Like many other Queenslanders, I was utterly appalled at Beattie's naked appeal to populism by sinking taxpayers' money into a State funeral for Bjelke-Petersen. Having said that, I was even more appalled at the ABC's editorial decision and its live broadcast of the funeral, but unsurprised at the Courier-Mail - which had steadfastly refused to expose the corruption that was institutionalised in Queensland under 19 years of Bjelke-Petersen dictatorship until after the ABC 4-Corners documentary 'The Moonlight State'.

Bjelke-Petersen only avoided a gaol sentence because his trial was corrupted by his National Party mates. If that had not happened, nobody would have dreamed of a State funeral for the corrupt old dictator.

And no, I don't think Beattie should get one either - although it'd almost be worth it if it would hasten his demise.

Wandi, I tend to agree with the idea of abolishing state funerals and many of the other perks enjoyed by paid employee's of the people.

A much more satisfactory solution than only supporting them for Pollies from "our own side of politics" (I hate that phrase but have not thought of a better way of expressing it).

R0bert

Wanting to ensure that the corruption of the past is not forgotten does not mean that one is ignoring the corruption in the present.

Also, Beattie may be corrupt but he is by no means as paternalistic and actively intolerant of diversity as Joh was.

Fortunately for Beattie, there is no opposition capable of either effectively pointing out his sins or of offering any viable alternative.

I agree with you boazie – Wayne seems to forget -

In the past, some folk actually voted for Joh – how many have actually voted for Wayne None (according to the brief profile on this site)?

And yet again we have the snipers and low life who skulk and sneak around hiding in the grass, whining and complaining that Joh, as a past Premier of a State, agree with this fellow Wayne and demand he should not be given the respect and dignity we afford other State Premiers.

It is too easy for those who don’t “do” to criticise the activities of those who do “do” – ultimately the legacy fits the life – Joh will be remembered, for good and bad - whilst so many will not be remembered, recalled or thought about – the faceless forgotten ones who did nothing – but criticised all that did (one might even be called Wayne Sanderson – no one will remember but then, no one will actually care)

Sorry Col. Wayne was and is a journalist, not a pollie. His job is differnet and what he "does" is different. I remember Wayne from many, many years ago reporting on the job. He has always been someone to look for the truth, which is what journalists are supposed to do. There ought to be nothing wrong with that.

Hear! Hear!

The Courier-Mail's whitewash of Bjelke-Petersen's corrupt and vicious regime was appalling, second only to Premier Pete's naked attempt to stay sweet with all the former Joh voters (who were always a minority in this state, let's not forget) who now vote for him.

A Joh statue erected in Brisbane won't last five minutes unless it includes a brown paper bag clutched firmly in one hand, a police truncheon in the other.