It appears that some are putting words into Abbott’s mouth and also accusing "conservatives" of extraordinary political tactics. This may be a sign that Labor (which has just divided from the Greens) is worried that Abbott's victory in September is inevitable.

Not that Abbott appears to be successfully using a strategy of less negativity, while Labor, the Greens and parts of the Union movement are imploding all by themselves.

Note also that Labor has become so centrist that many senior Labor politicians can be labelled "conservative" - for example on same sex marriage.

Probably the most clear divisions in Australian politics (other than Liberal vs Greens) is between different Labor factions - for example the Left, Centre Left, NSW Right. Labor backbenchers are largely appointed to the Ministry on the basis of factional divisions.

I’ve voted Labor and Greens before but maybe not this time.

Graham surely having exclusive use of our ABC should be enough for the lefty propagandists, without giving then space for this boring cr4p on here.

This article does show the danger of having unopposed access to a medium where counter argument is prevented. With no argument to sharpen it, the propaganda can get as sloppy as this lot.

When it gets this bad, it is heartening for anyone sick of the stupidity.

The writer is objecting to Tony Abbott speaking against divisiveness while describing various social inequities and divisions herself.

This is the very logic that gets the Left into trouble every time. Their belief that "we are one" while constantly relying on the race, gender, income, etc wars to promote their political agenda. You can't have it both ways.

Correction - second para of my post above:

NOT that Abbott appears to be successfully using...

Is meant to be:

Note that Abbott appears to be successfully using a strategy of less negativity, while Labor, the Greens and parts of the Union movement are imploding all by themselves.

...The strength of Democracy is in openness, the strength of Capitalism is in lies and evasion. Unfortunately for the Western Democracies, they exhibit an elite political class focused and financed on Capitalist gain.

Abotts negative comments where so divisive that without thinking of him I press the remote
button.

Erm, isn't democracy based on division? Let's not get into the lack of authentic opposition to Liberal Democracy but surely to attract the loyalty of voters a party needs to divide them from the rest of the population, the results of bi-partisanship and consensus have been voter apathy and hostility toward the democratic process. Political parties in this country are so small and do so little to engage with their electorate that the whole electoral process is a mystery to most people,the majority would not be able to name their councillors, much less state and federal representatives or be able to list the key elements of their platforms... yet off they toddle to vote all the same.

I suggests Sarah listens to her labour mates a bit more. This morning, as usual and on script they all made the same spin-doctor written attack. This time it was on Morrison and even journalists are finding the repetition funny but most adults think it is pathetic.

Barrister and human rights advocate Julian Burnside
has pointed out that the economics of print and
electronic media tend to drive opinion in the
direction of populism. This has unhappy results
now that both major political parties have, it seems,
abandoned their founding principles and form policies
by reference to media coverage generally and to news
polls and focus groups in particular.

It is therefore not surprising that the Opposition
leader has taken a different approach in this election
year. The modern fact of political life is a result of
new technology which allows political parties to see
what responses (policy and others) will produce an
electoral advantage in key marginal electorates.
And Mr Abbott has been advised that it's better to say
nothing than to behave as he has in the past or say
something silly. Hence his improvement in the polls.
Some voters are falling for this technique instead
of asking for scrutiny and a serious debate on the issues.

abbottphobia. Oh how sweet it is! I recommend ABC 24 on election night for a good night's viewing. The hatred will be spewing while other lefties will be stewing.

Dear runner,

Try controlling your own phobias first.

I think many underestimate Abbott's intellect and passion.

I have more faith in Abbott than most.

I like the fact that he has been prepared to say what he thinks on a number of issues, although i do not always agree with him.

And his views on recent issues give me heart that he is more capable than most of addresssing the issues confronting Australia.

Time will tell, but i think he wil do okay if elected as PM, albeit we live in difficult times

Every quote cited by Sarah would appear to indicate the coalition is opposed fundamentally to the 'divisiveness' Sarah sees at all levels of our society. Is she berating Abbot for NOT recognising divisions in society?.

This seems a pretty confusing piece really. The only divisiveness being
exploited politically is that currently being espoused by Swan to somehow explain the workings of his mining tax.

I do take note that perhaps Jay of Melbourne has very accurately described a healthy functioning democracy.

I think basic starting point on this divisiveness issue is that, if you disagree with the ALP or the left in general, then you're being divisive.

Makes sense in a way. If everyone simply fell into line and agreed with everything the government said, then there'd be no division in society and we could all live in perfect harmony. Utopia.

Maybe that's why the government is so anxious to restrict freedom of speech...the eternal search for harmony. Nothing to do with power and suppression at all, just trying to eliminate that infernal divisiveness.

I wonder if the left will be quite so anxious to eliminate divisiveness by having everyone agree with the government after 14/9.

beautifullingerie,

I showed your site to my wife....talk about divisive :)

Lexi says "Some voters are falling for this technique instead of asking for scrutiny and a serious debate on the issues". Since when do you ever seriously debate? You always avoid it like the plague. You speak rubbish. And Labor are not inclined to seriously debate.

Don't you worry about Runner, at least he has conviction.

>>>>>

Chris, you are right.

Dear Constance,

People of small caliber are always carping.
They're bent on showing us that they've
got the truth and we haven't.

Runner,

You're wrong. The ABC will ignore election night and focus on global climate change instead.It will be too painful for them.

I'll be watching for The Insiders instead the following day. Watching Cassidy, Marr, Megalaganois, Atkins and all the other small minded socialists explaining to us how we all got it so wrong is going to be a real hoot. I can just see Savva sitting there in silence with her 'silly' grin and laughing occassionally and infurating them all into further idiocy.

I reckon that will be the highest rating comedy show in Australia ... ever.

I'm a julia nutter because I thunk (Deliberate) Julia has singlehandedly destroyed the labor party and socialism in Australia ... forever.

After the election when the socialist press gallery cannot get stories from our parliamrent and ABC funding is restricted to country areas by a really p-ssed off liberal party, all the socialists in the media will be as islolated as Kevvy currently is on the back bench and messing with labor party heads. (After the election he's only going to have the opportunity to mess with his own head. Either the labor party will have so few heads they will all be able to be leader, or there will be once again a new Liberal member for Griffith.)

Regardless the media socialists won't get their cr4p published.

Anyway before the disasters in WA, NSW and Qld the voters were really angry.

They are past that stage now. They are now laughing at the socialists and labor. That in politics is worse than death ... it is totally new territory, the territory of wipeout ... from which there will be no recovery.

Yeah for Julia.The longer the labor election campaign the greater the hilarity.

Burnside's article is a contribution to that.

Yeah for Sarah.

imajulianutter

hopefully the Labour parties media machine (ABC) will be cut to prevent the further propagation of failed Labour policy as well as gw alarmism. Maybe they could ask Bolt to bring at least a little balance. Wishful thinking!

I'm not Australian nor am I in or have ever lived in Australia, though I have some Australian friends, met first in England.
There is much I would wish to add to this thread, but I and it are circumscribed by a limit of 350 words, which in essence means this is a basic chat forum, so nothing of any real consequence can be posted for discussion (I was going to submit a preamble of 2 A4 pages - followed by a 21 page item!)So I'll toddle off to the blog area and see if that allows a more extensive input - but whilst I'm gone, be nice to each other yes? After all we are all in essence seeking the same thing - i.e. a better way to live and do things yes?
Regards . .

deezul.do-nicely,
I can assure you that at least 50% of Australians understand what you are saying. By the way things look here at the moment come September 14 this percentage will rise to healthier mentality levels or at least we can hope.

Individual I well appreciate your comment - the more especially because similar discussions can be found in every nation, either overtly or covertly, dependent only on their access to freedom of speech - but I think it should be noted that in essence these discussions are centred around an ism which doesn't in fact exist in any of the world's nations, and as far as I can ascertain, apart from a very few possible exceptions, never has.

Namely that there isn't a single democracy anywhere on our planet.

And if this site attracts any input from 'intellectuals' I defy any of them to say and prove otherwise!

The only possible exceptions might have been the 'click' tribes of our ancestral homeland who (we think) made decisions within a gathering of the whole community or tribe - and the very early Kibbutzes established before the state of Israel was officially formed and recognised.

It might therefore be more pertinent to tackle the problems which arise within communities (as opposed to within the dreadful and relatively recent construct of the 'Nation State') with community based solutions. To do otherwise is to play the game that the elites wish you to play, running the gauntlet of their well tested means of marginalising the 99% with matters which are essentially rarely going to change substantially.

tackle the problems which arise within communities
deezul.do-nicely,
In Australia when there was some de-centralisation things ran well enough to make it literally one of the best countries in world to live in. Now with centralisation our society has fallen into a self-imploding heap, a heap which many here refuse to see & rather than work on making it better again many are having a race to speed up the implosion. The major push for this implosion comes from so-called intellectuals of the Left.

deezul.do-nicely

'...be nice to each other yes? After all we are all in essence seeking the same thing - i.e. a better way to live and do things yes?'

Thank the lordy I don't live in your nutty utopia.

You see I just expect others to obey our laws. I don't expect others to be nice, or to be seeking to find 'a better way to live and do things'.

I don't condon the dictatorial attitude in your comment; 'we are all in essence seeking the same thing'

nor your premise that you know what is best for us all.

Best you stay where you are as most Australians are in the process of laughing at the socialists who are espousing that political message in Australia.

People are past being angry with the idiots.

I expect the labor party in Australia to poll about 20% of the vote in the federal election. The greens will have 10%.

THat will mean you will be out of step with nearly 70% of Australians.

Go keep your socialist cr4p in your cr4ppy Europe.

imajuliannutter
interesting that you describe yourself as a nutter Julian, though judging from your reply perhaps 'reactionary' should also be included?
And my but you're quick to rush into judgement and too ascribe labels - perhaps too quick?

First - I have no allegiance for or with any mainstream political party or ideology, as far as I'm concerned they are all of the same brush. Second - I have family in Australia so I'm interested in most things Australian - and by the way, though originating from England my twin sister, her family and her grandchildren are all Australians. I also have many Australian friends at all levels of your society so I'm generally well informed about your country.

Individual political parties are only of interest to me in that they exemplify a world wide malaise and misconception by the 99%
I note that you fail to address my central point, i.e. that there are no democracies or variations thereof anywhere on this planet - other than to trash it and myself? And the insulting vilification of your response does you little credit as an individual and simply exemplifies divisiveness. So lets clear up my central premise for you.

Australia has what every other nation of our world has -

A Plutocracy - so be a good boy - expand what little erudition you have by looking up the definition of that before you rush back into print. Please take notice that I'm being gentle with you as this is our first encounter - I will by no means be as lenient with you if you again hurl abuse at me so please think carefully before exposing yourself in such a crass manner again.

A Plutocracy.

deezul.do-nicely,
judging by the replies you might have to simplify this for southern hemisphere mentality.
(that should make 'em come screaming blue murder)

deezul.do-nicely.,

One;
'...but whilst I'm gone, be nice to each other yes? After all we are all in essence seeking the same thing - i.e. a better way to live and do things yes?'

Two;
'... but I think it should be noted that in essence these discussions are centred around an ism which doesn't in fact exist in any of the world's nations, and as far as I can ascertain, apart from a very few possible exceptions, never has.

Namely that there isn't a single democracy anywhere on our planet.'

Three;
'And if this site attracts any input from 'intellectuals'...'

Four;
'...(as opposed to within the dreadful and relatively recent construct of the 'Nation State') with community based solutions...'

Five;
'...perhaps 'reactionary' should also be included?
And my but you're quick to rush into judgement and too ascribe labels - perhaps too quick?'

All in only 23 sentences.

Rintellect doesn't resort to personal abusive comments like labelling people 'reactionary', suggesting they're not capable of exhibiting intellect, are crass in their manner, that they don't address your central premise, that they are villifying or insulting you personally.

Do you need lessons in comprehension? Here's one:

Spell hypocrisy.

And please point to where I abused you personally.

And 'Go keep your socialist cr4p in your cr4ppy Europe.' is a directive, similar to yours, ('be nice to each other yes? After all we are all in essence seeking the same thing')... and a statement of fact (Europe is mostly bankrupt following socialist ideas) not abuse.

Now those earlier comments of yours, deezul.do-nicely., on the evidence of your,'nothing of any real consequence' posts, is a trait you seem to share with the socialists who tell us, by the blatant arrogrance of their epistles, that they know better than all the rest of us.

Especially those of us who have maintained a reasonable and relatively sensibly funded democracy without the excesses of the stupid broke European Socialist utopias.

Cheers mate, and try to understand we Australians are still forthright people and robust in the statement of our beliefs and opinions. Sadly Europe currently does not share that attribute. So stop lecturing us on how we should behave.

We're fair dinkum dinky di democrats not arrogrant socialists.

We're fair dinkum dinky di democrats not arrogrant socialists.

imajulianutter,
You're talking about the past again, you need to do a 180 if you want to reflect on today.

individual

a reading of the ancient Greeks, Russian classics, the great philosophers and thinkers of the western world through the ages confirms basic truth never changes.

What does change is the alternatives various shallower writers throw up. eg marx and engels and most of the writers of the 'me' generation of today.

read them and you'll learn, as I have.

imajuliannutter

1.a reading of the ancient Greeks, Russian classics, the great philosophers and thinkers of the western world through the ages confirms basic truth never changes.

2.What does change is the alternatives various shallower writers throw up. eg marx and engels and most of the writers of the 'me' generation of today.

3.read them and you'll learn, as I have.

Some interesting points there nutter - and an interesting claim that you've read 'the Ancient Greeks, the Russian classics, AND the great philosophers and thinkers of the Western world through the ages

Speaking as someone who has in depth read and studied Plato, i.e. The Republic, The Laws et al,(and what remains of the best oppositional philosophy - mainly therefore by references made by his contemporaries and within which incidentally are the seeds of today's Occupy thinkers and activisms) read and studied Decartes and Nietzsche (together with Lampert's excellent commentaries)Kant to some degree, as with others, and just about everything of Chomsky outside of his linguistic work, and having dismissed Marks' writings as a series of assertions with no real philosophical content or science, let alone merit I think that perhaps now I begin to understand where you're coming from?

Do tell me deezul.do-nicely, does it hurt, & is it possible for you to sit down?

hasbeen
In no degree does it hurt, mainly because
1. That doesn't mean I agree with anything nutter has so far put forward, nor do I believe that he's studied any of the philosophers in depth (which isn't at all to be equated with 'reading' them) and though he hasn't mentioned it I'll take bets on him not having investigated in any depth whatsoever the Ancient Greek philosophers, by which I mean their backgrounds, and Plato in particular. If he by any chance has then he's simply swallowed the hook, the line and the rod and most obviously hasn't considered that its exactly those philosophies which have and still are directly responsible for our present societies whereby a tiny number of the 1% own everything, including most of the planets resources, aided by their complicit specialised political class whose only duty and allegiance is to their Oligarch masters and certainly not to the 99% - whilst they offer promises to you which they won't and have no intention of keeping and, if you foolishly vote them into office, they'll deliver the same old sops which have no real beneficial effect for you. That's those self same politicians of which you're all debating and discussing the merits thereof. In short you're all dancing the tune that all politicians have played for you through the ages. The only pertinent comment I've read in here from an indigenous soul was an observation that when centralisation was minimal things worked a lot better and that when centralisation came more to the fore, it all got a lot worse.
Jeez you know, I'm so looking forward to the end of this years summer and watching your cricketers leaving with their sorely whipped ego's shattered into tiny little pieces.

Deezel mate,

Jeez you could become aussie yet.

I, like you, mostly subscribe to Plato's Socretes. But I also see the relevance of Diogenes, especially in today's world.

Watch for my novel later this year. A mother's Tuition: A Father's Love.

K. Kennelly.

ah apologies nutter for the late reply - been away from the forum on matters personal - a sin blemish, diagnosed as skin cancer but not the malignant variety thank goodness, Even so they've chopped that area and a bit more out of my skin and underlying tissue. The operation (local anesthetic) was okay, the aftermath extremely painful - so again
my apologies.
But your 'could become an Aussie comment cheered me up immensely :-)

nudge me with a comment when your book is published nutter and I'll for sure be reading it with some anticipation :-)

to all -

I realise your preoccupations are atm focused around the forthcoming election, of which other than my previous comments I'm not too concerned at an individual level and have nothing of substance to add to that particular debate.

My concerns for all levels of community lie in a different direction. To that end I'm submitting for Graham's approval or rejection a new topic, a new thread, under the heading of 'Myths of Democracy'.It's about democracy per se and pertains to Australian democracy only insofar as it pertains to all democracies.

I guess like everyone who puts a topic up I just hope it might have some relevance for anyone interested in their own indigenous political processes, so if it interests you please slag, drag or add as you feel so inclined :-)

imajuliannutter

just picking up your interest in Diogenes, which we would seem to have in common - though I focus upon Plato in my writings because of the massive influence he has and continues to have within the specialised political classes of our nations. There's a pretty neat line from Diogenes to Zeno, who suffered the same fate in that his writings are only available by references made by his contemporaries. In some measure Zeno figures largely with me, not because he further extended stoicism (which fits pretty well with my personal inclination) but rather because in many respects he would seem to have made the first viable articulation of another and to my mind greater philosophy which, at a purely personal level, I believe to be the only philosophy which offers a real alternative to the ongoing marginalisation of the 99%.

deezul,

hopefully I'll not need to nudge you. I expect nothing less than a 'Booker'.

I'm pleased I cheered you. Humour and levity, like work, are great medicine

Not at all familiar with Zeno.
Weather willing I'll read this weekend as I sail beautiful Moreton Bay. Which I predict with certainity neither activity will be done backwards nor in a bathtub ... .

Expect I can google Zeno?

Off to collect alcohol and prepare 'Sunshine' now.

Deezul,

Publishing articles on Onlineopinion is very rewarding.

I've always received great encouragement, and have on a couple occassions, to my amazement even had contributions rejected outright. On reflection, deservedly so.

I've received assistance with editing, which again I find absolutely amazing and horrifies me. Eventually I've sort of grudgingly accepted the truth of the editor's 'suggestions'.

I've published regularly on topics I feel strongly about.

I ignore all comments that are out of order or totally opposed to my views. That's part of my definition of rewarding.

Good luck.

imajuliannutter
sounds like a fabulous way to recharge the batteries nutter yes - umm yes editorial process can be a bit traumatic. I imagine Zeno will show up in the fabulous DuckDuckGo search engine (which I love and support because its exactly what a search engine should be, just good clean results)