A Call to Arms

Guest Author Uncategorized

Today’s Guest Post is a fiery rant by Jaycee – many thanks as ever.

(Image Credit: Clay Bennett, Chattanooga Times Free Press)

We won’t have it! We won’t take it! We don’t want it!

We don’t want the sickly pessimism of these failed penny-ante philosophers, these failed leaders, these failed and failures of small-minded-people that head and advise this government. Look at them! … Failed priests, failed fathers, failed relationships, failed businesses, failed careers … Fail! Fail! Fail! … and they want to tell US how to live our lives! – strong>US, the majority of whom have gone down the hard track of self-training, self-employment, single mothers, full families full work-load and all the trials and tribulations of life and living. Give us a break!

AND GET OUT OF OUR LIVES!

The Gillard administration put in place a perfectly decent set of policies that laid the foundations for a fair, equal and financially secure society. But it has been trashed by these failures who are now trying – AND FAILING AGAIN! – to sell us a dodgy set of ideological slogans that will only lead to many young people failing in their quest toward a decent life and career!

That is because the only politics those of the right-wing lobby groups, think-tanks and individuals can promote is Failure Politics … that’s all they got to offer.

Infrastructure: Dismantling or environmental damaging = Fail.

Social safety net: Dismantling and abandoning the most vulnerable = Fail.

Health Coverage: Destroying or Favouring the privileged = Fail.

Education: Over-pricing or under-delivering = Fail.

Environment: = Fail (without even listing the items!).

Communications: Complete destruction to favour a “failed mate” = Total Fail!

Foreign Policy: Insult nearly every neighbour, religion and culture = Fail, Fail, Fail.

One could go on and on and on … failure after failure, stumble after stumble … f#ck-up after f#ck-up … and no contrition or admission … just a continued game of “blind man’s bluff”. To criticize this government has become a question of “Where to start” … seriously, where does one start? … It’s like picking up the pieces of broken crockery … it is total chaos, total failure… . In fact, never since the second world war has the anagram “SNAFU” been more apt … never!

So let’s get serious and consider. What does one do in the workplace when one is confronted with management that has no idea how to run a situation, yet is in charge? One leaves it in place but powerless and by-passes it. Here we have a bit of a problem: the fools in charge THINK they know what to do, have the power to implement it, still bugger it up, and then move on to the next disaster in waiting! It seems it is WE who are powerless.

(Image Credit: Guerilla Policy)

But wait a minute – we have one thing going for us that has the potential for mighty power, as we have seen when we unite on social media locally to punish companies who back a stupid idiot when they do a stupid action. Perhaps we need to up the ante a tad or two and start to unite the voice of social media internationally to request NATIONS to stop buying products from certain corporations that are manipulating the politics of governance, or the united voice of people on social media will unite to stop buying that nation’s products. Sure – a big ask – but never before has there been such international unified communication. Perhaps we are on the cusp of a revolution, but a new type of revolution – not arms of weapons, but arms of people raised in protest – the revolution of the passive refusal to be a consuming conspirator of pessimistic politics!

I say: “LET THE REVOLUTION BEGIN!” – switch off Murdoch!

(Image Credit: With apologies to Ben Gurr, Reuters )

707 thoughts on “A Call to Arms”

  1. Fiona

    It just boggles the mind what these idiots are getting away with due to our piss poor msm, I’m with Jaycee have them tried for treason.

  4. CK,

    I can’t say it’s my favourite Goya, but geez it’s a good one.

    I would also have to say I disagree with Dante regarding Brutus. Given the way Julius Caesar was behaving, I’m not sure any of those who killed him had much choice.

    Though what came after wasn’t much good.

  9. I had no worries using my expensive mobile phone on the train with Jason around. We were at the back of the carriage and he moved me to the front because he did not like the look of a couple of inebriated young fellas who got on.

  11. That whiteboard presentation of Turncoat is the funniest thing I have seen in a long time, a real scream! Even GFast got a mention, oh god GFast over Telstra’s pisspoor thin copper LOL! And he had to denigrate 4K TV, because 4KTV is going to write finis to Fraudband.

  12. Good morning Dawn Patrollers.
    I will be unable to perform my morning duties Saturday through Monday as Mrs BK and I are about to head off to Melbourne for a granddaughter’s Christening (I feel conflicted if not hypocritical).
    So here’s a bumper edition!

    WOW! Lenore Taylor calls out Abbott’s (and News Ltd’s) simplistic posturing over Iraq.

    I was thinking of getting into the Medibank Private IPO but with this prick in charge I’m having second thoughts.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/medibank-boss-wanted-its-members-to-get-priority-treatment-in-emergency-departments-20140828-109lcj.html
    ACCI’s chief economist is stood down for disparaging poor Joe Hockey and other intemperate remarks.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/medibank-boss-wanted-its-members-to-get-priority-treatment-in-emergency-departments-20140828-109lcj.html
    Another Brother bites the dust.
    http://www.smh.com.au/national/former-st-marys-cathedral-college-principal-charged-with-historical-child-abuse-offences-20140828-109in7.html
    Mike Baird comes up with a bold suggestion to limit election fundraising for major parties. But in the US those like the Koch brothers fund all sorts of electoral activities. The same could happen here.
    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/libs-ponder-17m-cap-on-private-donations-for-2015-nsw-election-20140828-109i3j.html
    Tax the rich? It’s far easier to tax the poor says New Matilda.
    https://newmatilda.com/2014/08/28/tax-rich-its-far-easier-target-poor
    Kathy Jackson does seem to have put it about a bit over the years.
    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/health-services-union-whistleblower-kathy-jackson-crossexamined-by-former-lover-20140828-109f7c.html
    Here’s Peter Wicks’ take on the “Sex Bomb” defence tactic.
    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/28/world-congress-of-families-protesters-vow-to-shut-down-conference
    Gun toting politicians? That’s all we need!
    https://newmatilda.com/2014/08/28/politicians-guns-if-its-good-enough-ian-its-good-enough-us
    So it seems that Abbott’s primary reason for travel to Melbourne on Monday was to be the star turn and a fundraiser for Kevin Bloody Andrews!
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbotts-monday-fundraiser-was-for-kevin-andrews-20140828-109lob.html

  13. Section 2 . . .

    And the World Congress of Families is set for a warm welcome.
    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/28/world-congress-of-families-protesters-vow-to-shut-down-conference
    Abortions no more cause cancer than do parties.
    https://theconversation.com/abortions-dont-cause-cancer-any-more-than-parties-do-30394
    Julie Collins claims that Coalition region rorts are back.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/coalitions-regional-rorts-make-a-comeback-says-labor-20140828-109o7y.html
    A superannuation political time bomb
    http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2014/8/29/politics/political-time-bomb-super-system
    Mark Kenny – Joe Hockey struggling to recapture his pre-election glow.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbotts-monday-fundraiser-was-for-kevin-andrews-20140828-109lob.html
    The three worst things the Liberals did yesterday
    http://www.ellistabletalk.com/2014/08/28/the-three-worst-things-the-liberals-did-yesterday-3-3/
    Peter Martin proposes that the biggest problem for the RET has been its clear success. Along with that of carbon pricing.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/success-the-renewable-energy-targets-greatest-failing-20140828-109m7t.html
    Experts respond to the Warburton travesty.
    https://theconversation.com/renewable-energy-target-review-experts-respond-31007
    An interesting take on the ASIO’s chief’s comments yesterday as well as where Abbott’s coming from.
    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/asio-boss-reveals-little-in-press-club-speech-20140828-109ce6.html
    How could anyone possibly think that Abbott is using the Iraq situation for attempting to gain political advantage?
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/labor-senator-sue-lines-accuses-tony-abbott-of-using-national-security-as-a-shield-against-budget-mess-20140828-109al1.html

  14. Section 3 . . .

    Looks like the $16 stunt grant to Cadburys has a very soft centre and may be withdrawn. Albo has got the information and has forced Abetz into a corner.
    http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/labor-senator-sue-lines-accuses-tony-abbott-of-using-national-security-as-a-shield-against-budget-mess-20140828-109al1.html
    The ACCC whacks the AFL for misleading fans.
    http://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/2014/08/28/footy-fans-misled-afl-clubs-says-accc/
    New research debunks all the rubbish put out by Big Tobacco over plain packaging.

    “My Muslim religion has a problem that needs fixing” says a Muslim Australian lawyer.
    http://www.theage.com.au/comment/my-muslim-religion-has-problems-that-need-fixing-20140828-109ibb.html
    Can Alan Joyce keep his head?
    http://www.theage.com.au/business/aviation/can-qantas-airways-boss-alan-joyce-keep-his-head-20140828-109p1y.html
    Pilots have three suggestions for Qantas.
    http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2014/08/28/qantas-pilots-fix-airline/
    Andrew Dyson suggests Clive Palmer’s China comments may have unintended consequences.

    Alan Moir with Palmer’s leadership style and difficulties.

    David Pope – the RET “Gone with the Wind”. Brilliant work!

    John Spooner at the Team Australia draft.

    David Rowe – Those magnificent men in their flying machines.

  15. It seems the jpgs are not working at the PUB this morning so here are the links for the cartoons
    Moir
    http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/federal-politics/cartoons/alan-moir-20090907-fdxk.html
    Pope
    http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/federal-politics/cartoons/david-pope-20120214-1t3j0.html
    Spooner
    http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/federal-politics/john-spooner-20090716-dmsv.html
    Rowe
    http://www.afr.com/p/national/cartoon_gallery_david_rowe_1g8WHy9urgOIQrWQ0IrkdO

  16. One of the comments at the Ellis blog….crazy place America!
    “I’m in Reno, Nevada in the high mountains. Home to one of the biggest gun department stores in America.
    Scheeles Hunting Store has everything you need to bring out the red neck Republican in you. Down below, a Ferris wheel for the kids. For Dad, an escalator to the gun cabinets on the second floor. They have enough armoury there to take over Australia.
    They have every stuffed animal in America mounted on an artificial mountain in the store so you can use the guns and check out the latest innovations in radar, scopes and drone detection. If it moves, its worth shooting. Deer, elk, brown bear, beaver, they have the lot. All dead. All mounted. Camouflage bikinis for the wives are available in different tones to match climate zones..
    They even have an underwater theme park with real fish you can shoot with a bow and arrow or a machine gun.
    In fact due to some silly law, their automatic weapons section is locked behind a metal cabinet, so you can’t test out those weapons or shoot the bazookas in the store! But it’s okay, when you approach the cabinet, motion sensors set off the sound of bullets spraying around you.
    It brings out the Liberal in me. What guy doesn’t like handling guns?
    What makes Scheeles even more interesting is the pantheon of stuffed animatronic US presidents that are dotted around the second floor. You press a button and bring a president to life. All the top Republicans are there saying lofty speeches. I noticed all the assassinated Democratic presidents were positioned close to the single action bolt rifle section! I asked the salesman if this was intentional? He just laughed and said, “We’re goddam crazy in America!”
    You gotta agree.”

  19. This comment from Bob Ellis’ latest is excellent.

    Bob, we don’t “bomb the crap out of people with no air force or guns to shoot down our jet fighter bombers with.” What we actually do, according to an interviewee on ABC last night whose name escapes me but who apparently had something to do with the Iraq war, is “deliver ordnance to the ground from the air”.

    How nice and sanitary and non-threatening. Like ‘daisy-cutters’ and ‘incontinent ordnance’ (the new term for ‘collateral damage’), ‘kinetic military action’ and ‘non-operative personnel’.

    Stand by for a plethora of similar weasel words over the next few weeks. Like three-word slogans, they will slip off the oily tongues of the Feral Government (thank you John Clarke for that perfection) like rain off a Drizabone

    The link that goes with it is to a 2007 story from The Age.
    http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/the-weasel-words-of-war/2007/01/16/1168709750646.html

  22. FFS – what next?

    We have soaring youth unemployment, industries closing down, the unemployed find it difficult to get work already, and now this lousy government wants to import cheap foreign labour.

    A new federal government plan to ease labour shortages will enable employers to hire foreign workers on salaries up to 10 per cent below standard rates, it’s been reported.

    The government will allow employers to seek lower pay rates and easier language tests for foreign workers who can meet an urgent demand for skills in regions that are losing staff, News Corp Australia reported on Friday.

    The new rules, which are likely to anger unions, were reportedly signed off this week and are set to be applied in Darwin then offered to other areas experiencing an exodus of skilled workers leaving to join mining and gas companies.

    Dozens of job categories will be covered including childcare workers, disability carers, mechanics, bricklayers, office managers, carpenters, chefs and nurses.

    Employers of all sizes will be able to sponsor overseas staff on wages up to 10 per cent below the usual rates set for 457 skilled worker visas, using a new kind of migration agreement for areas under stress, News Corp reports.

    http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/08/29/cheaper-foreign-workers-under-govt-plan

  24. Time for a reminder, with thanks to whoever posted this link on Facebook.

    Abbott – a war-monger at Oxford. A lily-livered coward happy to cheer on a war from a safe place, too chicken to join up and fight. Nothing has changed. If Abbott wants Australia to be involved in another war in Iraq or Syria or Ukraine he can go and fight it himself.

    In May 1982, six days after the British sinking of the Argentinian warship General Belgrano, with 323 killed, an Oxford demonstration took place against Thatcher’s military campaign in the Falklands. Hundreds of chanting students and locals, led by chained figures made up as corpses, converged on the Martyrs’ Memorial, a traditional gathering place for protesters.

    Abbott hurriedly scraped together a dozen fellow rightwingers from Queen’s, rushed to the memorial, and mounted a counter-demonstration in favour of the British war effort. Provocatively, he stood beside the peace protesters, one hand in his pocket, bellowing pro-Thatcher slogans.

    Eventually, the university newspaper Cherwell reported, there were “police attempts to disperse [his] unofficial meeting”, but these “met with little response”

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/16/tony-abbott-at-oxford-university

  26. leonetwo

    A lily-livered coward happy to cheer on a war from a safe place,

    An Abbott family tradition since 17 January 1940. when the family arrived from Ingurland. Apparently how they became Catholics. Granddad promising to convert if they arrived here safely..

  27. Fiona

    Given the way Julius Caesar was behaving, I’m not sure any of those who killed him had much choice.

    Sounds just like a recent event here.

  30. kk
    Yep.

    The Abbott family arrived around the same time as the first Australian troops were leaving to fight for Ole Ingurland. The ship bringing the cowards to Australia quite possibly passed on its way into Sydney the troop ships heading out.

    Something I’ve wondered about – Abbott loved joining organisations that do stuff for others – the RFS, the surf life savers – no doubt drawn by the opportunities they offer to do ‘manly’, active stuff and of course, promote himself while doing it. There’s also his sporting addiction, that need for active, blokey stuff again. BUT – he never joined the Army Reserves, not even the cadets when he was at school, which is odd when you think about his ‘Action Man’ fondness for doing physical stuff. Too much of a coward, most likely. Too afraid joining might see him sent off to fight.

  32. It’s sad to see, but the US media seems to now be treating Obama like the media treated Julia Gillard here.

    Apparently he made a speech on ISIS but all they’re commenting on is “omg that suit lol”

  33. Did Abbott lie to his senators? This is not at all kind to Abbott, and just look where it came from!

    LIBERAL and Nationals senators were gathering for their annual black-tie dinner on Monday night when a whisper went around the room that Tony Abbott wouldn’t be coming.

    As they chattered over drinks at the Boat House restaurant in Canberra, the senators heard the Prime Minister had to skip the event this year to attend to national security matters.

    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/how-abbotts-direction-is-making-some-fellow-travellers-a-little-uneasy/story-fn59niix-1227039221904

    Being stood up for ‘national security matters’ is one thing. Being stood up for a fund raiser for Kevin Andrews is a very different thing.

  35. L2

    six days after the British sinking of the Argentinian warship General Belgrano, with 323 killed

    A point in time I remember well. I was an attendee in the COBRA meeting.

    On this Bw counts me as a war criminal.

  36. I KNEW it!

    “GET me a coffee, you ****”.

    That’s the alleged remark which incited Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach’s sacking from 2GB on Thursday.

    Radio sources tell us it was directed at producer James Willis, who was helping the Continuous Call Team cover the Eels-Bulldogs blockbuster at ANZ Stadium on Friday 15 August.

    Just minutes before his co-hosts Andrew Moore and Darryl Brohman went live at 7pm, Roach unleashed a fearsome spray at Willis after the 24-year-old objected to being branded with a vile profanity. The dressing-down was enough to force Willis from the venue.

    Roach also left the commentary box in a huff, and when he returned a secondary yelling match with Brohman broke out.

    Somehow their differences were put aside to call the game without a hint of acrimony; a delicate talent that’s been well refined of late between certain 2GB stable mates who can’t cop each other.

    However, Roach did not make it back to the microphone for the next day’s outside broadcast after the segment’s boss, Ray Hadley, decided he should be stood down.

    http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/sports-confidential-why-steve-roach-was-sacked-from-2gb-over-expletiveladen-rant/story-fni3fbgz-1227040608594

    I knew the Hadley Hand would be in there somewhere.

    The glorious irony of Ray Hadley – who still hasn’t paid up to the Fish & Chip Shop Lady after her defamation win against him, and who has a bit of history with young male producers at 2GB himself – deciding that Blocker Roach is unfit for the commentary box, is rich with all the aromas and flavours of a rotting carcass.

  37. Heh, this is bloody rich. Now that NSW Liberals are dropping down like flies in ICAC, News Ltd comes up this this tripe, basically “Oh, Corruption isn’t always a bad thing”

    http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/elizabeth-pisani-corruption-isnt-always-a-bad-thing/story-fnda1bsz-1227040947835

    While yeah, Pisani seems to be a good person, being an advocate on AIDS prevention, it’s pretty hard not to see the article as using her words to subtly make excuses for corrupt libs, especially after the way they treated Labor.

  38. Hmmmmmm – too much bad publicity already? Been told by Ms Credlin to stay away or else? You will have to do the Google thing.

    Kevin Andrews cancels plan to open World Congress of Families conference

    MINISTER for Social Services Kevin Andrews has cancelled his plans to open the World Congress of Families, which is dedicated to fighting the decriminalisation of abortion and homosexuality in Melbourne this weekend because it will now be hosted by the ultra right wing group Catch the Fire

    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/kevin-andrews-cancels-plan-to-open-world-congress-of-families-conference/story-fn59niix-1227041056586#

    Whatever the reason, staying right away from anything to do with Catch the Fire is a good idea. Their leader, the poisonouis Danny Nalliah, is renowned for his anti-Muslim rants. It would not be a good look for a minister in a government keep to include Muslims in ‘Team Australia’ to be seen endorsing such a pack of fruit-loops.

  39. From Kevin Andrews

    Mr Andrews said in a statement reported by The Australian: “Tolerance is a critical value in a western liberal democracy like Australia.

    “It was for this reason that I intended to address the World Congress of Families meeting in Melbourne tomorrow,” Mr Andrews is quoted as saying in the statement.

    “The calls for me not to attend demonstrate the intolerance of the Greens and the left — instead of arguing their case in the public arena they seek to shut down debate.

    “Equally, I cannot support intolerance from other quarters. As I have been informed today that the event is now to be hosted by Catch the Fire, I have decided not to attend.”

    Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark is still scheduled to deliver a speech to the conference

  40. Since when has St Kevin Andrews ever been tolerant of anyone who does not agree with his ultra-right wing, ultra-conservative, pseudo Catholic misogynistic views? Pseudo-pious, prating hypocrite. The whole conference is about intolerance – intolerance of homosexuality, intolerance of anyone having kids without first being married – and married in a church – intolerance of abortion, birth control, single parents, atheists, I could make a very long list…..

  41. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/crucified-shaw-says-hes-ready-to-fight-on/story-e6frgczx-1227040580229#

    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/donations-scandal-engulfs-adam-giles-and-clp/story-e6frgczx-1227040628442

    https://twitter.com/egadheg/status/505171775529828352

    http://www.news.com.au/national/cheaper-foreign-workers-under-new-federal-government-plan/story-fncynjr2-1227040800090

    http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/aug/28/cigarette-plain-packaging-fear-campaign-unfounded-victoria-study-finds

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/28/labor-accuses-tony-abbott-community-grants-slush-fund

  42. Sorry, everyone – it’s GRRRRR time.

    Student: … are we just supposed to have one heading with DISCUSSION and no title?

    Moi: To quote from the instructions: Please do NOT have a title – “Discussion” is enough.

  45. Fiona,

    You must feel a bit like “Please, please try to understand before one of us dies!”

  46. Nathan Tinkler does understand that lying to ICAC can get you a jail sentrence, doesn’t he?

    A few seconds Googling will find you a stack of references like “Tinkler’s Buildev property development group’. The man must think we are all stupid.

  47. I saw a “Shidu” mother today – my sister. The loss of her only child has left a suffering mask on her face. Nevertheless, she is resilient, courageous and very compassionate towards anyone in need.

    She despises Abbott/Pyne/Morrison because they crush the most vulnerable ones. She voted Labor.

  48. Jason
    Senate approval is not needed.

    The sale will be conducted under legislation passed by the Howard government in 2006, which imposes a 15% limit on an individual ownership level. This stipulation would apply for five years. The existing legislation means that the government does not have to get Senate approval.

    http://theconversation.com/medibank-private-up-for-sale-in-2014-15-24847

    More –
    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/green-light-for-medibank-float/story-e6frg8zx-1227041449766

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