Abbott and Carbon

Tony Abbotts "non-delivery of an indivisible substance" has brought up a problems with his negative slogans. It reveals and it is important for me that he cannot articulate why his negative slogans are true.

All of people when I have asked the question whether they are worse off after the "tax" reply no. (Yes I think there maybe bussiness out there, but when pushed a bit they havn't invested in ways to reduce electricity eg solar or more efficient refrigeration.)

I understand that politicians speak in hyperbole. But Tony has taken it to the extreme to the extent he is only speaking to those who are already rusted on Coalistion supporters.

 

I can't help thinking that if the liberals really want to win the election convincingly they need Turnbull. I can feel confident that although I may not agree with opinion he will have a slogan backed up with an articulate argument.

Is Abbott a sexist misogynist?

There has been a lot written about Abbott after Gillard's blistering attack on Abbott. Is the leader of the opposition a sexist misogynist?

I wouldn't think so, not on his own. But in a pack of blokes he'd probably be up there leading the cause. I've seen it time and time again. Not with Abbott but hanging with a group of blokes, it occours with bullying, sexism and every kind of behaviour that pushes the boundries.

One of the worst was with a group of Christian leader who late into a party started making references to people orientated to the same sex. It deeply disturbed me. I'm happy if people dissagree with me, but when the conversation starts denagrading people as humans. I suppose why  I was disapointed was a lot to do with myself, not pulling people up: reminding them that they are created in Gods image and worthy of respect and love.

In my youth I gladly went along with being a bully: now my biggest crime is not speaking up.

Abbott, I get the impression that he is not willing to lead; to speak up when he hears something is wrong. Rather he just chuckles and goes along with the blokes.

I supose that is why I'm constantly impressed with Malcolm Turnbull. He was one of the first to speak up against Alan Jones with his 'Died in shame' comment.

Abbot needs to speak up when he hears something which is wrong. Even if it means bruising those on his side...

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Un-Christian...

I was discussing with Christina the other night the poor choice of words of Abbot the leader of the Australian political opposition, calling boat refugees 'Unchristian'. We were wondering if there were other words which he may have used; such as "unethical", "morally" for example; which would have represented his view. 

What I thought that Abbott was trying to get accross was people going through the proper process of seeking asylem in Australia while those coming over in boats are 'jumping' the queue.

What I realised is this slip of Abbot's is probably a 'Freudian slip' revealing his undersanding of 'Christian.' One of morals and ethics; as opposed to grace and mercy; which I belive the 'Christian life' weighs towards. For me that is the scarey thing for an opposition leader....

 

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Theolgoically opposed

Image via Wikipedia

This was a tweet I spotted from @latikambourke (Latika Bourke) who works for the ABC.

Man asks TAbbott where he stands on nuclear power. TAbbott not 'theologically opposed,' but supports cheapest form which isn't nuke atm.

I'm not sure of the context but I could imagine Abbott saying this... Does this mean that he examines everything through his catholic text books. Oh dear.

Frequency of National Disasters

It seems to me that the frequency of natural disasters is increasing. The last two years we have had bushfires in Victoria and flooding in both Victoria and Queensland. All of these have been reported as up there as the worst.
Today Queensland is facing what looks like the worst cyclone 'Yasi' in history.

I've no doubt that these events have always occurred in history. My concern is the frequency. That if frequency is any indication of climate change, it only going to get worse.

I put a tweet out to the opposition leader Tony Abbot and opposition environment minister if the frequency of natural disaster can be linked to climate change.

@GregHuntMP @TonyAbbottMHR do you think the frequency of natural disasters occurring at the moment can be linked to climate change?

I wonder if I get an answer?

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• Cyclone Yasi Churns Toward Flood-Ravaged Queensland (ecoworld.com)

Get the Afghanistan out...

I think we should get our troops out. Enough is enough this war is primarily George Bushes' when he decided on the vengeance option after the twin towers of 9/11.
As a Christian I don't think the 'just war' theory adds up. Maybe in defence but not for offence.
Australia is just tagging along with what George Bush started.
If you look at the military deaths in Iraq they are 4744, in Afghanistan they are 2166. The casualties for the 9/11 are 2977. Something is not adding up here!
For me I'm convinced there would have been a better way. Vengeance has not worked.

Thus for me I'm disappointed that both major parties in Australia are for keeping the troops in Afghanistan. I'm also saddened that there are not so few Christian voices speaking up about pacifism as an option.
Not surprising the Greens are walking the line that Jesus would have taken...

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Polls, Polls

Results from the latest Roy Morgan face to face poll carried out 3 and 4th of October::

If a Federal election were held now the ALP would retain Government according to the latest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll.

The ALP primary vote is 44% (up 3.5%), well ahead of the L-NP 38.5% (down 2.5%). Support for the minor parties shows the Greens 12% (down 1%) and Others/ Independents 5.5% (unchanged).

The Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating is 125.5pts (down 2.5pts), with 53.5% (unchanged) of Australians confident that Australia is ‘heading in the right direction,’ compared to 28% (up 2.5%) that say Australia is ‘heading in the wrong direction.’ The latest weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating for the weekend of October 2/3, 2010, was 122.9 (up 1.5pts).

Some thoughts::

::This poll was prior to Tony Abbots gaff about wanting to sleep rather than visit the troops in Afgahanastan. Bad news for coalition, and no excuses.
::Tony who was more reconcillitory during the election appears to be back in his 'oppose everything', head kicker self. I don't think the Australian public will be to keen on this.
::Tony now after all the election publicity where Australians got to know him will now be more recognised and scrutinised. Double standards which you could get away with as a minister will be watched and remember now with the bigger profile.

Prediction::

If Tony dosn't change his ways been a 'wrecker' will  stick:
Turnbull opposition mates will start to gather momentum.
For things to change Tony needs to genuinely  start to be a bit more diplomatic. Make some genuine middle ground moves.

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The real reason Tony Dosn't want to go to Afganastan...

Tony Abbott tells us that he didn't want to be Jet lagged when he got to Europe. That is his spin...

From the Herald Sun

Mr Abbott revealed he did not travel with Prime Minster Julia Gillard to see troops in Afghanistan because it would have made him too tired to meet with the British Conservative Party leader, David Cameron in Britain.

Well this is another 'opposoition for opposition sake. The old mongrel Tony.

The real reason he he dosn't want to go because he would have been seen with Julia. It would have looked as if he as on the same page as Julia.

This time it has backfired...

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politics and compromise

The government started the ball rolling with starting a committee on Climate change. The coalition where given a spot and the the shadow environment minisiter, my representative in Flinders Greg Hunt ruled it out:: From the SMH

The federal opposition has ruled out joining Prime Minister Julia Gillard's climate change committee, calling the idea "repugnant" and possibly in breach of the parliamentary committee act.
Coalition climate action spokesman Greg Hunt rejected yesterday's offer by Ms Gillard to join the multi-party committee because, he said, it required a preordained belief in carbon trading and would cause electricity prices to rise.
"The Australian Labor Party went to this election with the bedrock, fundamental pledge to the Australian people that they would not have a carbon tax," Mr Hunt told reporters yesterday.
"This committee is repugnant because it has a test that someone must sign up to a preordained outcome.
"I am not aware, and we are not aware, of any such belief-test on a parliamentary committee in the past 110 years.
"That appears to be in breach of the Parliamentary Committee Act."
One of the committee's terms of reference is to consider mechanisms for introducing a carbon price, either through a broadly based emissions trading scheme, a carbon levy or a mixture of both.

What I find frustrating in politics is opposition for oppositions sake. Hunt just seems to be toeing Tony Abbotts line.


The ABC 's"The Drum" pointed this about Hunt::

Hunt himself has bitten the bullet. His intellectual position is in favour of a carbon tax. We know this because he was one of the fiercest advocates of Turnbull's position when Malcolm was Liberal leader.

What I find frustrating about Hunt is that he is a smart. I actually think out of all the heads in government he probably is the best environmental minister there could be. My issues is he is going to play the Tony Abbott line.
So what is the best for Australia? Putting the best man for the job into power only to be muzzeled by Tony Abbott?
Politics and compromises. Maybe ever moral compromises...

Look me in the eye Tony x2....

Image by David Jackmanson via Flickr

From the ABC

Earlier, a statement issued in Mr Somlyay's name indicated he had rejected the entire deal.
But Mr Somlyay's office now says the statement was issued by the office of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

Tony's now putting words into his colleges mouths.

Slow down Tony your loosing all credibility.


Related :: Look me in the eye Tony...

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Election 2010:: Flinders a no brainer

If you are a swinging voter then I think Labor party has made the choice easiser for you to choose in Flinders. Especially if you believe that the candidate should represent you.

Its very hard for me to vote in the house of 'representatives' someone who puts their address down as in 'Southbank' 
Poor Francis, the Labor Party bunny.

Anyway I think Greg Hunt deserves to win in Flinders, he's worked hard, made connections in local community groups. Answered my emails. He's worked hard.

Thank goodness their is a Senate though.
Their is no way I feel comfortable with Tony Abbott. One of the most conservative politicians in the parliament. I don't mind moderate left or right, but Tony is way over on the right. I've watch this prodigy of Howard's for a long time. He's got the potential to be Australia's answer to George W Bush.

The Greens are the only way in the Senate to 'Keep the bastards honest', to flog an old Democrat's saying.

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election 2010 :: Tony Abbot IS right

Considering my annoyance with liberal broadband policy I couldn't resist this::

Taken from the ALP site "Tony IS right": Quite a few funny images and ideas!

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Election 2010 :: Abbott out of puff?

Has Tony Abbot run our of puff? Personally there have been quite a few negatives for the Coalition this week.

The first was the actual Coalitions 'Election launch'. The whole thing seemed to be going back to the 'Good old days' with John Howard given a huge prominence. There seemed to be no vision, no really policy that was innovative.

The second was the communications launch. This one I was really holding my breath on. What I judge this one on is the Crappy service we get on Phillip Island.

Mobile broadband = Crap, as soon as the weekend comes or public holidays the speed goes to a crawl
Fixed line = Telstra. Telstra has the monopoly, no choice. Telstra gets my money for line rental no matter what.

As far as I could understand this is not going to change under the Coalition. That even if it does they have done a poor job explaining it to me how it will.

While the Labor party their is hope with the National broad band. The important thing is I can understand how it will happen.

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The Bunny

Watching Tony Abbot the first day of the election remind me of a rabbit caught in the headlights of oncoming traffic. Staring all it could say was

"Big new tax"

"Labour, go backwards"

"No Carbon Tax under liberals"

He genuinely looked off guard sprouting the thin short crisp slogans he has been saying ever since he became opposition leader.
Mind you Julia Gillard is starting to push her slogans as well "Labour the way forward" etc etc.

Its just a shame that elections and important issues can be reduced to one liners. 

Julia the Athiest

Nathan Hobby over in Perth has pointed out a link about Julia Gillard being an Atheist. The article left me with a few questions, most importantly: I'd like to understand how she came to this position coming from a Church background.

I suppose my greatest dread with Julia being an  Atheist is that all Christians who have political agendas in Australia will come out of the closet! (I wonder if Danny Nalliah had any prophesy on K Rudd's downfall.) We will then end up with a real American electoral system. Although Australia has had a few Athiests lead the country Bob Hawke and more than likely a few closet Atheist.

I do belive that having a 'Christian', label is a positive in an election. Implimenting a Christian position is more of a positive for me during an electoral term. So strong social justice, a pacifist position, a strong green component and treating all people with equality is very important. If an atheist such as Julia can implement these policies then I'm ok with her. I doubt either the ALP or the Liberal will bring in an pacifist position, so this then like all elections brings the choice down to the lesser of two evils. I believe that God is big enough to implement his will though Atheist.

On the side. While I think that Kevin is a genuine Christian, I think he went a bit to far with the press conferences outside the Church which he attended! It just cheapened his Christian faith.

Australian Politics

I havn't given much commentary on politics for a while, yet much has happened.

The most interesting is the dramatic drop in support for the government in the polls. Which it appears is related to Mr Rudd's performance.

It would appear to me that a few things have hit Rudd hard

-Pink bats,
-ETS,
-Back tracking with ausilum seekers policy.

I think the government when the election starts will start to ramp up his positive

-getting through the 'Global financal crisis'
-negotiating with a single funding for health with the states (Except WA)
-The new broadband looking like a viable competition to Telstra

While I think Mr Abbott is still Mr Negative, he seems to be a bit more conciliatory?
I've got to say I was pretty impressed with his ultra triathlon stuff.

The Greens look like the biggest winner in the poles.
Overall if this translated to votes it would be a good thing. For two reasons, A third party 'Keeps the barsteds honest', I'm all for a more 'Greener' Australia.

Tony Abbott

Yesterday in my brief summary of how I saw politics at the present I gave Tony Abbott this for a round up::

Tony Abbott:: Poo Poo man. Poo poo this, poo poo that. That's all I can hear. I never anything positive. Its all a government conspiracy. The reason why: We are the opposition.

 To be fair I thought it needed some greater explanation. For me as a voter, and one who does swing between parties at election I find it very hard to evaluate him on his current performance.

When all you get from an opposition is a negative response, it is very hard to know which policy the government has which has genuine merit. Whatever government in power, they put out a small or a large amount of bad policy but I don't believe all of it is bad policy.

The opposition if good, needs to be able to see government legislation which is good and then review it and make it better. Take the credit of making good legislation better. Not bag everything.

The opposition needs to be able to put forward new policy which will be there next election platform.

Tony Abbott is the opposition, he is fit, but he is very predictable in his response to everything the government puts out.
For the short term it will encourage tradition liberal/national voter's but that will be all. But he needs more than that to win.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cinephobia/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

Australian politics::

Havn't put any political musing for a while so here it is.


Kevin Rudd:: He looks like he is in a spot of bother. Not only is his usual opposition upset but so are his supporters. It does look like he weaseled out of the Emisions Trading Scheme. Doing so he has lost credability.

Tony Abbott:: Poo Poo man. Poo poo this, poo poo that. That's all I can hear. I never anything positive. Its all a government conspiracy. The reason why: We are the opposition.

Malcolm Turnball:: I'm glad he is back. It seems that there is a moderate now back in the liberal party. (Jo Hockey, seems quieter now, it must be fatherhood) If or I should say  when he gets back on the front bench the Liberals will look a bit more balanced. I dare say the media will go to him for some constructive conversation. (I bet they already know what Mr Poo Poo Abbott would say).

Overall the next couple of months should be rather colourful as the election looms.

Keating at his colorful best

It was like the Keating of the 90's when yesterday he gave his current assesment of the opposition.

From the Sydney Morning Herald::

Mr Keating described Mr Abbott as the "poor man's John Howard" who was regarded by many of his Liberal colleagues as their "resident nutter" when he arrived in federal parliament in 1994.
"It was bad enough having the real John Howard... at least Howard was a militant, aggressive conservative driving in reverse through the rear-vision mirror."
Mr Abbott was an "intellectual nobody and no policy ambition".
On the other hand his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull had an articulated, intelligent, moderate, thought-out conservative position.
"You wouldn't trust this mob (the coalition) with a jam jar full of five cent bits."
He described the opposition's finance spokesman Barnaby Joyce as a "junior Joh Bjelke-Petersen" who ran around making foolish economic pronouncements.

At this stage, Keatings assessment is but a colorful opinion of mine. Except I would add Wilson Tucky is still clucking away in the stalls.

This week in Politics

You can feel the rumblings of an election coming upon us. Strangely even before the election is called a debate is been arranged with Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd. 
As I mentioned previously. I think the governments stratagy will be to do Abbott 'slowly', a reference to Keating and opposition lead by John Hewson. As time goes on the slips will add up, and as the election looms political scrutiny will increase. Abbott will loose his shine.
This was a week in example when Costello former treasurer had a poke at Abbots proposed extended maternity payments. When Abbott speaks about Rudd's 'Big new tax', Rudd will be able point out Abbott's proposed 'Big new tax' with extended maternity payments.

Lastly, our politicians at work.

Liberal Peter Slipper having a quite nap during proceedings. I wish I could do this at my work, I often feel like it.