Belly,
looks as though you're down to desperation stage ? I must say your tenacity is nothing short of unbelievable. Shame it's nothing to do with integrity.

Belated happy returns from me too Belly.

Like you I remember those heady days back in the 70's but I am a bit dismayed at some of the remarks people make nowadays in complete ignorance of what was happening back them.
To many, history only started with Howard and all that happened before is a mysterious dark and sinister period but it is extremely relevant to what's happening today.

I'm also disappointed with the 21st century version of the ALP but based on my previous experiences I know I will happily go to my grave in the knowledge that I will never have voted for that alternative bunch of corrupt, power-hungry and hypocritical opportunists who have become even worse in the years since.

I vote of the basis of what's good for the national long-term interest and not what's in my own best interests in the next few months.

The reason Unions were formed in the first place still exists today but it would be good if the ALP can be seen to be more independent of those internal interest groups.

Corruption and undue influence exists within most organisations. The LNP/AP are no different - it's just that theirs remains better hidden from public and media scrutiny.

Wobbles,
Unions did a great job, there's no arguing about it. But they also did a lot of really bad damage, no arguing about that either. Just look how the public service was turned into the worst economic cancer thanks to Unions.
When Whitlam's gang started to make inroads the unions went from being a benevolent organisation to a benign one.

Thanks wobbles I can see you lived then in your posts.
Well every one tells me to ignore trolls, some even remind me a set of descriptive terms tells if a person is a troll.
I wounder.now I truly do, it is not in my nature to turn away from deliberate flaming.
My integrity is questioned time and again by Indy.
I could get the verbal tennis racket out and hit a few back across the net.
But Indy, you seem unaware you let so very much verbal junk fly.
And in truth I do doubt you can do better.
My honesty is of more value to me than any thing I ever had, the respect and lifetime friendship of my past members badge of honor to me.
My ability to soak up your childish spite is of worth, your view is not.

If we look at the Catholic Church, or any Church, any religion.
Or any political party.
Maybe and social organization from Country Womens to , well any group.
And if that look is honest, we will see protection of individuals, and the group.
Big business even fails to prosecute thieves, because it may damage the brand.
In all these cases hiding crimes/ wrong actions/poor actions, because he/she is one of us.
Or because we do not want to damage our brand is.
Well folks it is building a brick wall right across the street blocking all chance of better.
And that wall, built on such foundations often falls right on those it was meant to protect.
HSU may never recover from its damage, maybe it would be better if it never did.
But with effort and commitment it may bring better to others.

Many Happy returns Belly,
Must meet up with you some time on 40.
7105 on Friday afternoons was it not ?
mycall@wia.org.au

I was a member of the ETU a long time ago and I never had a complaint
about them. Never had to call on them for anything important but
unions are like insurance policies, you just never know when you might need them.