Friday, 6 November 2009
ITV - John Pilger - John Pilger wins 2009 Sydney Peace Prize
Another person who, like Chomsky, maintains his passion for justice and telling the truth, as he witnesses it, despite the slings and arrows of those with a vested interest in the status quo, including many other journalists who justify their own lack of commitment to real journalistic principles by pretending Pilger's too extreme, if well-intentioned.
Monday, 28 September 2009
What is Medicare Select?
Need to keep our eye on this one. It's another idea for getting away from the dream of universal health insurance, provided through our tax system, seriously wounded (if not mortally) by the medicare rebate. They're pulling out the old line about competition making for a better product. Remember privatised and deregulated banks, phones and utilities? Putting essentials into the private sector inevitably drives up prices and reduces access - duh! they're driven by profit after all!
What is Medicare Select?
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What is Medicare Select?
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Tuesday, 15 September 2009
The Uselessness Of Economic Forecasters | newmatilda.com
On the topic of one of my many soapbox issues (economics & economists) this New Matilda article hits the spot. I've constantly been amazed that seriously good money is paid to 'professional economists' who constantly miss the signs of what is coming that wtp (we the people) see from our armchairs. Worse, they always say "No one saw this coming!". Yes, we saw it coming! Why didn't you?
The Uselessness Of Economic Forecasters | newmatilda.com
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The Uselessness Of Economic Forecasters | newmatilda.com
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Monday, 14 September 2009
Private Health
We are not immune from the 'spin' that is currently sending people into the streets in USA. The government subsidising of private health insurance favours those who can afford the insurance costs over the needs of the rest of the population - while expecting those not privately insured to pay for it. Those of us old enough to remember the introduction of Medibank (Medicare) will know that the Liberal Party then vigorously opposed it.
"‘Medibank’ was the most controversial element of Labor’s reform program, being opposed all the way by the Opposition, the Australian Medical Association and the private health funds... Rejected three times by the Senate, the Bills were eventually passed by 95 votes to 92 at a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on 7 August 1974." from 1974 CABINET RECORDS – SELECTED DOCUMENTS; Abstract: Medibank - Implementation.
Since, it has remained a minefield for politicians seeking to get rid of it. That hasn't prevented subsequent governments - including Labor - chipping away at it while professing their commitment. All of the changes have been made with the patently untrue assertion that they would make it better and 'fairer'. How can moving us more and more towards a US style health system be fairer, given the mess that country's health system is in?
Private management of public essential services inevitably further disadvantages the most economically and socially disadvantaged in society because the private sector is driven by profit.
According to Kenneth Davidson, in The Age this morning: "But in the popular imagination - reinforced by politicians who need a scapegoat for their funding decisions - it is maladministration of public hospitals and Medicare that are seen as the root of the public health crisis." The poor have to pay so the rich can stay healthy
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"‘Medibank’ was the most controversial element of Labor’s reform program, being opposed all the way by the Opposition, the Australian Medical Association and the private health funds... Rejected three times by the Senate, the Bills were eventually passed by 95 votes to 92 at a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on 7 August 1974." from 1974 CABINET RECORDS – SELECTED DOCUMENTS; Abstract: Medibank - Implementation.
Since, it has remained a minefield for politicians seeking to get rid of it. That hasn't prevented subsequent governments - including Labor - chipping away at it while professing their commitment. All of the changes have been made with the patently untrue assertion that they would make it better and 'fairer'. How can moving us more and more towards a US style health system be fairer, given the mess that country's health system is in?
Private management of public essential services inevitably further disadvantages the most economically and socially disadvantaged in society because the private sector is driven by profit.
According to Kenneth Davidson, in The Age this morning: "But in the popular imagination - reinforced by politicians who need a scapegoat for their funding decisions - it is maladministration of public hospitals and Medicare that are seen as the root of the public health crisis." The poor have to pay so the rich can stay healthy
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Sunday, 13 September 2009
Thousands rally against Obama Government
'We the people' are our own worst enemies! Honestly! Can you believe that these people are rallying AGAINST better health care? Why would anyone take the word of big business - happily engaged in screwing ordinary people since forever - ...against common sense? You can't get them to rally against poverty and injustice but they stream into the streets to oppose benefits! Are we sure there's no other planet with intelligent life to which we can migrate? I'm about over this one.
Source: www.theage.com.au
Source: www.theage.com.au
Saturday, 12 September 2009
GetUp! Blogs - Save the Homelands
If you want to have the cathartic experience of a good weep - and I recommend it for the body and the soul (releases pent up tensions in both) - have a look & listen to these aborigines and imagine their history and hope. If you're not already involved in the campaign to save their homeland rights, perhaps you'll be moved to become so.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Monday, 17 August 2009
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Ambulance Services Campaign Success
It's always nice to see a good outcome from activism. Below is an email following the Ambulance Service campaign, in which I - along with many others - participated. I didn't have to spend a lot of time to be active in the campaign in order to experience the shared sense of achievement at its success. I heartily recommend 'desk chair' activism to all those with an interest in living in a fair and socially just world. Check out my links if you're inspired to get into action.
Response Time! latest news: Your support has been vital in winning a safer ambulance service
Dear friend,
Together we have won a safer ambulance service.
Late last night, the government finally agreed to 10-hour rest breaks and fairer wages for paramedics.
Proper rest breaks will make life safer for ambos, and safer for the public.
Many paramedics are convinced that someone would have died unnecessarily because of fatigue.
Your support over the 15-month campaign has been crucial in making this government wake up and address fatigue.
Your emails, petitions, calls to the Health Minister, to talkback, to friends and to family have all played an important part in saving people’s lives.
Fairer pay will also make our ambulance service safer, by helping to attract new recruits and to retain the incredibly skilled and experienced ambos we already have.
In a few weeks, ambos will be voting on this new agreement.
Although you may not be able to see it, you have not only made a real difference to hard-working ambos quality of life, you have helped save lives.
On behalf of all our dedicated ambos, and the public of Victoria, I thank you very much for your support.
Steve McGhie
Ambulance Employees Australia
Response Time! latest news: Your support has been vital in winning a safer ambulance service
Dear friend,
Together we have won a safer ambulance service.
Late last night, the government finally agreed to 10-hour rest breaks and fairer wages for paramedics.
Proper rest breaks will make life safer for ambos, and safer for the public.
Many paramedics are convinced that someone would have died unnecessarily because of fatigue.
Your support over the 15-month campaign has been crucial in making this government wake up and address fatigue.
Your emails, petitions, calls to the Health Minister, to talkback, to friends and to family have all played an important part in saving people’s lives.
Fairer pay will also make our ambulance service safer, by helping to attract new recruits and to retain the incredibly skilled and experienced ambos we already have.
In a few weeks, ambos will be voting on this new agreement.
Although you may not be able to see it, you have not only made a real difference to hard-working ambos quality of life, you have helped save lives.
On behalf of all our dedicated ambos, and the public of Victoria, I thank you very much for your support.
Steve McGhie
Ambulance Employees Australia
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Tuesday News
I have to preserve this one for posterity:
CANBERRA, ACT - After running a thousand errands, working hours of
overtime, and being stuck in seemingly endless gridlock traffic
commuting to and from their jobs, millions of Australians were
disheartened to learn that it was, in fact, only Tuesday.
"Tuesday?" Canberra resident Doris Wagner said. "How in the hell is it
still Tuesday?"
Tuesday's arrival stunned a nation still recovering from the nightmarish
slog that was Monday, leaving some to wonder if the week was ever going
to end, and others to ask what was taking Saturday so goddamn long.
"Ugh," said Wagner, echoing a national sense of frustration over it not
even being Wednesday at the very least.
According to suddenly depressed sources, the feeling that this week may
in fact last forever was further compounded by the thought of all the
work left to be done tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and, if
Australians make it that far, possibly even Friday, for Christ's sake.
Fears that the week could actually be going backwards were also
expressed.
"Not only do Australians have most of Tuesday morning to contend with,
but all of Tuesday afternoon and then Tuesday night," National Labor
Relations Board spokesman David Prynn said. "If our calculations are
correct, there is a chance we are in effect closer to last weekend than
the one coming up.
Reports that this all has to be some kind of sick joke could not be
confirmed as of press time.
Isolated attempts to make the day go faster, such as glancing at watches
or clocks every other minute, compulsively checking e-mail, hiding in
the office bathroom, fidgeting, or reading a boring magazine while
sitting in the waiting room, have also proven unsuccessful, sources
report.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, which oversees the
official time of Australia, is flatly denying that it has slowed or
otherwise tampered with Tuesday's progression.
"The current Tuesday is keeping apace with past Tuesdays with no more
than one ten-thousandth of a second's variation at the most," NIST
spokeswoman Dr. Geraldine Schach said. "However, I sympathize with the
common consensus that this week has already been a colossal pain in the
neck."
Labor Secretary Elaine Chao released a statement addressing widespread
speculation that it might as well be Monday for all anyone cares.
"We understand this day has been tough on many of you, what with
meetings mercilessly dragging on and an entire stack of files still left
to organise," Chao's statement read in part. "Yet we urge Australians to
show patience. The midweek hump is just around the corner, and we have
strong reason to believe that Saturday will be here before you know it."
"Go about your lives as best you can," the statement continued. "Do not,
we repeat, do not take a sick day, as it'll make the rest of the week
that much harder to endure."
In the meantime, citizens are doing their best to cope with the
interminable week, though Tuesday is still hours away from ending.
"The more I try to speed it along, the longer it almost seems to take"
said Dale Bouchard, a Sydney-based broker who has been waiting for today
to be over since it first began earlier this morning. "Honestly, today
could not have come at a worse time this week."
In the meantime, the latest wristwatch consultations indicate that it is
somehow still Tuesday, if that makes any sense at all.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Wedding report
There's no hope of doing justice to it here but I write some thoughts to share some sense of the event.
Last Saturday (10 January 09) my beloved son Erin married the love of his life, Karen.
Everyone was thrilled for them. The weather was perfect, the day went without a hitch and the ceremony was truly beautiful. For those who wondered if I would ever get 'the frock' (and feared the awesome eventuality of a naked 'mother-of-the-groom') I did indeed get 'the frock' - and the shoes and the bag and the haircut! I have to say I looked gorgeous, LOL. I needed to, to complement the mother-of-the-bride in her lovely grey satin with grey lace coat with subtle pink tones.
The frock shopping was probably the final straw for my poor back. I found my ideal outfit 1 week before the wedding (yes, I know I cut it fine) but 2 days of looking finally broke my spirit and my back, LOL. I've been dosing up on heavy-duty pain killers ever since and assuring the doctor that it will get better without other interventions :(. Without Tesa and Anna I doubt I would have been equal to the task; they dutifully trudged around a million shops with me to find exactly the right thing.
Saturday dawned with beautiful sunshine and no hint of rain; it fulfilled that early promise to make the outdoor wedding ideal. The ceremony was held at the Fairfield Amphitheatre and, if you've ever seen it, you'll be very impressed that the bridal attendants and the bride all descended the stairway from hell, to arrive in one piece at the central 'stage', where the celebrant performed one of the most beautiful wedding ceremony's I've ever heard.
She prepared for this by doing several (3 I think) interviews with the kids, asking about their history together, their feelings, what was important to them, etc. She told me how impressed she was with Erin, that he was the most 'forthcoming' groom she'd ever had, articulate and open about his feelings and emotions. Karen, of course, was the same (she's such a treasure). They in turn were very impressed by her ability to capture their feelings and wishes in her text. They were very keen to acknowledge their family and friends as important 'participants' in their relationship. That was very touching for those present.
The photographer was also a winner. She had such a great attitude and was obviously keen to ensure there were pictures reflecting the relationships and happiness of the day. Her attitude was friendly and caring, fitting right in to the mood and the spirit. Very important when it is such a tiring process for all involved. While all the photos were being taken, many of those attending the wedding but not needed for the photos, went down to the boathouse for refreshments while waiting to go to the reception. It is such a fabulous park and venue that they will be inspired to go again, I'm sure.
The wedding party looked sensational! The bride wore a long white satin dress with the most beautiful lace top, encrusted with tiny pearls (I'm not very good at this fashion stuff, but it 'glittered' and 'shone') and silver shoes. Lovely. The bridesmaids - Amanda and Lizzie - wore short length royal blue, silk with chiffon and looked fantastic. Eddie, the proud 'father-of-the-bride' was splendid in black suit. In addition to the appearance of all, they were remarkable for their management of those steps.
The groom's party was equally resplendant. Black suits with the groom in cream tie and the attendants in grey ties. With their black patent leather shoes and their pale rose boutonnieres, they were indeed a handsome crew.
Following all this, it was off the the Ivanhoe Art Space for the reception. The hall was decorated with flowers (a selection of my 'take home' - referred to below - pictured) done by bridesmaid Lizzie who is also an extraordinary florist. I couldn't do justice to descriptions, because (as with my fashion knowledge) I know next to nothing about flowers, although there were roses included :). I was fortunate enough to get a couple of bouquets to take home at the end of the night. My vases have never had it so good!The evening was mc'd by another great friend of the couple, Elva and she did a fabulous job. She's also the one who supplied the delicious desserts (along with her 2 sisters - they look so alike there's no mistaking the relationship - who are in the catering/event business together) and a whole bowl of chocolate was almost the least of the indulgences!
After the introductions of the parents of the couple (including my brother Terry, who played such a crucial 'locus paternus' role in Erin's life - don't expect correct latin please, LOL) and the bridal party, everyone got down to serious socialising. Karen and Erin had foregone the traditional table arrangements in favour of finger food and mingling. I must say it was great to see people moving freely around the space, socialising and meeting new folk. The food was great and varied. About an hour or so into the festivities, the cake was cut and speeches made. I had the great honour of giving the parents speech and David, the best man, made a speech and led us in the toast. His words were very moving and it's great to see a man express his love for his friends. Everyone was impressed with him and, having known him and David, the groomsman, since they were boys together with Erin, I felt entitled to feel very proud of him and of both of them for their performance over the day :). Erin made a touching and humorous speech, followed by Karen's complementing amusing words, to round off a great effort by all.
Around 11 pm we farewelled the happy couple as they got into their white stretch limo and headed off to the Windsor for the night, before flying out to Thailand Sunday afternoon. Then the friends and family wound up the night by doing the cleanup and leaving the hall immaculate. What a team! Erin and Karen are blessed in their friends. Mother-of-the-bride, Vicky, was there to the end, doing what she'd done (for weeks before the wedding, I'm sure) dealing with all the details, making sure transport of gifts was arranged, picking up last minute or forgotten items, etc. She was an amazing help to Karen, I know, and to everyone else. I don't know where she gets her energy.
A truly heartwarming wedding day for all involved.
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
xmas post-mortem
Another xmas over! The gift & food shopping, the house cleaning, the food preparation, the organising, all behind us now. It was another 'killer' marathon for the eternal procrastinator, since I never do today what can be put off forever! I'm convinced my procrastination is a genetic trait about which, it seems, I can do nothing. I promise myself every year will be different but, alas!
Nevertheless, when the day rolls around, barely able to stand with aching back and feet, I have a great time. The family arrives - bearing food & gifts - and I am reminded of why I love it. I'm not one of those people who think gifts are a waste of time and money. I love them! The giving and the getting are great. I love to see the unwrapping, the laughter and joy at receiving and I love to experience it as a recipient. I'm far from a Scrooge about xmas, despite the fact that I'm an athiest. I figure, if there has to be religion in my society, I should get something out of it :). The main thing I get is the family together and, with everyone living such busy lives, it's great to have an occasion that brings us together at least once a year. And, of course, the public holidays! I've been taking annual leave over xmas for the last few years so they're not as vital as they once were but they do maximise the number of days leave available which is great too.
The food!!! As someone with a quite small capacity at any one sitting, I excel myself at xmas. I don't know where I put it but, despite being a 'one meal a day' woman, with one course (if I have soup or dessert I can't eat the meal as a rule) on xmas day and the 3-4 following, I usually have comparatively huge meals, with multiple courses. There's xmas lunch, then nibbling during the arvo, then 'left-overs' supper about 11 or 12 that night. Then there's boxing day lunch. Then there's dinner at Kaz's parents' place the next day, then there's food exhaustion and little if anything for the following few days, LOL. All worth it!
Now I just have to figure out how to use some of my gifts and all will be perfect, LOL. I got a personal voice recorder with 5 instruction packs - all in foreign languages! Chinese I think. I kid you not. I went online, thinking to get the manual there but they don't appear to have one there. More work needed to get me up and running with this one but it will be fabulous once that's done. I got singstar for my Playstation3, which I've had about 9 months but have only used the blueray player on previously. Xmas day hilarity as a few of us mangled some truly dreadful songs. Fortunately, the kids showed me how to download others with which I might be more familiar and sympathetic, LOL. Kaz got me all linked up online, so I was able to download a game Ezz showed me once - Age of Booty - which has immediately become one of my many compulsive behaviours.
I have a new pancake maker - not fully unpacked yet - to make me my perfect food perfectly; really looking forward to that one. I got a book - "History's Worst Decisions and the People Who Made Them" does sound like THE book for me, doesn't it, LOL? Pleased to see my mini-xmas-hamper, from brother & sister-in-law; with lots of little bits and pieces - in an environmentally friendly shopping bag this year (usually a little basket) - Lynne is keeping me in good tea towels, so I never have to buy them; this is so great :). Never underestimate the value of practical gifts. A wonderful set of pyrex dishes - freezer to oven to table, love that stuff - so I'm all set to cook up a storm if I ever get the energy to do so, LOL.
All in all, another stellar xmas for me :). Now, if only I can buy the 'mother-of-the-groom' outfit for Ezz & Kaz's wedding in LESS THAN 2 WEEKS, I'll be a happy little vegemite. That procastination gene is going to be the end of me!
Nevertheless, when the day rolls around, barely able to stand with aching back and feet, I have a great time. The family arrives - bearing food & gifts - and I am reminded of why I love it. I'm not one of those people who think gifts are a waste of time and money. I love them! The giving and the getting are great. I love to see the unwrapping, the laughter and joy at receiving and I love to experience it as a recipient. I'm far from a Scrooge about xmas, despite the fact that I'm an athiest. I figure, if there has to be religion in my society, I should get something out of it :). The main thing I get is the family together and, with everyone living such busy lives, it's great to have an occasion that brings us together at least once a year. And, of course, the public holidays! I've been taking annual leave over xmas for the last few years so they're not as vital as they once were but they do maximise the number of days leave available which is great too.
The food!!! As someone with a quite small capacity at any one sitting, I excel myself at xmas. I don't know where I put it but, despite being a 'one meal a day' woman, with one course (if I have soup or dessert I can't eat the meal as a rule) on xmas day and the 3-4 following, I usually have comparatively huge meals, with multiple courses. There's xmas lunch, then nibbling during the arvo, then 'left-overs' supper about 11 or 12 that night. Then there's boxing day lunch. Then there's dinner at Kaz's parents' place the next day, then there's food exhaustion and little if anything for the following few days, LOL. All worth it!
Now I just have to figure out how to use some of my gifts and all will be perfect, LOL. I got a personal voice recorder with 5 instruction packs - all in foreign languages! Chinese I think. I kid you not. I went online, thinking to get the manual there but they don't appear to have one there. More work needed to get me up and running with this one but it will be fabulous once that's done. I got singstar for my Playstation3, which I've had about 9 months but have only used the blueray player on previously. Xmas day hilarity as a few of us mangled some truly dreadful songs. Fortunately, the kids showed me how to download others with which I might be more familiar and sympathetic, LOL. Kaz got me all linked up online, so I was able to download a game Ezz showed me once - Age of Booty - which has immediately become one of my many compulsive behaviours.
I have a new pancake maker - not fully unpacked yet - to make me my perfect food perfectly; really looking forward to that one. I got a book - "History's Worst Decisions and the People Who Made Them" does sound like THE book for me, doesn't it, LOL? Pleased to see my mini-xmas-hamper, from brother & sister-in-law; with lots of little bits and pieces - in an environmentally friendly shopping bag this year (usually a little basket) - Lynne is keeping me in good tea towels, so I never have to buy them; this is so great :). Never underestimate the value of practical gifts. A wonderful set of pyrex dishes - freezer to oven to table, love that stuff - so I'm all set to cook up a storm if I ever get the energy to do so, LOL.
All in all, another stellar xmas for me :). Now, if only I can buy the 'mother-of-the-groom' outfit for Ezz & Kaz's wedding in LESS THAN 2 WEEKS, I'll be a happy little vegemite. That procastination gene is going to be the end of me!
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Happy 60th Birthday Human Rights Declaration
December 10 is notable for being the anniversary of one of the major ways in which humanity demonstrated it had humanity: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1948 (the year of my birth) the fledgling United Nations justified its existence by adopting the Declaration, putting people at the forefront of world concern. Then, as now, it was not universally implemented (as evidenced by Human Rights Watch) and that is shameful, however, it remains our aspiration and informs the goals and work of human rights activists everywhere.
The document is a great read and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't yet read it. In a complex world, where it's often difficult to decide which is the side of 'right', it's useful to have a guide to underpin thinking. If the rights in this document are being breached, the perpetrator is NOT right, no matter how just the cause; simple!
Australia played a crucial and leading role in the birth of the Declaration, under the Chifley government and through the passionate commitment of Doc Evatt, so we have history and responsibility in the continuing fight to see human rights for everyone a reality. The Human Rights Law Recource Centre has some ideas on how Australia can participate.
On a personal level, we can all contribute by participating in actions promoting human rights. Not everyone can get into the trenches but most can join a group, donate even a small amount to relevant work/activities and/or join email, letter or phone campaigns (see some links for action groups in the 'links' section on this page).
There's no better feeling than knowing you're doing something and it's never been easier to 'stand up and be counted'.
The document is a great read and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't yet read it. In a complex world, where it's often difficult to decide which is the side of 'right', it's useful to have a guide to underpin thinking. If the rights in this document are being breached, the perpetrator is NOT right, no matter how just the cause; simple!
Australia played a crucial and leading role in the birth of the Declaration, under the Chifley government and through the passionate commitment of Doc Evatt, so we have history and responsibility in the continuing fight to see human rights for everyone a reality. The Human Rights Law Recource Centre has some ideas on how Australia can participate.
On a personal level, we can all contribute by participating in actions promoting human rights. Not everyone can get into the trenches but most can join a group, donate even a small amount to relevant work/activities and/or join email, letter or phone campaigns (see some links for action groups in the 'links' section on this page).
There's no better feeling than knowing you're doing something and it's never been easier to 'stand up and be counted'.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Manufacturing fear to undermine our freedoms
I've been quietly (OK, LOUDLY) fuming for years about the increased efforts by a variety of organisations and governments to make us all feel so unsafe we would accept any level of infringement on our privacy and other human rights to feel safer. I know I'm not alone in my concern over the 'patriot' laws enacted in many countries, including our own, over the more recent past (mainly post-911). In fact, these laws and policies have succeeded in making me feel very unsafe and somewhat afraid - not of terrorist threats but of those charged with protecting me.
I also resent this trend because it forces me into common cause with many right-wingers and I'm never comfortable in that territory :(.
I've been listening to an interesting podcast series - The Suspect Society - that brings a lot of what's happened in (mainly) the USA into focus and thought others might find it thought-provoking and educative, not to mention validating, to listen to these as well. It is presented in Parts 1, 2 and 3 (which is apparently no longer accessible online unfortunately).
It's worth a wander through the CBC podcast website if you're into social issues and podcasts.
I also resent this trend because it forces me into common cause with many right-wingers and I'm never comfortable in that territory :(.
I've been listening to an interesting podcast series - The Suspect Society - that brings a lot of what's happened in (mainly) the USA into focus and thought others might find it thought-provoking and educative, not to mention validating, to listen to these as well. It is presented in Parts 1, 2 and 3 (which is apparently no longer accessible online unfortunately).
It's worth a wander through the CBC podcast website if you're into social issues and podcasts.
Saturday, 30 August 2008
A Second Enlightenment?
Paul Keating reflects on the world outlook
"George Herbert Bush talked about a New World Order then lost to Bill Clinton. And what happened then? Well, nothing happened then! The Americans cried victory and walked off the field. The greatest challenge we face, whether for managing incidents or easing the new economic tectonic plates into place, will be to construct a truly representative structure of world governance which reflects global realities but which is also equitable and fair." http://evatt.org.au/publications/papers/202.html
I've always had a 'love/hate' relationship with Paul Keating (who, incidentally and obviously, has never heard of me - unless he personally read any of my emails when he was in office, which is doubtful in the extreme). One thing, on the 'hate' side of the ledger, was the 'legalisation' of industrial action by unions. To give him the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he thought legitimising industrial action was a positive thing, although he's so smart it's hard - if not impossible - to believe he didn't see the move as a 'control' on previously uncontrolled industrial action; after all, I did and assume many others did as well.
On the 'love' side of the ledger, he has always appeared to be a person with a genuine concern for the underdog, with a desire to promote equity and fairness. For example, his attitude to our First People has always demonstrated a desire to acknowledge past atrocities, to encourage us all to recognise our responsibility in changing their experience (see the link to his 1999 Redfern speech in Links at the bottom of this page). Another example is his introduction of the most advanced superannuation system since super began. "In 1992 the Federal Labor Government Introduced the Superannuation Guarantee (SG), following a refusal by the AIRC to increase the level of contributions under awards." http://www.actu.asn.au/super/about/super_history.html
Those tidbits are just to show why I am always interested in hearing what Paul Keating has to say, even if I don't always agree with him. I actually believe that it was a dark day for this country, Rudd's election notwithstanding, when he lost the 1996 election because he had not had the full opportunity to express and implement his own vision which would have come from the mind of an innovative and principled thinker - something of which we've had too little experience for most of our short history.
His speech to the Melbourne Writers' Festival is worth a read, in my opinion. It appears on the Evatt Foundation website, and I've linked to it there (earlier in this article) so you can have a look at other interesting items as well.
"George Herbert Bush talked about a New World Order then lost to Bill Clinton. And what happened then? Well, nothing happened then! The Americans cried victory and walked off the field. The greatest challenge we face, whether for managing incidents or easing the new economic tectonic plates into place, will be to construct a truly representative structure of world governance which reflects global realities but which is also equitable and fair." http://evatt.org.au/publications/papers/202.html
I've always had a 'love/hate' relationship with Paul Keating (who, incidentally and obviously, has never heard of me - unless he personally read any of my emails when he was in office, which is doubtful in the extreme). One thing, on the 'hate' side of the ledger, was the 'legalisation' of industrial action by unions. To give him the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he thought legitimising industrial action was a positive thing, although he's so smart it's hard - if not impossible - to believe he didn't see the move as a 'control' on previously uncontrolled industrial action; after all, I did and assume many others did as well.
On the 'love' side of the ledger, he has always appeared to be a person with a genuine concern for the underdog, with a desire to promote equity and fairness. For example, his attitude to our First People has always demonstrated a desire to acknowledge past atrocities, to encourage us all to recognise our responsibility in changing their experience (see the link to his 1999 Redfern speech in Links at the bottom of this page). Another example is his introduction of the most advanced superannuation system since super began. "In 1992 the Federal Labor Government Introduced the Superannuation Guarantee (SG), following a refusal by the AIRC to increase the level of contributions under awards." http://www.actu.asn.au/super/about/super_history.html
Those tidbits are just to show why I am always interested in hearing what Paul Keating has to say, even if I don't always agree with him. I actually believe that it was a dark day for this country, Rudd's election notwithstanding, when he lost the 1996 election because he had not had the full opportunity to express and implement his own vision which would have come from the mind of an innovative and principled thinker - something of which we've had too little experience for most of our short history.
His speech to the Melbourne Writers' Festival is worth a read, in my opinion. It appears on the Evatt Foundation website, and I've linked to it there (earlier in this article) so you can have a look at other interesting items as well.
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