Lexi, "I've made it quite clear many times that I do prefer
to use independent media sources like New Matilda and
Independent Australia"

In preference to 'MSMs' that you reckon are not independent like The Canberra Times, The Economist or the Australian Financial Review.

Have you considered that you just look for the fodder that confirms your world view?

Then you post it with pained instructions and directions for the bovine herd (sic) who inexplicably don't always see things your way? LOL

I would not have any objection to using aid money on people being trafficked. At least we can say it is being spent in the right direction.
The total bill should come from aid money, and that includes the set up of these island camps.
Abbott's balloon has been pricked. No doubt it will be a busy weekend.

onthebeach,

I'd like to think that
my professional training is better than that.
Librarians are not in the business of telling
people what to think or of censoring material.
Their responsibility is not to deny, but to add,
enrich, stimulate and amplify.

Dear Lexi,

<< my professional training...[as a] Librarian>>

And now you've gone and shattered my image of you--I had you pegged as a professional comedian-darn!

doog, "I would not have any objection to using aid money on people being trafficked"

That is big of you considering that it is TAXPAYERS' money. The money has been extracted compulsorily from Australian workers, most of whom are on very modest wages and working in difficult conditions. They expect government to give priority to those essential services that are the fundamental to why we have government in the first place.

As for "people being trafficked", the PM Mr Rudd, the Foreign Minister, Mr Carr and Labor government are saying they are economic migrants who buy expensive boat tickets from travel agents with the objective of bull(bleep)ing and browbeating the Australian government into giving them citizenship and family reunion.

That is 'Wonderful Centrelink' forever and two fingers to the real refugees. For many there is no personal risk, just put one of the kids on board. Plenty more kids and cash to try again if necessary, apparently.

'Dr No', the innumerate Penny Wong underestimated the cost of 'asylum seekers' who cost billions more than she anticipated. She also forgot that it always was taxpayers' money, the government has none of its own, and the taxpayers would like to see it estimated and spent properly, for example on those homeless who are looking cold these nights.

Dear SPQR,

Me - a professional comedian?

Close. And very perceptive of you.

Because -

Librarians do have to have a sense of
humour. Afterall they deal with members of
the public such as yourself.

BTW: they also happen to
be - novel lovers.