Richard On Politics

Australian Democrat 's Future In SA

2008-12-20T12:25:00.006+10:30

A couple of Australian Democrats have contacted me recently to see whether I had an opinion on the pre-selection battle to replace the retiring Sandra Kanck.
There are 3 candidates I here , Richard Way ( The state president ),David Winterlich ( works for Sandra currently) and Craig Bossie ( ran in the last election ).
Now from what I here the only candidate that would offer a change from the past is Craig Bossie and change is what the party needs.
If the Democrat members want a chance that the party will last past next March ,then more of the same of the last 3 years is not want they want.
The incoming candidate will have to do things differently or they will not drag their vote past the roughly 1 % that they command now ( where has all that so called support for the issues raised in the last few years gone).
Democrat members should ask will their new representative be media friendly ( yes democrat voters do read the Advertiser / Australian / Independent Weekly and listen to 5AA ).
Democrat members should ask if the candidate has any new ideas to raise that will cater to 85% of the voting public not the 1% currently.
Democrat members should ask if the candidate will work pro actively with both sides in parliament to achieve goals and aims of the party.
From what I here , if you want change you should vote for Craig Bossie.

How To Combat The Oil Shortage

2008-08-06T17:57:00.001+09:30

Let me say first admire Barack Obama but you have to wonder who is advising him when the solution he is touting for he oil crisis is to inflate your tires.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

The US Election

2008-07-28T17:33:00.001+09:30

Just in case you didn't follow what happened in the US Election last week

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Clever Crikey Comment

2008-07-05T14:19:00.001+09:30

I was sent this during the week.

Deja Vu for the Australian Democrats

2008-06-19T21:03:00.005+09:30

Noticed the following story on the Adelaide Now website:

WAR veterans should be given ecstasy to help cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, a South Australian politician says.

Democrats MLC Sandra Kanck today told parliament that trials of the drug MDMA - also known as ecstasy - on soldiers in the U.S. and Israel, had shown "excellent results" and should be used recommended for use in South Australia by the State Government.
Ms Kanck said there were several soldiers in SA who were suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome and many of these were unemployable or could become unemployable because of this.

Ms Kanck said she doubted the proposal would be well received.

"I can imagine what the minister's knee-jerk reaction will be ... but I hope that he will go beyond that and look at the science," she told parliament.

"They have done it with rape victims, they have done it with war victims and everywhere they have tried it in these trials they have found it to be a superlative drug."

Ms Kanck has come under intense criticism, even from her own party members, for her stance on ecstasy use.

She stunned political circles and worried constitutional experts when she told parliament there was no evidence the drug was dangerous.

She also came under fire when she advocated ecstasy use for those people traumatised by the Eyre Peninsula bushfires in 2006.

Ms Kanck's question was referred to Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Atkinson.

It's like Deja Vu all over again.

Good to know the Australian Democrats have a future

2008-05-28T19:54:00.005+09:30

Listen very carefully to this .
Currently polling 1% , and no senators that will be left after July it is good to know they are being positive .
I think , but I am not too sure.

The worst commercial I have ever seen

2008-03-15T21:22:00.003+10:30

This would have to be the worst commercial I have seen

Mr Caring Kevin Rudd Part 2

2008-03-09T15:21:00.003+10:30

This morning it was reported that Kevin Rudd said the following:
Speaking during his trip to Solomon Islands, Mr Rudd said a budget process is underway where everything is being debated in a transparent way.

"What I can say to carers and pensioners right across Australia that there is no way on God's earth that I intend to leave them in the lurch," he said.

"We are there to extend a helping hand to those in need.

"They are at the forefront of our attention and that will be the case as we frame this budget and that will be seen on budget night as well."

And won't all the pensioners and carers feel relieved at this.
No guarantees and maybe he will form another committee to have a look wa wa wa etc
How about a guarantee to the pensioners and carers.

No way on Gods earth that I intend to leave them in the lurch the political equivalent of the cheque is in the mail.

Mr Caring Kevin Rudd

2008-03-08T15:02:00.004+10:30

So you are elected Prime Minister , celebrate the first 100 days ( not much has changed )and now you are taking $1600 off carers and according to the the Australian he will also take $500 off the pensioners.
Easy targets - how about targeting the government bureaucracy and waste and with the government staring at a $20,000,000,000 surplus this year we should be looking after carers and pensioners and not letting them be easy targets who will not fight back.
We all know the first budget will be tough but why pensioners and carers.

Lets remember Peter Garretts comments before the election.
From the ABC site
Labor's environment spokesman Peter Garrett is not backing away from his comment that everything will change if Labor is elected to government, saying he is proud of the policies the Opposition is proposing.

And why wouldn't you be proud.

Kevin Rudds 1st 100 days

2008-03-01T13:52:00.003+10:30

So Kevin Rudd has released a booklet on his governments first 100 days in office.
Remember you too can download the booklet and try and find something substantial that has been done.
Also the people that are running the country appear to have a problem with maths.
The 100 days since the election is on next Monday the 3rd march and then they did not actually take office until sworn in 10 days later.
Maybe next week we will have the first 200 days achievements.

How many more committees ?

2008-02-21T16:09:00.004+10:30

So the new government under the leadership of Kevin Rudd is up and away.
Now that he has come back from holidays.
The River Murray problem , how are we going to solve it ?
Well we're going to form a committee , stop the blame game , put our shoulder to the wheel , nose to the grindstone blah blah blah.
The education problem in schools , how are we going to solve it?
Well we're going to form a committee , give the children computers , have an education revolution ,put our shoulder to the wheel , nose to the grindstone blah blah blah.
The inflation problem, how are we going to solve it.
Well we're going to form a committee , start the blame game , put our shoulder to the wheel , nose to the grindstone blah blah blah.
Same rhetoric , same sort of government.

Political Polls

2008-01-14T15:56:00.000+10:30

Ever wondered why political pollsters get it wrong.
Check out this interview from A Daily Show

Democrat Meeting

2008-01-12T08:47:00.000+10:30

Noticed the SA chapter of the Australian Democrats had a meeting in Adelaide of all the people that voted for them ( a couple of supporters and 1 heckler ) on the steps of parliament house on Friday.
They were actually demonstrating for closing down Guantanamo ( lets open the doors and just let them all go home !!!!)
I really thought we may have got through the week without Terry Hicks being on television.
Looked a real vote winner for them in a line of vote winning ideas over the last couple of years .
What will come next - wanting to celebrate Ramadan in state Parliament.

Holiday Time?

2008-01-09T10:08:00.000+10:30

Something that appears to have been kept quiet is the fact Kevin Rudd is on holidays.
If memory serves me correctly didn't our new Prime Minister say that everyone would have to work over the traditional christmas break , " shoulder to the wheel " , " nose to the grindstone ", public service back to work , etc etc.
So what does Kevin Rudd do , goes on holidays and leaves poor Julia in charge.
Wouldnt it have been nice to have a few things done , promises kept etc and then maybe go on holidays not get elected leave a few instructions and then its off to the cricket.

Democrat Election Washup

2007-11-28T12:33:00.000+10:30

So the big question remains

What happened to the Australian Democrats?

As a former state and national President of the party let me say I don't think this campaign was full of highlights and people , members supporters ( both past and present ) should be entitled to some answers to a party that has been around for over 30 years.
However they appear to be following the examples of the 2004 federal and the last state election where they go to ground hoping it will all blow over.

Will Lyn Allison apologise for the performance of the party and to quote from Max Baumanns blog

( the no 2 Senate candidate )

"coupled with a party leader who has proven to be ineffective in increasing the Democrat and indeed her own profile over the last few years."

Lyn Allison quoted polling of about 5% before this election and before the Vic State election - this was just not accurate.
By the way it is not the media's fault.

Sandra Kanck should also where some responsibility as since the last state election we have had:
The Clipsal 500 controversy
The Ecstacy is not a dangerous drug controversy
Rave parties are safer than pubs
The Euthanasia speech

Despite Sandra's claim of support for these topics they clearly did not bring the voters flocking back and only narrowed the demographic down to the point where it was an accurate representation.

The campaign manager for the election was also Sandra's Kanck's media adviser , David Winterlich, who joined the party at the last state election and you only have to look at some of the press releases to see why they were not taken seriously.

Tsunami Of Porn
War Governor + War Schools = War State
Stop flashing Don't Walk

With all of this the canditates would have done the best they could have with what they had and it is nice to see that Max Baumann has accepted responsibility but it would be nice from a group that wanted John Howard to say sorry for the " powers that be ' to come out and say sorry.

If in the past some candidates were more concerned with contributing to the defeat of the Howard government than actually trying to win as many votes as possible.

Not just for these mistakes but for the past as well for example
Leadership Problems
GST

I also remember Don Chipp calling for change at the last National Conference I attended but little happened.
Nina Burridge the president before me and I both called for change and pointed out what would happen if this failed to occur.

The inevitable has now occurred.

Remember the vote that this party used to command and in my business life I see businesses that believe it or not do not want to get too busy or self destruct.
I think deep down the party suffered from this and only time will tell whether anything can be salvaged.

Election Result

2007-11-28T12:25:00.000+10:30

Well Kevin Rudd is the new Prime Minister and he promised to fix the climate so isn't it nice and cool this week.
Also heard that The Department Of Homeland Security may not get a guernsey and that a former union head was being urged to rejoin the ALP.
I have also talked to 4 kids who want to know where their free laptops are.
And its only the first week.

More Gems From The Global Warming Fraternity

2007-11-19T12:35:00.000+10:30

There was a story in the Sunday Mail on the 18th Nov that claims " Eating one less steak a week is better for the environment than leaving the car in the garage".
This report came from the Australian Greenhouse Office.
Professor Brook and Geoff Russell also urge us to use less dairy.
There are 2 people with a bit too much time on their hands.

Also The democrats are calling for us to reduce air travel

With the UN Secretary General calling climate change a world emergency it’s time to cut air travel
says Democrat Lead Senate Candidate Ruth Russell.
“Passenger numbers are expected to double by 2020 and the Australia Institute has warned that
aviation pollution could wipe out emission cuts in other sectors,” said Ms Russell.
“Increased fuel efficiencies are just tinkering around the edges.”
“We need to stop the growth in air travel to slow climate change.”
“Business travel should be replaced with video conferencing wherever possible and our tourism
industry should focus on a smaller number of high-spending long stay visitors.”
“The Democrats are practicing what we preach on air travel.”
“We were the first party to aim to be carbon neutral. Our Senators are reducing air travel where they
can and offsetting their travel with tree planting,” said Ms Russell

And they wonder why we have climate change sceptics

Campaign Launches Comments

2007-11-10T08:15:00.000+10:30

Noiticed with interets Andrew Bartlett's comments re campaign launches - here is the link " Campaign launches pure 'marketing': Bartlett "
Please note the Libs is on Monday , Labor is on Wednesday and the big question is when is the Democrats - Saturday the 10th Nov
Go figure

Paul Keating Election Call

2007-11-08T15:00:00.000+10:30

The Melbourne Cup has now finished and the election race is half
finished: To watch Paul Keating call the election race so far follow the link below to the Nicholson cartoon.

Bring Out Your Dead

2007-11-08T14:50:00.000+10:30

Received a few phone calls and e mails over the Democrat ad on 891 on Wednesday morning with the " Bring Out Your Dead " ad saying the democrats are not dead.
Yes there was a touch of the Monty Pythons here so in reply we could always say they are not dead " only resting " like the dead parrot sketch to which I have linked above.
Like to hear the Democrats radio ad then follow the link
to here

Not Too Long To Go

2007-11-08T14:43:00.000+10:30

With the end in sight of the campaign ( only 2 weeks to go )thought this was quiet clever.

Democrat Preferences

2007-11-04T12:33:00.000+10:30

Remember the days when the Democrats used to have a split ticket between Labor and Liberal.
Seems that they are just more interested in defeating the Howard governemnt than actually winning the seats now they agreed to swap preferences with Labor.
The flags of defeat also appear to be rising with Lyn Allison's comments in the Epoch Times saying that the 2.5% in the Morgan Poll is a glitch.
Max Baumann's blog also hints at defeat saying the party will go on and that it is just the beginning.
More time should be spent on publicising the party not raising the spectre of defeat.
If they do lose the seats they will be the first to blaim everyone else for the defeat and not themselves.
How many times now have we heard Lyn Allison blaim the media for the current woes.

Also check out the Vote For Lyn ad , the environmentalist makes me laugh every time , if it gets any hotter he will be the first to go and the feminist spokesperson speaks for itself.

Bad Week

2007-11-04T12:24:00.000+10:30

Between Tony Abbott , sorry I was late and sorry about the things i said about Bernie Banton and Peter Garrett , Kyoto targets and "Once we get in, we'll just change it all" it still boils down to whoever makes the fewest mistakes may get across the line.

Kevin Rudd's Eating Habits

2007-10-31T09:01:00.000+10:30

If you didn't watch the Tonight Show you may have missed this piece of footage of what may be our next Prime Minister.

Kevin Rudd and Those Hands

2007-10-29T22:21:00.000+10:30

Have you ever noticed whenever Kevin Rudd talks up go the hands and away they go.
They appear to have a life of their own and Kevin look's like he is auditioning for a semaphore conference.
Also don't you get tired of the nodding heads that stand behind either Kevin Rudd or John Howard everytime they say something.
They can be talking about he most inane subjects and away go the heads - up and down - side to side.

Re elect Andrew Bartlett

2007-10-29T12:56:00.000+10:30

When I was involved with Australian Democrats I always had time for Andrew Bartlett a hard working Senator for his state with progressive ideas and someone that will be a loss to politics if not reelected.
I was sent the following from Kate Reynolds and i wholeheartedly agree with her sentiments.

As you know, I am no longer associated with the Australian Democrats, BUT I am enthusiastically encouraging people to vote for Democrat Senator Andrew Bartlett - the link to his latest Indigenous Enews is below...If you care about improving life for Australia's first people, check out the links below and encourage your Queensland dwelling friends, family or workmates to give their Senate vote to a candidate who not only cares about Indigenous people, but has worked his b*tt off when all the other parties could do was hide in the shadows of the Too Hard Basket or bleat that disgraceful old line "there are no votes in Aboriginal issues". (Better still, encourage them to also help with his campaign - the contact details are on his website below.)Andrew deserves to be re-elected to keep on taking the fight for rights for Indigenous people right up to the whichever of the two major (in name, minor in vision) parties the Australian people elect to govern Australia on November 24th. Regardless of whichever party you or friends or family choose for the Lower House, all Australians who give a toss - not just Indigenous people - need Andrew in the Senate. Please do your bit to ensure that a Senator with an impressive track record - who has amplified the voice of thousands of Indigenous Australians is a place usually reserved for well, well educated, well off and well connected wealthy white men (and - yes - the occasional woman) - is not replaced by another tweedle dum politician who wouldn't know a real issue if it snuck up behind the red leather seats of the Senate and bit them on the you know where... Please - if you aren't eligible to vote in Queensland - find someone who is and persuade them to vote for Andrew - because we need him in the House of Review more now than ever before!http://andrewbartlett.com http://andrewbartlett.com/data/indigenous-enews-octoberr07.htmFor those who want a daily dose of something more substantial, check out http://andrewbartlett.com/blog/ CheersKate

Control Of the Senate

2007-10-28T11:30:00.000+10:30

So the Australian Democrats , The Greens and The Labor Party have joined together to produce an ad to make sure the current government does not retain control of the Senate.
Then Bob Brown is on the news saying they should have control of the senate and i am sure in the interview somewhere were the words " double dissolution".
It seems to me that the purpose of running in an election is to win and get as many votes as you can , appeal to a demographic that will hopefully get you enough votes - not run to get someone else over the line.

Events Of The Week

2007-10-28T11:16:00.000+10:30

Two events this week have particularly captured my attention.
Firstly Kevin Rudd going to the Seniors Home , having a sing along and then being roundly abused by a couple of members of the choir.
If you had a stranger come to your birthday party and then indulge in a sing a long you would call the police.
Then today well you could have knocked me over with a feather - a Family First canditate expelled for porn ( link to the story ) it was only a matter of time.
You cannot go around being " holier than thou " without having your pants pulled down occasionally.

Nick Xs Successor

2007-10-23T20:32:00.000+09:30

Did I hear correctly on the Channel 2 news tonight with Sandra Kanck putting forward Kate Reynold's name as Nick Xenophons successor to the Premier and "not running the argument past her".
It just keeps going from worse to absolutely shocking , I would have written from bad to worse but I think it has long gone past that.

Hilary Clintons Election Strategy

2007-10-22T21:55:00.000+09:30

Hilary Clinton's web site states an objective of " strengthening the middle class ".
Bold statement in the face of so many people not being in the middle class.
Wonder how John Howard or Kevin Rudd would go with an election policy of strengthening the middle class.

Australian democrats demise

2007-10-21T21:17:00.000+09:30

Last week in the Advertiser was again not another good week for the Democrats.
It seems Sandra Kanck sent an e mail about not supporting Nick Xenophon because of his stance on drugs.
I am sure that will help them in the election and increase their demographic !!!!!!
Then they were defensive over Ruth Russell being a human shield in Iraq when Saddam Hussien was in power so the inference was drawn that she supported Saddam.
Then an article about the demise of the party and their chances at the election.
I keep waiting for the party to wake up to the electrate and its voters past and present but it keeps travelling down the road to obscurity and the history books.

The Great Worm Debate

2007-10-21T21:07:00.000+09:30

Unfortunately I missed the first half hour of the Great Debate tonight as i was caught in the excitement of National Bingo Night which featured the most annoying character on televison , the ' Nooooo Bingo man ".
Two points from the debate , if you talk about an education revolution Kevin you should not refer to the "kids".
The second point is the worm , moved quicker than any worm I have ever seen , even when they didnt say anything.
Talking about the education revolution did you see the old clunker of a laptop that Kevin Rudd was waving around when he announced his policy.
Education deductions should be across the board , public , private and not just for a computers and software how about school fees.

Home Run ?

2007-10-17T16:58:00.000+09:30

So in the first couple of days of the campaign we have seen the coalition begin to claw its way back with money for all.

John Howard and Peter Costello's tax revamp could almost be a home run for them.

I would have liked to be a fly on the wall when Kevin Rudd saw the tax announcement and what does he come back with - commonwealth land and you will have to wait until we release our tax policy!!!!

Even the Australian Democrats have supported the tax cuts when many in that party think there only aim is to defeat the Howard government and if they win a seat that is a bonus.

Andrew Bartlett has also had a shot at the Labor Government ,Labor’s gridlock plan a recipe for traffic and environmental chaos .

Once again I think this election will get closer as the weeks go buy.

Pump Up The Opposition

2007-10-14T14:11:00.000+09:30

Bob Brown was on Sky News talking about his party and the election and gave some publicity ( far too much ) to Nick Xenophon , talking about the votes he procurred in the last state election. Then almost as an afterthought talked about how good Sarah Hanson Young was and they were in with a good chance.
Bob Brown also talked about how they would negotiate with Labor should they win government.
When it comes to negotiation and the Greens you would probably have better luck negotiating peace in the Middle East.

The Election is on

2007-10-14T14:02:00.000+09:30

Well here we go , the election has been called and I have just sat through Sky News and the riveting footage of the gates to government house as John Howard drove in and drove out.
I listened to the press conference from John Howard who critisized Labor and Mr Rudd , did anyone think he would not do that.
Then I listened to Kevin Rudd ( Mr Sheen )come out talk about his vision blah , blah , blah and say get ready for a negative campaign from the opposition and then proceed to criticize John Howard over numerous items.
Kevin isnt that a negative campaign.

Nick X is off to Canberra

2007-10-11T14:24:00.000+09:30

I heard with surprise this morning that Nick Xenophon is running for the senate at the upcoming Federal Election.
From a SA viewpoint this will make the election even more interesting considering Nicks's performance at the previous state election.
Lets remember he only needs about 140,000 votes to get across the line and in the state election he received 220,000.
It will be interesting to see the other parties senate canditates reaction to the news and should mean a lifting of profiles to get the votes or a "tossing in of the towels ".
The democrats and the greens must be concerned at this latest development along with the majors as votes will undoubtedly shift.
The greens would be concerned about preferences and the democrats would be concerned about the " women voting for women " strategy ( or whatever that was ) they announced during the week.
My moneys on a couple of the parties tossing in the towel in SA and spending their dollars in other states.

Australian Democrats and Hilary Clinton

2007-10-10T13:28:00.000+09:30

is it just me or does the NSW Canditate Lyn Shumack for the Australian Democrats look a bit like Hilary Clinton.

Responsibility and Kevin Rudd

2007-10-10T13:01:00.000+09:30

Good to see that Kevin ( Mr Teflon ) Rudd is accepting some !!! blame after the remarks made by Robert McClelland on the death penalty for terrorists.
" ultimate responsibility is borne by the leader "
Thats after saying that a staff member was counselled from Mr McClellands office and that a person from his office saw a text of the speech.
So we push as much blame away from Kevin Rudd before saying the responsibility lies with him.
Of more interest is the fact that labor policy does not support the death penalty but that they would not intervene in support of an individual terrorist.
Mr Rudd also stated that they should "rot in jail for the term of their natural lives"
It should be noted that " in jail " gives them a chance of getting out "whereas the death penalty in terrorist incidents does not.

Blind People and the Hybrid Cars

2007-10-06T14:50:00.000+09:30

I see ( no pun intended ) that blind people are complaining about hybrid cars because of the lack of noise they make.
Blind People: Hybrid Cars Pose Hazard
The only sound that hybrid cars make is usually the preaching sound that the owners make.

Temperatures To Rise in Adelaide

2007-10-02T21:46:00.000+09:30

I heard on the news tonight that the average temperature in Adelaide will rise by 1 degree in the next 30 years
Quoting from the story
PREDICTIONS temperatures could climb one degree celsius across Australia by 2030 should be a wake-up call to act swiftly on climate change, the Greens say.

The latest Climate Change in Australia report, produced by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO, indicates the probability of warming exceeding one degree is 10 to 20 per cent for coastal areas of Australia, and more than 50 per cent for inland regions.

One degree what are we all to do , is this the end or will it make it just that more pleasant to live in the Hills.

Koala and Citizenships

2007-10-02T21:37:00.000+09:30

If you need a good laugh check this latest addition to the democrats campaign.
We make it extremely easy to become a citizen in this country , fail the test
( don't see how ) go straight back and do it again.
It's a bit like that stringent driving test we have where you do not need to speak or read english
( how are those road signs going )
and if you fail they tell you where you failed and you just go straight back in and do it all again.

Election 07

2007-09-19T20:48:00.000+09:30

Always said the election will be close so it is nice to see John Howard showing some fight in parliament and a great photo to boot.

Also interesting to note that Kevin Rudd had a bit of trouble with the tax thresholds today - maybe if he takes government he will appoint "the minister to tell the Prime minister the answers to the questions that I may have a general idea about but am not sure of the details"

Opinion Polls

2007-09-17T21:52:00.000+09:30

With the newspoll due tomorrow it comes as no surprise that the news channels are reporting a lift in the governments approval rating.

This comes hot on the heels of Alexander Downers comment at a breakfast in his electrate on Friday that " You can't fatten the pig on market day "

This election may prove closer as time goes on.

Keeping Quiet

2007-09-17T21:47:00.000+09:30

Which well known ???anti war credentialed senate canditate kept a low profile and did not uttter a word during a local meet the canditates meeting when talk turned to the Iraq War.
Won't make the senate if this keeps up.

Kevin 07 T Shirts

2007-09-17T21:36:00.000+09:30

Yes I have seen the fashion accessory that may end up being a collectors item - A kevin 07 t shirt on a man in Hutt St today.

Must say that it did not go to well with the jacket he had on over it.

The Kilo Is Shrinking

2007-09-13T21:23:00.000+09:30

Is this another sign of global warming or the great hope for all overweight people that the prototype of the kilogram has actually lost weight

You can read the full story here

Official prototype of kilogram mysteriously losing weight

Desal Plant for SA & The Water Problems

2007-09-12T21:56:00.000+09:30

Finally we have the announcement that South Australia will get not one but two desal plants which when constructed should help with the water crisis.
And the buckets are going which should please everyone with a bad back that has been looking after their garden.
However after all the belly aching to get a desal plant out comes all the special intereset groups saying we should be looking at other ways for water as the salt may damage the environment and it will take too much power.
Some people are never happy.
Greens MP Mark Parnell even came out and said the Desal plants may ruin the tourists that come to the state to watch the cuttlefish.
The term drawing a long bow comes to mind.

Sandra Kanck has also come out and said that we should freeze South Australia's population
"There is room for family reunions, refugees and we need some skilled migrants but we can't take any more people until we have solved our water problems"

Maybe we should put a fence up around the state.

Sandra Kanck also said

"South Australia doesn't have to be big to be prosperous. Singapore, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland all have small populations and high standards of living.

Lets examine the population statement Sweden 9,031,088 - Singapore 4,553,009 - Finland 5,238,460 - Norway 4,627,926 - Denmark 5,468,120 - Iceland 301,931 - Adelaide 1,138,833
At least Iceland's population was smaller

Peter Beattie Resignation

2007-09-10T21:37:00.000+09:30

Well done to Peter Beattie for resigning in such a way and for the reasons he gave.

"All I can say to you is that renewal is important," Mr Beattie told reporters.

"This is nothing new, I'm not trying to pick on John ... but renewal is important. Those parties that renew, survive."

This could apply to quiet a few politicians and political parties both major and minor around Australia who appear not to have a succession plan in place and do not keep one eye on the future.

Kevin Rudd Joke

2007-09-06T10:31:00.000+09:30

While on his morning walk, Kevin Rudd falls over, has a heart attack and dies, because the accident and emergency ward at his nearest hospital is too understaffed to treat him in time.
So his soul arrives in Heaven and he is met by Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. "Welcome to Heaven," says Saint Peter, "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem.We seldom see Labor people around these parts, so we're not sure what to do with you.""No problem, just let me in; I'm a good Christian; I'm a believer," says Kevin."I'd like to just let you in, but I have orders from God Himself.He says that since the implementation of his new HEAVEN CHOICES policy, you have to spend one day in Hell and one day in Heaven.Then you must choose where you'll live for eternity.
""But I've already made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," replies Rudd"I'm sorry ...but we have our rules," Peter interjects.
And, with that, St. Peter escorts him to an elevator and he goes down, down,down all the way to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middleof a lush golf course. The sun is shining in a cloudless sky. The temperature is a perfect 22C degrees. In the distance is a beautiful club-house.
Standing in front of it is poor old Gough Whitlam and thousands of otherLabor and union leaders, who had helped him out over the years --- Jim Cairns, Bernie Payne Bob Hawke, Bill Collins, Bill D'Arcy , Paul Keating,Dallas Fraser, Joan Kirner, Peter Beattie, Keith Wright, Chris Brown, Gordon Nuttall, Wayne Goss, all good clean living Labor people.
All of the LaborParty leaders and Union Officials were there ,everyone laughing, happy,and casually but expensively dressed.They ran to greet him, to hug him and to reminisce about the good times theyhad getting rich at the expense of 'suckers and peasants.'They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar, evenBernie Payne was having a drink.The Devil himself comes up to Rudd with a frosty drink, "Have a Tequila and relax, Kevin!" "Uh, I can't drink anymore, I took a pledge," says Rudd dejectedly. "This is Hell, son. You can drink and eat all you want and notworry and it just gets better from there!"
Rudd takes the drink and finds himself liking the Devil, who he Thinks is a really very friendly bloke who tells funny jokes, like himself, and pulls hilarious nasty pranks - kind of like the ones Labor pulled with the"Recession we had to have" . "no child will live in poverty"... "Wolfdene Dam "... "no new taxes and low interest rates below 19% " and promises such as that that were never carried out .
They are having such a great time that, before he realises it, it's time to go.
Everyone gives him a big hug and waves as Rudd steps on the elevator and heads upward.When the elevator door reopens, he is in Heaven again and Saint Peter iswaiting for him. "Now it's time to visit Heaven," the old man says, opening the gate.
So for 24 hours Rudd is made to hang out with a bunch of honest,good-natured people who enjoy each other's company, talk about things otherthan money and treat each other decently.Not a nasty prank or short-arse joke among them. No fancy country clubs hereand, while the food tastes great, it's not caviar or lobster and thesepeople are all poor. He doesn't see anybody he knows and he isn't eventreated like someone special!"Whoa," he says uncomfortably to himself. "Kim Beazley never prepared me for this!
"The day done, Saint Peter returns and says, "Well, you've spent a day inHell and a day in Heaven. Now you must choose where you want to live for eternity."With the 'Deal or No Deal' theme playing softly in the background, Rudd reflects for a minute ...then answers: "Well, I would never have thought I'd say this -- I mean, Heaven has been delightful and all-but I really think I belong in Hell with my friends."So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down, all the way to Hell.
The doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren scorchedearth covered with garbage & toxic industrial wasteland, kind of like theeroded, rabbit and fox affected Australian outback. He is horrified to see all of his friends, dressed in rags and chained together, picking up the roadside rubbish and putting it into black plastic bags......They are groaning and moaning in pain, faces and hands black with grime.The Devil comes over to Rudd and puts an arm around his shoulder....."Idon't understand," stammers a shocked Kevin, "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a club-house and we ate lobster and caviar and drank tequila.....We lazed around and had a great time.Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and everybody looks miserable!"The Devil looks at him, smiles slyly and purrs,......"Yesterday, Kevin, we were campaigning;...
Today you voted for us!"
richard pascoe

Apec Protests

2007-09-05T21:12:00.000+09:30

While respecting peoples rights to protest peacefully I could not help but laugh at the protesters getting upset because girls made fun of their protest by appearing in bikinis and carrying signs that really mocked the protesters.

The ninemsn link to the full story

One protester even accused a girl of not knowing what APEC stood for.

Then " The Chaser" appeared.

Kevin Rudd and the strippers

2007-09-05T21:04:00.000+09:30

So Kevin Rudd went to Scores in New York , had too much to drink and didn't see there were naked girls in the club for at least half an hour.
Lets get one thing clear , any man that goes to "a club" would not be aware if there were naked women around , well that's what we tell our wives or girlfriends and only if we are asked or are caught.

Global Warming Update

2007-08-17T09:24:00.000+09:30

Has the world gone completely mad when we have so called climate experts saying that walking to the shops will damage the environment more than going by car.
The other classic comment in this story is that organic cows emit more methane than normal cows.
The story is at the Times On Line
Maybe we should take comedian and talk show host Dennis Millers advice and start gaffer taping the cows rectums up so we can save the planet.

Rent Relief

2007-08-17T09:20:00.001+09:30

So Kevin Rudd will help with rent relief and drop rent by around the 20% mark.
Call me cynical but lets say that Labor gets in and the rent relief is passed say in the 2008 - 2009 budget. In 2 to 3 years I dont think there will be much left of the 20%.

Dick Cheney Quote

2007-08-17T09:17:00.000+09:30

Enjoyed the following quote from the vice president ' success for a politician is 50% + 1 , you dont have to have everyone on board"
This quote could be very apt with the election coming this year.

Jon Stewart Quote

2007-08-04T14:32:00.000+09:30

Loved this quote from Jon Stewart
"On an average day 7 minutes of news happens. Yet there are currently 3 full-time, 24-hour news networks."

Grab For Votes

2007-08-04T14:26:00.000+09:30

I love the comments at the moment saying that John Howard is just trying to grab votes by saving a hospital in Tasmania.
If you were involved at that hospital you would welcome federal intervention and lets face it the majority of any political decisions are based around votes thats why Kevin Rudd is going to keep an eye on the grocery bills.
Grocery bills , hospitals make your own decision on the priorities of political partys.

Shrek To Be Banned

2007-08-01T12:19:00.000+09:30

Labor have announced that they will ban cartoon and movie characters from food to combat the war on obesity.
How about putting back regular physical education and sport for children that would change perceptions and lifestyles and waist lines.

Iraq Parliament On Holidays

2007-08-01T12:17:00.000+09:30

I see that the Iraq parliament is now on holidays for a month.
I am sure that that will help with the country in such good shape.

President Bush's Colonoscopy

2007-07-24T21:02:00.000+09:30

Heard this on Jay Leno's monologue:
Did you here what they found when they did George Bush's colonoscopy - his head.

What was the canditates name?

2007-07-24T20:53:00.000+09:30

So today Kevin Rudd got the Tasmanian canditates name wrong well it means he is now even with John Howard in the forget the canditates stakes.
So many canditates in so many states mean they are bound to get some names wrong , you just need to do the maths.
We all make mistakes in names and I am no exception as I remember the time I called Lynn Allison ,Trish Worth.

Global Warming & Carbon Trading

2007-07-22T20:11:00.000+09:30

Does anyone truly understand carbon trading, carbon neutral etc.
I heard a spokesperson for greening australia explain that if I drove my 4 wheel drive to the airport took a flight to say Sydney I could then log onto their website which would work out how much I have to pay them to offset my CO2. then they will plant trees in WA and Broken Hill.
I am sure thats going to work!!!!!!!!
By the way if you havent seen it click the link below and you will be taken to the newsweek article called our Cooling World where scientists talked about the world getting coller and what they should do about it. one solution in the article is to melt the polar ice caps.
Cooling World
I read that Al Gores son was picked up on his release from jail in a maserati: what no prius !!!

John Howard Polling

2007-07-22T14:49:00.001+09:30

Reported in the Sunday papers that Labor polling has found that John Howard is losing support in the blue collar and mortgage belt.
Did anyone think that Labor Polling would say anything else.
This comes hot on the heels of saying that John Howard and Peter Costello may not get on.
Does anyone actually think that any political party has everyone getting on like happy families.
Look at Paul Keating , look at the Australian Democrats

Democrat Canditate In Bolivia

2007-07-19T16:10:00.000+09:30

Ruth Russell the Democrat candidate was reported in the Advertiser yesterday as being at a conference in Bolivia ( where only the best conferences are held ).

Advertiser story

This appears to have upset the party as you could almost here the umms and rrrs coming from the state campaign director David Winterlich.
Will the Australian Democrats blame the media again for the story as they have in the past or is this a narrowing of the already narrow demographic they now appeal to.

Currently their campaign appears base on Orson Welles in the Third Man ( very little screen time)

Internet Streaming Of SA Parliament

2007-07-19T16:05:00.000+09:30

So Nick Xenophon is proposing that the SA parliament is streamed live over the internet , what a great idea.You could almost here the zzzzzss coming from the multitudes sitting in front of their monitors waiting for something to happen or will this develop into the South Australian version of C Span.