Not a Dry Eye

An astute summary of last night's mood, from Former Secretary of State Colin Powell (that guy is slowly clawing his way back up my ladder). Obama's victory was based almost exclusively on his inclusiveness. Powell's weren't the only eyes with tears in them during Obama's speech, that's for sure.

(By the way, the Daily Beast is a cool place to get your news if you don't have a better source - and it's good to see Hugh has graduated from Nine to CNN, well played)

Yes He Can

My over-riding emotion yesterday was relief - pure and simple relief. After such a long campaign, with some many hopes riding on a single day, the weight of expectation was crippling. A few commentators were still entertaining thought of an upset, waxing lyrical about The Bradley Effect – but most of all the Republican fear factory had left more than a few voters with Obama related doubts. So, when Ohio was called for Obama early on, and the 2004 map shattered, all I felt was relief. President-elect Obama. It’s got a hell of a ring to it.

In the end, it was an Obama whitewash, like few of us dared to hope for (though one which 538 astutely predicted). The Dems won in Ohio, Indiana, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and crucially Virginia and Florida (all states that went for Bush in 2004). North Carolina and Missouri are yet to be called, but Obama could squeak home there too (not that it matters: his 349 electoral votes far exceed the 270 he required). The Dems have also extended their hold on the Senate (was 49-49 and 2 independents, now its 56-40 with 4 undecided) and House of Reps (won about 20 extra seats and hold their clear majority). Reaching the magical 60 senate seats (which stops Republican stalling tactics) would, for the first time in a long time, give the Dems complete control of all three branches of government.

The bad news from Election Day, to temper my celebrations came from the ballot initiatives in several states. California’s Prop 8 seems to have been passed (52-48%), banning gay marriage in that state (Florida and Arizona did the same). The benevolent people of Arkansas also saw fit to enact a ban on gay couples adopting, while Nebraska agreed to end affirmative action. All very, very disappointing. It was some consolation to see the passing of some more liberal initiatives in Michigan (medical marijuana and stem cell research) and Washington (euthanasia) – but still a bittersweet day.

Overall though, I’m glad that Obama (and Biden) will be given his chance to enact some of his vision. The doubters failed to deny him the highest office and he can now let his actions speak for him. The reality that he’s not a secret Muslim, or a communist, or just a fancy speaker will be plain for all to see. I have great faith that the much (if not all) of his agenda will be hotly pursued: battling climate change, ending the war, mending health care and turning the economy back from the brink. Already the world is more receptive to the US following the change of leadership – and me, like many others have a really good feeling about the next 4 years. Congratulations, Mr. President (elect).

No on 8

The relationship between the individual states of the US and the Federal Union is a complex one. The courts are kept busy delineating a zigzagging line between the autonomy (and law making ability) of the states – and their subservience to Washington. The result is a patchwork of laws and regulations unique to each state, covering such weighty topics as the death penalty, the age of consent, gun ownership and of course abortion. Topical this week though, is again same-sex marriage currently only allowed in three US states (and 6 countries, none of which are Australia): Massachusetts, Connecticut – and up until today, California – but I’m getting to that.

Another peculiarity of the state law making process is the ballot initiative. Proposed amendments to the state constitution or laws are offered up for a referendum and decided by the people. I’m familiar with its work from Episode 23 of Simpsons Season 7 – Much Apu About Nothing. Aside from Homer’s hilarious “I would like to buy your rock” gear at the front end (introducing me to spurious reasoning), the episode parodies California Proposition 187 – which in a nutshell blames ‘immigants’ for rising costs, and voted to exclude them from social services. The episode showcases the ignorance and fear-mongering that often drives ballots of this sort.

Anyway, I could go on about the Simpsons all day, but the parallel is that today California votes on a range of initiatives, including the banning of gay marriage – by editing their constitution to read: "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Arizona, Arkansas and Florida have similar homophobic votes today – while other states are seeking to make abortion more difficult to access, voting on medical marijuana, assisted suicide and ending affirmative action. Emotions, clearly are running high. The partisans from both sides have spent big, especially on Prop 8, seeing it (as always) as a leverage point to widen the ‘fight against gays’ (much of the ‘Yes’ funding has come from the Mormons and a crackpot millionaire named Howard F. Ahmanson).

On such an historic day – Obama’s landslide win – I’m hoping that many of these conservative ballot proposals are defeated. I feel particularly strongly about Prop 8 in California. I see California as a liberal, cosmopolitan state, and it makes good sense that they have equality for same-sex couples. The ‘Yes’ campaign has peddled blatant lies about the erosion of the institution of marriage – and the fall of the US… spreading the kind of baseless fears that have perpetuated racism for so long. Let me say this once more for the dummies – your loving marriage cannot be attacked by anyone, let alone by the loving marriage of a same-sex couple. Chisel it into your forehead. I’d clearly be voting ‘No’– and I hope the majority of Californians do likewise. 

President Obama

As an Australian, you could be forgiven for thinking that tomorrow’s US elections don’t affect you. Well you could have, back in the day when ineptitude wasn’t such a premium, and few believed that one man could destroy a whole country. Eight Bush years later and we know better: the country is heavily divided along ideological divides, the once powerful US (and world) economy is disintegrating and peace is a distant memory. So many of the assumptions of world order have been shattered, by the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive strikes, by the naming of an axis of evil and a spurning of diplomacy as a sign of weakness. Bush will long be remembered as the worst President they’ve ever had.

Having watched this disaster slowly unfold, it’s clear that the influence of the American President is far reaching. The limits of his power were assumed to be far smaller than Bush showed them to be. He unilaterally invaded Iraq, has held over 700 detainees in Gitmo without charge (270 remain) brought state sanctioned torture to the West and spied on his own citizens (not only is he stupid, he’s mean too). In this light, I hope you’d agree that this election is worth paying attention to and that the outcome has tangible consequences.

Without overstating my oft repeated pro-Obama position, the only logical winner tomorrow is Barack. Ideologically, it’s time to turn this car around, on its way to the extreme right – and head back to the centre. The Palin stereotype is the last type of governance the US (or the world) needs. The Republicans have run a fearful campaign, threatening everything from a Muslim Terrorist President – to married gay doctors performing abortions in the streets (Barack will take your money, your guns, and your freedom!!) The reality is, Obama will end the war in Iraq, wage a better one in Afghanistan, favour the middle class over the rich and take a shot at some real problems: healthcare and energy.

I’m as fearful as the next Obama supporter about an upset – but logic tells me that he will win in a landslide. His ground game is better, he has more money, and his positions are stronger. Long Red states could be swept aside, awash in Obama-blue. Despite that, I will sit here, madly refreshing 538 and CNN, watching every vote come in – waiting for the announcement that Obama is President elect. Don’t let me down America.

Raise the Alarm

I’ve always been a fan of the Living End. They’re a great Aussie band. For a few years there I couldn’t get enough of them and will always remember their set at the Falls Festival back in 2003. Lead singer and guitarist Chris Cheney is a genius (and for the record, my preferred Cheney) and that night, he played like he’d made a deal with the devil. Back in July, the lads released their latest offering: a catchy album called White Noise.

It’s a good album, plenty to get into if you have the patience to listen. Track 9, 21st Century sounds like an updated version of We Didn’t Start the Fire, but a little darker (“Hefner is the devil incarnate”). In particular though, I was most pleased to hear track 2: Raise the Alarm. It’s the Atheist’s Anthem that I’ve longed for. My previous preferred band, Bad Religion, hint at the issue, with lines like “maybe god is just a chemical fiction” – but, The Living End have really nailed it here:

I may not believe in God
That doesn't mean I'm a lesser person
I still have a heart
And I know what it feels like to be broken

I may not believe in Jesus
But I believe in sacrifice
Life doesn’t always stand reason
No one ever gets a chance
To live it twice

The song articulates many of societies prejudices against atheists. We still have morals. We are still capable of virtuous actions. Organised religion does not have the monopoly on goodness (to say the very least). Watch the clip, listen to the song and re-think your position on atheists.

Too Close to Call

The seemingly endless US Presidential campaign is finally drawing to a close, and the American people have a 50% chance of proving my strong belief that democracy doesn’t work. Its innate weakness is the inability of the majority to ponder deeply on the challenges of a global society – and the likelihood that showmanship (money and spin) will trump substance. Put simply, most people don’t know what’s good for them.

The remaining choices for US President exemplify this particular flaw. While the Democrats have promised healthcare reform, and end to the war in Iraq, middle-class tax cuts and to pay attention to the imploding economy – the Republicans are responding with character traits like honour, bravery, experience and propensity to fire a high powered firearm. With most polls showing a dead even race, I can’t help but wonder how this can be so?

Now, McCain has been drifting to the right ever since he last failed to get to the White House in 2000. His former reasonable stances on immigration, abortion, and foreign policy have dissolved in a froth of expediency. His pick of Sarah Palin as running mate, has confirmed that he’s out of drifting room and has crashed aground on Right-Wing Extremist Island. Sarah doesn’t think there is ever a justification for abortion. She’s a gun enthusiast (nut), has no real concept of foreign policy (except living across the water from Russia!), and very recently wondered aloud (and on camera) exactly what is it that the VP does… She was chosen specifically to appeal to the small town folk stereotype that she epitomises – and for the time being, it seems to be working.

I remain hopeful that sanity will prevail. Obama is a strong, articulate man. He’s not only got sound policy positions, but a star quality usually lacking in Democrats (excluding Bill of course). He’s chosen wisely in the experienced Joe Biden as his running mate. Together, they are the intelligent, non working class, non-small town types that I feel should be in charge of leading the free world.

Unfortunately, the international appeal of smart, reasonable men runs a strong chance of succumbing to the US tendency to choose conservative zealots who remind them of themselves. For my sake and yours, I hope this time will be different. 

A White House

Posting has been reduced to a trickle of late. The cabinet has undergone a series of serious geographical changes and time has been a hot commodity. My loyal Chief of Staff has gone trans-pacific and is now reporting (any day now) from Sunny California, while my missing Finance Minister has long since relocated to Dreary Old England. Meanwhile, in pursuit of the Australian Dream, I’ve uprooted the First Lady and we’ve headed west: the White Unit has been upgrade to a White House.

My change of venue in particular has brought a heightened sense of realism to many aspects of social policy that have long been an annoyance. Clearly, President-In-Waiting doesn’t pay anything like it should, so I’m now the proud owner of a mortgage I can’t afford. I also commute, like a sucker, via City Rail’s poorly run, shambles of a rail network. To ice the cake, The First Lady is quietly incubating a Presidential Heir, highlighting the meager allowances given to child bearing folk in our society in terms of maternity leave, child care and health cover. The whole affair has made me want to be President more than ever.

So, it starts again, with renewed vigour. The good people at Commonwealth Bank are On Notice – after mercilessly screwing me, while claiming to be “Determined to Be Different”. Don’t even get me started. City Rail has also made the list – though I’m hopeful that the fall of the Iemma Government will mean that the motto changes from “Ineptitude, it’s what we do”. Catchy. I’m also gunning for Big Pharma and our crumbling health care system – the lessons of Sicko are not lost on me, as they are on our present leaders. My mahogany desk, and faux seal are in place and the time for posting invective has returned.

Zero Tolerance

Recently (or some months ago when it was still topical if you prefer), as I was pondering the merits of the sell-off of electricity infrastructure the Iemma government was eagerly spruiking, I had a memorable conversation with a member of the voting public. I was trying to be a balanced Chief of Staff and had asked the question of why we were selling the chicken to buy the eggs in an effort to convince my inner socialist that I was missing something. The answer I received startled me not in it's content but rather how readily it's owner had accepted the idea. "Historically, private utilities have been more efficient".

Of course you, dear reader, are right now asking that perennial 5-year old's favourite "But why?". Regardless of whether the management is private, government, or Tasmanian, the business is the same right? Same people selling their labour, same input fuel, same infrastructure expenses, same physics, same revenue from selling the end product. If the private sector really can run it more efficiently and still provide the same level of service then surely instead of handing it over to them we must ask ourselves why the state can't do exactly the same thing? And more to the point we should be furious that they are not!

The difference between some faceless multinational running things more efficiently or the state doing the same is crucial. One makes a tidy profit and blows it all on hats, and the other makes a tidy profit and blows it all on a pay-rise for teachers, nurses, policemen, or some extra express train services between Redfern and Panania, for example. You can be sure dear reader that this administration is furious. We could go on about similar tolerated inefficiencies in the banking or insurance sectors for example, but instead we'll save those for another post in a few weeks to keep the wolves at bay...

Simply put no company would be interested in buying any business they couldn't turn a profit from, and every penny of profit that could be made is one that should be being made now, and being spent on the good people of NSW. Thankfully there are enough sane ministers on both sides to have seemingly killed the electricity sell-off for now but it will raise it's head again and there are plenty of other examples. So ask yourself why, and be angry! Even if only for the tax break that's in it for you. And if you're a public servant, stop reading blogs and get back to work.

That Iguana Thing

I rue the day that the Watergate office-apartment-hotel complex was built in 1967. Or maybe I should be ruing that the Democratic National Committee moved their headquarters there – and that Nixon decided to authorise robbing their asses. Either way, I have a lot of regrets that the aforementioned Watergate scandal became so damn famous that every political scandal hence forth needed a –gate suffix. Lewinsky-gate, Camilla-gate, Nipple-gate… there’s a million of them, too often coined by people not alive in 1972, or aware of the true origins of the name. It makes a man’s ruing fist ache with over use. The latest addition is a local one, Iguana-gate, referring to John Della Bosca and wife Belinda Neal running amok at Iguanas Waterfront Bar.

It only happened two weeks ago, but already I wish I was born without ears. Talk about over reporting. The hapless oppositions in both state and federal parliament have seized on the incident and have devoted most of their ‘question time’ questions to ‘getting to the bottom’ of the affair. In NSW, Labor is taking a beating, primarily because of the culture of corruption and abuse of power that is taking shape. Today, for the first time Barry O’Farrell out polled Morris Iemma as preferred Premier – something that I hope Iemma takes very personally; it’s like losing a popularity contest to a cardboard cut out. So far though at the federal level, Rudd has managed to float clear of Ms Neal’s scandal… but he’s not out of the woods yet.

My solution to this is twofold. For starters, Iemma has worn out his welcome with me. It’s time to bring him down. The media are speculating that the left wingers in the state Labor party are conspiring to over throw him and replace him with Carmel Tebbutt, Nathan Rees or even uninspiring John Watkins (I’m a Tebbutt man for the record) – something they should do post-haste. A clean slate is just what NSW needs right now, a purging of the corrupt mafia-esque cadre running the place. Axe Iemma, Della Bosca, Tripodi and my old mate Costa. The time for the rising of the left is here.

Second, Rudd should be sounding loud and clear that the era of arrogance and privilege associated with politics has passed - by making an example of Belinda Neal if necessary. The public are in a mood for change and for ‘new politics’ and have little tolerance for the old clichés. These include demanding a better table because you’re an MP, peer pressuring employees to doctor statutory declarations, and writing the club’s apology for them. Bringing (at least the pretense) of public service (and humility) back to the Public Service is the new black… get onboard or get run over by it.

So Close

There’s only one thing worse than losing: coming within a whisker of winning – and then losing. The closer you get, the more it hurts. As Tiger tapped in for par on the 19^th (sudden death play-off hole) today, Rocco Mediate got a taste of what I’m talking about. So close to making history, to clinching glory and yet so very, very far. After 18 months of primaries, Hillary Clinton burns with thoughts of what might have been – and don’t even get me started on Al Gore.

As my man Barack clinched the Democratic nomination earlier this month, my thoughts turned to the biting disappointment that would accompany his loss in November. For me this would be accentuated by the knowledge that the Obama path leads us all out of the jungle, while McCain will only plunge further into it.

Logically, McCain shouldn’t come within cooee of the Presidency. I stand by my past assertions that he was the best Republican candidate, and I’m glad that he’s the nominee. He’s generally a straight shooter, has a proud military history and (was at least) considered a moderate amongst his right wing colleagues. As the race has progressed though, the 71 year old has tracked right, courting the support of the conservative base, and sticking with his pro-Iraq War stance. His suggestions for economic recovery and the environment are simplistic at best (and afterthoughts at worst). He’s also found himself continually justifying his involvement with lobbyists – and just lately, his temper (In 1992, after Cindy McCain teased her husband about his thinning hair, McCain snapped at her, in front of the reporters and two staffers: "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you c—.") Nice C-bomb - way to court the female vote...

In contrast, Obama embodies the fresh start that so many of us crave. He is championing cornerstone Democratic causes like Universal Health Care, immigration reform and an end to the War – but he also promises a return to a less invasion-based foreign policy (Joe Biden will make a great Secretary of State). I’ve gone on and on about Obama over the last few months, I can’t say enough good things about him.

Given all that, why am I worried? The Republicans of this generation are a remorseless lot committed to winning at all costs. In the post-Karl Rove era, any and all tactics are on the table. So far in the campaign, Obama has been labelled an elitist, a secret Muslim, terrorist and an anti-white bigot, while the character assassination of his wife is only beginning (when they bumped fists on stage the other night – shown above -, FOX News asked whether it was a “terrorist fist jab”. Pricks. (For a full list of the smears, go to Obama’s truth site). Add to that the innate stupidity (and, don’t kid yourself, rascism) of the continental US and this election is by no means over.

So, fingers crossed that Obama keeps fighting the good fight, and steers a controversy free path to November (he’s had enough already). I’m hopeful that there are enough well informed Americans to see through the smear campaigns and carry him to a fairytale victory. Having gotten this close to history though, who can help but feel the specter of the corresponding despair that a loss will bring.

Oil Pressure

I couldn’t help but notice last time I was filling up Commodore One (that’s right, I still pump my own gas… for now) that it cost nearly twice as much as it used to. Back in the day, a full tank would set me back $40 or so – and lately, nearly $85. Now, I’m not going to lie and say that it doesn’t hurt, because clearly it does – but I’m sick to death of hearing the whole country whine about it constantly. The rising fuel prices reflect some harsh realities that we all need to acknowledge, beginning with the obvious: this trend is not temporary.

For starters, the increase in prices reflects (the only) real cost to us citizens of the war in Iraq. Unless you’re deployed there (or were until yesterday), or know someone who is, the war is an abstract concept. The odd 30 second snippet gets on TV every now and then, but otherwise it bears no direct effect on any of us. Let’s face it – Iraq is a long way away. Unfortunately, the fighting there (and flow down regional instability) is the driving force behind rising crude prices… up from about $40 a barrel in 2001 – to $127 this week (and expected to reach $200 in 2009). Hopefully you don’t need me to pencil in the connection between crude oil prices and petrol costs (hopefully). Henceforth then, let your $85 tank remind you of the consequences of a hastily planned and poorly executed war.

More broadly though, the clamor for oil and petrol are representative of a problem more permanent than war: our supplies are definitionally finite. Delirious with our own oil driven technology, demand has grown substantially in a few short decades – Australia consumed 350,000 barrels/day in 1965, and in 2005, 884,000 (note that our consumption is dwarfed by US, China… well almost everyone). Meanwhile, supplies generally remain fixed. Sure, new fields are occasionally discovered, upgraded or invaded – but with demand how it is, the impact is minor. At current consumption, Saudi Arabia will be out of oil in about 80 years, and Canada (which produces at 1/3 the speed) will be oil-free in 150. Clearly, demand is not expected to flatten out overnight, so these projections are overly generous. The bottom line: if you eat your greens and exercise regularly, you could well see an oil-free earth in your lifetime.

If you aren’t scared by that prospect, you should be. The frustrating thing is that the current leadership paralysis means that solutions are not being explored. There is no over-reaching governmental push for smaller, more efficient cars; for bio-fuel; or more generally for innovation in this area. At present, the collective us are sitting on our hands, wasting valuable time scoring political cheap shots. Meanwhile, the Swedes – as is their penchant – are striding boldly (and logically) forward, vowing oil independence by 2020 (by cutting consumption, increasing efficiency, and exploring alternatives).

For my part (aside from pursuing the Presidency), I’m selling Commodore One and resorting to public transport. Sure, our Costa-tarnished trains are out-dated, crowded and don’t run on time – but I feel like it’s the least I can do. Aside from whining, what are you going to do?

Asleep at the Wheel

Morris, Morris, Morris. You think you know a guy. Back in the middle of last year I thought we’d done the right thing re-electing NSW Premier Morris Iemma. Compared with his frail opposition and their leader Peter Debnam, he was an obvious choice. I was a supporter of the desalination plant – urging Iemma to press on with nuclear ambition, but warned him to “spend [his] political capital while [he] can”. Unfortunately, in the almost 3 years since his original ascension to power, Morris has lost his way, and expended all of my good will. I have that sinking feeling all a sudden that our great state is drifting aimlessly – and it’s iceberg season.

The Iemma government has quickly established a reputation as a ‘politics first’ administration. That is, working hard to save their own corrupt and inept skins, with media spin and old political maneuvering. For a time the cabinet was an all star line-up: convicted child sex offender Milton Orkopoulos, alleged (and unprosecuted) wife beater Phil Koperberg and shady nepotist Joe Tripodi. Unfortunately, Phil and Joe still grace our illustrious front bench – alongside my old bald nemesis, now treasurer, Michael Costa (I’ll get to him in a minute). Despite such a line-up the government enjoys a healthy parliamentary majority, propped up in power by the party’s dominant right wing faction.

The latest debacle is another presided over by (climate change denying) Costa. After his diabolical reign as Transport Minister (2003-2005), Costa went on to blacken the doorstep of the Roads portfolio, followed by Finance – before finally landing the Treasurer’s job. During his Transport tenure, the rail system verged on collapse, with line closures and strikes all too common (I spent many a commute cursing his name and shaking my ruing fist). Now, as Treasurer he’s overseeing the sell off of our state owned electricity generating capabilities. The short-sighted sell off has become popular lately at all levels of government - but runs directly counter to my beliefs that the state should run essential services (I’m so damn sick of the privatisation = efficiency mantra… just run public services better…).

So, overall, I’ve run out of patience with the Iemma government. They’ve shown themselves to be arrogant, generally misguided and at times plain stupid. Morris would do well to cut out some of the more cancerous members of his administration (do me a favour and start with Costa) but unfortunately it is their right wing factional support that keeps him afloat. With recent favourable opinion polling dropping to 28%, he could soon find that neglecting the public and our essential services will finally come back and bite him in the ass. Hell, if we had a decent opposition, it might’ve happened already. Makes an aspiring President think of stooping to lead the State Libs out of the wilderness (just for a second).

Exclusivity

Yesterday, between epically pushing back the frontiers of science, I found myself talking to a French co-worker. Between thickly Franco-English exclamations, our conversation turned unwittingly to the Eurovision Song Contest. The contest (of the song variety, as the name suggests) has been running annually since 1956, and began with just 7 entrants (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy and Switzerland). This has swelled to 49 (who have been in it at least once) and includes countries as diverse (and non-European) as Israel and Morocco. According to old mate, it was originally designed to bury the WWII hatchet – and get the French and Germans to start talking to each other again. To make a long story short, he complained that Eurovision had changed; back in the day it had class and spirit – and above all exclusivity. C'est la vie.

While I’m not passionate about Eurovision, there are obvious parallels to other post-WWII institutions now crippled by their growing memberships. I’ve never been a fan of the United Nations, (though supportive of its initial ideals) primarily for this reason. Its original 50 member ranks (and 5 veto-ers) has swelled to a staggering 192 – with the recent inclusion of Montenegro – meaning that basically all independent states are onboard. While that’s heart warming, the practical upshot is that discussion amongst all these diverse constituents effectively makes agreement (and therefore action) impossible. Having Russia, China and the US as permanent veto-holders does a pretty good job of this in itself.

The European Union is no better. The original 6 founding states have now become 27 – with a legion of others clamoring to be part of the growing European family. In 2004, 10 new nations were added to the party, including Estonia, Dublin, and (the mother country) Malta. Here in 2008, the Europeans are left with a nominal group of countries with competing economic interests, clashing cultures and staggeringly different security outlooks. In reality, calling it a Union is a bit of a stretch…

While the jungles of red tape and intrinsic paralysis characterising the EU and UN make me angry, the similar problems with NATO are the most pressing at the moment. The founding 12 members have been joined by 15 others in the alliance designed to prevent WWII from recurring (the members agree to jointly defend any invaded ally). In short, NATO has become the proxy security force in the world, filling the void created by the UN and is currently responsible for leading the fight for Afghanistan. Unfortunately, political wrangling has hobbled the efficacy of a once forceful organsiation – with some members refusing to deploy troops or to use them in high combat areas. Iceland (who has no standing army) has 10 ‘soldiers’ deployed, Luxembourg 9, and Greece 130. Australia, not even remotely in the alliance has contributed 1100.

In general, all of these post-WWII institutions are bloated and inefficient – and we should be starting afresh. Scrap the UN, disband NATO and dissolve the EU. The whole point of having a club is exclusivity. Exclusivity is only achieved by discerningly admitting new members, who share the ideals of the organisation. NATO is a fighting alliance. You shouldn’t be able to join if you don’t have an army, or don’t want to deploy it. It should be made up of nations who share strategic goals – that way, we might actually achieve some security goals. I’ve grown tired of the indiscriminate inclusion-ism that is crippling the globe and have found another reason to come to power.

An Extended Honeymoon

While I’m not really one for polling data, last week’s Newspoll showing Rudd ahead 73% to 9% (as preferred prime minister over Nelson) was pretty compelling. Polling – particularly phone polling 1000 odd citizens - is innately dodgy, but this time it’s reasonably safe to generalise that Rudd is flying and Dr Nelson is floundering. The Opposition Leader dismissed the numbers as evidence of an ‘extended honeymoon’ implying that voters were merely embracing the new face. Brendan should be so lucky.

Unfortunately for Nelson and his Liberal colleagues Prime Minister Rudd is turning out to be a better prospect that even his biggest supporters hoped for. Since coming to office he has issued a landmark apology to indigenous Australians, axed the unpopular Work Choices, ratified the Kyoto Protocol and is lobbying for a seat on the UN Security Council. In the few short months since parliament reconvened, Rudd has already filled in much of the pit of despair he inherited from his predecessor. This last fortnight has seen the PM climb even higher in my Presidential esteem, raising our international profile with a series of high profile meetings. He wants out of Iraq, deeper into Afghanistan, to free Tibet – and, hallelujah, to reopen the Republic debate (someone’s been reading my wish book again). Come week's end, he was doing material in Mandarin... the guy's in fire.

In light of all that Rudd has achieved in such a short time, it’s no wonder that Nelson is polling single digits and that the Opposition are languishing. Nelson is weak and downright abrasive at times. Speculation is rife about his ongoing leadership – not to mention the fate of former government double act Downer and Costello. The Libs, having been in power for so long, and led so decisively over that time, are all of a sudden lost in the woods. For Labors sake, and all of ours, let us hope that the Government continues to surge ahead, in the absence of a cohesive alternative government. There is still much to achieve – this honeymoon has a way to go yet.

Presidential Race

If I thought that I’d gotten rusty after my fall from the posting horse recently, today’s title put that concern to rest. Presidential Race, now that’s a solid pun if ever there was one. Still got it… but pressing on. I don’t where you were on March 18^th but you probably didn’t get the chance to watch friend of the Administration Barack Obama’s historic race speech – subsequently dubbed ‘A More Perfect Union’. Sure you might have seen a few sound bites, but I can tell you that unless you saw the full 37 odd minutes (see below – already viewed some 4 million times) it wasn’t done justice. As many have commented since, the speech has the potential to be carved into history’s pages of Great Speeches alongside ‘I have a Dream’ (MLK Jr), ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ (JFK) and We Shall Fight on the Beaches (Churchill)

Obama’s speech came in response to growing racial tensions and controversy hounding the Democratic Presidential campaign. Following Bill Clinton’s charged comments about Jesse Jackson’s failed 1984 candidacy, and Geraldine Ferraro’s definitively racist "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position”, came incendiary footage of Obama’s pastor Jeremiah Wright. Rev Wright was YouTube’d screaming “Goddam America”, “for killing innocents” and stating that 9/11 was “America's chickens… coming home to roost." Fox News had a field day and some pundits wondered if this was the Obama killing gaffe that they’d all been waiting for.

To make a long story slightly shorter, Obama chose a bold route to settle some of the media fueled innuendo: meeting it head on. In his speech he argued for a frank public debate of race – in contrast to the current status quo – which sees black anger simmering from generations of oppression, and corresponding white discontent over perceived injustices around Affirmative Action. He then decided to stand by his pastor (while condemning his inflammatory words), who he said was a good man, prone to the passion and hyperbole stereotypical of black church leader of generations past.

When the dust settled, many on the right had dismissed Obama’s speech as empty (but pretty) rhetoric – preferring to pretend that the issue of race in America was settled by Lincoln and the Civil War. He was also attacked from the left, by those claiming that he had not done enough to quiet fears about his links to such an extremist preacher. Both were wrong and both missed the point. Obama grandly invested 37 minutes of his life trying to reopen an old wound – this time hoping to get it to heal properly at the risk of his locomotive career. He behaved like a great leader should: he was honest, (not patronizing) and inspirational. Whether he goes on to win the Democratic nomination, and then the White House or not – Obama has shown a depth of character that makes his peers look distinctly two-dimensional.

Beware the Censored Wiki

Friends of the administration. Something terrible has come to my attention recently and I would be failing my duty of care to the public as Chief of Staff in the administration were I not to warn you all of the danger I've discovered. By now you would have noticed as you perused the Colbert '08 Memorial Notice Boards that Wikipedia has been placed On Notice. You see it seems this glorious collaborative wealth of knowledge is scarcely more than a sham. It is not, as I had believed in good faith, the source of all things factual. Evidently a team of Linux using, World of Warcraft playing, darkened room 'moderators' are censoring the 'encyclopedia' continuously, pushing their own agendas and turning the knife in the back of free speech with every keystroke.

Those of you who have been astute enough to source some information from sources other than Wikipedia will probably think I'm writing in response to the Donations-for-Edits scandal that has seen Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales' reputation shattered in recent weeks. Maybe you think I've got my back up in response to the donations rorting allegations made against the same St. Jimmy. Appalling as all of this is, and as much as I felt my trust in Wikipedia was betrayed, it is not a patch on the anger I can only imagine a loyal Australia's First President reader must have felt after a Wiki 'moderator' censored his or her informative edit to the Republicanism in Australia page recently.

This member of the AFP family noticed the aforementioned page failed to refer to the parallel Republic of Australia that has existed since our President took power way back in September 2006 - a significant omission. He/She dutifully edited the Wiki to make note of our great administration, in what can only be described as an unbiased, informative and most importantly factual paragraph. No sooner could this person take a screenshot of the page to forward to the AFP web team for archiving purposes, was the public's right to that knowledge violated by one of Wikipedia's army of censors.

Judge it for yourself, you can find the uncensored version of the page here, thankfully it was salvaged from amongst the thousands of emails Mr. President receives every day from the faithful. On behalf of the administration I'd like to sincerely thank the soldier of the truth who tried in vain to enlighten the world, whoever you may be. One day soon free speech will again be protected under the watchful eye of the Republic, in the meantime I implore you all to boycott Wikipedia, starve them of their ability to misappropriate funds, and to mislead the world. The truth is counting on you.

Hypocrisy

Our society loves nothing more than tearing down our tall poppies. Public life these days is increasingly literal - a life lived out in public - and synonymous with being placed constantly under the media’s glare. The press pack sweat on indiscretions from our most revered members and (rightfully to a point) airs them to a hungry audience. It’s got a gladiator, Colosseum feel to it sometimes, as we delight in the in the devouring of another contender.

Lately, politicians and their increasingly unbelievable sex scandals are in high rotation. It seems that a week can’t go by without another (formerly) well respected official getting brought down for immoral behaviour. Most times the frenzy is accentuated by a second highly combustible ingredient: hypocrisy. In 2006, US Congressman Mark Foley admitted soliciting sex from underage male Whitehouse Page’s – while chairing the House Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children (who sought to target sexual predators!) Similarly, Megapastor Ted Haggard – who took a hard line against homosexuality (and was by all reports a raving wacko), was poetically exposed for buying crystal meth from another man he paid to have regular sex with. In 2007, US Senator Larry Craig completed an unlikely trio, convicted of soliciting his stall-mate for sex in the bathroom of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport following 16 years of strict conservatism (and a voting record to match).

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is the most recent to join the line of disgraced public officials, discovered employing the services of a $1000 an hour prostitute. Spitzer, likened to Eliot Ness, due to his campaign against impropriety in NY – and his alleged uncorruptability – fell hard and heavily from grace. My greatest disappointment though was not that Spitzer has a taste for expensive company (speculation is that he’s spent over $80,000 at the place, and I’m sure that’s the tip of the iceberg) – but that he dragged his devastated wife up on stage to share the spotlight during his apology. As you can see in the picture, she would’ve much rather been sitting down to a streaming hot bowl of razor blades…

I guess then, there are two issues here. First, have the common sense to stay out of trouble. Being a politician these days mean that all your skeletons, past, present and future will eventually be torn from the closet. Make the smart play and resist the temptation to abuse the power that comes with your office. Second, if you just can’t help yourself, have the courage to get on stage by yourself and take your lumps. The last thing anyone wants to see is your poor spouse ‘supporting’ you. It just makes us angrier.

While I’m here, I just want to send a warning out to my man Barrack. You’re our last hope that there can be a different kind of politician. The kind that isn’t secretly gay, while they rail against homosexuality or the kind that hunts down corruption, while lining their own pockets with cash. You're a clean cut, hope-peddling, family man. If by some twist of fate you end up plastered all over the press for not living up to the high standards you have set, then so help me, I will never trust another public figure again.

The Race Grinds On

Goddam Hillary. Like a punch drunk heavy-weight, she just doesn’t seem to know when to stay down. In the wash-up of yesterday’s voting in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island (America’s Tasmania – we’d both cut them free to drift away if we could), two things are clear: 1. Obama failed to land a knockout blow and 2. Hillary was unable to make much of a dent on the points deficit that has her definitively in 2^nd place. There are plenty of measures of who’s in front or behind, who has momentum and who is dead in the water – but it is delegate count that will be the ultimate determinant come August.

On offer in yesterday’s contest were some 370 delegates. According to Obama’s campaign manager David Plouffe, “Hillary Clinton gained 187 delegates, and we gained 183. That's a net gain of 4 delegates”. Nice math Dave, thanks for spelling that out for me. While there is some give in these numbers, given that some are only ‘projected’ while counting continues, his point is salient: the Clintonista’s failed to eat away Obama’s pledged delegate lead. Plouffe, clearly the campaign mathlete, claims that Obama maintains a “lead of more than 150 [pledged] delegates, and there are only 611 pledged delegates left to win in the upcoming contests” (this discounts superdelegates for the time being – CNN has Obama’s total lead at 96). In short, yesterday’s ‘win’ for Hillary was important for momentum (that intangible campaign propellant) but did little to improve her actual position (Texas is a case in point, Hillary won the primary, but the delegates were divided 65-61 – while Obama currently leads the concurrent caucus in the same state).

So, where to from here? Next we’re off to Wyoming and Mississippi; relatively small states (in delegate terms), where Obama is expected to win comfortably. In fact, many are predicting that Hillary will head straight for the next big state, Pennsylvania, where 188 delegates are on offer. In other words, the race grinds on. The fighting within the Democratic Party continues – most recently about whether or not Michigan and Florida’s disqualified delegates should now be included (which would be blatant cheating) - while McCain is sitting pretty as the confirmed Republican nominee.

The Dem’s need to step back and take a breath. Another month or two of tearing each other apart will put both Obama and Hillary at a disadvantage come general election time. McCain is now free to attack both – while they’re concentrating on each other. Inconceivably, we run the risk of seeing another Republican in the White House next year, despite the best efforts of the current one to put that idea to bed. For me, the solution is simple. The mysterious superdelegates need to coalesce around Obama; he’s the voice of change, embodying our hope of better governance – and he’s the one that can beat McCain. In an experience-off, American’s will take the hard nosed Vietnam Vet over the former First Lady everyday of the week. For Dawkin’s sake, someone (I’m looking at you Howard Dean) throw in the towel for her before it’s too late.

Masdar City

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of states overlooking the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. Vast oil and gas reserves (and corresponding spikes in world markets for these materials) have driven the economic growth of the UAE and made it one of the most developed nations in the Middle East, if not the world. The glittering city of Dubai, the business hub which literally sprang out of the dessert, is symbolic of their financial and technological successes. The country continues to enjoy “a massive construction boom, an expanding manufacturing base, and a thriving services sector”, all pointing to continued wealth and development in the future.

So, (almost literally) swimming in oil money, flush with technology and artfully managing a booming economy, most of us would be tempted to sit back, light a stogie and enjoy the fruits of our labour (and/or geological good fortune). To their credit, the UAE are doing no such thing. Instead they are investing billions of dollars in a project that the rest of the world has often talked of, but have not come anywhere near: building a totally sustainable, ‘green’ city.

Near the capital, Abu Dhabi, the UAE are planning a city that “will rely entirely on solar energy, with a sustainable, zero-carbon, zero-waste ecology”. The city, to be called Masdar City, will eventually house nearly 50,000 people, 1500 businesses and have “no point further than 200 m from a public transport link”. The project will also provide space for new universities which will specialise in grooming the next generation of eco-engineers (and the like). The promo video below gives a much more thorough description of the project and is reminiscent of the Cypress Creek video from You Only Move Twice.

Aside from the carbon capture technology (which is definitionally un-sustainable) that the project partly relies on, for its hydrogen power plant – the city is a phenomenal idea. Critics have already condemned it as a ‘symbol’ and ‘half-measure’ – but at a time when the rest of the world sits on their hands, it is a bold initiative. The initial investments have totaled some $22 billion and if that’s not putting your money where your mouth is, then I don’t know what is. It’s also inspiring to see a nation so reliant on oil for revenue, to acknowledge that those supplies will soon expire (like in 100 years, soon). They are currently trialing experimental technology (like concentrated solar plants) and ideas that could well be solutions to many of our environmental problems. Their foresight and pragmatism should make the rest of us ashamed of ourselves.

Sorry is a Start

An even fortnight ago, Kevin Rudd made his historic apology to Indigenous Australians. Rudd’s motion to the parliament was perhaps the most important of our generation, signaling a fresh start for the long failing reconciliation efforts of our nation. In the days leading up to the speech, I was skeptical of its impact – all too often politicians have promised change and fallen pitifully short. Ultimately, though it really was a “where were you when…” moment, rivaling the moon landing and JFK’s demise. I didn’t doubt the necessity of an apology – it was long overdue and a welcome development – but there are powerful symbols and then there is political pandering; there are apologies and there is lip service. Instructively, we were given a look at both on the day.

Rudd was gracious and thorough in his delivery of an unqualified apology. He drew particular attention to the Stolen Generation, both acknowledging the wrongs of the past and looking forward to a shared future. He headed to the opposite end of the old governments policy spectrum; disregarding Howard’s settlement on ‘regret’ and refusal to actually say ‘sorry’- in emphasis, Rudd punctuated his opening remarks with three “we say sorry”(s). Over the course of about 30 minutes, Rudd moved many in the audience to tears and was unanimously applauded for his sincere and complete apology. I was left with an undeniably positive feeling that the Reconciliation train was finally pulling out of the station.

That was of course until the Opposition Leader took his turn to speak. In equivalent time, Brendon Nelson went a long way to spoiling the mood with a display of Dickensian Bah, humbug-ery. After seeking to perpetuate Howard’s no-apology stance, and “cause a mentality of victimhood among indigenous Australians” – he begrudgingly agreed to support Rudd’s gesture. Instead of swallowing his pride and graciously getting all aboard, he sought to draw a series of fine lines, qualifying the Opposition’s involvement in the apology (most controversially: “it is reasonably argued that removal from squalor led to better lives…”) and emphasizing colonial good intentions. It was neither the time nor the place and by speech end, Nelson was talking to the backs of many protestors.

So, what have we learned? First, I think our choice of PM has so far been vindicated – his first act as leader has been to usher in a new era of atonement. Nicely done. He's a man of substance and of action and I hope his reign is long. Second, I think apologies are binary: you make them or you don’t. The minute that qualifying statements are made, the apology is dead in the water and you've wasted your time trying. The Opposition have been petty and bitter in the last few weeks, and the apology was no exception.

Finally, Rudd’s gesture is a strong symbol – but a symbol nonetheless. It needs to be followed up with meaningful change culminating in real improvements to the lives of Aboriginal people. That means continuing to consult with Aboriginal leaders and ultimately to invest real money in proposed solutions. Encouragingly, for the first time in a long time, I feel like we have a leader who will follow up his words with deeds.

Yes We Can

As I’ve watched the US Presidential primaries over the last fortnight, I’ve been reminded of little Lisa Simpson’s forced question to mayoral candidate Mr. Burns: “Your campaign seems to have the momentum of a runaway freight train. Why are you so popular?” A faux question if ever there was one, but one relevant to now Democratic front runner Barrack Obama.

With the Republican’s (sensibly) settling on McCain, it has been left to Obama and Hillary to fight it out for the chance to face him in the general election. Following the almost literal tie on Super Tuesday (there were many diverse interpretations on the technical winner – but trust me it was about even), Obama has won 10 states in a row. As he says, it was a diverse set of wins too: “in small states and big states; Red States and Blue States” What’s more, he hasn’t just squeaked home, he’s dominated – his lowest winning margin, achieved in Wisconsin this week was by 17 percentage points.

So, coming up are the allegedly make or break states of Ohio and Texas. If Obama wins either, the nomination is his – and even if he doesn’t, his momentum and current delegate lead will still hold him in good stead. To get back to Lisa Simpson’s loaded question, his popularity is easy to explain. Obama is a visionary. He inspires. He promises to turn a new page in politics and pull the US out of its deepening spiral. In short, he’s the opposite of McCain and the opposite of Hillary – and that, I assure you is a good thing.

Watch this clip and try not to get inspired.

Everything in Moderation

Loyal constituents. My position as Chief of Staff in the administration typical doesn't involve more than ensuring our President hasn't been the victim of a brazen shirt theft before recording public announcements in the White Unit, and always having a fresh cigar (and a Ben Franklin to light it with) handy in case any of the ministers stub out their current stogie. I do feel compelled however to overstep my role briefly and bring to your attention a disturbing realisation I have come to whilst strolling the hallway of power. Capitalism is a heartless bastard, and left unchecked it will oppress a good many of us.

It all started when my good friend Blackbird and his mate Squash decided they wanted rid of Pokies from their beloved South Sydney Leagues Club. They had a few reasons for wanting to do this and most people would agree they were pretty valid ones - most notably is that Pokies harm the community. They offer a gaming experience unique in that it requires nil human contact and nil thought. Drinks coasters jammed in buttons regurlarly play poker machines when an addict has run out of hands and someone could literally win the jackpot post-mortem (albeit heavily decomposed) if they died leaning on 'spin'. Every facet of Poker machines has been purposely tailored to be the most addictive it can be, and although not unique in the gaming world it is a mathematical certainty you'll lose in the end - operators can even tailor what percentage of your dole cheque they fleece. They are arguably the most addictive form of gambling available, although if I even need to argue then perhaps you'd be better spending your time at the Museum of Creation than reading this blog so as not to waste your time with silly stuff like thinking. For the record 85% of people in treatment for problem gambling are poker machine players.

Anyhow i digress, this isn't meant to be an anti-pokies blog. This was a simple matter for the boys, their club has a patronage on the lower end of the socio-economic scale and various sources estimated some 30-70% of poker machine revenue was coming directly from welfare payments, aka. 'our tax dollars' (that should have the attention of all you Alan Jones listeners out there). They figured the damaging impact was incompatible with the motives of the club and decided to axe the machines. Here's where it started to get a little scary for mine. Because the club is a little like Milo Minderbinder's sydnicate from Catch 22 (everybody has a share) it also has a board of directors bound by law to act "With the best interests of shareholders in mind". Roughly translated this means they are bound by law to chase the mighty dollar with all the one-eyed fervour of a lurch after a hare, using every legal means available to them, and completely disregard any other factors like taking food off people's tables. Pokies are a brilliant source of income - incredibly addictive and no human interaction (labour costs) means you jam them in the ground and sit back and count your money, in Souths' case over $1 million per annum after taxes and costs. This meant the directors could be hauled before the courts, banned from holding directorships or event sent to the big house for having a social conscience if they couldn't find a way to make throwing away that many Kerrys a good financial move. I personally can't believe they've done anything but fudge the numbers, and I think they've held onto the licenses so when that becomes painfully apparent they can at least say to ASIC that they've still got the license to print the money, they just need to restart the press.

Of course all companies can hold a shareholder vote to make a move that isn't necessarily the most financially sound, if over 50% agree there are other compelling reasons. But trying to get over 50% of thousands of shareholders to take a hit on their bottom line (many being businesses themselves who in turn would have an obligation to vote for more money for their own shareholders) is harder than the proverbial honeymooner's appendage, and this is where the government needs to step in to provide the necessary balance. I mentioned before companies are bound to use all legal means available to make money, and so it is the job of the government to restrict which means are legal to ensure the lurch doesn't proper fuck Joe Average. Just ask the average American if they think fully profit-driven privatised health care is a good idea? Evidently it makes terrible business sense to pay claims and you should avoid it all all costs! How did they not see that coming? So i'm not proposing we need radical changes in this country, nor am I anti-capitalism, everything in moderation. I'm just encouraging you all to be aware of the dangers of allowing the dollar to get too powerful, and of the creep away from government ownership and regulation. Because governments are meant to have a social conscience, and big business is required not to.

347 Days and Counting

On January 20, 2009 at 12 noon – we all get a new President of the USA. At this stage it might be Barrack, or McCain (or God forbid, Hillary), but one thing is certain – George Walker Bush will be out on his ass. Whether you prefer to call him Dubya, Spurious George or The Commander Guy ("My position is clear - I'm the commander guy."), come 20.01.09, the 43^rd President will thankfully be consigned to the history books.

For many of us, that day can’t come soon enough. The worst US President since Nixon (and maybe one of the worst of all time) has mired his nation in war and run it's powerful economy into the ground. Some blame his fierce ideological convictions (conservatives point to this as a strength), while the more obvious conclusion is that he’s just a stupid man. The kind of stupid that makes those around him dumber. The kind of stupid that gives you a headache thinking about it. His gaffes and outright fuck ups are so numerous that it’s becoming difficult for comedians to keep up the piss-taking pace.

In commemoration of Bush’s mind boggling stupidity, I give you a short clip of Will Ferrell doing Bush. It would be even funnier, if it wasn’t so accurate. Whenever I’m feeling blue (You’re my boy Blue), I watch it and I feel better. I am also adding an Inauguration Day count down clock - so you can play along at home. Only 347 days and counting.

José Padilla

Back in May 2002, an American citizen by the name of José Padilla was arrested in Chicago following one hell of a sight-seeing holiday. Padilla had travelled to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq – and arrived back in the US carrying over $10,000 and (so the CIA say) the contact details of a number of suspected terrorists. Things immediately started looking bad for the 32 year old. He was quickly declared an ‘enemy combatant’ (denying him any legal rights) and locked up in a military base in South Carolina – where he remained, in solitary confinement - for 3 and a half years.

As far as Terrorism cases go, Padilla’s seemed to be representative of many of the debates over their handling: the use of torture, the right to a fair and speedy trail, the necessity for hard evidence and the basic right of the government to pluck people off the street and hold them indefinitely.

Accused of plotting to detonate a radioactive ‘dirty bomb’ on US soil, Padilla was one of the first high profile captives – and a potential media victory for the Bush Administration. During his incarceration Padilla alleges that he was tortured: subject to sensory deprivation, sleep deprivation, forced stress positions and injected with various drugs. Above all he was isolated so severely from human contact, that he exhibited “a facial tic, problems with social contact, lack of concentration and a form of Stockholm syndrome." A psychiatrist hired by his defense team diagnosed his condition as post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite this he was found to be fit for trial – and in late 2007 he was found guilty of conspiracy and providing aid to terrorists.

Last week, the now 37 year old Padilla was sentenced to a further 17 years in prison – in a case that presiding judge called “light on facts”. The judge also found that “there is no evidence that these defendants personally maimed, kidnapped or killed anyone in the United States or elsewhere,” and that “conditions were so harsh for Mr. Padilla ... they warrant consideration in the sentencing in this case”. Padilla is appealing, but is still looking down the barrel of a long lump – despite the lack of ‘facts’ and ‘evidence’.
It’s a scary case – one that speaks largely for itself. No one is saying Padilla was a nice guy, but plenty fear the precedent set by prosecuting on the basis of circumstantial evidence – and thought and not deed. Let me leave you with what I feel is an astute summary of the concerns here, penned by someone called Andy Worthington:

“[Seventeen] years and four months seems to me to be an extraordinarily long sentence for little more than a thought crime, but when the issue of Padilla's three and half years of suppressed torture is raised, it's difficult not to conclude that justice has just been horribly twisted, that the President and his advisors have just got away with torturing an American citizen with impunity, and that no American citizen can be sure that what happened to Padilla will not happen to him or her. Today, it was a Muslim; tomorrow, unless the government's powers are taken away from them, it could be any number of categories of 'enemy combatants' who have not yet been identified.”

Bad Religion

Since happening across Anti-flag last year, my desire for an intelligent band to speak to me has gone unsatisfied. Apparently filling an album with meaningful lyrics and a message is harder than it looks. Still, I think that the search is over for the time being and I can fill my headphones with punk band Bad Religion.

The Californian punkers are you’re typical overnight success story – they had to work 25 years for it. Beginning in 1982, they have churned out a staggering 14 albums, without courting (or really achieving) ‘mainstream’ recognition. Their songs champion many pet causes of the left: free speech, disaffected youth, the environment, the War, Bush and obviously Religion (though Wiki claims that they use it as a metaphor for any situation where individuals are suppressed). Clearly, I like what they’re doing there.

Their two most recent albums, The Empire Strikes First (2004) and New Maps of Hell (2007) are particularly worth a listen. The first, according to guitarist Brett Gurewitz was dedicated to getting Bush out of office: “I'm not a presidential scholar but I don't think you'll find a worse president in the history of the United States. He's probably one of the worst leaders in the history of world leaders. I just hate the guy”. Who could argue with that? It contains some interesting titles: Sinister Rouge (church abuses), Let them Eat War (addressing poverty by spending billions on war), Athiest Peace (speaks for itself) – and the title track, challenging Bush’s pre-emptive strike doctrine.

The new album is just as good, though I’ve probably run out of space to go on about it too much. Below is the clip of one of my preferred songs: New Dark Ages – a sentiment that rings truer every day. In all, it’s great to have found another band that speaks intelligently about the mounting problems that the Bush administration has added to our collective world. At a time when speech is getting more and more constricted, at least someone is pushing back.

New Years Resolutions

Having not posted since December 10th last year, I figure that it’s high time that I got back on the horse. Truth be told, I’ve been on holidays, sunning myself (in a sun safe manner of course) and sparing precious few thoughts for world politics. Still, all good things must end – and even Bush returns to work, once all the chainsaw-able things on his ranch have been chopped. I thought I’d kick of ’08 in the clichéd (but necessary) way that our society demands: with some Presidential Resolutions.

1. End the Writers Strike

If the US achieves ones thing this year (and that’s no guarantee), ending the 10 week Writers Guild of America strike should be that thing. The writers have downed pens in response to getting screwed out of growing Internet profits by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – or Big Movie. There are currently no signs of a settlement and the last strike, back in ’88 lasted nearly 22 weeks (and cost about $870 million) – so most are settling in for a long fight. The greatest tragedy is that Jon Stewart’s Daily Show and the Colbert Report have been seriously disrupted… have you people no souls?

2. Stabilise Pakistan

Before Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, we had good reason to worry about the future of Pakistan. Now, clearly, that concern has increased. The US needs to tread very carefully in the coming months, else they risk losing a vital foothold in their actual wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (let alone their hyperbole laden War on Terror). For once, they may do well to let the Pakistani people decide how they are governed – given the response to the US support for Bhutto. It’s a complicated problem, but one that should be addressed with the highest priority (as soon as the Writers Strike is over).

3. Anyone but Hillary

After the Iowa Primary on January 3rd of this year, I was on top of the world. The first real contest of the US Presidential race had gone better than I could have imagined: my man Obama was the clear winner for the Democrats and the Republicans had offered up Mike Huckabee - an anti-abortion, homophobic, evolution denying Baptist Minister (read typical Republican). In short, Obama was clearly going to be the 44th President of the USA.

5 days later, in New Hampshire, Hillary edged out Obama (39% to 36% - but 9 delegates each) and McCain was the surprise victor for the Republicans. Suddenly, the ordained establishment candidates were looking good again and all eyes are now turned to Super Tuesday (Feb 5th), when 24 states vote on the same day. I have high hopes that Obama/Edwards will be the Democratic ticket (and am staunchly opposed to a continuation of the Bush/Clinton dynasty). McCain, for the record, is the only Republican with a chance of being the next President, so fingers crossed one of the other freaks gets the nomination.

4. Keep the Peace with Iran

This seems to be a no-brainer to me. The last thing the Yanks need is another war. They need a continental outbreak of Ebola more than they need another war. Still, Bush and Cheney insist on rattling their metaphorical sabers, daring the Iranians into conflict. Last weeks naval incident in the Gulf was the latest example of sidling up to the brink. Dumb isn’t the word – but Bush needs a legacy and Cheney is running out of influence. I can assure you that war with Iran is very much on the cards.

5. Rail against the Popular Media

Finally, 2008 is going to be my year of lobbying against the popular media. This morning’s coverage for instance was devoted nearly wholly to a teenage (idiot) boy who staged a massive house party while his parents were away. Meanwhile, Bush signed an arms deal with the Saudi’s; a road side bomb was detonated in Pakistan’s most populated city and French President Sarkosy defended Iran’s right to nuclear technology. I’m just plain sick of being fed human interest crap, while the world burns.