Monday 3 March 2008
In Rudd's Australia all human rights are equal, but some are more equal than others
Sunday 2 March 2008
Will Japan's 'bribery' funds sway new International Whaling Commission members?
These talks appear to target developing nations which are new members of the IWC or are thinking of joining.
Japan has been accused in the past of targeting its overseas aid towards poor countries which may be persuaded to vote in favour of its position.
Here's how the online media is reporting Japan's latest push to overturn the international ban on whaling.
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How Australia sees its political winners and losers in 2008
Concerns since ALP has been running country:
• Many electors expressed concern over the ALP's recent handling of inflation and interest rates (eg. "They are uncertain about economic policies and interest rates");
• Another recurring theme was concern about the Government's handling of environmental issues (eg. "I think Labor is getting the wrong advice on green and environmental issues");
• Some electors also cited concern about the ALP scrapping the recently introduced Industrial Relation laws (eg. "A certain amount of people got jobs because of workplace agreements");
• Some others expressed concern over the Prime Minister's handling of the apology to the Stolen Generation (eg. "Apology to the Aboriginals. They said there would be no claims, but today in the paper there was a law suit").
Concerns since Coalition has been in Opposition:
• Many electors expressed concern about the lack of decent leadership and party unity within the Liberal party (eg. "They have no direction and the wheels have fallen off the Liberal party in Australia. They need to support their leader and stop all their in-fighting");
• One of the recurring concerns in regards to the Liberal Party was disappointment over the Opposition's handling of the apology to the Stolen Generation (eg. "The way they handled the 'apology' on Sorry Day was disgusting, very un-Australian");
• A large number of electors have concerns about the Liberal's policy direction (eg. "They are trying to justify a lot of untenable political decisions from the past").
Concerns since Kevin Rudd became PM:
• There is a concern among some electors that Mr Rudd places too much emphasis on public relations and not enough focus on decision-making (eg. "I think he's more concerned about the publicity he receives than actually doing his job");
• A number of electors also queried whether Mr Rudd would fulfil the many promises he made during the election campaign (eg. "I think he'll be the same as John Howard — make a lot of promises but not follow through").
Concerns since Brendan Nelson became Opposition Leader:
• One of the recurring themes regarding Dr Brendan Nelson's role as Opposition Leader was his lack of profile (eg. "I don't even know him. He's an invisible man as far as I'm concerned");
• Some electors also expressed concerns over Dr Nelson's leadership skills (eg. "To me he seems like a scared little parrot and I don't think he will be there long");
• A number of electors also said they were disappointed over Dr Nelson's handling of the recent apology to the Stolen Generation (eg. "His attitude towards Indigenous people. I don't think he handled the apology to the Aboriginal people with as much sincerity as Labor did").
Rudd's first 100 days: Aren't I wonderful!
Saturday 1 March 2008
Matthew Hayden - too big for his boots
Really, Hayden, like a number of his team mates, has lost the plot. And, where's Cricket Australia standing in relation to this matter? Yes, of course, it is out to lunch yet again!
There can be no ifs or buts. Hayden and his team mates need to have a good, hard look at themselves.
Despite protests and claims that their actions have been harmless Hayden and his team mates who displayed similar behaviours this season are a national disgrace.
Turnbull's many pennies from heaven
Pssst ... want a few sly million?
Well, of course! And, why not?
ABC News reports
that Shadow Treasurer Malcolm Turnbull has some explaining to do over a generous grant he made at the start of last year's election campaign.
Treasurer Wayne Swan says Turnbull granted $10 million to a corporation for the trial of new rainfall enhancement technology when his department recommended they only be given $2 million.
"That grant was five times the recommended amount of money that his department put forward," Swan said.
"Secondly Mr Turnbull signed off on that grant one day after the announcement of the election campaign in October and two days before the close of the writs."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$This sounds a big bit suss! Turnbull has some answering to do.
Hopefully, he'll provides the answers before he gets bogged down with his homework in relation to a little matter about HIH.
Rumour has it that "Talcum Murnbull", a new men's toiletry product, will be available in stores soon.
Watch this space.
Read the report at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/01/2177248.htm
A taste of things to come on the NSW North Coast?
Federal, state and local government, along with developers and industry, may find that a body of legal precedent is being created while they continue to sit on their hands or totally ignore the issues.
In recent times Alaska has seen a number of communities become proactive as the historical climate changes for the worst in that region.
"SAN FRANCISCO — Lawyers for the Alaska Native coastal village of Kivalina, which is being forced to relocate because of flooding caused by the changing Arctic climate, filed suit in federal court here Tuesday arguing that 5 oil companies, 14 electric utilities and the country’s largest coal company were responsible for the village’s woes.----
The suit is the latest effort to hold companies like BP America, Chevron, Peabody Energy, Duke Energy and the Southern Company responsible for the impact of global warming because they emit millions of tons of greenhouse gases, or, in the case of Peabody, mine and market carbon-laden coal that is burned by others. It accused the companies of creating a public nuisance."
Obama wants you in a car and on your way to Rhode Island - right now!
Yesterday's e-mail
Rhode Island's primary is next Tuesday, March 4th, and you can play a major role in this important contest.
Out-of-State Volunteer Coordinator
Obama for America