ex-member for Kooyong, the affair must raise the “what if” question.

What if the story of Morrison’s extraordinary power-grab had come out a few months before the election?

View from The Hill: Morrison reverts to type in an unconvincing defence
Informed Comment

The far-right disinformation pipeline that now spans the globe goes straight from Trumpland to Australia | Van Badham | The Guardian

Disinformation goes much deeper than that it’s direct from Trumpland to Australia via the LNP for some 10 if not longer years.. Peter Dutton spent time in the US intentionally mis and disinforming himself on politics , policy and tactics to use against the new ALP Government. Rest assured he spoke with the Murdochs, the GOP and looked for financial support just as One Nation did. Dutton simply doesn’t have what it takes to lead or even be trusted and Morrison indicated that by keeping him out of the loop. Frankly why would anyone be surprised if they were being independantly manipulated by America’s far-right?

The anti-vaxxers obstructing hospital entries in Melbourne are consuming the same misinformation and subsuming the same moral values as the Americans

The far-right disinformation pipeline that now spans the globe goes straight from Trumpland to Australia | Van Badham | The Guardian
"White People", Informed Comment

Better than Buckleys: a real plan to tackle energy prices, climate and the Budget to boot – Michael West

Axe fossil fuel subsidies, bring in a Carbon Export Levy, fix tax and royalty loopholes. Michael West reports on a compelling plan to dramatically reduce Australia’s debt and soaring energy bills.

Better than Buckleys: a real plan to tackle energy prices, climate and the Budget to boot – Michael West
Informed Comment

The Failings of Westminster: Scott Morrison’s Shadow Government – » The Australian Independent Media Network

The chances of having that broader debate are minimal. Albanese and his hounds smell blood, but the stains are not going to be that revealing. The Westminster model will be praised and defended; Morrison will be dismissed as pettily dictatorial. The fatuous notion of convention, the false assumption of gentlemanly conduct – for women do not feature in this – says everything about what is wrong about this rotten state of affairs. Inadvertently, Morrison acted consistently with, and enacted his belief: government cannot be trusted.

The Failings of Westminster: Scott Morrison’s Shadow Government – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Informed Comment

Beyond the right-wing panic: Why “critical race theory” actually matters | Salon.com

Did you ask why this is happening now? Yes, we talked about the backlash. I will say this: I think critical race theory matters because race is a central political fault line in U.S. history. It is an enduring problem that is very difficult to solve. This backlash is intentionally sowing confusion and panic, and I think critical race theory tends to provide some clarity and profound solutions to dealing with this problem, or at least thinking through it in a better way. I think losing the ability to do that is harmful.

Beyond the right-wing panic: Why “critical race theory” actually matters | Salon.com
Informed Comment

NDIS fraud is costing Australia billions: Mike Phelan

Should we be surprised? We saw the same exploitation in Child Minding, Privatised Education, The outsourcing of Employment services you name it when the LNP privatised public services they invited the vultures in.

Australia’s most senior criminal intelligence official says organised criminals involved in drug trafficking, violence and money laundering are exploiting systemic weaknesses in the National Disability Insurance Scheme to rort it on an unprecedented scale.

NDIS fraud is costing Australia billions: Mike Phelan
Informed Comment

James Packer’s email spray is more than a falling out among casino mates – Michael West

Even when the rich and powerful fall out, the house – their wealth – always wins. Michael Sainsbury examines the latest goings on surrounding Sydney’s Crown Casino.

The grubby nexus between Australian business, politics and the mainstream media has been laid bare in a leaked series of explosive emails from James Packer to senior Nine Entertainment executives, journalists and chairman Peter Costello.

The emails alleged that Costello was paid as a secret Crown lobbyist in 2011 for a year, a claim he denies.

James Packer’s email spray is more than a falling out among casino mates – Michael West
Informed Comment

America descends steadily into a deadly dystopia

With preventable deaths escalating to all-time records, American exceptionalism is no longer what many Americans think it is, as Alan Austin reports.

America descends steadily into a deadly dystopia
Informed Comment

Europe Dries Up – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Globally, the earth is changing in violent, displacing fashion. Climate change will cause displacements in the order of tens of millions, if not more. Whole territories are vanishing, while other tracts of land are being exposed. Nature is not just being reordered but doing much of the reordering. What will humanity’s response be?

Europe Dries Up – » The Australian Independent Media Network