19 April 2016

Gough Whitlam

| Steven Bailey
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Edward Gough Whitlam was the 21st Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975, and a genius of humanity. I think that perhaps the only person worthy of delivering Gough’s eulogy would be Gough himself, such was his colossal self-belief… and thank god for that self-belief.

His words will be remembered for their soaring eloquence, their fierce fight, and earthly consequence.

Many would consider that Gough was ahead of his time, but the fact is that he walked in perfect step and unison with the aspirations of a people, where perhaps so many other politicians were kept a step behind only because of a lack of imagination and bravery. Gough bravely imagined an Australia, and Australia bravely imagined with him.

His hard-fought reforms included the advance of Aboriginal land rights, the advance of universal health care, the advance of diplomatic relations with China, the advance of universal access to university, the advance of the end of conscription and withdrawal of forces from Vietnam; the advance of Australia fair.

Whitlam fought to remove injustices and discrimination against Australian women. He fought for fair pay and conditions for women and undoubtedly improved the basis of equality upon which women could participate in society. Gough’s commitment to the women of our nation was perhaps not only guided by his sense of social justice but also by his heart. This commitment to Australian women was perhaps best embodied by his relationship with his wife Margaret Elaine Whitlam – a great political union and Australian love story. I think Malcolm Turnbull’s sentiments put it perfectly that if indeed Gough is in heaven, he is certainly there with Margret.

After the dismissal of his government in 1975 Whitlam was the Leader of the Opposition for two years, and he remained in parliament until 1978 – a rare act of public service from a former Prime Minister. He was not a man who allowed himself to be consumed by hatred, as many politicians can be, for he was the personification of optimism and hope.

Many people muse that Australia should only become a Republic with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, but as it was Gough’s dream for Australia to stand on her own two feet in the world, perhaps, once again, it is time.

I too have ridiculous self-belief, but I do know this: I am not worthy of writing about this great man. So perhaps I’ll speak to you, Gough. Gough, I hope my generation understands what you have done for our country. I don’t know whether you made the times or the times made you, probably both, but it certainly was time, and it still is time.

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Steven Bailey8:49 pm 28 Oct 14

Masquara said :

Steven Bailey said :

No Masquara, you are claiming that I am claiming that John misquoted me. It would be silly of me to make such a claim as it was City News that published exactly what we sent them.

Exactly. City News published your then position – “Affordable public transport for the ACT including light rail” which you have attempted to reverse out of, having seen that Canberrans are not in favour of light rail. That hardly indicates a commitment to your policy – it actually indicates that you are either disorganised, or you vacillate. A la PUP, though, what’s to stop you taking one of your vacillating positions to the next election, then failing on carry-through? Howzabout a clear, stated policy, Steven, ahead of any preference deals? Will the Sex Party continue to support charging all Canberrans a bazillion on light rail for a corridor of the inner north already well serviced by buses? Or will you not support said light rail? Couldn’t be clearer; your response could hardly be more obfuscatory! If you think PUP tactics will work in the ACT, think again.

Masquara, up until now I was convinced that the brain dead could not hyperventilate. I will continue to communicate with you in English regardless of your maniacal mistranslations.

Let me give you an example that might help: it is possible to enjoy reading books, this does not mean that one would necessarily enjoy reading all books. Another: it is possible to enjoy responding to comments on blogs, this does not mean that I enjoy responding to all commenters, excluding you of course.

I would like to see light rail in Canberra, this does not mean that I would like to see light rail at any cost. Do you understand this position?

Canberra is having an important debate at the moment; I am respecting that debate by listening to it. This position, two years before an election, is a reasonable one.

Of course, reason is only reasonable to the reasonable, so breath deep into that paper bag beside your computer as you consider your next literary hemorrhage.

I wait with bated breath.

Steven Bailey said :

No Masquara, you are claiming that I am claiming that John misquoted me. It would be silly of me to make such a claim as it was City News that published exactly what we sent them.

Exactly. City News published your then position – “Affordable public transport for the ACT including light rail” which you have attempted to reverse out of, having seen that Canberrans are not in favour of light rail. That hardly indicates a commitment to your policy – it actually indicates that you are either disorganised, or you vacillate. A la PUP, though, what’s to stop you taking one of your vacillating positions to the next election, then failing on carry-through? Howzabout a clear, stated policy, Steven, ahead of any preference deals? Will the Sex Party continue to support charging all Canberrans a bazillion on light rail for a corridor of the inner north already well serviced by buses? Or will you not support said light rail? Couldn’t be clearer; your response could hardly be more obfuscatory! If you think PUP tactics will work in the ACT, think again.

Steven Bailey said :

Masquara said :

Steven Bailey said :

Masquara said :

Steven Bailey said :

I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion Masquara, and, quite frankly, you couldn’t be sure how you came to that conclusion either. My instinct is that our party, and many Canberrans alike, would like to see the project carried out at a reduced cost. We won’t have a formal position on light rail until we have considered all of the facts (which are not currently available), and consulted with our members and the community. We’re not going to play into the hands of other parties; that is the responsible thing for us to do.

Please feel free to contact me if you’d like any accurate information to help you in your noble pursuit of informing the public.

Oh, so City News misreported you? Unlikely, given that they have quite a professional stable of journalists these days … here you go! Check out your own policies.

http://citynews.com.au/2014/sex-party-rides-2016-act-election/

We support affordable public transport for the ACT. Rather than playing a ‘yes/no’ game, we will put forth a considered response based on our own judgements. Many people would like to see light rail in Canberra but people are concerned that the current proposal is too expensive. It’s really that simple Masquara but please, ‘maintain your enthusiasm’.

So you’re claiming John Griffiths misquoted you. Righty-ho.

No Masquara, you are claiming that I am claiming that John misquoted me. It would be silly of me to make such a claim as it was City News that published exactly what we sent them. Just have a look at my previous comment – it is written in English. It makes sense. It should assuage your confusion. If it doesn’t there is little else I can do for you.

Gough Whitlam was always complaining that he was misquoted.

Steven Bailey12:36 am 28 Oct 14

Masquara said :

Steven Bailey said :

Masquara said :

Steven Bailey said :

I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion Masquara, and, quite frankly, you couldn’t be sure how you came to that conclusion either. My instinct is that our party, and many Canberrans alike, would like to see the project carried out at a reduced cost. We won’t have a formal position on light rail until we have considered all of the facts (which are not currently available), and consulted with our members and the community. We’re not going to play into the hands of other parties; that is the responsible thing for us to do.

Please feel free to contact me if you’d like any accurate information to help you in your noble pursuit of informing the public.

Oh, so City News misreported you? Unlikely, given that they have quite a professional stable of journalists these days … here you go! Check out your own policies.

http://citynews.com.au/2014/sex-party-rides-2016-act-election/

We support affordable public transport for the ACT. Rather than playing a ‘yes/no’ game, we will put forth a considered response based on our own judgements. Many people would like to see light rail in Canberra but people are concerned that the current proposal is too expensive. It’s really that simple Masquara but please, ‘maintain your enthusiasm’.

So you’re claiming John Griffiths misquoted you. Righty-ho.

No Masquara, you are claiming that I am claiming that John misquoted me. It would be silly of me to make such a claim as it was City News that published exactly what we sent them. Just have a look at my previous comment – it is written in English. It makes sense. It should assuage your confusion. If it doesn’t there is little else I can do for you.

Steven Bailey said :

Masquara said :

Steven Bailey said :

I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion Masquara, and, quite frankly, you couldn’t be sure how you came to that conclusion either. My instinct is that our party, and many Canberrans alike, would like to see the project carried out at a reduced cost. We won’t have a formal position on light rail until we have considered all of the facts (which are not currently available), and consulted with our members and the community. We’re not going to play into the hands of other parties; that is the responsible thing for us to do.

Please feel free to contact me if you’d like any accurate information to help you in your noble pursuit of informing the public.

Oh, so City News misreported you? Unlikely, given that they have quite a professional stable of journalists these days … here you go! Check out your own policies.

http://citynews.com.au/2014/sex-party-rides-2016-act-election/

We support affordable public transport for the ACT. Rather than playing a ‘yes/no’ game, we will put forth a considered response based on our own judgements. Many people would like to see light rail in Canberra but people are concerned that the current proposal is too expensive. It’s really that simple Masquara but please, ‘maintain your enthusiasm’.

So you’re claiming John Griffiths misquoted you. Righty-ho.

Steven Bailey8:43 pm 27 Oct 14

Mysteryman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Dungfungus is right: your posts have been completely meaningless.

Yet I’m glad to know that you’ve been reading them.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Dungfungus is right: your posts have been completely meaningless.

milkman said :

Pragmatix said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

I find it interesting how lots of people don’t seem to be able to separate the concepts of ‘my opinion’ versus ‘best for my electorate’. Food for thought.

How does that relate to the discussion? Steven is just saying that he calls a spade a spade, that doesn’t conflict with the idea of acting in the best interests of an electorate. Surely being honest is always in the best interests of an electorate.

The job of an elected official is to represent the views and desires of the electorate, not to pontificate based on their own strange views. Calling a spade a spade is fine, but if that’s the case then I don’t think I’d want to vote for someone who is on record here as fighting in a pub when drunk, taking illegal drugs or driving drunk. Honesty is great, but clear and relevant policy positions are better, and frankly I haven’t seen much of either from Steven. At he’s trying, though, unlike many other pollies.

I must say I support Steven Bailey. I followed his election campaign last year and I’ve read most of the articles he’s written since and listen to him on radio. He speaks well on a number of issues. I can’t see any inconsistency in his stances and his political views are not strange at all. I’m not sure what you are alluding to there?

Would you prefer to vote for someone who lies about their past? Steven has admitted to things similar to many pollies like Mark Latham or Bob Hawk. Sure, he had a fight in a pub but that was because a female was being assulted. As for anything else, he’s just like most other people. The only difference is, he tells the truth before he goes to the polls, not after.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

You have just guaranteed that no political party will be seeking your preferences.

Okay my friend, let’s put a wager on it. I’ll donate $500 to a charity of your choice if indeed ‘no political party’ seeks my preferences. If you loose, you will donate $250 to a charity of my choice. You can donate to the cancer council now if you like. Other than that, you’ll have a little under two years to save.

I abhor gambling in any form; and I am not your friend (you recently called me stupid, remember?)

I don’t think that you are stupid. I just think that in some circumstances it would be the safest assumption. This piece is a tribute written on the day a great Australian died. In my opinion, it didn’t require your ideological diatribes. Please don’t take my rebukes too much to heart, yet don’t expect that my rebukes will not be forthcoming in such circumstances.

As far as the wager goes: if you’re so certain in your political judgement it’s hardly a gamble at all, is it? I’m happy to put my money where my mouth is. It’s okay if you don’t want to do the same, but that would be a result of you being incorrect rather than an aversion to gambling.

I’m sure we can learn to be friends. Though the only basis upon which that could happen would be if we established a mutual understanding that for any comment you had contrary to my own, I would have a rebuke infinitely better.

Judging from your last paragraph, Whitlam certainly had a big influence on you.

Steven Bailey9:06 am 27 Oct 14

Masquara said :

Steven Bailey said :

I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion Masquara, and, quite frankly, you couldn’t be sure how you came to that conclusion either. My instinct is that our party, and many Canberrans alike, would like to see the project carried out at a reduced cost. We won’t have a formal position on light rail until we have considered all of the facts (which are not currently available), and consulted with our members and the community. We’re not going to play into the hands of other parties; that is the responsible thing for us to do.

Please feel free to contact me if you’d like any accurate information to help you in your noble pursuit of informing the public.

Oh, so City News misreported you? Unlikely, given that they have quite a professional stable of journalists these days … here you go! Check out your own policies.

http://citynews.com.au/2014/sex-party-rides-2016-act-election/

We support affordable public transport for the ACT. Rather than playing a ‘yes/no’ game, we will put forth a considered response based on our own judgements. Many people would like to see light rail in Canberra but people are concerned that the current proposal is too expensive. It’s really that simple Masquara but please, ‘maintain your enthusiasm’.

Steven Bailey10:47 pm 26 Oct 14

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

You have just guaranteed that no political party will be seeking your preferences.

Okay my friend, let’s put a wager on it. I’ll donate $500 to a charity of your choice if indeed ‘no political party’ seeks my preferences. If you loose, you will donate $250 to a charity of my choice. You can donate to the cancer council now if you like. Other than that, you’ll have a little under two years to save.

I abhor gambling in any form; and I am not your friend (you recently called me stupid, remember?)

I don’t think that you are stupid. I just think that in some circumstances it would be the safest assumption. This piece is a tribute written on the day a great Australian died. In my opinion, it didn’t require your ideological diatribes. Please don’t take my rebukes too much to heart, yet don’t expect that my rebukes will not be forthcoming in such circumstances.

As far as the wager goes: if you’re so certain in your political judgement it’s hardly a gamble at all, is it? I’m happy to put my money where my mouth is. It’s okay if you don’t want to do the same, but that would be a result of you being incorrect rather than an aversion to gambling.

I’m sure we can learn to be friends. Though the only basis upon which that could happen would be if we established a mutual understanding that for any comment you had contrary to my own, I would have a rebuke infinitely better.

Any comment on Whitlam’s support for the 1975 invasion of East Timor?

Steven Bailey said :

I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion Masquara, and, quite frankly, you couldn’t be sure how you came to that conclusion either. My instinct is that our party, and many Canberrans alike, would like to see the project carried out at a reduced cost. We won’t have a formal position on light rail until we have considered all of the facts (which are not currently available), and consulted with our members and the community. We’re not going to play into the hands of other parties; that is the responsible thing for us to do.

Please feel free to contact me if you’d like any accurate information to help you in your noble pursuit of informing the public.

Oh, so City News misreported you? Unlikely, given that they have quite a professional stable of journalists these days … here you go! Check out your own policies.

http://citynews.com.au/2014/sex-party-rides-2016-act-election/

Steven Bailey9:45 pm 26 Oct 14

Masquara said :

Canberrans will no doubt note that a vote for the Sex Party is a vote for light rail, and direct their preferences accordingly …

I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion Masquara, and, quite frankly, you couldn’t be sure how you came to that conclusion either. My instinct is that our party, and many Canberrans alike, would like to see the project carried out at a reduced cost. We won’t have a formal position on light rail until we have considered all of the facts (which are not currently available), and consulted with our members and the community. We’re not going to play into the hands of other parties; that is the responsible thing for us to do.

Please feel free to contact me if you’d like any accurate information to help you in your noble pursuit of informing the public.

Pragmatix said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

I find it interesting how lots of people don’t seem to be able to separate the concepts of ‘my opinion’ versus ‘best for my electorate’. Food for thought.

How does that relate to the discussion? Steven is just saying that he calls a spade a spade, that doesn’t conflict with the idea of acting in the best interests of an electorate. Surely being honest is always in the best interests of an electorate.

The job of an elected official is to represent the views and desires of the electorate, not to pontificate based on their own strange views. Calling a spade a spade is fine, but if that’s the case then I don’t think I’d want to vote for someone who is on record here as fighting in a pub when drunk, taking illegal drugs or driving drunk. Honesty is great, but clear and relevant policy positions are better, and frankly I haven’t seen much of either from Steven. At he’s trying, though, unlike many other pollies.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

You have just guaranteed that no political party will be seeking your preferences.

Okay my friend, let’s put a wager on it. I’ll donate $500 to a charity of your choice if indeed ‘no political party’ seeks my preferences. If you loose, you will donate $250 to a charity of my choice. You can donate to the cancer council now if you like. Other than that, you’ll have a little under two years to save.

Canberrans will no doubt note that a vote for the Sex Party is a vote for light rail, and direct their preferences accordingly …

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

You have just guaranteed that no political party will be seeking your preferences.

Okay my friend, let’s put a wager on it. I’ll donate $500 to a charity of your choice if indeed ‘no political party’ seeks my preferences. If you loose, you will donate $250 to a charity of my choice. You can donate to the cancer council now if you like. Other than that, you’ll have a little under two years to save.

I abhor gambling in any form; and I am not your friend (you recently called me stupid, remember?)

Steven Bailey5:24 pm 26 Oct 14

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

You have just guaranteed that no political party will be seeking your preferences.

Okay my friend, let’s put a wager on it. I’ll donate $500 to a charity of your choice if indeed ‘no political party’ seeks my preferences. If you loose, you will donate $250 to a charity of my choice. You can donate to the cancer council now if you like. Other than that, you’ll have a little under two years to save.

Personally I value politicians who are ‘real’ and able to hold their own against the ‘party line’. There is certainly a scarcity of those sorts of politicians in the ACT.

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

I find it interesting how lots of people don’t seem to be able to separate the concepts of ‘my opinion’ versus ‘best for my electorate’. Food for thought.

How does that relate to the discussion? Steven is just saying that he calls a spade a spade, that doesn’t conflict with the idea of acting in the best interests of an electorate. Surely being honest is always in the best interests of an electorate.

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

I find it interesting how lots of people don’t seem to be able to separate the concepts of ‘my opinion’ versus ‘best for my electorate’. Food for thought.

Steven Bailey said :

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

You have just guaranteed that no political party will be seeking your preferences.

Steven Bailey10:02 am 25 Oct 14

milkman said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Yes I suppose it is. I’d rather speak my mind and never be elected than hold my tongue to be elected.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Interesting approach for someone who wants to get themself elected.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

If you weren’t so enigmatic I wouldn’t be so stupid.

Steven Bailey3:45 pm 23 Oct 14

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

If you find something meaningless, rather than concluding that it is meaningless it would always be safer for you to assume that you are just too stupid to understand it.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Another meaningless comment.

riotact said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

How do you figure people not paying medicare levy getting totally free health care? Aside from people with no – next to no income, if you pay tax you pay medicare levy and if you’re not paying medicare levy it means you are paying private health insurance and therefore most definitely not free. But I may be missing something which is why I ask.

The Medicare levy only applies to income earners with a taxable income above the minimum taxable threshold level. Most people who choose to have private health cover are also paying the Medicare levy. People who present at a hospital ED are treated for free irrespective of their income status unless they are hospitalised in which case the privately uninsured are admitted for free whereas the privately insured have to pay the excess not provided by the insurer. Even though a patient may have both Medicare and private cover they don’t get the choice to be treated for free as the Medicare only patients do. This is not equitable.

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

How do you figure people not paying medicare levy getting totally free health care? Aside from people with no – next to no income, if you pay tax you pay medicare levy and if you’re not paying medicare levy it means you are paying private health insurance and therefore most definitely not free. But I may be missing something which is why I ask.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back12:42 pm 23 Oct 14

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Taking that thought further, how do you think society would work if no-one wanted more or better for themselves, and was happy to live off society’s safety nets?

I have no problem with progressive taxation, but it still needs to be sensible.

Steven Bailey11:27 am 23 Oct 14

dungfungus said :

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

You’re right again Dungfungus. A fair society is unsustainable when the powers of greed are so strong.

Steven Bailey11:25 am 23 Oct 14

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Well said Miz.

miz said :

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

Medicare needs an overhaul. It is ironic that the only people who get totally free health care via Medicare are the ones that contribute nothing to it. These are the people that are screaming because the rest of Australia wants them to contribute a tiny co-payment every time they use bulk billing services. The rest of us have to pay a co-payment of about $40 each time we see a GP plus the levy on our income. This is not sustainable.

I quietly thank Gough almost every day. Medicare is the biggie, but I am also so grateful I was able to get divorced without fuss (no fault) and without my children having to go into orphanages; and for the fact that I actually receive the same pay as the man who does the same job as me, just to mention couple. There are so many things we assume to be ‘normal’ these days which did not exist then.

The man had a vision for an independent Australia – a country that wasn’t afraid of its own shadow and was prepared to speak its own mind.

This should be something that is commonplace in politics but it is as rare as hens teeth.

The tragedy of Whitlam is that all of his successors have admired him but none of them have dared to show the same kind of honest straight advocacy of public policy. Keating maybe briefly dared to speak his mind during his second term but he got the same reward from the electorate as Whitlam.

Fantastic political cartoon today had Bill Shorten rendered invisible trying to fill Gough’s shoes. I’m not sure Bill even has any policies that he didn’t get from a focus group or that he agreed to as part of some you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours backroom union deal.

I’m not a huge fan of Michael Pascoe, but for me he nailed it yesterday when he said that we don’t mourn for the 98 year old Gough, but we mourn what he represented – an Australia that looked hopefully to the future, was open to change and confident about expressing independent views on the world stage. The leaders on both sides are pygmies compared to Gough on this score.

Yes his economics was not great, but the afraid of their own shadow conservatives who hark on this point forget their history and perspective and forget that seven years of Liberal rule from 75 to 83 didn’t fix anything. Every OECD country (left, right and in-between) was hammered by the oil crises in the 70s, and the conservative politicians of the 60s were at least as economically illiterate as Gough.

He was quick with a retort.

Gough was setting off the alarm at a airport. When asked if he had on him anything that could be triggering the machine, he wittily replied ‘possibly my aura’….

R.I.P.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

“He was not a man who allowed himself to be consumed by hatred, as many politicians can be,…..”

Well, you may say that but someone calling someone else “a cur” isn’t really endearing, is it.

Under the circumstances, I think it was very endearing.

That is a pathetic response.

Under the circumstances, I think it was a good response.

How about “situation ethics”.

dungfungus said :

The Governor General’s lodge at Yarralumla would be assigned to Jim Cairns and turned into a giant hippie commune and re-named “The Great Commune”.

That sounds like a much better use for it than the current use, which seems to benefit nobody from the taxpaying community.

Steven Bailey10:02 am 22 Oct 14

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

“He was not a man who allowed himself to be consumed by hatred, as many politicians can be,…..”

Well, you may say that but someone calling someone else “a cur” isn’t really endearing, is it.

Under the circumstances, I think it was very endearing.

That is a pathetic response.

Under the circumstances, I think it was a good response.

Steven Bailey said :

dungfungus said :

“He was not a man who allowed himself to be consumed by hatred, as many politicians can be,…..”

Well, you may say that but someone calling someone else “a cur” isn’t really endearing, is it.

Under the circumstances, I think it was very endearing.

That is a pathetic response.

Crazed_Loner said :

Just imagine, if you can, what Australia might be like today if Billy McMahon had won the 1972 election. That is the difference that Gough Whitlam made.

How about you tell us.

astrojax said :

it’s [his] time.

a great innovator and nation builder – imagine where we’d be today if he was at least allowed to serve two full supported terms… vale gough, you gave us hope [which is all we’ve got at the moment]

If he had served two full supported terms, everyone would have a “free” (taxpayer funded) university degree in social sciences with majors in advanced bee keeping and underwater basket weaving.
All these people would be employed in the public service on the “we pretend to work and they pretend to pay us” principle.
Everyone would be addressed as comrade and words like mate and dude would be banned.
Only Gough would be allowed to ride in a Mercedes – everyone else would drive VWs.
The new national anthem “Advance Australia Fair” would be re-named “Tribute to the Glorious Revolution” and new lyrics would be compiled by Bob Ellis.
The Governor General’s lodge at Yarralumla would be assigned to Jim Cairns and turned into a giant hippie commune and re-named “The Great Commune”.
Australia would be perpetually financially bankrupt but we would feel good about it.
Everyone is conveniently forgetting that Gough was sacked and the next election confirmed decisively that it was necessary for him to go.
At least Gough did something which is more than Malcolm Fraser did even when he had a massive majority in both houses.
Fraser now pretends that he and Gough were great mates.

Crazed_Loner11:14 pm 21 Oct 14

Just imagine, if you can, what Australia might be like today if Billy McMahon had won the 1972 election. That is the difference that Gough Whitlam made.

Steven Bailey10:38 pm 21 Oct 14

dungfungus said :

“He was not a man who allowed himself to be consumed by hatred, as many politicians can be,…..”

Well, you may say that but someone calling someone else “a cur” isn’t really endearing, is it.

Under the circumstances, I think it was very endearing.

“He was not a man who allowed himself to be consumed by hatred, as many politicians can be,…..”

Well, you may say that but someone calling someone else “a cur” isn’t really endearing, is it.

it’s [his] time.

a great innovator and nation builder – imagine where we’d be today if he was at least allowed to serve two full supported terms… vale gough, you gave us hope [which is all we’ve got at the moment]

Many people have mentioned the reforms of the Whitlam era but the one that sticks in my mind is the introduction of colour TV. I remember the night as a schoolkid watching the clip of Aunty Jack changing from black and white to colour then Countdown starting. It was symbolic really, the old grey Australia where we were always told to sit down and shut up to a full colour world where our generation was in charge and calling the shots. It was our time and the sky was the limit. And we will always remember.

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