RaymondPierreL3

Retired Australian who voted YES (He, Him) #Writing to become an #author of #Fiction. Among my interests are #Renewables #MartialArts #TaiJi #QiGong #PhilosophyOfMind #Spiritualism #Metaphysics and all ‘big’ questions (and #auspol, of course)   The banner reads #Democracy not Monarchy and the avatar is a Qigong practioner in front of the I-Ching symbols. I can also be read on:  https://raymondpierreleonard.wordpress.com/ A 'star' can mean ‘I see you’ or simply ‘thank you’. 

Ack: Currently living on Wiradjuri land
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2026-09-03T11:37:21Z

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Last Notes

2026-06-04 00:52:08 UTC

Here we go… this is what big #Corporations and their associated #Workforce sub-contracting is all about. #Fleecing #Workers and walking away from #DutyOfCare using #LegalAttactDogs and flooding the courts with legal counters backed up with ample funding to drown out #Litigation (There are new laws — anti SLAPP? — in the UK to prevent this from happening, but not here) and out-spend legitimate lawsuits. Laws to protect the wealthy and control everyone else.
“This has all the hallmarks of strategic litigation for commercial advantage. BHP, with its army of hundreds of PR staff, refused to respond to repeated approaches from Michael West Media. Yet they were lightning fast to sue. They’re weaponising our public courts — funded by taxpayers — to silence a simple enquiry into potential systemic wage theft. All while pocketing around $622 million a year in taxpayer-funded diesel fuel tax credits.”
https://www.boganintel.com/p/bhp-tries-to-bury-114-billion-wage
#LegalFraud #StateCapture #WorkforceProviders #ClassWar #AusPol #BHP #WageTheft #MichealWestMedia #TaxRorts #PublicFUndingPrivateEnterprises #RunawayCapitalism #Fraud #CulpableBehaviour

2026-05-30 00:31:10 UTC

A short peek at historical evidence which show that pointing the finger at #Boomers is nothing but an echo of today’s anger and frustration at the growing rise in #WealthInequity since the early 80s:
“The 1970s: Boomers enter the labour market
In the 1970s the unemployment rate quickly doubled as the huge Baby Boomer generation (born 1946-63) entered the workforce. This surge in labour supply increased competition for jobs, drove down wages, and the unemployment rate saw post war highs. The macroeconomic environment was tough too. Global oil shocks and ensuing stagflation meant that economies around the world were hit by rising costs and slower growth.
Geopolitical uncertainty and shifts in industrial policy further muddied the waters. The result was a labour market that was no longer able to keep pace with the surging numbers of job seekers – a trend that set the stage for economic restructuring in the years to follow.” (Source: https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/opinion/2025/03/31/stats-guy-australia-since-1966 )
I have lived experience of those high unemployment and economic shock years. Not pleasant memories.
#AusPol #EatTheRIch #TaxReform #JoinYourUnion #Unionism
#Antifa #RedistributeWealthNow #TaxTheRich #GasProfitTaxNow

2026-05-24 09:01:52 UTC

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Lived experience tells me what it took six years to research? Granted, sound research has a wider reach and more authority than my poor little life, but it does point to the fact that those in power have little, if any, financial worries (is that a proof in itself?).

2026-05-24 08:46:25 UTC

Here is Prof Richard. ‘S latest post in
His ‘musings’ are not frivoloius and they are worth taking note of. Here, he agrees with Paul Krugman on the #AIBubble and its #DataCenterBoom with an intertesting note on #Software.
“His [Paul Frugman] concern, and I think it was a reasonable one, was that there is no evidence at all that what is now happening as a result of the current AI boom will create anything of lasting value. We do not know whether the hardware being built in the form of data centres will prove sustainable. Already, 20% of all electricity in Ireland is being used to power data centres. This makes no sense, and replication on this scale appears impossible.
Likewise, when we look at the software and related IT, the potential rate of advance in technology in this sector is so great, if it lives up to its promise, that everything being created now will be of little use in only two or three years' time.”
Read more here
https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2026/05/24/should-we-live-in-fear-of-ai/
##GenAI #AISlop #DataCenterEnergyConsumption #DataCenterWaterConsumption #Economics #FinancialBubble

2026-05-24 07:46:29 UTC

I had an early dinner tonight and thought I’d use that down time to watch #ABC #Insider because I knew #DavidPocock was on the bill. There’s not much that I’ve drawn from watching it (hopefully not a bellyache from eating too fast).
Pocock said all the right things despite #Speersie’s efforts to repeatedly ‘corner’ him by asking the same question using various words, not listening to the answers, and giving #PHON oxygen (the leopard hasn’t changed his spots).
The panel grudgingly swatted away most of the msm and social media anti-tax propaganda without really explaining it for the audience (the panel could very have been reluctant to give the govt brownie points if they explained how the tax system actually works). Jeezzz, there’s a lot of dumbfucks out there…
Speersie was speersie;
The panel was the beige kind of panel Insiders normally has on;
The set has not changed (forgot how horrid the colours were, nearly put me off my dinner);
LIttle useful information was disseminated, at least not that I heard;
And I stopped watching when Pocock was done with because… well, becuase it’s #FoxSiders of course.
#AusPol

2026-05-21 05:01:16 UTC

“…alas, the NSW Premier Chris Minns has now reached the Joe Hockey level of economic ignorance.” (Source: The Point)
I’ve never been a fan of #ChrisMinns, even back when I was a #Labor party member. I don’t like him at the best of times because he peddles the #NeoLiberal lies about economic prosperity and doesn’t appear to be clever enough to head a govt, even a State one at that. You’ll forgive me if I’m dismissive, but #Minns ‘ past performance, including his latest #Authoritarian attitudes, in what is a fast changing society, is reflected in knee-jerk reactionary policies and rammed-through legislation which proved to be #Unconstitutional. The man is not too bright from a social licence perspective. He is also #Captured by anti-social interests.
Read more:
https://thepoint.com.au/factchecks/260521-factcheck-on-tax-chris-minns-does-his-best-joe-hockey-impression-and-its-not-pretty
#AusPol #NSW #TaxReform

2026-05-21 04:35:41 UTC

Good gracious, #AmyRemiekis really knows our #AlboPM. In this article she presents her assessement of the #Labor leader and for my money, I think she nailed it:
“Albanese’s stumbles – from calling Grace Tame difficult and David Pocock a populist, to pushing back against a royal commission following Bondi (for much the same reasons as here), to dragging his feet on gambling reform and doing only the bare minimum when absolutely pushed, to feeling miffed securing fuel supplies and announcing a domestic gas reservation haven’t quelled demands for a gas export tax, to not pushing back hard enough against the misinformation and disinformation surrounding the Indigenous Voice – all of it comes back to the root cause that he gets uncomfortable, and defensive, when he’s asked for a bigger, and braver agenda.”
Read Amy’s piece here:
https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260521-pms-softly-softly-just-wont-cut-it-any-more-this-latest-slip-is-proof-of-that
“There is a running theme among Anthony Albanese’s missteps. His latest […] to dismiss calls for a royal commission into femicide and violence against women follows the pattern – the Prime Minister gets frustrated when the public’s agenda is broader than his own.”
#AusPol #TaxReform #FossilFuel #GasExportTax #Femicide #RoyalCommissions #TimidAnthony

2026-05-18 09:54:52 UTC

“Warracknabeal Energy Park gets Victorian approval as community worries about impact.’ (Source ABC News)
I’m not going to link to the article, it’s easy enough to find if required. I just wanted to point out that the #ABC reporting on the Victorian Govt approval for a very large windfarm project is absolutely disgraceful. For a public broadcaster with a remit to report and inform to report opposition opinions without providing the facts on the matter, is tantamount to #Lobbying on behalf of #NIMBYs and #ClimateDeniers.
The fact that this *local* *opposition* to the #WindFarm project invokes environmental concerns is especially galling given the environmental impact of their farming practices (past and present).
I don’t even want to talk about their BS concerns with “impacts on human health, on noise, on visual amenity loss”. I mean, visual amenity loss, really? It’s farmland morons. Why is the ABC platforming these nutters?
#GiveMeBAckMyABC #ThisIsNotJournalism

2026-05-17 02:53:36 UTC

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Maybe not, but I don’t think #Speersey is dumb enough not to comprehend basic economic analysis. I reckon Speers knows but chooses to stay on his own neoliberal economics position — he might have had his brains cooked when working for the #Murdocracy)

2026-05-16 03:11:08 UTC

What a load of bollocks. The putting *food* production under severe strain argument used by #PHON and anti-environmental river flows to stop flooding of eenvironmental easements is absolute BS. And News outlets are promotong the lie.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-16/fury-over-easements-for-inundation-bill/106682636?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link
“Australia has always exported more agricultural products than it imports, with over 70 per cent of its total value of agricultural production sent overseas.”
If you want figures for our exports of agricultural products you can find them here:
https://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/organisations/wto/agricultural-trade
#TruthInPoliticalAdvertising #PHON #FarleyMP #AgricultueExports #DFAT #WTO

2026-05-15 03:55:52 UTC

#BudgetReply
"...[In] the policy Taylor announced. He announced a blanket exclusion of permanent residents from the major welfare programs of the Commonwealth. He did it on national television. He did it with the explicit framing that non-citizens are a fiscal problem to be solved. And he did it in a country where roughly one in six residents is a non-citizen, and a much larger share than that lives in a household with at least one non-citizen sitting at the dinner table."
The #LNP Leadership has fallen into the eroneous idea that voters and their votes can be reckoned as 'tokens', accounting numbers to be deabted on and used to come up with targeted policies that will stop the #BleedinoOfVoters to #PHON. This is good analysis, worth the read:
https://redbridgeintel.substack.com/p/the-second-last-budget-reply-delivered
#AusPol

2026-05-13 12:18:23 UTC

If reading about #Budget #reviews is your thing, well here is enough to fill your boots. Articles by Saul Eslake, Michael Keating, Ross Gitting, Tim Buckley & Blair Palese, Catriona Jackson — honestly never heard some of them. I guess I’ve got reading to do. GN folks.
https://johnmenadue.com/
#AusPol

2026-05-11 01:22:05 UTC

This has long been a bugbear of mine and it is good that the Bondi RC is looking into it.
“Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell flagged the inquiry had received a number of submissions from some Jewish people and others who believed the definition of antisemitism the inquiry adopted could be "weaponised in order to suppress criticism of Israel".
It doesn’t take a savant to know the difference between #AntiSemitism and the various flavours of #AntiIsrael, #AntiZionism, #Anti-Ultranationalism, and #Anti-NetanyahuRegime, yet arguably smart and competent peeps seem to have a hard time of it; in particular most political leadership in Australia. Which can only mean one thing. THe conflation of all these terms is a #PoliticalChoice made by fully rational decisions. The question then remains: Why is it so?
I suspect that power and wealth has a lot to do with it along with egocentric, not to say narcicyst, tendencies.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-11/overseas-expert-witnesses-to-appear-at-bondi-royal-commission/106662984

2026-05-11 01:12:20 UTC

#AlanKohler is on board with Govt doing the job of building #SocialHousing as it cuts through a number of walls that seem intent on making sure Australia will never have enough houses to meet the needs of its population at an affordable cost/price.
“Like the NDIS (and child care), housing affordability is unsustainable and can't be left to be a by-product of monetary policy, the productivity and profitability of the building industry and the zoning vagaries of local councils.
And as with the NDIS (and child care), intergenerational fairness requires a radical solution: the government could do worse than going back to building some houses.” (Source: ABC News)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-11/federal-budget-housing-build-more-homes/106663204
#HousingCrisis #AusPol #StateCapture #SocialHousing #TaxReform #Productivity #Profits #Employment #Tradies
#NIMBYism

2026-05-09 23:43:30 UTC

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I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here… anger and blame game seems to be driving people’s political choices. It’s also a reflection of the frustration brought about by a freakingly unimpressive #Labor govt. What kind of majority does a party need to be more progressive these days? It very much feels like #AlboPM is offloading all of his pent-up resentment for the #Dismissal with #anger and #hate aimed at the #LNP (responsible for cutting his early career short) and the #Greens (for stealing labour votes). It’s beyond sad, it’s freaking disgusting to use Labor voter’s trust in that way IMO.
/‘nuff_said/
#AusPol

2026-05-09 23:33:55 UTC

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I place #Timmy on par with an #Airhead #Vlogger (with apologies to vloggers for bringing you all down by association).

2026-05-09 09:37:29 UTC

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I woud think these results make Starmer’s leadeship less secure. What are the chances? Who’s next to lead the ‘centre-right’ worker’s party?

2026-05-08 23:47:22 UTC

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The whole council needs to be replace to restore trust IMO

2026-05-07 02:06:40 UTC

This is hitting too close to home to feel complacent about the lack of #SocialHousing
“An Indigenous woman, living in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, gave birth to twins in a tent. One of those babies died. In a tent. Where their parents were living, because the waiting list for social housing in their area is up to seven years. The Sydney Morning Herald’s Amber Schultz has reported nearly 700 people are on the social housing waitlist in Wagga Wagga, a city with fewer than 70,000 residents.” (Source: https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2026/05/06/baby-tent-housing-interest-rates )
One in a Hundred without a decent roof over their heads. Think about that as if one of them was you.
If the federal Govt is inept at solving the #HousingCrisis problem in the #Riverina electorate, then let’s elect a representative who will push an inept #NSW #Labor govt to step into the breach. And while we’re at it, let’s make sure the local #Councillors we elect to the #WaggaWaggaCouncil also have #Housing front and centre on their mind.
We can be better than this folks. We don’t have to put up with the crap we’re given by those love-sick on power at any cost. Think about our community, the whole of our community when you vote next time in #Federal or #State #elections. This is not about you or me, it’s about all of us in the Riverina. Safe housing, free healthcare, and social services delivery must be foremost on our minds. The other things that are making our lives miserable we can overcome once we’re all safely housed and in better shape to do somthing about them. Because of course we must, all of us, do something about them too.
#StartLocal
#AusPol

2026-05-06 02:29:36 UTC

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I think there would be a correlation, but in my view it is caused by multiple factors and not by an employment-inflation nexus (despite the NAIRU model). For example, we already know from recent experience with #GreedFlation when #bigMoney and the #Oligopolies were looking at shrinking opportunities to make a killing (super profits and stock market manipulation), that increasing profits is inflationary and has an adverse impact on jobs security, increases cost of living and gives rise to unemployment when small businesses are squeezed out. You’d think that the system would self-balance somewhere if not for greed and corruption and an controversial addiction to growth at all costs. A balanced (regulated) economy could sustain its society where ‘no one is left behind’ but where Millionaires are few and billionaires do not exist. This is no a ‘leftist’ view, simply being humane and compassionate.

2026-05-06 01:52:21 UTC

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THe Cash Rate does more than affect mortgages, it is a tool to control NAIRU (non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment) because current economic thinking (Flawed IMO) is that low unemployment is inflationary. The RBA impacts private capital investments and job growth and everything else flows on from that. From this, you can infer that the RBA does not like full employment, ergo it is not looking after workers’ interests full stop. Mortage rates are set by greedy banks, not the RBA per se (look to Banks posted profits — seems it’s never high enough for shareholders/investors/rentiers).
/forgot where I wanted to go with this toot/

2026-05-05 01:45:22 UTC

Doug Cameron’s questions are the ones I have been asking myself (and the Party — though there were no answer from them) for two years or more. It’s incomprehensible to me why a supposedly left-wing Parliamentary Caucus with a whopping majority, is so… well, center-right. And that was why I cancelled my Party membership this year.
“…Cameron’s criticism does highlight one of the defining features of the Albanese government. Labor’s historically activist wing has arguably never held so much power to shape the country; a prime minister ensconced in the Lodge, surrounded by a praetorian guard of factional allies and a majority left caucus. Labor’s own constitution describes it as a democratic socialist party. So why is it so centrist?”
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/04/australia-labor-party-left-centrists-albanese-leadership
#AusPol #Labor #SocialDemocracy #TaxReformNow #EatTheRich #Antifa #EndFossilFuelUseNow

2026-05-04 04:31:05 UTC

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AKA. “May the Force be with you.” For those no fans of Star Wars.

2026-05-04 04:21:54 UTC

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I remember Acland st in the 80s… dream street for me :))

2026-05-02 07:21:58 UTC

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I just don’t understand voters who do not see through the Fascist Frog. It’s not as if they don not have another example to look at in POTUS
#8647now #FarageCrypto #UKPol

2026-04-29 11:54:43 UTC

Amy Remeikis talks about the meakness of #AlboPM and why it tactically and strategically wrong to avoid sorely needed #TaxReform, especially at this time, a #GasExportTax.
PS @npub1tve…vfd0 you get a mention in her article.
https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260428-not-the-right-time-why-albaneses-safety-first-is-no-longer-enough
#AusPol

2026-04-29 04:32:48 UTC

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Totally agree. #AlboPM ‘s reticence is political. I also agree that where these so-called #ISISBrides are #Australian #Citizens they should be repatriated and face the #justice system if indictable in accordance with Australian #Law. End of story.
This miserable saga ought to weight heavily on every citizen and their constitutional rights.

2026-04-29 04:01:03 UTC

#Grift #Corruption #Greed #SelfInterest #Hypocracy #PHON #AusPol #Gina #Racist #DimWits #RedNecks #bumpkins
What else can I say… #pauline does not care about anyone else. She’s as happy as a pig in shit as long as it’s about and for her. Her long political career enabled by an electorate full of idiots who don’t know any better is just what Pauline wants and gets.
As for PHON voters elsewhere, you do not derserve to be called Australians. I served like many others but I didn’t do it for you bozos.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/29/pauline-hanson-new-private-plane-gina-rinehart-assosciates-ntwnfb

2026-04-29 02:58:40 UTC

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That’s a big red flag for me. As soon as I come across ‘mandated’, in this case, in terms of a universally enforced single mode of production in an economic model, I see #NationalSocialism and #Fascism and I tend to switch off. Sry. If this is really your opinion I don’t wish to engage further.

2026-04-29 02:21:58 UTC

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There is one economic model that might fit your thinking, I remember seeing someone tooting about it a while back, darned if I can remember whom though or what it was called. The word ‘commons’ keeps coming to mind and I recall thinking at the time that this was a #Zombie economic model, an old system dressed up as new.
Of note though is that common ownership is already there in the public sphere. All public assets and services are commonly owned and failry democratic in operations (Unions rep are present in most Department management levels — I certainly participated and was very active in Defence). I would not expect any common ownership in private assets though the shareholder model does and that represents a restricted type of common ownership. I’d also contend that there is a level of democracy in annual general shareholders meetings as well.
Workers’ Coops work where the workers (including management) are the only shareholders of the means of production in a capitalist system. This is not new. There are working enterprises structured this way in the UK I believe. That these are not widely implemented speaks to issues and problems (though I’m ignorant of the specific cases or causes). A Communist system does no implement this in any way since everything belongs to the State as it does in a truly fascist system. Socialism is a many faceted beast and might have pockets of workers’ Coops but it would not exclude private enterprises either. All of these have been tried in part or in full and economic history is riddled with their remains. Unlike other economic models, Capitalist systems have been structured and shown to work using the whole gammut of possible structures, from #Slavery to privately owned empires. The same could not be said of other historical economic systems. In my view, the greater the diversity of structures the more likely it is to be a successful economic model as a whole and the greater the benefit to society in the aggregate.
If you can point me to economists proposing new models I’d really appreciate it (ommiting MMT ‘cause I know about that one already). Thank you for the conversation.
#Capitalism #Communism #Socialism #WorkersCoOp #MMT #Fascism #DemocracyInTheWorkplace #Unionism #Commons

2026-04-28 05:15:57 UTC

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For all that is wrong (and cursory glances reveal there is a lot wrong here) with #capitalism these days of unhinged #neoliberal laisser-faire, I personally don’t wish for its demise.
An uncompromising realignment of capitalism with emphasis on the #GreaterGood and #SocialResponsibilities, yes, by all means let’s. But an abandonment of capitalism requires something other to take its place to ‘guide’ our economy, vital to our society’s welfare. I for one cannot see what that ‘Other’ is, nor can any of the current crop of #Economists. Some form of #PrivateOwnership will have to survive at least IMO.

2026-04-28 03:56:30 UTC

So, this is the #tRump #Envoy to Australia, replacing a #Kennedy. The contrast could not be starker.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/28/trump-picks-former-republican-congressman-to-be-ambassador-to-australia-after-17-month-vacancy
#USAmbassador #AusPol

2026-04-27 09:45:53 UTC

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That sounds yummy Heather. I’ve used fetta in pasta dishes before, but not halloumi…food for thought :))

2026-04-27 08:42:16 UTC

Just so you know what it’s like for a vegetarian to be surrounded by carnivores… at this time of the evening most of my neighbours are cooking their meals and on pleasant days that mostly means BBQ. All I can smell is the air reeking with the stink of cows. Unpleasant to say the least. My only alterntive is to shut up the house and spray some kind of deodoriser. SHame about the balmy night…
I’m easy and neighbours should cook/eat whatever they like, it’s no skin of my nose, but my nose insists.
#Vegetarianism #TrialsAndTribulations

2026-04-24 01:49:09 UTC

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Damn, the man has no idea… exhibits all the hallmarks of a psychopathic narcissist, which are prerequisites for bullies, fascists, tyrants, and would-be-kings. He is not doing himself any favours and in my view possibly tarnishing the ANZAC tradition.

2026-04-22 06:40:45 UTC

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Found it. It’s a podcast:
Government as a Learning Machine: Using Randomised Trials to Improve Productivity
(2025)
You should find it on Amazon for free listen
#AusPol

2026-04-22 06:05:19 UTC

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I have heard Leigh talk about (I forgot the exact term he used) introducing change in chunks quickly and early to be trialled for effectivness in the real world before setting up consolidate legislation to bring it into law/regs.
I think he wrote a short book on this last year… Haven’t read it sry.
And yes, neoliberalism is alive and well unfortunately. IMO #economists are nothing but #historians at best or snake oil merchants at worst. They cannot foresee the future, nor can they truly be pro-active. That said, fiscal and monetary levers are used in all economic systems to ‘react’ to economic circumstances but this is short-termism and the outcomes are always in doubt.

2026-04-22 05:54:34 UTC

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On the #Defence budget matter, I agree that changes are needed. But I would not dismiss forward budgeting given that most defence projects and acquisition take years to complete (another thing that needs to change, but that an industrial issue mostly).
I can only relate it all back to my days in the #ADF. As a soldier with clear mission outcomes, the last thing you want is sub-standard equipment. It’s one thing to agree to put your life on the line and quite another to do it with shit gear that you know will not save you in a contest on the modern battlefield. War/Conflicts are a shit thing but they do occur, so best to be prepared (insured).

2026-04-22 05:45:52 UTC

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Unfortunately MMT is still considered heresy by most (deluded) economists :))
Of late, I am more convinced that we should experiment with our economic and political systems. In a stepwise and ordered fashion and let time dictate the efficacy of changes. An itterative progressive political and economic agenda sounds like the thing to do IMO. ACT MP Andrew Leigh has been advocating for something similar for some time now.
#AusPol #NewEconomics #MMT

2026-04-22 05:19:00 UTC

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Unfortunately, ditching AUKUS will not release funds from the already authorised defence forward budget. Taxing the rich and taxing gas super profit, fully taxing CGT and discontinuing landlord tax consessions will though, almost by an equal amount and almost instantly.
#TaxReformNow
#AusPol

2026-04-22 05:13:23 UTC

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Agreed.
For context: I was having a conversation with a tooter who decried #Varoufakis because, he asserted, of his support for #Putin. In fact nothing could be further from the truth. Self-confessed marxist Varoufakis denounced Putin as a culpable murderer some 20 years ago.
In our conversation, I pointed out that one can be marxist without supporting Putin. Indeed, one can read Das Kapital without being a marxist at all, the same as reading Mein Kampf didn’t make me a Nazi. Quite the opposite.
Bottom line is, Varoufakis is not a supporter of Putin no matter what is written about him in the Polish Press outlet this tooter quoted to me.
Having a good day so far Jude?

2026-04-22 02:00:41 UTC

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Well, he is a avowed Marxist… and makes no secret of it.
Just because one isn’t a marxist does that mean one should not read Das Kapital ?
The choice is yours,of course, and I’ll respect it.

2026-04-22 01:38:57 UTC

Prof Yannis Varoukakis is, if anything, controvertial but also a great communicator and explainer of all things economics. I’ve always enjoyed reading him. In this case however, Varoufakis appears alarmist and the frightening thing about it all is that the scenario he unfolds in his article is very possible, too close to probable to ignore.
“Unlike Adam Smith or John Stuart Mill—who fretted over precisely when markets might fail—neoliberals declared the market infallible. Even when Wall Street cratered our economies, they insisted that mortal intervention would only make things worse. That suited the financiers perfectly. But that era is over.
A new form of capital is ascending: cloud capital—networked algorithmic machines that grant their owners remarkable powers to modify our behaviour. And just as financiers needed neoliberalism, today’s tech lords need a new ideology to legitimise their rule. I call it techlordism.”
Read more:
https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260422-palantir-and-the-new-order-neoliberalism-is-dead-say-hello-to-techlordism
#Techlordism #Varoufakis #Technocracy #TechBros #Palantir #Thiel #economics #PostNeoLiberalism

2026-04-21 03:49:59 UTC

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Sry to say I’m not very familiar with the meaning behind emoticons, aside from the simplest ones that is. What does yours mean to convey?

2026-04-21 03:46:21 UTC

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There are very similar aren’t they? Even if cut from very different cloth.

2026-04-20 23:45:38 UTC

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Whatever happened to “build it, and they will come’ … eventually…

2026-04-14 09:18:48 UTC

It is obvious, given they elected him to the Senate on a PHON ticket, that the SA Electorate has not followed #CoryBernadi ’s pitiful career in Canberra. They will soon learn… I hope. Meanwhile, the said leader of PHON in SA is aiming for the moon:
“
“I have lofty goals for One Nation,” SA leader Cory Bernadi told FIVEaa listeners this morning […] I do want to be ultimately the opposition party in this state and ultimately I hope that they can one day govern this state.”
Read more:
https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/opinion/2026/04/14/one-nation-fresh-meat-for-labor-in-sa-parliament
#AusPol #SAPol #PHON #FreshParliamentaryMeat

2026-04-14 04:23:56 UTC

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My electric bike just got delivered… yay
Now to put it together and then…
Ride to town and back 😀🚲🚲🚲🚲

2026-04-13 00:57:37 UTC

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I forget sometimes in the midst of other hashtags… sry

2026-04-13 00:07:25 UTC

If you think that Australian political parties are ‘bought off’ by corporate and wealthy Australians contribution, think again…
“Australia provides taxpayer funding to parties and candidates based on how many votes they receive. At the May 2025 federal election, each voter was worth around $6.80 in public funding, and that will rise to $10 at the next election – that’s $5 each for ballots for the House of Representatives and Senate.
Labor got $37 million in taxpayer funding after the 2025 election, the Liberal–National Coalition $33 million, the Greens $13 million and One Nation $6 million.
It pays to be popular. Winning the vote of an extra 1% of Australians (about 160,000 people) is worth $1.1 million, set to rise from next year to $1.6 million.” (Source: The Point)
Read more:
https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260411-popular-policies-would-be-a-better-revenue-raiser-than-taking-fossil-fuel-and-gambling-donations
Also, #lobbyists, #GoldenParachutes, the #msm propaganda machine and #PoliticalAdvisors have more influence on politicians than millionaire/corporate hand outs
It’s a shame that the taxpayers do not have their funding of parties ‘tied’ to specific policies and their resulting legislation — KPI-like incentive. I wonder how such a system would operate…

2026-04-12 09:12:24 UTC

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Oh wow… you really do need a new appliance. I wouldbe worried about its safety if it were mine.

2026-04-12 03:11:49 UTC

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Wouldn’t take a genius to make a business out of btty swap stations, just as he #fosilfuel industry did with petrol stations. All we need is national btty unit standards… #AlboPM #ChrisBowen

2026-04-10 08:50:53 UTC

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Let’s disagree then.
I’ve had to sign several Official Secrecy Act undertakings during my defence career and I know better than most what is at stake when you do so. McBride should’ve known better in my view.

2026-04-10 06:04:22 UTC

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Maybe. Although I think McBride’s case is a separate matter. That case was ‘messy’ and there were some doubts as to his original intention for squirreling away classified docs, etc…
Whistleblower protection laws do need to be strenghtened, I agree. As to exactly how that is done, I’ll leave it to legal eagles.

2026-04-10 04:47:45 UTC

A well thought out article on the standards we should all expect from our incredible #ADF. I fully support #AndrewWilkie and his view on the #BRS case and the Australian justice system.
#AusPol #WarCrimes #PresumptionOfInnocence
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/09/ben-roberts-smith-public-figures-intervention-ntwnfb

2026-03-26 23:10:01 UTC

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Not that Turnbull has no axe to grind…

2026-03-25 07:24:14 UTC

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Been retired for about 13 years now and settled in Wagga ‘cause houses were unaffordable in Canberra. You?

2026-03-25 06:34:33 UTC

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Just joined it (even though I am still a member of the CPSU).

2026-03-25 00:50:39 UTC

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Now there’s an alternative to Labor Party membership :))

2026-03-24 22:43:43 UTC

Pasting this in full because it’s easier than pointing to a ‘time slot’ in a live blog. But this is good news everyone. Finally have major parties acknowledging climate denial propaganda machine. Source :07.42 AEDT The Point — Live blog
“Climate information committee reports back
The Peter Whish-Wilson led inquiry into climate integrity information (also known as the mis/disinformation inquiry) tabled its report late last night.
This inquiry was primarily intended to raise education and awareness on this critical matter, and start a national conversation on what needs to be done to improve transparency and accountability around false, misleading, and deceptive information that has for years challenged science and undermined climate action in Australia.
Evidence was provided that a ‘denial machine’ has deliberately obstructed climate and energy policy for decades in Australia. This ‘denial machine’ has included conservative think tanks, law firms, PR firms, consultancies, third-party campaign groups and some conservative media outlets.
For those who care about a safe climate future, this is deeply concerning.
This is a complex issue and requires a comprehensive set of solutions to address it, and the Greens are pleased with a number of recommendations made by the Committee to improve climate information integrity.
There was a majority report that the Greens, Liberal and Labor MPs on the committee managed to come to, including 21 recommendations, including exploring “funding models for independent monitoring support (for example, via an Australian Internet Observatory) to track hidden digital influence ecosystems and provide independent transparency and accountability of platforms”.
#ClimateChange #ClimateChangeDenials #AusPol #ParliamentaryInquiry

2026-03-24 02:13:56 UTC

[Edited to correct quoted source]
Well, what do you know… corporate #Grifters are at it again. #Greedflation is lining up to bat again.
“New analysis of the national accounts reveals that all of the increase in inflation in the latter half of 2025 was due to increased profits, rather than inflationary pressures from a tight labour market or rising labour costs (Source Greg Jericho & David Richardson — Tue 24 Mar 2026 10.00 The Point)
Read more:
https://thepoint.com.au/news/260324-profit-push-is-back-the-increase-in-inflation-is-due-to-profits
#AusPol #economics #Inflation #Employment #Wages

2026-03-23 21:39:56 UTC

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Edited. Thanks.

2026-03-23 02:28:57 UTC

WIll #AlboPM respond? Will he listen? Will he mend his political tactics ways?
“
2 hours ago 11.13 AEDT
The POint — Live
Crossbenchers unite on 25% export tax
It’s a full media press court for the crossbench (and Australia Institute) press conference calling for a 25% flat tax on gas exports.
The issue isn’t new – but the interest is. There has been a growing desire from Australian voters for a tax on gas exports, but when One Nation jumped on board (after their own supporters started calling for it) it has really pushed the issue onto the national stage (amazing that it is still the voices calling for something which determine media interest, but here we are). It has also been part of the union priority list for this term since the government’s re-election. This hasn’t happened overnight.
The crossbench has been on board for sometime – and now they are uniting to make those calls louder. And as someone who has covered quite a few crossbench press conferences, it is unusual to see the entire media pack in front of them, taking it seriously.
Andrew Wilkie says if the government had put on a gas tax when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent energy prices skyrocketing a few years ago, it would have collected more than $60bn in revenue since then.
That is what is driving this – how to solve the cost of living crisis.
Zali Steggall says it is one of the ways they solve it, and that Australia needs to stop letting gas companies walk away from profit that belongs to Australians.” (Australia Institute — The Point Live)

2026-03-22 04:43:52 UTC

It’s not the first in Australia, daylsford in Victoria comes to mind, but it’s an energy solution that IMO ought to be replicated in as many place as are removed from main transmission lines. There is also the notion of independence from the vagaries of corporate energy suppliers pricing.
It’s such a good thing which can only help to reduce fossil fuel consumption and its attendent pollution.
“11.23 AEDT [today] — NSW town flips switch on Australia’s first community-owned solar farm and battery
Australia’s first community co-op solar farm and battery has officially opened in Goulburn, New South Wales.
The project, a 1.4-megawatt solar farm with a 4MWh battery, is owned by 288 investors, 80% of whom are from the region’s community. Andrew Bray, the chair of the Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative, said it was the culmination of 12 years of hard work by the community.
The powerful thing is these members now have a stake in a renewable energy power plant rather than leaving the clean energy market to large national and international interests. It is a great step in true benefit sharing.
The co-op ownership structure means that each investor has one vote, regardless of the size of their shareholding. As well as financial returns for investors, Bray said a portion of annual profits would be directed to a community fund to address energy poverty in the area.
Edison Zhou, the group director of Australia and New Zealand for Trinasolar Asia Pacific, which supplied the solar modules and energy storage, said: ‘Community energy projects like this one show what is possible when local determination meets the right technology and the right partners. We are proud that Trinasolar’s solar modules, tracker and storage solutions could play a part in making it a reality, demonstrating that advanced clean‑energy technology is no longer just for large-scale developers, it is accessible to communities too.’
The solar farm is completing final commissioning and is expected to be fully connected to the grid within weeks” (Source: The Gardian Live)
#Renewables #CommunityOwned #TaxTheRich

2026-03-20 23:44:03 UTC

This so good, I couldn’t help but toot it. I never learned sign language but I applaud this school for making it available to students.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-21/auslan-proves-popular-at-canberra-school/106479324
#AUSLAN

2026-03-01 03:25:04 UTC

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Tim models himself (knowingly or not) on the demented raving #tRump. Tim Wilson spruiks lies, mistruths, untruths, disfinformation and misinformation if he thinks it will get him what he wants and in that he is as a narcissist as his role model is. Shame on msm for giving him airtime.

2026-02-28 09:51:55 UTC

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what is it with Labor (Australia) and Labour (UK) and their vitriolic hatred of the Greens? Instead of lashing out at a party which welcomes the disaffected labor lefties, why don’t they come off their neoliberalist centre-right position and get back to the roots of Labor/Labour — traitors to the workers’ cause this bunch of revisionists.
#Labor #Labour #UK #Australia
#Greens

2026-02-19 07:12:00 UTC

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Don’t know about the UK, but previous Australian govt policies (esp. the Job Ready Graduate program) does much to undo the successes of Arts faculties (where languages are taught) with massive cost increases for degrees. The program promotes STEMS subject by radically cutting funding for the Arts and massively increasing funding for STEM subjects esp engineering and medicine. This was a neoliberal policy that has so far not been curtailed by our current Labor govt.
By the by, the policy was/is a total failure. Students seek to study in the field they have an interest in and not the ‘cheapest’ degree structures. The resulting numbers have shown a very modest increase in STEMS and a decrease in non-STEMS enrolments.
Politicians (as well as business persons) should be kept out out of University boards and councils. Ministers ought to worry about education budgets and leave the running of a Universtity to those better educated to do so IMO. It’s academic, not corporate.
#TertiaryEducation

2026-02-15 09:08:57 UTC

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Flawed mindset of neoliberal economic dogma which cannot countenance the idea of education being a social good that repays investments over time through taxes (is this what you mean by hypothecated taxes?).

2026-02-12 02:00:03 UTC

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The Ukrainian Ambassador rightly pointed out in his latest National Press Club address that he who controls the narrative creates the new truth (or words to that effect). This is what #Minns and the NSW #PoliceCommissioner have been doing, using innuendoes, misinformation and hypotheticals to justify police violence. Amplified by a compliant media, those lies are becoming truths for many ‘voters’ (which is what it’s all about — pity about making political mileage out of the unfortunate dead!).
At times like these it would make any sane person feel like a bloody revolution to ‘clear out the swamp’. I guess I’ll just wait for my next time at the urns instead. :(
#PoliceViolence #NSW #Minns #Antifa #AntiZionism
#ServeTheWarrants you cowards!

2026-02-11 07:32:55 UTC

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Good eggs the Pococks…

2026-02-04 04:55:14 UTC

The figures are stark. GenAI slop is severely impacting the #CreativeArts and particularly the #writingcommunity
" 86% of authors say GenAI has already reduced their earnings
72% of authors say job opportunities have already been cut
57% of authors say their career is no longer sustainable
43% of literary translators and 37% of SoA illustrators saw earnings fall due to GenAI
26% of illustrators and 36% of literary translators report cancelled or redirected commissions "
This is a report on the UK state of affairs, but it could equally be representative of what is happening here in Australia.
Read more:
https://societyofauthors.org/2026/01/30/brave-new-world/
#GenAISlop

2026-01-15 22:55:47 UTC

I want to talk about something that has been brought to the fore of my mind by something that Cory Doctorow has recently published ; happiness, optimism and hope. In particular optimism because it made me step back and consider his proposition in order to reassess my own understanding of a word I’ve often used in the past to describe one of the characteristics of my persona.
‘Optimism […] is a toxin to be avoided. Optimism is a subgenre of fatalism, the belief that things will get better no matter what we do. It’s just the obverse of pessimism. Both are ways of denying human agency. To be an optimist is to be a passenger of history, along for the ride, with no hope of changing course.’
It is the words ‘human agency’ which first spiked my interest of course. And all of a sudden an answer to a one question that has been on my mind for some time was delivered to me. The world is turning to shit because it has to in order to deliver a better world. In a world where I despair for want of a politically active electorate willing – because we all can – to sort the hay from the chaff on a routine basis and inured to propaganda, all I see around me are angry people, too busy to make ends meet (a relative as well as a subjective reconciliation of financial and social dues and rights) all the while gobbling up whatever mis/dis-information is force-fed onto them; nothing is going to change without some major upheavals. People are not going to wake up from the nightmare until they are scared out of their wits. Shocked awake and gasping for breath, heart thumping in the chest and all senses primed for fight or flight responses. Only then will people sit up and take note of what is happening. In other words, human agency being what it is, if a better world is to be built, the old one must writhe in pain and lash out in frustration as it burns itself out of existence. That is the explanation for what I see around the world today. It is both a sad and painful sight and a harbinger of better things to be, therein lies hope.
‘Hope […] That’s the stuff. Hope is the belief that if we change the world for the better, even by just a little, that we will ascend a new gradient towards a better future, and as we rise up to that curve, new terrain will be revealed to us that we couldn’t see from our lower vantage-point. It’s not necessary -- nor even possible – to see a course from here to the world you want to live in. You can get there is a stepwise fashion, one beneficial change at a time.’
Tying up loose ends… Upon reflection, it is not true that I am an optimist, or ever was one. What I can say now with some confidence is that I am full of hope, have always been. Thank you
@npub1fdr…lvhs
https://pluralistic.net/2026/15/how-the-light-gets-in/
#Pluralistic

2025-12-13 07:54:23 UTC

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Freeking govt pouring public funds into private enterprise for energy cost releifs… and this after our treasures let it be known that everyday janes and joes will. Have to do without next year… what a sad excuse of a #labor party. I’m done, I’m resigning my membership as of next renewal.
#FedUp #CostOfLiving #Grifters #StateCapture #JobForMates #MoneyForTheRich #CapitalismGoneMad #GenAIBubble #Rorts #Corruption #Lobbyists #NeoLiberalism #MarketMayhems #Usury #TaxEvaders #EconomicLeeches #EntittledGits #AntiSocialRiffRaff #HadAGutFull #AusPol #AlboPM

2025-12-04 01:46:59 UTC

Maria Strømme - Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 35, Regementsvägen 1, Uppsala 751 03, Sweden — on #Metaphysics #Consciousness #TheoryOfTheMind #CreativePrinciple #Intention #QuantumFieldTheory
A testable theory of consciousness, now that’s really exiting.
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/adv/article/15/11/115319/3372193/Universal-consciousness-as-foundational-field-A

2025-11-27 22:21:55 UTC

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You know, I’m thinking here that the idea of ‘testing’ new policies before enacting full legislation might not be a bad thing at all — Sen Andrew Leigh here in Australia is a champion of the idea. Kit flying is a weakening tactic when it fails, but announcing legislation allow ‘testing’ or ‘trialing’ proposed policies would be a win-win whatevere their outcomes.

2025-11-21 02:37:08 UTC

"Time for global oversight of organoid work
Brain-organoid researchers are calling for global oversight as lab-grown mini-brains become increasingly complex and countries reduce reliance on animal models. Once primitive cell clusters, neural organoids can now mimic aspects of human brain development and disease — and even integrate into animal brains — prompting concerns over donor consent, animal welfare and the possibility of emerging sentience. “What does it mean if human cells are causing gains in animals’ abilities?” says bioethicist Insoo Hyun. “Currently, we’re not set up to deal with that.” The call to action was signed by 17 scientists across five countries."
There was nothing I could add to the above, except to say: This Is A Really Big Deal.
#Sentience #Organoids #BrainOrganoids #RegulatingOrganoidUse #Biology #Ethics #Philosophy #Morals
Reference: https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?

2025-11-20 07:26:16 UTC

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Don’t forget that there is heaftly anount of funds being cross-invested in all things GenIA and datacentres. From the little I have read or know about (very little), this is what makes the #AIBubble so dangerous, non-bank loans, cross-investments within the AI Markets and the #AssetBubble that data centres represent when GenAI fails to deliver the golden eggs. So, I wouldn’t discount NVidea’s exposure.

2025-11-14 01:41:10 UTC

This is an off-the-wall thing. And I'm tooting it because... questions.
I am reading a book about Paulo Cuelho in which the author is recounting Coelho’s conversation with three young readers about youth’s despairing moments, one of the readers interjects: ‘Philosophically you’re very Hegelian.’ And Coelho replies: ‘I am.’
Well, that just floors me right there.
While I am not unfamiliar with Hegel, or Heidegger, or Sartre, or Camus or Plato, or whomever I have read so far, I am damned if I could quote any of them let alone confess that my thinking is along the lines of some of these philosophers.
I just don’t know. I cannot recall what it is I have read as other writers (people in general) do. I find it unimaginable that something one reads stays indelibly etched in some part of the brain to be regurgitated on demand. That remains, for me, an impossibility.
My brain just doesn’t work that way. I get an overall ‘feeling’ (I have no other words for it) about what I read and that memory stays but cannot be verbalised. Rote learning is possible, I’ll grant that – I must, based on what I have seen – but as to how or why it is that most people can to varying degrees perform this feat is incomprehensible to me. The brain is constructed to be an evolving archive of patterns. It is constantly ‘flashing’ its memory 'circuits' with new sensor information, and at night the subconscious takes over and amps up or re-wires the brain as it purges.
So, in this context, those regurgitating text verbatim must have a very weak performing subconscious and are mainly ruled by their consciousness awake and asleep. Do they dream much? And if so, what kind of dreams do they have? Do they have lucid dreams? And if so, what are those about? Questions, questions, questions. I have nothing but questions.
#Questions #PhilosophyOfMind #Philosophy #Writing #WritingCommunity

2025-11-10 10:09:04 UTC

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This is sad news indeed. It is a well known fact that aside from traveling to experience other cultures, learning a foreign language (at any age) is akin to eating brain food. As well as broadening the student’s mind, it also alters brain structures (neurological pathways) leading to some interesting benefits. Cutting languages is shortsighted and stupid IMO.

2025-11-09 23:57:06 UTC

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Those opposed to #NativeTitle claims beg the question:
If us ‘colonials’ are happy to live and work on land that is presumably ‘owned’ by the ‘Crown’ or the ‘Commonwealth’ (Stolen land in origin), what possible difference would it make to ‘us’ if it were Native Titled land? Both of these concepts are subject to the modern Laws of AUstralia anyway. Case in point: the ACT’s land legislation ensures the land cannot be ‘owned’ by households or corporations, yet it is a thriving society.
I suggest we all put out fears out there and face them for the hubris that they are and engage in a mutually acceptable way (E.g. #Treaties) to give back all the #StolenLand on this continent to its traditional owners in one form or another and settle this once and for all. We’ll all be very surprised of how generous the original land stewards can be.
I won’t entertain anything but ‘constructive’ comments on this toots. All else is utter BS.
#IVotedYes #AusPol

2025-11-07 09:31:07 UTC

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Here is an interesting essay from David Roche talking about #Bubbles and their inevitable collapse.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/a-crash-is-coming/

2025-11-05 10:30:45 UTC

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Profit taking?

2025-11-03 23:51:17 UTC

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Although I’m talking about many decades ago, I once believed the lies about welfare fraud — it does occur, but it’s occurence is lost in the overwhelming numbers who do the right thing and deserve support. I believed it until I experienced what it was like to look for work and the mental stress it caused over a long period. I was lucky to escape the downward spiral — manly due to some exceptional people who came into my life. And while I refused to collect benefits (for some illogical idealism), most cannot because they have a family to support and have to pay for basic human needs (shelter, food, health, and a sense of purpose).
Bring on Universal Basic Income I say and do away with the hypocracy of bureaucratic benefit systems altogether. This is about the greater social good after all.
#UBI #UnemploymentBenefits #SocialSafetyNet

2025-11-03 22:47:49 UTC

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Well then I’ve got no clue as to what’s going on with my set up. I might just try a clean install next week when I’ve calmed down.
Thanks for the info though.

2025-11-03 11:18:37 UTC

Does anyone know if #Linux #Mint supports #HDMI output? If so, how is it enabled? If not, is there a work round?
I am using a notebook with Win10 to stream video to the TV via HDMI and i want to get off microsoft and install Mint.
Much obliged for any solutions, comments, advice, etc.
Pse boost for reach.. tks

2025-10-12 23:05:37 UTC

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I guess it’s hard to shake off Thacherism in the UK… still, doing the same thing over and over again expecting different outcomes is certifiable. Why can’t the electorate see that?

2025-10-10 06:36:20 UTC

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Lots of similar issues here in Aus. The common denominators are the rise of #Managerialism in university governance and the insane notion that better universities are built on the application of defunct economic theory (neoliberalism) and #corporate management practices to education institutions. This folly knows no bounds.
#TertiarySector #UK #Australia #Education #AusPol

2025-09-27 01:29:16 UTC

AND, while on the subject of education institutions — were we not? Have a read of Jane Caro here reminding us that our society is not egalitarian at all and has a full on class warfare problem in education in our hands.
“The inequity is more profound than simply money. The “level playing field” quoted above is about much more than dollars and cents. What Australia has done over the past quarter century is create two parallel, publicly funded education systems: one with all the rights and one with all the responsibilities. Private schools can be public when it comes to the handing out of public money but private when it comes to everything else. They can charge any fees they choose. They can open schools wherever they like and refuse to open, or choose to close them, whenever they like. They can hire and fire whomever they like, because they have a statutory exemption to the Anti-Discrimination Act, and fight hard not only to hang on to it but to extend it via religious freedom bills. They can refuse to enrol and choose to expel whomever they like – or more pertinently, don’t like. They can also, if they want to, teach creationism and actively discourage girls from going to university – with the help of taxpayers.”
I urge you to read the article. And then get loud on social media because the whole thing sucks…
#AusPol #Education #SchoolFunding #PrivateVersusPublicSchools #PrivateSchools #PublicShools #JasonClareMP #AlboPM
Read more:
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topic/2025/09/27/the-segregation-crisis-schools-funding

2025-09-13 11:47:29 UTC

Amy Remeikis powerful piece has been taken down but because it is so powerful I’m tooting a link to it. If you believe that life is for every individual, then do yourself a favour and read it too
https://archive.md/2025.09.12-175455/https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/us-news/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-dead
#Kirk

2025-09-08 05:57:19 UTC

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The only carbon capture systems currently working are a continuation of fossil fuel extraction operations where it is pumped back into the well or stratum (though not all of it) to extract yet more fossil fuel. Every other carbon capture projects are abject failures and remain likely to stay that way.
Fossil Fuel extractive industries are not so stupid as to take carbon capture seriously given their raison d’etre is to make money, and not to invest in impossible and unprofitable schemes. Ah! Capitalism eh? Who’d have it?

2025-09-08 01:17:45 UTC

Zoe Daniel in the Guardian writes:
“…we can hardly expect reasoned community conversations to bridge divides when our leaders can’t even have those constructive discussions. Until they can, there’ll be a trust gap.”
While it is true that there is a ‘trust gap’, it is important to remember that elected officials reflect the dominant values and morals of their electorate. It’s the old: ‘you get the govt you deserve’ seen in the proper perspective. To wish an elected govt to be a role-model for the society it represents surely is to put the cart before the horse.
The thinking person’s view ought to be to recognise ourselves in the Parliamentary stouches and ask why are we behaving thusly and what can be done to correct our collective behaviour, thoughts, and actions to achieve a more harmonious society.
#AusPol #ContemporaryPolitics #CollectiveBehaviour #Politics #Society #Opinion #Activism #Morals #Ethics #Rhetoric #Parliament #Democracy #Humanism #ZoeDaniel #TheGuardian
read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/07/division-exposed-by-march-for-australia-test-for-politicians-they-failed-it-put-nation-last-ntwnfb

2025-09-07 10:43:12 UTC

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“Benefits’ is often used by the right to denigrade ‘social services’ in order to ‘sell them off’. But social services are the reason societies elect govts in the first place — to look after the commonwealth. Do away with public services and you really don’t need a govt, we’d all be looking after ourselves in our individual cave thank you. This seems to indicate that the ‘right’ are troglodites wishing to go back to pre-historical times.

2025-09-05 01:32:19 UTC

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The #UK political scene looks all too much like #Australian politics a year ago or so, especially the splitting factionalism of the #LNP (Liberal-National Party) coalition, now set to remain in opposition for several terms IMO, and a #Labor party that has shifted to occupy centre-right political ground. Resulting in a disenfranchised Labor-left and member exodus to the Greens (in terms of voting preferences), while the Greens themselves still have a tough time breaking through the ‘cross-bench’ ceiling in the Senate to become a major force among the two-party duopoly. The good news is that the Australian electorate firmly rejected #Trumpism at the last election, thank goodness.
One of the downsides of Labor’s new term in office is that it has now latched on to a successful strategy for holding on to govt while only succeding in wasting their Lower House (super?) majority with a timid legislative agenda.
While progressives left and right of the political divide are clamering for change, Labor isn’t keen to rock that boat. The left is muzzled for now… The right, pushed out by Labor’s encroachment on their turf, with far less ground to cover aside from #racism #stupidity and #fascism, is all too ready to jump further right in order to appear relevant to a dwindling minority of the electorate.
They say that change is good, but nothing has really changed besides the goalposts. It may be that the UK will surprise and take a different route… time will tell.
#AusPol #UKPol

2025-09-04 06:20:24 UTC

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There is only one logical solution to the troubles in public education (incl the #TertiarySector) and that is approprite and adequate funding from the govt. Largess in this sector (along with #health, #housing and #care — and #UBI if bold enough) may have an impact on the economy but can readily be controlled through #Tax reform. That is why we have govt in the first place. Otherwise it’s every person for themselves in the surrounding chaos (this would warm the cockles of Libertarians and SovereignCitizens everywhere)..
Good gracious, this is turning out to be a dark kind of day with me…

2025-09-04 05:56:25 UTC

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The last para quoted, for me, accurately reflects the current situation, dare I say it, world wide… if it is too much to ask the patient to get up from their bed (let’s one repeats a famous miracle) and smite the fascists, yet again, into oblivion, then only another global war will bring about the rise of a fairer civilisation should enough of the world be left to allow it.
A less pessimistic solution would be for the progressive, left centre and right, to grow some and make a stand here and now.

2025-09-04 05:43:21 UTC

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As I see it, there are two important elements to the likelyhood of civil war in the US. One is the fact that the US is awash with guns. And the second is the States’ right of secession backed up by their National Guard units.
Both of these elements will play a major part in any events brought about by the continued dismantling of the US Constitution and its Courts.

2025-09-04 05:28:56 UTC

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It is unfortunate that when a society is hurting from the abuses of right wing policies, it looks to blame their circumstances on ‘Others’. It’s also a shame that the electorate is so easily manipulated to distort their discontent into fear and hatred for any “Other’ pointed to them by those seeking to remain in power.
WIth the shifting of the ‘norms’ and ‘acceptable’ political policies to the right generally, it is more important than ever for the real ‘left’ to be vocal about the state of domestic politics which is totally responsible for current economic ills.
#UKPol #ItsJustaShiftToTheRight
#InUnity #Antifa

2025-08-29 01:02:59 UTC

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Remember not to get your coffee at #Starbucks. The inequity in remuneration of staff v CEO is eye watering… CEO=6,666 times the median Starbuck worker’s pay.

2025-08-24 10:08:46 UTC

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Else, bring everyone up to the same standard with appropriate funding of all education sectors to ensure free education up to first uni degree for all. Wouldn’t that be something? Investing in the next generation (which will — according to the data — put more back into the economy than they took out) ?