A favourite Republican? Surely not! Well, like it or not, they're not all neo-con fanatics. Whilst I disagree with most of their policies, there are a few I'd like to single out as being moderate and rational, to the extent that I have respect for them and note their positions to be rational, logical and consistent.
My favourite Republican runner would have to be Ron Paul.
Of course my own choice for the election would be Obama, and I doubt Paul will actually secure the nomination since he's so at odds with the Christian Right of the GOP, but this video is certainly worth watching, particularly from 5:20 onwards. He's a foreign policy realist, not an idealist, and so I think that qualifies him as conservative, and not a neo-conservative.
Others call Paul, like that other likeable Republican Clint Eastwood, a Libertarian; that might be right, too, but I'd have to hear more of his views about other social issues. He defends his position on abortion well enough. I don't agree with him about gun ownership, immigration and free-market health care either, but at least his positions are consistent with the GOP, and are defensible. On the Libertarian/Republican angle: it's said (though it seems hard to be sure of this) that Matt Stone, of South Park fame, is a registered Republican.
So yeah: Ron Paul, Clint Eastwood and Matt Stone. Exceptions that prove the rule, perhaps, but worth remembering.
Finally, note also, in the video, the Fox technique of interviewing and shoving words in peoples mouths, which is also employed by Rudy G- who himself first looked like he may have been a moderate, rationalist but has since proved to buck under the pressure of the Christian Right.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Monday, July 09, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Fascist Joggers
Nicholas Sarkozy enjoys jogging. So, perhaps jogging belongs to the ideology of the right, says Liberation, and Alain Finkelkraut. Of France, in case you weren't sure.
Interesting. I'm a walker myself, like Socrates and Rimbaud, and I'm not a conservative. So I'm safe from this charge.
But wait a second. I also enjoy sleeping, eating, and drinking vodka. I was also once heavily into Judo, and I learn Russian too. Does this make me a totalitarian of the Putin brand? And I have been known to enjoy the odd cigar at times. Am I therefore Churchillian in my thinking?
Another great walker was none other than Nietzsche. He even wrote that he'd sometimes walk for 8 hours in a single day.
Anyway, two posts which give a deeper analysis than I can be bothered to today, courtesy of a quick google search.
Interesting. I'm a walker myself, like Socrates and Rimbaud, and I'm not a conservative. So I'm safe from this charge.
But wait a second. I also enjoy sleeping, eating, and drinking vodka. I was also once heavily into Judo, and I learn Russian too. Does this make me a totalitarian of the Putin brand? And I have been known to enjoy the odd cigar at times. Am I therefore Churchillian in my thinking?
Another great walker was none other than Nietzsche. He even wrote that he'd sometimes walk for 8 hours in a single day.
Anyway, two posts which give a deeper analysis than I can be bothered to today, courtesy of a quick google search.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Ronnie Chan, Regina Ip on Bloomberg
The original interview was taped in late June, apparently, but I just saw Bernie Lo's interview with property tycoon Ronnie Chan. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a linkable site, at least to those of us unsubscribed (such as myself). In any event, Chan made some interesting, some may say bold, points, suggesting that:
1. The opening of China is the biggest economic opportunity in the history of mankind.
2. The press in Hong Kong has more freedom under Beijing than it did under the British.
3. Hong Kong is moving too slowly compared with Singapore and Shanghai, and missing out on the prime opportunities.
4. Foreigners don't care about the economic future of Hong Kong.
5. Los Angeles, in the 1970's (whilst Chan was living there) had pollution problems that were comparable or worse than those China faces today.
6. Hong Kong already has universal suffrage.
He's extremely pro-business, yet one also detects a certain Anglophobia too, or at least bitterness. Perhaps rightly so, too, but I couldn't be sure on that.
I'm not sure on the facts about press-freedom, as I was under the impression that it was more heavily censored these days than before.
He also may be right in his optimism about the pollution problem. L.A has, according to him, come huge bounds since the 70's, and current technology should allow a faster transition.
I think, however, on the point of universal suffrage, he is completely mistaken. Bernie seemed to think as much, too. Chan was nonetheless a very persuasive, impressive man, and he knew how to debate in a civil manner.
Regina Ip, formerly security secretary of Tung Chee-Hwa's administration, made a small headline by saying Hong Kong doesn't need democracy for economic prosperity. I don't think that's at all controversial though, as it hasn't had democracy for all this time, and still had huge growth. China hasn't had democracy through its period of extraordinary growth either. Just a case of trying to find a headline I guess. But still, surely it's not simply for economic reasons that a democratic system is desirable.
1. The opening of China is the biggest economic opportunity in the history of mankind.
2. The press in Hong Kong has more freedom under Beijing than it did under the British.
3. Hong Kong is moving too slowly compared with Singapore and Shanghai, and missing out on the prime opportunities.
4. Foreigners don't care about the economic future of Hong Kong.
5. Los Angeles, in the 1970's (whilst Chan was living there) had pollution problems that were comparable or worse than those China faces today.
6. Hong Kong already has universal suffrage.
He's extremely pro-business, yet one also detects a certain Anglophobia too, or at least bitterness. Perhaps rightly so, too, but I couldn't be sure on that.
I'm not sure on the facts about press-freedom, as I was under the impression that it was more heavily censored these days than before.
He also may be right in his optimism about the pollution problem. L.A has, according to him, come huge bounds since the 70's, and current technology should allow a faster transition.
I think, however, on the point of universal suffrage, he is completely mistaken. Bernie seemed to think as much, too. Chan was nonetheless a very persuasive, impressive man, and he knew how to debate in a civil manner.
Regina Ip, formerly security secretary of Tung Chee-Hwa's administration, made a small headline by saying Hong Kong doesn't need democracy for economic prosperity. I don't think that's at all controversial though, as it hasn't had democracy for all this time, and still had huge growth. China hasn't had democracy through its period of extraordinary growth either. Just a case of trying to find a headline I guess. But still, surely it's not simply for economic reasons that a democratic system is desirable.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
sif ban CS Ruddock u n00b
Ruddock wants to ban films, books and computer games which encourage terrorism.
Does this mean Counter-Strike is under threat of a ban? Afterall, one side of the team are the terrorists, and the aim of the game is to set off bombs, keep hostages, and act in a generally terrorising manner whilst pwning n00bs.
It's also one of the most popular online games in the world.
Hopefully I've made my position on games clear from the previous article, but if not, I'll just quote Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Zelda and Mario (via Wikipedia):
""Video games bad for you? (laughs) That's what they said about rock and roll."
Surely Ruddock wouldn't be that much of a spoil-sport, and I do realise the bigger issue pertains to the banning of books which are a valuable academic resource, and don't even get me started on banning films.
But surely other people have had Counter-Strike pop into their heads when they heard about Ruddocks latest?
In any event, it must be said: zomfg Ruddock am ghey ffs.
Does this mean Counter-Strike is under threat of a ban? Afterall, one side of the team are the terrorists, and the aim of the game is to set off bombs, keep hostages, and act in a generally terrorising manner whilst pwning n00bs.
It's also one of the most popular online games in the world.
Hopefully I've made my position on games clear from the previous article, but if not, I'll just quote Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Zelda and Mario (via Wikipedia):
""Video games bad for you? (laughs) That's what they said about rock and roll."
Surely Ruddock wouldn't be that much of a spoil-sport, and I do realise the bigger issue pertains to the banning of books which are a valuable academic resource, and don't even get me started on banning films.
But surely other people have had Counter-Strike pop into their heads when they heard about Ruddocks latest?
In any event, it must be said: zomfg Ruddock am ghey ffs.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Adams on Turnbull
Philip Adams, as entertaining and erudite as always, says what I've been thinking myself for a while.
Malcolm Turnbull is too smart not to get it on climate change. He's also my favourite Liberal, perhaps along with Joe Hockey. As entertaining as Costello is, if they really want a proper leader, they should go with Turnbull. But with slimeballs like Costello crawling around, I doubt it'll happen. Which is a shame.
Malcolm Turnbull is too smart not to get it on climate change. He's also my favourite Liberal, perhaps along with Joe Hockey. As entertaining as Costello is, if they really want a proper leader, they should go with Turnbull. But with slimeballs like Costello crawling around, I doubt it'll happen. Which is a shame.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Green Prosperity
I figure I'd take this chance to draw attention to an interesting study, whilst at the same time plugging my university.
Firstly, take the time, if you will, to read an article by Bruce Sterling, this one.
And then read this, a brief outline of a study done by Associate Professor John Asafu-Adjaye.
Now, to be fair, I should really read Growth Fetish by Clive Hamilton before I can form a balanced opinion here.
But a possible conclusion to draw from the first two, though probably contrary to the third, is that a green future is not an ideal belonging only to those of the far reachest of green left. It would seem that theres is empirical evidence linking improved economic growth and the greening of an environment, which may be summed up by Asafu-Adjaye when he says
Firstly, take the time, if you will, to read an article by Bruce Sterling, this one.
And then read this, a brief outline of a study done by Associate Professor John Asafu-Adjaye.
Now, to be fair, I should really read Growth Fetish by Clive Hamilton before I can form a balanced opinion here.
But a possible conclusion to draw from the first two, though probably contrary to the third, is that a green future is not an ideal belonging only to those of the far reachest of green left. It would seem that theres is empirical evidence linking improved economic growth and the greening of an environment, which may be summed up by Asafu-Adjaye when he says
“In many cases people start to care about the environment because they can afford to,”
Note, though, the qualifer 'in many cases'. It certainly isn't a universal occurence, but it is a possibility. Another criticism is that the study only focused on carbon dioxide emissions as a measure of environmental quality.
But still.
Take for example
Some radical types seem to be anti-capitalist, or anti-corporate, to the extreme point where it becomes anti-wealth. Just as some ultra-conservative types seem to conflate any environmental protection with poverty and economic decline. I think this is a worrying trend. I consider myself of a moderate center-left, middle of the road persuasion, a bit like Paul Keating perhaps, or currently Barack Obama. Keating is/was certainly my favourite politician- watch his Lateline interview if you haven't! And as he points out in the interview, he initiated several drastic economic changes. Changes which are still feeding our prosperity today.
My point is, before there is anything to share around to those who need it, we first need to create that wealth. This is a point that only the most extreme seem unable to grasp, and something that most of us can agree on, surely. It's the management of that wealth, and how to generate it, that is a point worthy of debate.
But like I said, I should read Growth Fetish first.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Orwell
I've only read Animal Farm and 1984, but I thought they were both brilliant.
Nowadays though, Orwell has become something of a tool in oratory and debate; you can throw an Orwell into the mix to swing any argument your way.
Bush- Orwellian nightmare, Howard- read Orwell as a manual, any progressive politician- O'Brien waiting to happen.
I think it's kind of approaching cliche to be honest, but theres no doubt Orwell painted a chilling portrait of totalitarianism.
I usually don't think calling on Orwell is very helpful when criticising hardline neo-conservative governments though, as the idea of a free market seems antithetical to INGSOC.
I think criticism of such right-wing governments would be better achieved by pointing out the problems which are specific to it- corporate greed, class division and so on. Because unless it is specific to the form of government, then the Orwell card can be used against anyone, by anyone, which ultimately negates any significance.
So now I'm trying to think of some novelists who might be useful for this purpose. Thomas Pynchon perhaps, and certainly William S. Burroughs.
Nowadays though, Orwell has become something of a tool in oratory and debate; you can throw an Orwell into the mix to swing any argument your way.
Bush- Orwellian nightmare, Howard- read Orwell as a manual, any progressive politician- O'Brien waiting to happen.
I think it's kind of approaching cliche to be honest, but theres no doubt Orwell painted a chilling portrait of totalitarianism.
I usually don't think calling on Orwell is very helpful when criticising hardline neo-conservative governments though, as the idea of a free market seems antithetical to INGSOC.
I think criticism of such right-wing governments would be better achieved by pointing out the problems which are specific to it- corporate greed, class division and so on. Because unless it is specific to the form of government, then the Orwell card can be used against anyone, by anyone, which ultimately negates any significance.
So now I'm trying to think of some novelists who might be useful for this purpose. Thomas Pynchon perhaps, and certainly William S. Burroughs.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Czar of Iraq and Afghanistan
I hope he can speak Arabic.
If this means Bush is handing over all responsibilities to Lute, then perhaps it would be something to celebrate, but I suspect Lute will turn into nothing more than a scapegoat for a lame duck.
If this means Bush is handing over all responsibilities to Lute, then perhaps it would be something to celebrate, but I suspect Lute will turn into nothing more than a scapegoat for a lame duck.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Abbott Abbott
Of all the Liberal ministers, I think loathe Abbott the most.
He's even more overtly religious and socially conservative than Howard, and yet he's younger.
So it's even more intolerable.
It certainly defies belief that Howard even gave him the health portfolio in the first place, and it ranks up there as one of his most unforgivable decisions. I realise there are sensitive issues there so analogy doesn't go very far, but keep in mind that this is a democracy, not a theocracy.
And Abbott's arrogance in the face of defeat is really disgusting.
Don't worry Abbott, I'm sure the coalition will be sufficiently 'rewarded' this coming election.
I feel sorry for Jangari- apparently Abbott is his local member. Well at least he's allowed to give his two cents to Abbott directly, so maybe it's not all so bad.
He's even more overtly religious and socially conservative than Howard, and yet he's younger.
So it's even more intolerable.
It certainly defies belief that Howard even gave him the health portfolio in the first place, and it ranks up there as one of his most unforgivable decisions. I realise there are sensitive issues there so analogy doesn't go very far, but keep in mind that this is a democracy, not a theocracy.
And Abbott's arrogance in the face of defeat is really disgusting.
Don't worry Abbott, I'm sure the coalition will be sufficiently 'rewarded' this coming election.
I feel sorry for Jangari- apparently Abbott is his local member. Well at least he's allowed to give his two cents to Abbott directly, so maybe it's not all so bad.
Friday, May 11, 2007
A Tale of Two Budgets
I wrote about this a while back, and it seems Jim Middleton agrees with me.
The debate over economic ideology is over, and "We're all conservatives now".
So now we get two fiscally conservative budget proposals. Is that really something to celebrate?
I'll give my take on the two in a moment, but first, I should mention something which I found a touch disturbing.
In neither Costello's or Rudd's speech was the word 'aboriginal' mentioned once. This is in spite of the fact that Costello's budget actually puts $3.5 billion into indigenous related policies.
There's only a limited time for them to outline their proposals, and no doubt the speech is scrutinised by various media advisors. The worrying trend would be then that they have concluded the average Australian either doesn't care or doesn't want to see funding into indigenous policies.
And now to the budgets and their speeches.
Costello put his budget across in a very considered tone, and very reasonably. When he was pronouncing the actual sums of money involved, he would adopt the tone of voice one would hear from a tightpursed grandmother giving her child some birthday money.
The strongest point was the University Endowment Fund, though it's not quite clear when we'll actually see any fruits of such a fund. And so Rudd's attack that this is a short term election budget plan is probably somewhat misguided.
The tutoring voucher of $700 seems a fine idea, but also doesn't seem to be thought out.
Julie Bishop floundered when asked by Kerry O'Brien who would be elligible to give the tutoring.
Furthermore, I'd like to know what the average costs of tuition are. If we say $35 an hour then that's 20 hours. I don't think 20 hours will necessarily turn a lagging student into a high achieving student, so one could say that this is a bit of an election bribe.
Providing extra teaching training is also a fine idea, but my housemate (who is a teacher) pointed out that it's most likely older teachers who will be in need of a refreshment course. So targeting young teachers, as this proposal seems to do, could be money poorly spent.
$500 for senior citizens? That's a nice gesture too, and I'm glad to think that my grandmother might be able to get herself something nice courtesy of Costello, but it's also nothing more than a bribe.
Tax cuts to lower and middle income earners are much appreciated, and as George Megalogenis (video available here) points out, this proposal is closely related to Work Choices.
It was, as many have pointed out, the first time we've heard "Global Warming" mentioned by Costello, and extra incentives to invest in solar is an excellent move (which was mirrored by Rudd). Strangely, on the energy issue, neither Costello nor Rudd mentioned geo-thermal, in spite of the fact that I'm led to believe it's one of Australia's best options.
Overall, I'm sure it will swing some votes back in the way of the Coalition, and Costello is certainly putting feet in the right places where Howard is not. I'm sure the Coalition wishes they'd let Costello take over last year.
Rudd's speech itself was an absolute shocker. It sounded as though he'd not even read the speech before, and the speech itself was a hulking trainwreck which repeated tired old catchphrases such as "throwing the fair go out the back door".
Broadband is an issue close to my heart, so I was glad that it got a place. However, there was a discrepancy in the speech which I'm not sure everyone noticed.
He stated earlier that "Italy will soon be laying out a broadband network for two thirds of its population of up to 100 megabits per second". That is a brilliant plan indeed, and world-class.
Later on, however, it is revealed that "Labour's plan is for a state-of-the-art fibre optic to the node national network with a speed of 12 megabits per second (capable of upscaling) to be laid out over a 5 year period".
12 megabits? As in, half of the maximum speed currently available in metropolital areas?
Yes, that's right, we already have a network capable of 24mbps. And 24mpbs still isn't that great by world standards, as Rudd himself shows with the Italian example. So Rudd's plan will really affect those in regional areas who are currently stuck on 1.5mpbs or worse, and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact I'm glad that young kids in Kurranda will be able to play Counter-Strike competitively. But if Rudd wants to run broadband as an economic issue, he'd do well to actually have a plan that would affect businesses.
I should point out, however, that Peter Beattie does actually have a plan for Brisbane which proposes a 100mbps network. This is sweet indeed, and would unquestionably encourage businesses who communicate large data packets to relocate to Brisbane (engineering firms are a prime example, at the moment they often have to burn their data onto a cd and then physically mail the cd out, wasting time and money).
So whilst a broadband plan is needed, and urgently, I was unimpressed with Rudd's offering. There is hope, however, that the upscaling potential will be fulfilled. And for the time being, it's still far better than Costello's lack of a broadband proposal.
Rudd invested slightly more than Costello in education, which is to be expected, although his focus was not universities, sadly. Rudd has chosen to focus on the skills sector, by offering up to 1.5 million dollars to high schools across Australia ("all 2650 of them"). Of course, he's counting on the fact that most high school's won't take up this offer, otherwise he'd need to put down $3.975 billion on the table (has has in fact put down only $2.5 billion).
He has also pledged to phase out full-fee paying students. This is in contrast to Bishop's idea of increasing the number of full-fee paying students.
I'm no fan of full-fee paying students, especially if it means that there are less commonwealth-supported places as a result. Rudd doesn't mean to extend this to full-fee paying international students though, because that would make universities less than thrilled given the enormous revenue brought in by such students.
I also hope it doesn't result in HECS fee's increasing to cover universities loss of profits.
We'll have to wait for more on that policy.
Finally, Rudd pledged $70 million for Asian Languages. I was at first delighted at this news, but apparently so far it only targets high schools. Which is a shame, really, because I'm of the opinion that learning languages in high school doesn't really deliver effective results. This is purely based on personal experience, whereby the same issues that would make say, Shakespeare uncool, also result in the study of language being uncool and purely academic. My main exhibit here would be the extremely poor level which high-school students of Chinese arrive with at 1st year university.
So comparing the two, I like Rudd's ideas the most, and appreciate where he is coming from. Upon closer examination I'd say Costello's probably more realistic and will actually deliver what it sets out to do. But it would be unfair to Rudd to judge his budget now as it was only a 'right of reply' which we saw last night. So I'll wait and see, and remain hopeful that some of the issues I have outlined above are ironed out.
The debate over economic ideology is over, and "We're all conservatives now".
So now we get two fiscally conservative budget proposals. Is that really something to celebrate?
I'll give my take on the two in a moment, but first, I should mention something which I found a touch disturbing.
In neither Costello's or Rudd's speech was the word 'aboriginal' mentioned once. This is in spite of the fact that Costello's budget actually puts $3.5 billion into indigenous related policies.
There's only a limited time for them to outline their proposals, and no doubt the speech is scrutinised by various media advisors. The worrying trend would be then that they have concluded the average Australian either doesn't care or doesn't want to see funding into indigenous policies.
And now to the budgets and their speeches.
Costello put his budget across in a very considered tone, and very reasonably. When he was pronouncing the actual sums of money involved, he would adopt the tone of voice one would hear from a tightpursed grandmother giving her child some birthday money.
The strongest point was the University Endowment Fund, though it's not quite clear when we'll actually see any fruits of such a fund. And so Rudd's attack that this is a short term election budget plan is probably somewhat misguided.
The tutoring voucher of $700 seems a fine idea, but also doesn't seem to be thought out.
Julie Bishop floundered when asked by Kerry O'Brien who would be elligible to give the tutoring.
Furthermore, I'd like to know what the average costs of tuition are. If we say $35 an hour then that's 20 hours. I don't think 20 hours will necessarily turn a lagging student into a high achieving student, so one could say that this is a bit of an election bribe.
Providing extra teaching training is also a fine idea, but my housemate (who is a teacher) pointed out that it's most likely older teachers who will be in need of a refreshment course. So targeting young teachers, as this proposal seems to do, could be money poorly spent.
$500 for senior citizens? That's a nice gesture too, and I'm glad to think that my grandmother might be able to get herself something nice courtesy of Costello, but it's also nothing more than a bribe.
Tax cuts to lower and middle income earners are much appreciated, and as George Megalogenis (video available here) points out, this proposal is closely related to Work Choices.
It was, as many have pointed out, the first time we've heard "Global Warming" mentioned by Costello, and extra incentives to invest in solar is an excellent move (which was mirrored by Rudd). Strangely, on the energy issue, neither Costello nor Rudd mentioned geo-thermal, in spite of the fact that I'm led to believe it's one of Australia's best options.
Overall, I'm sure it will swing some votes back in the way of the Coalition, and Costello is certainly putting feet in the right places where Howard is not. I'm sure the Coalition wishes they'd let Costello take over last year.
Rudd's speech itself was an absolute shocker. It sounded as though he'd not even read the speech before, and the speech itself was a hulking trainwreck which repeated tired old catchphrases such as "throwing the fair go out the back door".
Broadband is an issue close to my heart, so I was glad that it got a place. However, there was a discrepancy in the speech which I'm not sure everyone noticed.
He stated earlier that "Italy will soon be laying out a broadband network for two thirds of its population of up to 100 megabits per second". That is a brilliant plan indeed, and world-class.
Later on, however, it is revealed that "Labour's plan is for a state-of-the-art fibre optic to the node national network with a speed of 12 megabits per second (capable of upscaling) to be laid out over a 5 year period".
12 megabits? As in, half of the maximum speed currently available in metropolital areas?
Yes, that's right, we already have a network capable of 24mbps. And 24mpbs still isn't that great by world standards, as Rudd himself shows with the Italian example. So Rudd's plan will really affect those in regional areas who are currently stuck on 1.5mpbs or worse, and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact I'm glad that young kids in Kurranda will be able to play Counter-Strike competitively. But if Rudd wants to run broadband as an economic issue, he'd do well to actually have a plan that would affect businesses.
I should point out, however, that Peter Beattie does actually have a plan for Brisbane which proposes a 100mbps network. This is sweet indeed, and would unquestionably encourage businesses who communicate large data packets to relocate to Brisbane (engineering firms are a prime example, at the moment they often have to burn their data onto a cd and then physically mail the cd out, wasting time and money).
So whilst a broadband plan is needed, and urgently, I was unimpressed with Rudd's offering. There is hope, however, that the upscaling potential will be fulfilled. And for the time being, it's still far better than Costello's lack of a broadband proposal.
Rudd invested slightly more than Costello in education, which is to be expected, although his focus was not universities, sadly. Rudd has chosen to focus on the skills sector, by offering up to 1.5 million dollars to high schools across Australia ("all 2650 of them"). Of course, he's counting on the fact that most high school's won't take up this offer, otherwise he'd need to put down $3.975 billion on the table (has has in fact put down only $2.5 billion).
He has also pledged to phase out full-fee paying students. This is in contrast to Bishop's idea of increasing the number of full-fee paying students.
I'm no fan of full-fee paying students, especially if it means that there are less commonwealth-supported places as a result. Rudd doesn't mean to extend this to full-fee paying international students though, because that would make universities less than thrilled given the enormous revenue brought in by such students.
I also hope it doesn't result in HECS fee's increasing to cover universities loss of profits.
We'll have to wait for more on that policy.
Finally, Rudd pledged $70 million for Asian Languages. I was at first delighted at this news, but apparently so far it only targets high schools. Which is a shame, really, because I'm of the opinion that learning languages in high school doesn't really deliver effective results. This is purely based on personal experience, whereby the same issues that would make say, Shakespeare uncool, also result in the study of language being uncool and purely academic. My main exhibit here would be the extremely poor level which high-school students of Chinese arrive with at 1st year university.
So comparing the two, I like Rudd's ideas the most, and appreciate where he is coming from. Upon closer examination I'd say Costello's probably more realistic and will actually deliver what it sets out to do. But it would be unfair to Rudd to judge his budget now as it was only a 'right of reply' which we saw last night. So I'll wait and see, and remain hopeful that some of the issues I have outlined above are ironed out.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Baron Heffernan
I'd like to think we've moved on from the days of Henry VIII, and accusing women of being 'barren'.
Apparently not, though.
Senator Heffernan said Ms Gillard was "deliberately barren" and therefore unfit for political leadership.
Blatant sexism like this doesn't belong in modern Australian politics, and even back in the time of Henry, the reasoning of such an argument would be just as nonsensical.
Of course, such a line of reasoning isn't unique to Baron Heffernan, in fact it's quite common in Russia.
The leader of the Liberal and Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), Vladimir Zhirinovsky, expressed his opinion on the matter in an exclusive interview with Pravda.Ru.
”Condoleezza Rice released a coarse anti-Russian statement. This is because she is a single woman who has no children. She loses her reason because of her late single status. Nature takes it all.
Ah Heff, you know where you belong.
I must say, I was both surprised and glad to see Malcom Turnbull come out to voice his disgust.
Of course, Abbott came out to defend the comments. This isn't suprising given he no doubt shares Heffernan's medieval views of women.
This has hurt the Liberals more than their religious far-right will realise, which is why the more moderate of the party are trying to come out and condemn the comments.
And Howard is being too lenient on Heffernan by far; coming up to an election, the only response can be to sack Heffernan.
Apparently not, though.
Senator Heffernan said Ms Gillard was "deliberately barren" and therefore unfit for political leadership.
Blatant sexism like this doesn't belong in modern Australian politics, and even back in the time of Henry, the reasoning of such an argument would be just as nonsensical.
Of course, such a line of reasoning isn't unique to Baron Heffernan, in fact it's quite common in Russia.
The leader of the Liberal and Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), Vladimir Zhirinovsky, expressed his opinion on the matter in an exclusive interview with Pravda.Ru.
”Condoleezza Rice released a coarse anti-Russian statement. This is because she is a single woman who has no children. She loses her reason because of her late single status. Nature takes it all.
Ah Heff, you know where you belong.
I must say, I was both surprised and glad to see Malcom Turnbull come out to voice his disgust.
Of course, Abbott came out to defend the comments. This isn't suprising given he no doubt shares Heffernan's medieval views of women.
This has hurt the Liberals more than their religious far-right will realise, which is why the more moderate of the party are trying to come out and condemn the comments.
And Howard is being too lenient on Heffernan by far; coming up to an election, the only response can be to sack Heffernan.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Шпионы Австралии ..... ПРАВДА!
I notice another shocking piece of truth over at Pravda,
"Why we escaped from Australia"
If you can't be bothered to read it (a shame, as you're missing out), then just know:
"The moral of this story is very simple: Australia and Italy are Police states that use the Secret Services to terrorize and keep the population under control."
Life much be so much more libertarian under Putin. Here are some choice extracts:
"It appears that my wife's birth brother is a very important judge in Australia who has managed to keep his real family background secret."
Perhaps it's...Marcus Einfeld?
"But since we have been in Italy, now for seven months, SISMI (the Italian Secret Police) has done the job of ASIO. "
Must be a result of that bloody Vanstone's posting.
"Are the secret services running the World?"
Good to see Pravda is maintaining their long tradition of journalistic integrity by not publishing conspiratorial paranoia.
"Why we escaped from Australia"
If you can't be bothered to read it (a shame, as you're missing out), then just know:
"The moral of this story is very simple: Australia and Italy are Police states that use the Secret Services to terrorize and keep the population under control."
Life much be so much more libertarian under Putin. Here are some choice extracts:
"It appears that my wife's birth brother is a very important judge in Australia who has managed to keep his real family background secret."
Perhaps it's...Marcus Einfeld?
"But since we have been in Italy, now for seven months, SISMI (the Italian Secret Police) has done the job of ASIO. "
Must be a result of that bloody Vanstone's posting.
"Are the secret services running the World?"
Good to see Pravda is maintaining their long tradition of journalistic integrity by not publishing conspiratorial paranoia.
Royally Screwed by a Solid Sarkozy
I've been following the French elections with only a mild interest. It's nice that unlike here, they actually have a more lively democracy; in my opinion, the choices were between a left, center and center-right President. Granted, they do ultimately narrow it down to a 2 party primary, but it's still much more choice than we're seeing here, what with center-right vs center-further-right.
Anyway, François Bayrou, the centerist, was knocked out, leaving Segolene Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy. By most estimates, Sarkozy has pretty much got it won.
The Times (via the Australian) say that a TV debate is Royal's last chance.
It's too bad, then, that the Frenchman whom I chatted to about this was adament that Royal's biggest flaw is her unconvincing, witless public speaking.
Incidently, as the article says, "65 per cent found Mr Sarkozy "solid” while only 24 per cent attributed the quality to Ms Royal."
Anyway, François Bayrou, the centerist, was knocked out, leaving Segolene Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy. By most estimates, Sarkozy has pretty much got it won.
The Times (via the Australian) say that a TV debate is Royal's last chance.
It's too bad, then, that the Frenchman whom I chatted to about this was adament that Royal's biggest flaw is her unconvincing, witless public speaking.
Incidently, as the article says, "65 per cent found Mr Sarkozy "solid” while only 24 per cent attributed the quality to Ms Royal."
A Corny Joke
I thought Rudd was smart to select Maxine McKew for Bennelong.
But Nicole Cornes? I'm not so sure. In fact, just reading about her nauseates me.
Firstly, I hate the Sunday Mail. A rag indeed, only discernable from my hometown's Cairns Post by its size. And, upon the basis of this simple enumeration, I'd actually say it's worse.
So she was/is (I rarely read it so I don't know) a columnist for the Sunday Mail.
Not really surprising then that she's also a former Howard voter, which certainly strengthens the argument that Rudd is Howard-lite.
As has become standard practice, Cornes has to be portrayed as an Aussie battler (Matt price puts it beautifully here):
"Nicole left school at 15, is a mother raising two daughters, has run a small business, put herself through university – many South Australians can identify with her." says Deputy Premier Kevin Foley
I was unaware South Australia was a state of 37 year old, high school drop-out, part-time Law student, small business owning mothers of two. But, one learns something new each day.
And then theres the question of her alleged photogenicity.
Now where have I seen that blank, vacant gaze before...
Ah, that's right.
But Nicole Cornes? I'm not so sure. In fact, just reading about her nauseates me.
Firstly, I hate the Sunday Mail. A rag indeed, only discernable from my hometown's Cairns Post by its size. And, upon the basis of this simple enumeration, I'd actually say it's worse.
So she was/is (I rarely read it so I don't know) a columnist for the Sunday Mail.
Not really surprising then that she's also a former Howard voter, which certainly strengthens the argument that Rudd is Howard-lite.
As has become standard practice, Cornes has to be portrayed as an Aussie battler (Matt price puts it beautifully here):
"Nicole left school at 15, is a mother raising two daughters, has run a small business, put herself through university – many South Australians can identify with her." says Deputy Premier Kevin Foley
I was unaware South Australia was a state of 37 year old, high school drop-out, part-time Law student, small business owning mothers of two. But, one learns something new each day.
And then theres the question of her alleged photogenicity.
Now where have I seen that blank, vacant gaze before...
Ah, that's right.
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Reward for Vanstone
So, this is her reward for wasting our money to not speak Mandarin- she gets posted to Italy as Australia's Ambassador.
Honestly, what kind of a mates-club is Howard running? And I know it's not just the Libs; the various state governments are just as vomit-inducing in their appointment of judges.
But I take personal offence to Mandy getting this appointment. It's reminiscent of Bush posting Bremer to Iraq. What exactly are her Italian qualifications?
No doubt, it's easier to learn Italian than Mandarin, so it might just be possible for someone of her abilities. Still, nothing in the official statement suggests that she actually can.
In fact there's nothing in her career that suggests the ideal qualities of a diplomat, and in light of the Mandarin-gate affair it's just ridiculous. This sort of complacency is what will see Howard thrown out by his own, I hope.
To be fair, she might find work in Opera. Put her in the right period costume and she'd be perfect for that part I often refer to as the 'big mamma'.
She has a marketing studies certificate. That was part of the official statement. I'm serious.
Honestly, what kind of a mates-club is Howard running? And I know it's not just the Libs; the various state governments are just as vomit-inducing in their appointment of judges.
But I take personal offence to Mandy getting this appointment. It's reminiscent of Bush posting Bremer to Iraq. What exactly are her Italian qualifications?
No doubt, it's easier to learn Italian than Mandarin, so it might just be possible for someone of her abilities. Still, nothing in the official statement suggests that she actually can.
In fact there's nothing in her career that suggests the ideal qualities of a diplomat, and in light of the Mandarin-gate affair it's just ridiculous. This sort of complacency is what will see Howard thrown out by his own, I hope.
To be fair, she might find work in Opera. Put her in the right period costume and she'd be perfect for that part I often refer to as the 'big mamma'.
She has a marketing studies certificate. That was part of the official statement. I'm serious.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Hall, the True Englishman
Whilst on the subject of other blogs, there is one that really is unmissable.
Sir Iain Hall, notorious tsunami-pranker and fast-food employee, is also a proud Englishman.
This is most obvious from his superior command of the English language, evidenced in a headline such as "No Where near good enough".
Like a true Englishman, Iain loathes light beer, just as he loathes the ALP.
Sir Iain also advocates that homosexuals be denied access to medication.
Proclaiming a lack of English television programming available in Australia, Sir Iain is incensed over the special non-English programming on the Special Broadcasting Service.
And, most telling of all, he continues an old Etonian tradition of rhetorical questions, such as
What is it with the left? Are they all entirely mad?
Hats off.
UPDATE:
" Wow four links to my blog in one post and you misrepresent my position with every one. That must be some sort of record.
Can't you cut it arguing on the issues?
From the look of this post I think not." steams Iain.
I should clarify. He doesn't loathe light beer so much as he loathes urination without reward.
He only thinks some homosexuals should be denied access to medication.
I fail to see the logic here, since his position is also that the spread of HIV needs to be contained; does he think that someone denied medical treatment is less likely to want to infect other people?
There's also the ethical consideration involved in denying medical access to prisoners; it seems rather similar to capital punishment from the discourse of utility.
I also fail to see why a SPECIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE should be subject to the broad statistics of an entire demographic when it is aimed at a select demographic. I don't think it was ever the intention of SBS to cater to whining Poms, so he's constructed somewhat of a strawman here.
And I may be just a descendant of a convict, but I'm pretty sure 'nowhere' is not usually written as "No Where".
Sir Iain Hall, notorious tsunami-pranker and fast-food employee, is also a proud Englishman.
This is most obvious from his superior command of the English language, evidenced in a headline such as "No Where near good enough".
Like a true Englishman, Iain loathes light beer, just as he loathes the ALP.
Sir Iain also advocates that homosexuals be denied access to medication.
Proclaiming a lack of English television programming available in Australia, Sir Iain is incensed over the special non-English programming on the Special Broadcasting Service.
And, most telling of all, he continues an old Etonian tradition of rhetorical questions, such as
What is it with the left? Are they all entirely mad?
Hats off.
UPDATE:
" Wow four links to my blog in one post and you misrepresent my position with every one. That must be some sort of record.
Can't you cut it arguing on the issues?
From the look of this post I think not." steams Iain.
I should clarify. He doesn't loathe light beer so much as he loathes urination without reward.
He only thinks some homosexuals should be denied access to medication.
I fail to see the logic here, since his position is also that the spread of HIV needs to be contained; does he think that someone denied medical treatment is less likely to want to infect other people?
There's also the ethical consideration involved in denying medical access to prisoners; it seems rather similar to capital punishment from the discourse of utility.
I also fail to see why a SPECIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE should be subject to the broad statistics of an entire demographic when it is aimed at a select demographic. I don't think it was ever the intention of SBS to cater to whining Poms, so he's constructed somewhat of a strawman here.
And I may be just a descendant of a convict, but I'm pretty sure 'nowhere' is not usually written as "No Where".
Monday, April 16, 2007
Клаудленд Путина
I remember a conversation I had recently with an older chap who'd worked in Foreign Affairs for many years. We were discussing, predictably enough, foreign affairs, and the topic of Putin came up. I was unsure, I told him, of whether Putin was taking Russia forwards or backwards. He assured me there was no doubt that Putin was indeed taking the country forwards.
I'm remain however, unconvinced, and the more reports I read and hear coming out of Russia the more I am sure that if anything, Putin is taking the country backwards.
Most likely, it depends on the angle one looks at the situation. Economically, things are great. Never been better. But from a libertarian angle, it's a growing nightmare.
Just recently there was the destruction of a cultural hertiage site without a permit.
Now the brutal supression of a protest, in which Gary Kasparov was arrested.
There are countless other examples, and the point is clear, I think.
And now they're looking at ammending the law to allow Putin another term.
If Vladimir, son of Vladimir, is indeed taking Russia forward, then to borrow a Ruddism, it's a bridge too far.
Still, I must admit, he does it with style unmatched by any other dictator or leader I've seen.
СУПЕР!
I'm remain however, unconvinced, and the more reports I read and hear coming out of Russia the more I am sure that if anything, Putin is taking the country backwards.
Most likely, it depends on the angle one looks at the situation. Economically, things are great. Never been better. But from a libertarian angle, it's a growing nightmare.
Just recently there was the destruction of a cultural hertiage site without a permit.
Now the brutal supression of a protest, in which Gary Kasparov was arrested.
There are countless other examples, and the point is clear, I think.
And now they're looking at ammending the law to allow Putin another term.
If Vladimir, son of Vladimir, is indeed taking Russia forward, then to borrow a Ruddism, it's a bridge too far.
Still, I must admit, he does it with style unmatched by any other dictator or leader I've seen.
СУПЕР!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Defeat for Progressive Thought
Janet Albrechtsen, as usual, misses many points. It's not surprising in the least.
Whilst it's looking more and more likely that we'll see a Rudd victory this year, the numbers won't be coming from generation-Y. It'll be from their parents.
So Janet should be happy. Rudd is a victory for conservatism, much to my chagrin. Whoever wins, Janet wins.
I think it's a terrible day when people start raving about our opposition because of how he resembles our incumbent in so many ways.
It's fine for the Anyone But Howard camp, and I agree that a change is desirable. I hardly think, however, that it's worth celebrating when policy and ideology will essentially remain unchanged.
Just as Martin Amis remarked of England, we're witnessing the death of politics in Australia. There is no longer a debate over larger issues such as the distribution of wealth.
You don't get balance by shifting Labour to the right; all that results is an ever more conservative state of politics. It happened in England; my recent post points to the effects of such a swing.
A further freezing-over of politics in Australia has resulted from environmental issues going mainstream. This has stripped the Green party of its relevance.
Whilst I can envisage myself giving preference to Rudd over Howard, it won't be an entirely happy decision; it's conceding defeat to conservatism, and it's a sign of a flat-lining democracy.
Whilst it's looking more and more likely that we'll see a Rudd victory this year, the numbers won't be coming from generation-Y. It'll be from their parents.
So Janet should be happy. Rudd is a victory for conservatism, much to my chagrin. Whoever wins, Janet wins.
I think it's a terrible day when people start raving about our opposition because of how he resembles our incumbent in so many ways.
It's fine for the Anyone But Howard camp, and I agree that a change is desirable. I hardly think, however, that it's worth celebrating when policy and ideology will essentially remain unchanged.
Just as Martin Amis remarked of England, we're witnessing the death of politics in Australia. There is no longer a debate over larger issues such as the distribution of wealth.
You don't get balance by shifting Labour to the right; all that results is an ever more conservative state of politics. It happened in England; my recent post points to the effects of such a swing.
A further freezing-over of politics in Australia has resulted from environmental issues going mainstream. This has stripped the Green party of its relevance.
Whilst I can envisage myself giving preference to Rudd over Howard, it won't be an entirely happy decision; it's conceding defeat to conservatism, and it's a sign of a flat-lining democracy.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Worrying
Stanley Kubrick, a hero of mine, apparently remarked “If the Labourites ever get in, I’ll leave the country.”
If he were alive today, he'd probably have left the country by now.
These Orwellian talking-CCTV-cameras are extremely worrying development, though apparently this is a minority view I hold, according to Home Secretary John Reid.
Over this mornings hot-cross buns and coffee, the guys, girls and I discussed this. Some put forth the view that it didn't matter since they wouldn't break the law. However, I think this view falls down after some extrapolation.
Firstly, I think everyone acts differently when they're knowingly surveiled. Apprently Foucault would agree.
Secondly, do you think it's right for someone to be publicly humiliated for an act which could be totally innocent?
Thirdly, it sets precedent. Whilst I don't wish to take the slippery-slope fallacy, the significance of legal precedence must not be ignored.
Finally, it should be worrying that this is how the Labour party acts these days. Some might say that the Tories would be worse, and that's potentially true, but not necessarily.
Shadow home affairs minister James Brokenshire said the government should be "very careful" over the cameras.
Hopefully people haven't forgotten the origins of 1984's INGSOC.
On the other hand, I also agree it's possible the Tories could be even worse, and Orwell was hardly a Tory anyway.
Again, as I maintain, both sides are flawed.
On that note, I think I'll go pickup a 2nd hand copy of 1984, it's been too long.
If he were alive today, he'd probably have left the country by now.
These Orwellian talking-CCTV-cameras are extremely worrying development, though apparently this is a minority view I hold, according to Home Secretary John Reid.
Over this mornings hot-cross buns and coffee, the guys, girls and I discussed this. Some put forth the view that it didn't matter since they wouldn't break the law. However, I think this view falls down after some extrapolation.
Firstly, I think everyone acts differently when they're knowingly surveiled. Apprently Foucault would agree.
Secondly, do you think it's right for someone to be publicly humiliated for an act which could be totally innocent?
Thirdly, it sets precedent. Whilst I don't wish to take the slippery-slope fallacy, the significance of legal precedence must not be ignored.
Finally, it should be worrying that this is how the Labour party acts these days. Some might say that the Tories would be worse, and that's potentially true, but not necessarily.
Shadow home affairs minister James Brokenshire said the government should be "very careful" over the cameras.
Hopefully people haven't forgotten the origins of 1984's INGSOC.
On the other hand, I also agree it's possible the Tories could be even worse, and Orwell was hardly a Tory anyway.
Again, as I maintain, both sides are flawed.
On that note, I think I'll go pickup a 2nd hand copy of 1984, it's been too long.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Iain Hall, Missing in Tsunami
Iain Hall has been reported missing, feared dead, after a killer-tsunami struck the coast of Eastern Australia today.
Sir Iain is a prominent blogger with many years experience in the fast-food industry.
"McDonalds has lost a faithful employee, customer, and friend" said an industry source.
More on this as information becomes available.
UPDATE:
We have it exclusively, direct from the source. Sir Iain has, apparently, been found. He was hiding in the disabled toilet of the Dalby McDonalds.
"It was apparently some kind of an April Fool's joke" remarked an industry source, "has no one told Iain it is the first of April that is the appropriate day for such spoofs?"
In related news, the tsunami also appears to have been a belated April Fool's day joke from fed-up weather forecasters.
Sir Iain is a prominent blogger with many years experience in the fast-food industry.
"McDonalds has lost a faithful employee, customer, and friend" said an industry source.
More on this as information becomes available.
UPDATE:
We have it exclusively, direct from the source. Sir Iain has, apparently, been found. He was hiding in the disabled toilet of the Dalby McDonalds.
"It was apparently some kind of an April Fool's joke" remarked an industry source, "has no one told Iain it is the first of April that is the appropriate day for such spoofs?"
In related news, the tsunami also appears to have been a belated April Fool's day joke from fed-up weather forecasters.
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