Arjay - I agree with your previous 2 posts as well. Having watched John Howard's career evolve over the years I am dismayed that my worst predictions are being realised.

Who is the alternative? Labor has forgotten its roots. The greens are too ideological, the democrats are next to pointless.

Even with Howard voted out - how will the IR 'reforms' be rolled back? I don't want to continue with my line of reasoning here, simply because it is too depressing and I suffer from that enough already.

I will hope that a leader of conscience will emerge - sooner rather than later.

Arjay/Scout, I agree with you that Labor has lost it's sense of how it came into being, I will be voting Labor at the next election, not because I think they are the best party for the job, but simply at the moment, they appear to be the best, of the worst, what a sad time in Australian Federal politics, when in my humble opinion, this is the case, but whatever I do, I won't vote Liberal in the Senate, and perhaps not Labor either, as I think we have all seen what happens to political parties, when given too much power, the problem I now face is who to vote for in the Senate?

Dear Shonga
please don't resign yourself to your condition as a fate acompli mate..
It didn't happen over night, and rehabilitation will also not happen over night.

To be honest, your experience sounds like you have had the emotional stuffing knocked out of you.. I confess also, that "purchasing officer" would not be my choice of work :) I would alllways be panicking that "production is halted because such and such a part has not arrived" and ur damned no matter what you do because even if the couriers lost it..."its your fault"...sound familiar ? :)

I still suggest you take small steps.. not big ones.. into gradually reclaiming 'you' and your self esteem. I'm sure you have a valuable knowledge base in your head, and some honest reflection might encourage you to think better about yourself. I mean.. you would know you have runs on the board.

Sometimes we just need someone to encourage us.. I mean..I feel awful about not at this time being able to give my kids a good 18th etc.. or that they are embarassed to bring friends to "our place" with our fridge that we continually re-freeze the water in containers to keep the bottom half cold.. :) its all good.

I'm constantly reminding them that its MUCH better to go from rags to 'something better' than the other way round. They will be richer people inside because of things they have learned.

Philippians 4
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Key word "Through Him" :)

Dear David,
Of course you are correct, if you look at the start of this page, we began enemies, and by the end, we have become friends, of course we will not agree on everything, however I now, after dialogue, consider you to be a man of good heart, and sound mind, and I regard you more as a friend, and fellow traveller, fellow Christian, and a man of principal, who, like myself is not afraid to air his opinion strongly. It is the great attribute of humanity, communication. Sadly I insulted Leigh,Sage and another person on a differnt page, and cannot find the page to apologise to them, so I hope they read this post, and accept my apology, I was angry because of their comments, as I am a very compassionate person, and their comments seemed to lack compassion to me on that day. David yes that situation is very familiar to me, I was abused by customers sometimes for lack of deliveries, that I had tried my best to make sure were delivered, unfortunately we all have to rely on members of the team to play their part, and not all do, I felt a personal obligation to each and every customer, so much so, it would keep me awake at night wondering if what I had done through the day, had been backed up by storemen and packers, frieght companies ect... You seem to understand very well what my position entailed, I honestly do appreciate, your kind words, and encouragement, and look forward to reading many more of your posts, may God bless David, Regards,Shaun

Des Griffin I will agree,our problem in australia is that there are some people that believe in the pied piper,and will follow him at all times,many read the daily liar,and as normal pro howard,but the signs are clear that it will come to that.I know of a clothing company,that sold out to an asian country,and some of their best workers got the boot,as they supported the union movement,though none were members,one young man was retained,given a rise,the firm moved from one location to another,this young man now has much further to travel,by taxi bus and train,he used to get home at 5.30 pm,but now he has to do more work,and now gets home at around 7.10pm,the family used to wait for him before they had their evening meal,now his mum has to keep his food warm,it is double work for her,and misses him at the evening meal,but he has no alternative,but to work overtime,without overtime rates,so it is not only him coming home late,but the whole family is inconvienced,I SUPPOSE there are many families now in the same boat,this is where howard is taking us,down the road of no return.

Yesterday Peter Costello told us the economy was in the best shape for a long while.
This on top of the BCA crying out our need to slash wages and conditions to just stay in the market.
This IR reform is a LIE its intent is to improve profits by reduceing Australian liveing standards.
It divides us and forever proves the lie that Howard cares for battlers in fact heartlessly the man creats them.
Only the removal of this goverment can repair real damage to fairness in the workplace.