My thought for the day
The government’s words and actions questioned the essence of the word truth. Or they at least devalued it to the point of obsolescence. ( John Lord )
Damning words and how to use them to tell the story of Morrison’s downfall (Part two) – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Michael Pascoe: Political coroner finds Coalition deeply corrupt
Michael Pascoe: Political coroner finds Coalition deeply corrupt
The reaction from the three retail outlets has, for the most part, been tactical, and more likely a case of waiting for the OAIC’s verdict. According to Bower, “customers will welcome the news that Bunnings and Kmart are joining The Good Guys in pausing the use of facial recognition technology in their stores, but we know that what customers really want is for them to stop using it altogether.” To do so would be very much against the ill-spirited nature of Australian corporate culture, as privateering as any that can be found on this warming planet. They may have been bruised and slightly embarrassed, but they are unlikely to be compliant.
Facial Recognition Technology Down Under – » The Australian Independent Media Network
The Coalition’s refusal to engage on climate legislation abandons the sensible centre of Australian politics | Trent Zimmerman | The Guardian
The Coalition’s refusal to engage on climate legislation abandons the sensible centre of Australian politics | Trent Zimmerman | The Guardian
After more than 200 years of waiting, Albanese puts forward a ‘simple’ proposition for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament – ABC News
After more than 200 years of waiting, Albanese puts forward a ‘simple’ proposition for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament – ABC News
Shocking bail conditions for climate activists
Greg isn’t allowed to associate with himself.
A “non-association order” is a list the police can include in your bail conditions. It contains names of individuals you mustn’t communicate with. It’s the kind of thing they might use for co-conspirators in a crime, or members of a gang.
But Greg’s just someone who went out in support of a Blockade Australia action: so his heinous crime is standing around where cars were meant to be. And now his name is listed on his own non-association order.
“I feel like I’m going to get arrested for looking in the mirror,” he said.
PUTIN’s PRIDE
Not much to say about this, really. The video is almost certainly authentic, though the Russians deny that it is, of course. (Admitting to war crimes is something that no country ever does willingly.) Nonetheless, such acts and recordings are made and propagated on social media with the singular intent of spreading fear and terror. That is a major component of Russian strategy in Ukraine.
Horrifying Video Of Russian Soldier Castrating POW Sparks Outrage | Crooks and Liars
Justice Alito Laments Disrespect for Religion as Americans Abandon Faith – Will his Dobbs Push them Further Away?
Justice Alito Laments Disrespect for Religion as Americans Abandon Faith – Will his Dobbs Push them Further Away?
Christian Nationalism has been adopted by the right wing of the LNP in Australia and actively promoted by Peter Dutton Alex Hawke, and even Scott Morrison. These extremists have been supported in the Murdoch media by the likes of Andrew Bolt, Rowan Dean, Alan Jones and others at a time when anti-Muslim sentiment and Islamophobia were seen as politically expedient. Alex Hawke keeps trying it on now insisting Australia is a Christian majority nation when the last census showed otherwise and that well over 60%plus Australians aren’t practicing Christians at all. If Hawke is correct the LNP wouldn’t have lost the number of seats they did in the last election and Morrison’s captain’s pick in Warringah Katherine Deves wouldn’t have seen the backlash she did.
The Christchurch massacre saw these political and faux religious bigots like Bolt back off when they witnessed the results of their efforts to assist in the deaths of 51 innocent Muslims in New Zealand. The proud Aussie shooter even declared he was inspired by White Christian Nationalists in Australia who were given singular air time by people like Andrew Bolt who actively promoted their hate-speech and ideas without criticism. Morrison had no qualms in using his religious evangelistic beliefs politically against the the Separation of Powers in our Democracy just as is being done in the US and Peter Dutton will continue to do so.
Tyler describes Christian nationalism as “a political ideology and cultural framework that merges Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s promise of religious freedom.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Troubling Endorsement of Christian Nationalism Is an Urgent Threat | The Smirking Chimp
Nonpartisan election law experts agreed that the trend could cause chaos on a larger scale.
“Had this unfolded on this kind of timeline in 2020, it really could have created problems, because there would have been questions about whether the state could have actually named a slate of electors,” Robert Yablon, a law professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, told the Times. “You could imagine there being disputed slates of electors that were sent to Congress, and it could have been a big mess.”
GOP officials refuse to certify primaries: “This is how Republicans are planning to steal elections” | Salon.com
This report reads as if this emergency is a natural disaster and not the collapse of a man-made system that’s currently out of control. We have seen the collapse of man-made free-market systems before and occurring more regularly and have seen governments stepping in to bolster and stabilise them at everyone’s expense. Not just at the expense of their owners. Free markets simply don’t operate in everybody’s interest and never have so why should everybody pay least of all those that can least afford to? A race for profit was never one based on common sense.
We are currently feeling and experiencing proof positive of a collapse as if we have nobody to blame for it domestically. Yes, we have globally connected something the LNP denied about climate for over a decade simply because to think otherwise would have affected trade and the profit race of some. Our current domestic failure is a reflection of man’s failure to treat energy as a global resource but rather treat it as a privatised one. In Australia’s case owned by multinational corporations who control energy from resource to production and distribution. Wasn’t it always time for a total rethink on energy production and distribution not just now that the shit has hit the fan? One with a guaranteed better logical outcome for everybody? Common sense to the LNP seems to always be a Socialist plot.
Dump free-market and it’s private interests, propagandised mythologised as common, for a start. Energy should be socialised, free and common to everyone distributed as a basic need and equally allocated for a start. It should be nationalised from resource, production and distribution. Any payment system over and above a baseline should be determined according to ones means.
All energy companies and the system need to be totally integrated and regulated for both our and the planet’s betterment not simply owned by a powerful few. A common sense should prevail over any individual one. To say it can’t be done ignores the fact that it was done in the past during periods of war and national emergencies energy was socialised. Need came before profit dictated that private gain was last in line when it came to energy distribution. It was understood then that energy wasn’t a product best controlled by a free-market but regulated. It needed to be in a much fairer fashion the mechanics of which began with the war against Germany and Japan. Science, invention all our systems both economic and cultural changed and weren’t driven by business alone but rather a politics of common sense rather than individual interest. It’s been decades of the opposite with the LNP government mostly in power and we are all paying the cost through the nose for it not just those that profited.
Dutton now after only 2 months saying “stop talking the past just fix the problem” The problem being what he and the LNP spent a decade allowing to fester. Unfortunately, you can’t stop an avalanche or stampede in its tracks like Whitlam and Hawke did. Rudd and Gillard saved us from the GFC and history has shown us the ALP has always repaired the LNP’s mess and done the hard yards with the least amount of pain. While the LNP always operated on the race for profit allowing the nation to slide on every other social metric. The ALP remains dedicated to Democracy even if that means one arm tied behind it’s back and allowing idiots like Peter Dutton spout his inanities as opposition leader.
Key points:
- Wholesale prices in the national electricity market averaged $264/MWh in the three months to June 30
- The figure was twice the previous highest quarterly average and three times higher than a year ago
- Surging wholesale power prices have sparked warnings that consumers face huge bill increases
Consumers warned of looming ‘nightmare’ as AEMO reports record wholesale electricity costs – ABC News
and
We Can Free Ourselves from State Capitalism
Noam Chomsky: We Can Free Ourselves from State Capitalism
Rex Patrick on Timor spying: Albanese government’s first secret trial after only 67 days – Michael West
If you thought the Attorney-General dropping charges against Bernard Collaery was a sign that secret trials in Australian courts and tribunals were a thing of the past, you would be wrong.
Today, in Melbourne, a secret hearing is taking place where the government is trying to prevent the public disclosure of 22-year-old cabinet documents relating to the Howard government’s plans to defraud the newly independent and impoverished nation of Timor-Leste of their oil and gas resources.
January 1 is the biggest day of the year for the National Archives. It’s the day they unveil cabinet papers from 20 years prior. Last year, among the documents named but not released was a year 2000 cabinet submission entitled “Timor Gap Negotiations”.
I put in a request to get access to it. The Archives is an organisation charged with safely storing and making available significant historical government documents. But their response was one of ‘‘sorry, no access’’.
Rex Patrick on Timor spying: Albanese government’s first secret trial after only 67 days – Michael West
In an interview with Oscar Grenfell of the World Socialist Website, John Pilger explains the latest manoeuvres by the U.S. and UK authorities to extradite journalist and publisher Julian Assange to the U.S. where he faces 175 years in prison for the crime of journalism.
JOHN PILGER: U.S. close to getting its hands on Julian Assange
Still, now that Pauline has set the precedent, I look forward to all sorts of people walking out of such Parliamentary traditions as the Lord’s Prayer, Oaths to the Queen, votes, Speaker’s rulings, etc. It should certainly liven up the place and lay the groundwork for a QANON take-over when Scotty gets back from his victory lap of… Oh, that’s right, he lost, I keep forgetting because I listen to the news.
Pauline Storms Out Declaring She Doesn’t Accept Reality And She Never Will… – » The Australian Independent Media Network
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It’s A Miracle: We Agree On Something Marjorie Taylor Greene Said | Crooks and Liars
Does Scott Morrison, ex Australian PM, and Marjorie-Taylor Greene belong to the same Church? They certainly seem to think alike and have the same beliefs. They both claim not to trust don’t trust the very organisation that feeds them, the government. It seems they are united in their distrust of Democracy and that God has chosen them to lead the way.
“I trust [the government] even less now that I’m in it.”
It’s A Miracle: We Agree On Something Marjorie Taylor Greene Said | Crooks and Liars
When Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, he gambled that it would be won quickly and that the west would acquiesce in a fait accompli. He underestimated Ukrainian resilience and European readiness to punish Kremlin aggression with sanctions. That forced Mr Putin into a longer game. Now he is betting that European reliance on Russian gas exports will corrode western solidarity, leading to a degrading of sanctions and restored tolerance of Moscow’s territorial aggressions.
To hasten that scenario, Russia has cut the flow of gas through the main east-west pipeline. The Kremlin’s message of strategic extortion is not subtle: go softer on the war and have a cosier winter; stay tough and freeze. European solidarity is just about holding. Earlier this week EU members agreed a deal to cut gas usage by 15% as part of a phased move away from reliance on Russian supplies. But the deal is diluted by opt-outs and exceptions for various countries. Hungary, the EU state that is cosiest with the Kremlin, has not signed up at all.
The Guardian view on Russian gas: a compelling reason to go green | Editorial | The Guardian
The Guardian view on Russian gas: a compelling reason to go green | Editorial | The Guardian
Russia-Ukraine War Propels Global Political Upheaval
“Some countries will cope and get through it, while other countries will have revolutions and coups. It will be very destabilizing, and I don’t think we’re at the worst of it yet.”
Russia-Ukraine War Propels Global Political Upheaval
America falls in line with Australia’s ALP Government and are legislating a carbon target of 40% by 2030
Surprise Dem Senate Bill makes US Global Climate Leader, Sees 40% Carbon Reduction by 2030
Surprise Dem Senate Bill makes US Global Climate Leader, Sees 40% Carbon Reduction by 2030
Why Today’s Decision by the Fed Is Dead Wrong | The Smirking Chimp
Why Today’s Decision by the Fed Is Dead Wrong | The Smirking Chimp
It’s been a while since we had a Prime Minister from either side with a decent sense of humour. So, if nothing else we should be able to have a few more laughs during the next three years.
I recorded the above 2 videos myself while watching the parliament live and I think it’s highly unlikely that other media have broadcast those moments which goes to show how much of parliament we never see.
Federal MP Angus Taylor gives himself an uppercut in a question to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Kangaroo Court of Australia
Federal MP Angus Taylor gives himself an uppercut in a question to Prime Minister Anthony AlbaneseKangaroo Court of Australia
Managing editor Michelle Pini takes a look at the Liberal Party fallout following its crushing defeat, including the politically departed and the remaining former glamour set.
With facial recognition becoming increasingly sophisticated, it will soon be possible to monitor an entire population with minimal effort, discouraging people from participating in political protests and social movements, writes Manal al-Sharif.
Sleepwalkers, wake: Australians must face up to our surveillance state – Michael West
How high is inflation at the moment? The last inflation figure, calculated during the first three months of the year, was 2.1 per cent.
A “great reallocation” of spending is needed to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050, modelling by Deloitte Access Economics shows.Some $20 trillion in forecast investments by Australian governments and industry by 2050 needs to be spent differently to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, according to a report released on Thursday.But it is a transformation that Australia can afford, the research commissioned by the National Australia Bank shows.
Climate for ‘great reallocation’: Deloitte – Michael West
Working Class Man
If you want to see Bruce Springsteen play in the US, it may cost you. Some of the tickets for the Boss’s forthcoming tour are going for over $4,000 (£3,300) on Ticketmaster AUD $6000
Boy has it been a bad week for Donald Trump
The greatest existential crisis of our time is to at once be willing to accept the bleakness before us and resist. The global ruling class has forfeited its legitimacy and credibility. It must be replaced. This will require sustained mass civil disobedience, such as those mounted by Extinction Rebellion, to drive the global rulers from power. Once the rulers see us as a real threat they will become vicious, even barbaric, in their efforts to cling to their positions of privilege and power. We may not succeed in halting the death march, but let those who come after us, especially our children, say we tried.
The Global Ruling Class Is Frog-Marching Us Towards Extinction | The Smirking Chimp
Trump now joins this abject company, this rogues gallery of former high officials of the United States of America who were considered guilty of sedition or treason. Burr and Davis escaped any punishment. The question is whether Trump will, as well.
Trump joins Aaron Burr and Jefferson Davis as Former High Office-Holder Investigated for Sedition
Sadly the coalition parties have been stripped of talent, and so we could see a Labor government for years to come. That poses a series of future problems. A good government needs a good opposition. Morrison has pretty much made that impossible.
Morrison has gutted the LNP – » The Australian Independent Media Network
My thought for the day
The Coalition Government’s performance over its time in office had been like a daily shower of offensiveness raining down on society. Surely performance or lack of it must have meant something.(John Lord )
Damming words and how to use them to tell the story of Morrison’s downfall (Part one) – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Inspired by God? Not in the least, but rather by the Trump/Bannon model of maintaining power while in defeat. Morrison left his mark appointing posts according to the persons politics rather than merit. Peter Dutton, now opposition leader, first stop was America’s Republican Party. Dutton needed help on Right-Wing tactics and strategy training in opposition politics. Close examination will prove nothing is Aussie original when it comes to the new Dutton’s LNP.
Culture wars will be central to their agenda along with a dose of fear and the Abbottesque Chicken Little cry that the “Sky is falling in”. Homophobia, the Right to Life, turning the clock back on LGBTQI’s marriage equality Law and Order and Defence and their patriotic white history will all certainly be on this ex cop’s agenda. However, not the corruption or any investigation of LNP party members by any Integrity Commision.
Scott Morrison’s influence lingers after defeat
“Across all federal government appointees, 7% have a direct political connection. This figure rises to 21% among those positions that are well paid, prestigious, and/or powerful.’“
Scott Morrison’s influence lingers after defeat
UAP and LNP stood maskless in defence of the freedom to be stupid. They stood firm against the socialist notion of common sense
But there was a sharp divide in those who took up that advice.
In both the upper and lower houses, Labor and Greens MPs wore the masks.
But, for a handful of exceptions, Coalition MPs chose to exercise their free choice not to wear them – a decision that attracted plenty of pointed criticism on social media.
One pro-choice voice in the Parliament was that of Victorian Senator Ralph Babet, of the United Australia Party.
“Everyone should be able to make their own decisions as grown men or women,” he told The New Daily.
Indoor masks divide new Parliament from its outset
Indoor masks divide new Parliament from its outset
Former prime minister Julia Gillard, who doesn’t sing a note, dance a step or even act, has sold out the Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall – capacity 2500 – within minutes of going on sale this week.
Source: The non-singing, non-dancing Julia Gillard show is a sellout
Evidence of past infection was detected in 46% of samples, compared with 17% in February
Almost 50% of Australians had been infected with Covid as of mid-June, blood survey shows | Coronavirus | The Guardian
In the slime-touched final runoff between two bottom-of-the-barrel finds, voters meet two candidates who, in finding wealth or coming from it, seek the ultimate prize of a country that once kept a quarter of the globe in described, cricket-enlightened subjecthood. The prize is barely worth it, and, with Britain no longer part of the EU, barely noticeable.
Chaff Candidates: The Race for the UK Tory Leadership – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Political life in America is already a bad trip for many. What could the Biden Admin be planning for?
President Joe Biden’s administration “anticipates” that regulators will approve MDMA and psilocybin within the next two years for designated breakthrough therapies for PTSD and depression respectively. The administration is “exploring the prospect of establishing a federal task force to monitor” the emerging psychedelic treatment ecosystem, according to the letter sent by assistant secretary for mental health and substance use Miriam Delphin-Rittmon to Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa.
Biden Administration Plans for Legal Psychedelic Therapies Within Two Years
There is an old saying that it’s easier to break up a marriage than a business partnership making mutual profit. The talk of Trump without Murdoch or Murdoch without Trump is beyond belief.
In the space of a few weeks Rupert Murdoch has dumped both Jerry Hall and Donald Trump. One dumped for threatening to cost him money and one because he can no longer deliver Rupert’s other love-power.
Rupert falls out with Jerry and Donald – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Middle America is lifted to “Elite” on Fox News Equality once an American Goal and Hope is regarded as “elite” Democracy is “elite”.
Glenn Beck was fired from Fox News in 2011 after making similar comments. Now no one bats an eye.
Tucker Carlson: “Elite culture” is “united in their contempt” for “white men” | Media Matters for America
Trump in Washington preaching Law and Order
Sane people don’t give Trump credit for having a policy vision at all. In the annals of political oxymorons, a “Trump policy vision” must rank very high.
Source: What’s the Biggest Trump Oxymoron of All? | The Smirking Chimp
You have to laugh Trumps in Washington preaching Law and Order
REPORT: DOJ PROBING TRUMP’S COUP MOVES
HuffPost – Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost
Let’s hope that it is decades before our secular nation is taken over by the appalling sanctimonious religious hypocrites, alpha male misogynists and corrupt self-serving elitists who seem to be holding sway within the LNP! Australia has a long, proud history of keeping religion out of politics – let’s keep it that way by never voting LNP again.
Note: Thankyou to Dr Binoy Kampmark for the term “visionless plodder.”
Source: The legacy of the “visionless plodder” – » The Australian Independent Media Network
We might really be at the Polling Booth to get it out of the way on the way to the Democracy Sausage stand or beating the rest of the local population to Mrs Brown’s rather excellent chocolate fudge at the cake stall outside, but at least most of us have a say. If nothing else, it ensures fringe opinions of the lunatics from both the progressive and conservative sides stay on the fringe. Our system is not perfect, but there are certainly advantages in compulsory voting. What do you think?
Source: Avoiding the lunatic fringe – » The Australian Independent Media Network
.”
The world is on fire all around us. The free market can’t put that fire out — only massive state intervention in the economy can.
Source: The Free Market Is Making All Our Problems Worse, Not Better
He said the free market and small government ideology that has had America and much of the world in its grip for 40 years is over. Free Market, Small Government,
Source: Small government and free markets – ideology or greed?
olddogthoughts 
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