The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous.
And the war begins ...
Showing posts with label terror/ism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label terror/ism. Show all posts
V for Vendetta
And the war begins ...
Google v China
The last straw seems to have been placed on the back of Internet behemoth, Google. At least in China.
In a carefully worded announcement, Google announced it's intention to cease censoring search results for China after a detailed investigation into last year's cyber-attack which, among other issues, seems to have been aimed at Chinese dissidents and human rights activists. The company fell short of pointing the finger directly at the Chinese government, but the diplomatic language was unequivocal in assigning guilt.
Read the full announcement here.
The question remains, is this merely sabre rattling on Google's part, or do they fully intend to undo the many years of painstaking work and withdraw from the fastest growing market in the world? Time will tell what discussions, negotiations and concessions are made to the current arrangements and whether Google.cn is closed and the Google offices in China are vacated.
Almost 3 years ago to the day, Google admitted that the decision to assist with censorship was a mistake. <China censorship damaged us, Google founders admit, The Guardian, 27 Jan 2007)
Absolving responsibility - updated
The previous post has been updated with further debate ensuing.
I will keep updating the original rather than make any new posts, as this will maintain the debate in one place for ease of reference.
I find it funny that while I was debating the ridiculousness of censoring the Internet to ensure that someone can use it as their personal babysitter, Sara rallied her child protection claptrap to label me as a supporter of paedophiles.
It is reminiscent of the current campaign by supporters of Senator Conroy's "internet filter" - apparently anyone who does not support government imposed censorship must therefore support sex predators.
"you are with me, or against me" is a tired mantra that was overly used during the 'war on terror'. It didn't stick then and it doesn't stick now.
NOTE: Final update completed - I'll let the public be the judge of which party got the wrong end of the stick in this debate.
I will keep updating the original rather than make any new posts, as this will maintain the debate in one place for ease of reference.
I find it funny that while I was debating the ridiculousness of censoring the Internet to ensure that someone can use it as their personal babysitter, Sara rallied her child protection claptrap to label me as a supporter of paedophiles.
It is reminiscent of the current campaign by supporters of Senator Conroy's "internet filter" - apparently anyone who does not support government imposed censorship must therefore support sex predators.
"you are with me, or against me" is a tired mantra that was overly used during the 'war on terror'. It didn't stick then and it doesn't stick now.
NOTE: Final update completed - I'll let the public be the judge of which party got the wrong end of the stick in this debate.
God Smites Victoria
Back in 2004 I established the Theocracy Alert early warning system. Over the last 4 years it has fallen by the way due to a lack of verifiable threats to our freedom from religion.
However, with the recent comments by Pastor Danny Nalliah of Catch the Fire Ministries (close association with Hillsong Church) I'm thinking of reinstating the Alert. This is just disgraceful!
However, with the recent comments by Pastor Danny Nalliah of Catch the Fire Ministries (close association with Hillsong Church) I'm thinking of reinstating the Alert. This is just disgraceful!
Abortion Laws to Blame for Bushfires?
"He said these bushfires have come as a result of the incendiary abortion laws which decimate life in the womb."
Censorship or Backdown?
[update 2: The Age have reinstated the article ... no explanations]
My previous post about the "Forest Fire Jihad" warning needs an update. The Age has removed the article from its site. WHY? Because of all the publicity it has received in the last 24 hours, or because it was asked by the Government, and an embarrassed Attorney-General, Robert McClelland?
[update 1: It is possible that The Age just decided to cash in by charging $2.20 access for everyone who wanted to read it, however no other Australian news sources are reporting what the rest of the world have regurgitated in the last 24 hours. Why so silent?
A Daily Mail report (UK) states: Police say they have seen no indication that the Victorian blazes were a 'forest jihad', launched by a group of Islamic extremists using fire as a form of terror against Western communities - despite South Australian Premier Mike Rann labelling the perpetrators as 'terrorists'.]
Fortunately there are other sources and I link them below as well as copy the article for posterity.
Check out all the links through Google here.
Other Sources:
Jihad Watch
Western Institute for Study of the Environment News
Clipmarks
Canada Free Press
Hillary's Village
My previous post about the "Forest Fire Jihad" warning needs an update. The Age has removed the article from its site. WHY? Because of all the publicity it has received in the last 24 hours, or because it was asked by the Government, and an embarrassed Attorney-General, Robert McClelland?
[update 1: It is possible that The Age just decided to cash in by charging $2.20 access for everyone who wanted to read it, however no other Australian news sources are reporting what the rest of the world have regurgitated in the last 24 hours. Why so silent?
A Daily Mail report (UK) states: Police say they have seen no indication that the Victorian blazes were a 'forest jihad', launched by a group of Islamic extremists using fire as a form of terror against Western communities - despite South Australian Premier Mike Rann labelling the perpetrators as 'terrorists'.]
Fortunately there are other sources and I link them below as well as copy the article for posterity.
Islam group urges forest fire jihad
by Josh Gordon for The Age
September 7, 2008
AUSTRALIA has been singled out as a target for "forest jihad" by a group of Islamic extremists urging Muslims to deliberately light bushfires as a weapon of terror.
US intelligence channels earlier this year identified a website calling on Muslims in Australia, the US, Europe and Russia to "start forest fires", claiming "scholars have justified chopping down and burning the infidels' forests when they do the same to our lands".
The website, posted by a group called the Al-Ikhlas Islamic Network, argues in Arabic that lighting fires is an effective form of terrorism justified in Islamic law under the "eye for an eye" doctrine.
The posting — which instructs jihadis to remember "forest jihad" in summer months — says fires cause economic damage and pollution, tie up security agencies and can take months to extinguish so that "this terror will haunt them for an extended period of time".
"Imagine if, after all the losses caused by such an event, a jihadist organisation were to claim responsibility for the forest fires," the website says. "You can hardly begin to imagine the level of fear that would take hold of people in the United States, in Europe, in Russia and in Australia."
With the nation heading into another hot, dry summer, Australian intelligence agencies are treating the possibility that bushfires could be used as a weapon of terrorism as a serious concern.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the Federal Government remained "vigilant against such threats", warning that anyone caught lighting a fire as a weapon of terror would feel the wrath of anti-terror laws.
"Any information that suggests a threat to Australia's interests is investigated by relevant agencies as appropriate," Mr McClelland said.
Adam Dolnik, director of research at the University of Wollongong's Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention, said that bushfires (unlike suicide bombing) were generally not considered a glorious type of attack by jihadis, in keeping with a recent decline in the sophistication of terrorist operations.
"With attacks like bushfires, yes, it would be easy. It would be very damaging and we do see a decreasing sophistication as a part of terrorist attacks," Dr Dolnik said.
"In recent years, there have been quite a few attacks averted and it has become more and more difficult for groups to do something effective."
Dr Dolnik said he had observed an increase in traffic on jihadi websites calling for a simplification of terrorist attacks because the more complex operations had been failing. But starting bushfires was still often regarded as less effective than other operations because governments could easily deny terrorism as the cause.
The internet posting by the little-known group claimed the idea of forest fires had been attributed to imprisoned Al Qaeda leader Abu Musab Al-Suri. It said Al-Suri had urged terrorists to use sulphuric acid and petrol to start forest fires.
Check out all the links through Google here.
Other Sources:
Jihad Watch
Western Institute for Study of the Environment News
Clipmarks
Canada Free Press
Hillary's Village
Firebugs are Terrorists
Thanks to @Jinjirrie for the heads up (a Retweet from @mparent77772) on this tabloid-inspired report in The Age last September:
Islam group urges forest fire jihad
[update - The Age has archived this article see follow up post ]
I'm not so much interested in whether this was a plausible threat or not - it really doesn't matter. What I did find interesting was this:
Islam group urges forest fire jihad
[update - The Age has archived this article see follow up post ]
I'm not so much interested in whether this was a plausible threat or not - it really doesn't matter. What I did find interesting was this:
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the Federal Government remained "vigilant against such threats", warning that anyone caught lighting a fire as a weapon of terror would feel the wrath of anti-terror laws.Go on Mr McClelland ... someone has done it - now, what did you say you were going to do? And will it still apply if they are Caucasian and Christian?
An eye for an eye
“An eye for an eye would make the whole world blind.”
Mahatma Ghandi
The three convicted Bali Bombers have been murdered by a vicious, third world legal system at the behest of ignorant and depraved public opinion.
This is a sad and disappointing day for anyone who holds justice high above and disparate from vengeance; for those who foresee the deep and dark ramifications of gifting martyrdom.
And all the while war criminals like Tony Blair and George W. Bush, who are ultimately responsible for the documented deaths of more than 100,000 (potentially closer to 500,000), continue to walk the Earth as free men.
Mahatma Ghandi
The three convicted Bali Bombers have been murdered by a vicious, third world legal system at the behest of ignorant and depraved public opinion.
This is a sad and disappointing day for anyone who holds justice high above and disparate from vengeance; for those who foresee the deep and dark ramifications of gifting martyrdom.
And all the while war criminals like Tony Blair and George W. Bush, who are ultimately responsible for the documented deaths of more than 100,000 (potentially closer to 500,000), continue to walk the Earth as free men.
America's growing enemy
Keep an eye on Venezuela.
According to reports like this and this, Chavez is being too much like a Robin Hood for the US and international bank boys to just stand by and do nothing.
He has already taken back the oil & gas fields, now they plan to ramp up production and hit foreign companies with a 50% tax on excess oil profits.
He also plans to nationalise the cement industry as well as the Argentinian controlled steelmaker and even take measures to ensure that the people of Venezuela have enough food for the future - no way!
And in the back of his mind is still the plan to introduce a Tobin styled tax on financial transactions.
How will they stop him? Rumours of impropriety? Another coup? Acts of terrorism? Assasination? Here's a start.
But there is also the growing concern about who should be the local sherrif of this region of the world. Perhaps The South American Defense Council?
At least that might explain why Venezuela and Brazil are spending big on arms. (Does anyone know why Greece is at the top of the list of big spenders?)
But despite all this, Chavez does appear to have some interesting friends ...
Belarus
China
Iran
Maybe it is a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"?
And if that isn't enough to make you at least question the US stance on Venezuela, try reading the works of Eva Golinger, namely The Chavez Code and Bush vs Chavez - Washington's War on Venezuela or start by reading this review.
Of course, you are also welcome to ignore this and simply take the view that Venezuela deserves everything it gets for its socialist, anti-American, communist-loving, anti-semitic, Simpsons-hating philosphy.
According to reports like this and this, Chavez is being too much like a Robin Hood for the US and international bank boys to just stand by and do nothing.
He has already taken back the oil & gas fields, now they plan to ramp up production and hit foreign companies with a 50% tax on excess oil profits.
He also plans to nationalise the cement industry as well as the Argentinian controlled steelmaker and even take measures to ensure that the people of Venezuela have enough food for the future - no way!
And in the back of his mind is still the plan to introduce a Tobin styled tax on financial transactions.
How will they stop him? Rumours of impropriety? Another coup? Acts of terrorism? Assasination? Here's a start.
But there is also the growing concern about who should be the local sherrif of this region of the world. Perhaps The South American Defense Council?
At least that might explain why Venezuela and Brazil are spending big on arms. (Does anyone know why Greece is at the top of the list of big spenders?)
But despite all this, Chavez does appear to have some interesting friends ...
Belarus
China
Iran
Maybe it is a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"?
And if that isn't enough to make you at least question the US stance on Venezuela, try reading the works of Eva Golinger, namely The Chavez Code and Bush vs Chavez - Washington's War on Venezuela or start by reading this review.
Of course, you are also welcome to ignore this and simply take the view that Venezuela deserves everything it gets for its socialist, anti-American, communist-loving, anti-semitic, Simpsons-hating philosphy.
Gun-toting Yanks hit back!
My last post has caused a bit of a stir in the "land of the brave". It seems you can't criticise the USers* love for murderous tools without being vilified.
The main point against me is that I accused Wayne Chiang of being no better than Virginia Tech shooter, Cho Seung-Hui. I stand firm on my statement, but rather than defend it allow me to add some context.
Wayne Chiang was quoted as saying
Let's put that statement into the context of Bush's invasion of Iraq ...
Now watch the comments light up as I get a barrage of abuse from pro-war USers* who insist that terrorising the middle east for the sake of black gold is a good thing. LOL!
The truth is that any lackadaisical attitude about guns is more likely to lead to widespread carnage and murderous mayhem than it is to swiftly and simply neutralise a situation like Virginia Tech, Port Arthur, Waco, etc
The promotion of a "right to bear arms" is ludicrous and there is no possible way that governments can ensure responsible gun ownership except through extremely tough gun control laws. Volacious says it best in his comment on my previous post:
NOTE * :I tried to find where I had first described the civilians of the USA as USers, rather than their incorrect, self-appointed nickname of "Americans" (which technically applies to any resident of the two American continents). Unfortunately I couldn't find it, hence my explanation for its use. Besides I like the double meaning involved in the term "USer" :-)
The main point against me is that I accused Wayne Chiang of being no better than Virginia Tech shooter, Cho Seung-Hui. I stand firm on my statement, but rather than defend it allow me to add some context.
Wayne Chiang was quoted as saying
"I am a firm believer that if Virginia Tech students were allowed to conceal carry, this situation could have ended sooner."
Let's put that statement into the context of Bush's invasion of Iraq ...
"I am a firm believer that if Iraqi civilians were allowed to conceal carry, this situation could have ended sooner."
Now watch the comments light up as I get a barrage of abuse from pro-war USers* who insist that terrorising the middle east for the sake of black gold is a good thing. LOL!
The truth is that any lackadaisical attitude about guns is more likely to lead to widespread carnage and murderous mayhem than it is to swiftly and simply neutralise a situation like Virginia Tech, Port Arthur, Waco, etc
The promotion of a "right to bear arms" is ludicrous and there is no possible way that governments can ensure responsible gun ownership except through extremely tough gun control laws. Volacious says it best in his comment on my previous post:
"Gun control in America these days is a fairly academic argument... every idiot already has one"
NOTE * :I tried to find where I had first described the civilians of the USA as USers, rather than their incorrect, self-appointed nickname of "Americans" (which technically applies to any resident of the two American continents). Unfortunately I couldn't find it, hence my explanation for its use. Besides I like the double meaning involved in the term "USer" :-)
Falsely accused, but still a monster
He might have been the subject of internet rumour-mongering and false accusations of being the person responsible for today's massacre at Virginia Tech, but despite his protestations of innocence Wayne Chiang is no better than the man who killed 32 people, wounded more, and left a town mourning and a country in shock.
Wayne Chiang is a gun-toting cowboy who would have gladly seen even more people brandishing guns that day, with the inevitable end of a shoot-out to shame the OK Coral!
It doesn't concern me that Wayne is being falsely accused - one look at his blog and I'm instantly repulsed.
Care factor zero from me!
My heartfelt sympathy does, however, go to all the families, friends and neighbours affected by this awful tragedy across the globe.
PLEASE .... will the USA consider gun control laws to protect its own people?
Chiang believes that guns should be allowed on the Virginia Tech campus.
"I am a firm believer that if Virginia Tech students were allowed to conceal carry, this situation could have ended sooner."
Wayne Chiang is a gun-toting cowboy who would have gladly seen even more people brandishing guns that day, with the inevitable end of a shoot-out to shame the OK Coral!
It doesn't concern me that Wayne is being falsely accused - one look at his blog and I'm instantly repulsed.
Care factor zero from me!
My heartfelt sympathy does, however, go to all the families, friends and neighbours affected by this awful tragedy across the globe.
PLEASE .... will the USA consider gun control laws to protect its own people?
2007 Federal Election Conspiracy
The Australian Government has conspired with the United States to devise a plan of freeing David hicks that will ensure the impact of his case has an absolute minimal effect upon the impending Federal election.
Bold words perhaps, but lets look closely at the facts:
Detention
Hicks was captured in Afghanistan in December 2001 and was among the first prisoners the United States sent to Guantanamo a month later. Washington defined Hicks and others as unlawful "enemy combatants" who could not be treated the same way as prisoners of war and would not have the same rights under the Geneva Convention.
PM Reacts to National Outrage
Charged and Convicted
A US military tribunal has sentenced him to seven years in jail but he will only have to serve nine months with the rest suspended. He will serve the sentence in Australia and the USA must send him home by May 29.
The Deal
So clearly the government has one full year in which to be saved any embarrassment from Hicks' contact with media ... and the election will have been fought and won by then!
Bob Brown agrees
Bold words perhaps, but lets look closely at the facts:
Detention
Hicks was captured in Afghanistan in December 2001 and was among the first prisoners the United States sent to Guantanamo a month later. Washington defined Hicks and others as unlawful "enemy combatants" who could not be treated the same way as prisoners of war and would not have the same rights under the Geneva Convention.
PM Reacts to National Outrage
A poll in December (2006) on the Hicks case itself rocked the government. It showed that about two-thirds of Australians thought Mr Hicks should be returned to Australia, and only one-quarter supported Mr Howard's hands-off approach. Since then Mr Howard has changed his public tune, blaming America for the delays in bringing Mr Hicks to trial. That may not be enough to assuage public anger, which probably runs deep enough to affect elections in a few months' time.
The Economist, 29 March 2007
Charged and Convicted
A US military tribunal has sentenced him to seven years in jail but he will only have to serve nine months with the rest suspended. He will serve the sentence in Australia and the USA must send him home by May 29.
The Deal
Hicks's plea agreement bars him from speaking to the media for one year and says if he ever sells the rights to his story, the Australian Government will get the money. He was also banned from taking legal action against the United States. Hicks had previously said he was abused by the US military but said in his plea agreement he had "never been illegally treated while in US custody".
ABC Online, 31 March 2007
So clearly the government has one full year in which to be saved any embarrassment from Hicks' contact with media ... and the election will have been fought and won by then!
Bob Brown agrees
But Greens leader Bob Brown says Hicks's sentence is designed to keep him out of the political spotlight during this year's federal election campaign.
"This is an astonishing political fix between the Howard administration and the Bush administration," Senator Brown said.
"This is carefully choreographed to have Hicks shut up until after the election.
"That's because they know that this is an illegal process. It breaches Australia's standards of democracy, human rights, civil rights."
ABC Online, 31 March 2007
Walk the walk ... like an Egyptian
Speaking of conspiracies ...
What's the chance that the USA is behind the massive constitutional changes underway in Egypt?
The 34 ammendments will provide, amongst other things, a permanent invocation of emergency laws that have been in place since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981, technically ending the longest "emergency" in history. The changes will also:
What's the chance that the USA is behind the massive constitutional changes underway in Egypt?
Human rights group Amnesty International has called the changes the greatest erosion of human rights in 26 yearsMeanwhile, the USA has only expressed "some concerns" about some of the amendments.
The 34 ammendments will provide, amongst other things, a permanent invocation of emergency laws that have been in place since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981, technically ending the longest "emergency" in history. The changes will also:
- give police wider powers of arrest and surveillance.
- ban all religious-based political activity and parties
- remove judicial supervision of elections
- change the previously socialist state into one based on "freedom of economic action"
- give the president powers to refer terrorists to any judicial authority - including military tribunals, which are not subject to appeal
- allow authorities to override articles protecting individual freedoms and privacy
Anything happen lately?
Apologies for the lack of posts these last 3 months, but life has taken some interesting turns.
Firstly I have commenced, and am entirely enjoying, a new career in recruitment. What an amazing feeling to be doing a job that you love and helping so many people and businesses in the process.
Secondly I have been kept quite busy with parties, events and travel as well as reorganising the home office.
I am looking forward to getting my teeth back into the blogosphere. So much has been happening that it would take several long entries to try and catch up with everything. I won't even attempt it.
Having said that I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of Van Nguyen, who was murdered by the Singaporean Judiciary at 6am on the 2nd of December at Changi Prison. A very sad day for Australia, but also just another example of the horrific behaviour of which humanity is capable.
In addition, the passing into law of the industrial relations and the anti-terrorism changes, as well as the incomprehensible riots experienced in Sydney recently, and it is quite clear that the plug has been pulled, the toilet has flushed, and Australia is spiralling down the gurgler at an ever increasing rate.
Bring on the next election!
Firstly I have commenced, and am entirely enjoying, a new career in recruitment. What an amazing feeling to be doing a job that you love and helping so many people and businesses in the process.
Secondly I have been kept quite busy with parties, events and travel as well as reorganising the home office.
I am looking forward to getting my teeth back into the blogosphere. So much has been happening that it would take several long entries to try and catch up with everything. I won't even attempt it.
Having said that I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of Van Nguyen, who was murdered by the Singaporean Judiciary at 6am on the 2nd of December at Changi Prison. A very sad day for Australia, but also just another example of the horrific behaviour of which humanity is capable.
In addition, the passing into law of the industrial relations and the anti-terrorism changes, as well as the incomprehensible riots experienced in Sydney recently, and it is quite clear that the plug has been pulled, the toilet has flushed, and Australia is spiralling down the gurgler at an ever increasing rate.
Bring on the next election!
Baghdad's Burden
It was the worst single day of civillian deaths in Baghdad since the invasion over two years ago.
According to a report in the Independent more than a dozen coordinated attacks took place killing about 150 people and injuring nearly 4 times as many. The worst occurred when a suicide bomber enticed hundreds of labourers to his van with promises of work before detonating explosives inside the vehicle, killing 114 and injuring 156 others.
The deaths mark a new point in the war, with some reporters going so far as to foresee the escalation in attacks as the beginning of a civil war. However, Robert Fisk takes a refreshingly honest look at the spin here.
I've reintroduced the Iraq Body Count banner above to highlight the continued suffering of this nation at the hands of insurgents and fuelled by the presence of the USA and its allies. It is a reminder that the invasion was wrongful and continues to be a great injustice to the Iraqi people.
The current reported death toll lies between 24,712 and 27,963 civilians.
According to a report in the Independent more than a dozen coordinated attacks took place killing about 150 people and injuring nearly 4 times as many. The worst occurred when a suicide bomber enticed hundreds of labourers to his van with promises of work before detonating explosives inside the vehicle, killing 114 and injuring 156 others.
The deaths mark a new point in the war, with some reporters going so far as to foresee the escalation in attacks as the beginning of a civil war. However, Robert Fisk takes a refreshingly honest look at the spin here.
I've reintroduced the Iraq Body Count banner above to highlight the continued suffering of this nation at the hands of insurgents and fuelled by the presence of the USA and its allies. It is a reminder that the invasion was wrongful and continues to be a great injustice to the Iraqi people.
The current reported death toll lies between 24,712 and 27,963 civilians.
Abbott and Beazley will let Aussies die
Last night nine repeated Geoffrey Robertson's latest Hypothetical, The Pope, The PM and the Assassin.
In Robertson's wonderfully enigmatic style he took us on a whirlwind journey through issue upon intertwined issue: cricket; Australians charged with drug and sex offences in an islamic nation; bribery of foreign officials; human rights; death penalty; terrorism; religion; Taiwan independence; national security; protecting journalistic sources; etc
For me the highlight was about one third of the way through when the hypothetical "Narelle Corby", convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death by firing squad, escaped from gaol and presented herself to the Australian Embassy for asylum.
Former police Commissioner, Warren Reed, was happy to grant asylum, but both the new Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, and the Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, were adamant that the embassy would be instructed to hand her back to the authorities to be executed the next day.
Fortunately Natasha Stott-Despoja was able to ignore the diplomacy and see the intrinsic value of saving an Australian life when the opportunity arises. After a small amount of further discussion Judge Felicity Hampel suggested that the PM should be seeking to negotiate a prisoner exchange program to save Corby from execution.
Tony Abbott responded meekly with "If that was possible, sure." to which the Judge aptly quipped "But why not think creatively and use the opportunity, Mr Abbott? You're our PM, you're supposed to have vision!".
Which just goes to prove how poorly some of our politicians are able to think on the spot without their advisors whispering in their ears.
Certainly one of Robertson's more intriguing presentations. I look forward to many more to come.
[+/-] show/hide this post
In Robertson's wonderfully enigmatic style he took us on a whirlwind journey through issue upon intertwined issue: cricket; Australians charged with drug and sex offences in an islamic nation; bribery of foreign officials; human rights; death penalty; terrorism; religion; Taiwan independence; national security; protecting journalistic sources; etc
For me the highlight was about one third of the way through when the hypothetical "Narelle Corby", convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death by firing squad, escaped from gaol and presented herself to the Australian Embassy for asylum.
Former police Commissioner, Warren Reed, was happy to grant asylum, but both the new Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, and the Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, were adamant that the embassy would be instructed to hand her back to the authorities to be executed the next day.
Fortunately Natasha Stott-Despoja was able to ignore the diplomacy and see the intrinsic value of saving an Australian life when the opportunity arises. After a small amount of further discussion Judge Felicity Hampel suggested that the PM should be seeking to negotiate a prisoner exchange program to save Corby from execution.
Tony Abbott responded meekly with "If that was possible, sure." to which the Judge aptly quipped "But why not think creatively and use the opportunity, Mr Abbott? You're our PM, you're supposed to have vision!".
Which just goes to prove how poorly some of our politicians are able to think on the spot without their advisors whispering in their ears.
Certainly one of Robertson's more intriguing presentations. I look forward to many more to come.
[+/-] show/hide this post
caveat civis
Further to my recent focus on Fred Phelps, the NSW Liberal Party and other Christian terrorists, I now draw your attention to the formation of Australia's first Islamic political party, The Best Party of Allah in Australia.
According to The Australian the party founder, Kurt Kennedy, believes that "all Australians should be living under Islamic law dictated by the Koran" and that we have nothing to fear because "The positive part of sharia law is (about) treating everybody fairly".
All well and good ... IF equality is the foundation stone. Unfortunately it may not be that simple - nor is it right and just!
Despite the spin, Islamic values are NOT exactly the same as those of any other religion, though they are more similar to Jewish or Christian beliefs than either of those religions would care to admit. As such, it is incomprehensible that a nation, especially Australia, should have to base its laws upon any one religion, even Christianity.
Islam, like any other religion (including Christianity) or political ideology, is subject to interpretation as well as the external forces that are invoked when trying to apply theory to a practical world. Communism is a great theory (true equality), but in practice it is unworkable and unjust. Capitalism is equally problematic.
Orwell's masterpiece, Animal Farm, suitably depicts how the forces of power, greed, discrimination and social politicisation of a community evolves from a genuine intent to provide equality, be it from a progressive or conservative perspective.
Evolutionary theory (the survival of the fittest) dictates that it is against our nature to believe anything other than that "some are more equal than others". If we add to these murky waters the widespread indoctrination that must naturally follow any implementation of a state-endorsed religion, then we will encounter a firestorm of fear and bigotry not unlike that seen in Nazi Germany, Apartheid South Africa, and the Crusades era in the Middle East.
Religion and politics are a chaotic mix, just as the suppression of religion in particular nations also breeds unnecessary suffering and malcontent. The separation of state and church is not only a cornerstone of democracy, it is the most fundamental of all human rights - the right to exist as an individual, with thoughts, actions and values of one's own choosing.
I don't deny the right of Kennedy and his supporters to establish an Islamic-based political party, and I have said as much previously on this blog here and here, but I cannot support the intent to establish any form of theocracy, whether it be Christian, Moslem or otherwise. I will also be the first one to stand up to oppose the possible election of any representative from such a group.
The Theocracy Alert - Early warning System is suitably on Orange status, the second highest rating.
[+/-] show/hide this post
According to The Australian the party founder, Kurt Kennedy, believes that "all Australians should be living under Islamic law dictated by the Koran" and that we have nothing to fear because "The positive part of sharia law is (about) treating everybody fairly".
All well and good ... IF equality is the foundation stone. Unfortunately it may not be that simple - nor is it right and just!
Despite the spin, Islamic values are NOT exactly the same as those of any other religion, though they are more similar to Jewish or Christian beliefs than either of those religions would care to admit. As such, it is incomprehensible that a nation, especially Australia, should have to base its laws upon any one religion, even Christianity.
Islam, like any other religion (including Christianity) or political ideology, is subject to interpretation as well as the external forces that are invoked when trying to apply theory to a practical world. Communism is a great theory (true equality), but in practice it is unworkable and unjust. Capitalism is equally problematic.
Orwell's masterpiece, Animal Farm, suitably depicts how the forces of power, greed, discrimination and social politicisation of a community evolves from a genuine intent to provide equality, be it from a progressive or conservative perspective.
Evolutionary theory (the survival of the fittest) dictates that it is against our nature to believe anything other than that "some are more equal than others". If we add to these murky waters the widespread indoctrination that must naturally follow any implementation of a state-endorsed religion, then we will encounter a firestorm of fear and bigotry not unlike that seen in Nazi Germany, Apartheid South Africa, and the Crusades era in the Middle East.
Religion and politics are a chaotic mix, just as the suppression of religion in particular nations also breeds unnecessary suffering and malcontent. The separation of state and church is not only a cornerstone of democracy, it is the most fundamental of all human rights - the right to exist as an individual, with thoughts, actions and values of one's own choosing.
I don't deny the right of Kennedy and his supporters to establish an Islamic-based political party, and I have said as much previously on this blog here and here, but I cannot support the intent to establish any form of theocracy, whether it be Christian, Moslem or otherwise. I will also be the first one to stand up to oppose the possible election of any representative from such a group.
The Theocracy Alert - Early warning System is suitably on Orange status, the second highest rating.
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More questions over murder by UK police
If something smells rotten in Denmark, then something is toxic in London.
Conflicting reports are coming to light about the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazillian national falsely identified as a terorist suspect, at Stockwell Tube station on 22 July.
On the one hand, if there was a conspiracy to cover up a monumental bungle, I'd expect the police to be capable of a better job than this. Then again, the probability that all eight CCTV cameras failed or were inoperable beggars belief.
Quite simply, the odds are favouring a cover-up and I wouldn't want to be one of the officers whose head is on the chopping block.
It is imperative that the truth of this matter be flushed out and presented to the british public as soon as possible. Any attempt at a whitewash will not only be a public relations disaster, but is also likely to send the wrong message to police and allow them to get away with poor judgement in the future.
This is a potential tipping point for civil rights and police accountability in the same vein as the brutality of Rodney King in 1991 became a point of reference for the world.
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Conflicting reports are coming to light about the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazillian national falsely identified as a terorist suspect, at Stockwell Tube station on 22 July.
On the one hand, if there was a conspiracy to cover up a monumental bungle, I'd expect the police to be capable of a better job than this. Then again, the probability that all eight CCTV cameras failed or were inoperable beggars belief.
Quite simply, the odds are favouring a cover-up and I wouldn't want to be one of the officers whose head is on the chopping block.
It is imperative that the truth of this matter be flushed out and presented to the british public as soon as possible. Any attempt at a whitewash will not only be a public relations disaster, but is also likely to send the wrong message to police and allow them to get away with poor judgement in the future.
This is a potential tipping point for civil rights and police accountability in the same vein as the brutality of Rodney King in 1991 became a point of reference for the world.
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White Christian terrorists
I have been arguing for years that religion is one of the biggest problems in our world. Of particular note to me is the continued hypocrisy of Christianity which, on the hand preaches 'love', while at the same time breeds hate.
Do we need any more proof than this report to highlight the new depths that some Christian leaders will go to force their lunacy on the world?
Apparently USA evangelist Pat Robertson has forgotten that the ten commandments are pretty clear on the "you shall not murder"!!
I raise this as an example of how Christianity, particularly white Christianity, is heading for a direct uber-conflict with Islam. It is not only ironic that both religions believe in the same single deity as their Judaic roots, but it is completely moronic that fringe elements from these three major religions are caught up in battle within themselves as well as against each other.
If Pat Robertson is any guide, and millions of Americans would attest to his piety and leadership, then Christianity is no better than Islam (generally speaking). Of course, that is where the debate siphons off into a series of useless arguments about "fundamentalists", Q'uran v Bible, Jihads and Crusades, inevitably ending with a comparison between Hitler and Osama bin Laden, thereby invoking Godwin's Law and enforcing the futility of the exercise.
Suffice to say that at the root of all this inexplicable evil and wrongdoing is a very clear link to religion itself - my beliefs (atheists and agnostics included) versus your beliefs. I am right, you are wrong. I am good, you are bad.
Pat Robertson and his ilk are no better than an Al Qaeda terrorist or Jack the Ripper. It doesn't matter how you go about killing someone, nor how many people's lives you take, murder is murder. Call it an assasination if you like, even call it justice (via lethal injection, hanging, electric chair or firing squad) if you prefer, but it is plain and simple murder that is being advocated.
If the USA has a crime of inciting to cause murder, then Robertson is guilty.
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Do we need any more proof than this report to highlight the new depths that some Christian leaders will go to force their lunacy on the world?
Apparently USA evangelist Pat Robertson has forgotten that the ten commandments are pretty clear on the "you shall not murder"!!
I raise this as an example of how Christianity, particularly white Christianity, is heading for a direct uber-conflict with Islam. It is not only ironic that both religions believe in the same single deity as their Judaic roots, but it is completely moronic that fringe elements from these three major religions are caught up in battle within themselves as well as against each other.
If Pat Robertson is any guide, and millions of Americans would attest to his piety and leadership, then Christianity is no better than Islam (generally speaking). Of course, that is where the debate siphons off into a series of useless arguments about "fundamentalists", Q'uran v Bible, Jihads and Crusades, inevitably ending with a comparison between Hitler and Osama bin Laden, thereby invoking Godwin's Law and enforcing the futility of the exercise.
Suffice to say that at the root of all this inexplicable evil and wrongdoing is a very clear link to religion itself - my beliefs (atheists and agnostics included) versus your beliefs. I am right, you are wrong. I am good, you are bad.
Pat Robertson and his ilk are no better than an Al Qaeda terrorist or Jack the Ripper. It doesn't matter how you go about killing someone, nor how many people's lives you take, murder is murder. Call it an assasination if you like, even call it justice (via lethal injection, hanging, electric chair or firing squad) if you prefer, but it is plain and simple murder that is being advocated.
If the USA has a crime of inciting to cause murder, then Robertson is guilty.
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The War Against an Idea
Does the 'War Against Terror' have a known enemy? Is the treatment we are providing worse than the disease?
It certainly seems that the more the USA and its allies fight the terrorists the greater their number and more widespread their attacks become. It is like trying to fight Golden Staph with simple penicillin.
In 2001 the world stood in the wake of 911 and vowed to bring justice to those who lost their lives. Soon we will witness the passing of four years, with two wars fought (and still underway) and two 'evil' regimes overthrown (despite being unconnected to the attack on the USA).
In the time since that fateful day the horror has continued with Bali, Madrid and London as well as numerous smaller attacks, all of which have left tens of thousands of people dead or mourning and millions more living in fear or with their rights under threat.
Jason Burke writes in The Guardian today to suggest that what we are seeing is the work of an idea sweeping the world, rather than a carefully crafted plot by some underworld organisation.
He is right. And what is more, the governments and the media are the unwitting fuel for this pandemic. What we are seeing now is the start of a long list of copycat terrorist attacks from all manner of people, not just trained terrorists or crazed fundamentalists but real people with a real grudge.
The new war is beginning to be fought in our own streets, near our homes and places of work. It no longer requires a large network of terrorist cells financed by middle eastern billionaires or a magic word to awaken the sleepers that lie dormant in our suburbs.
Today's terrorists are people we went to school with, the guy we chat to in the lunch bar or on the bus. They are regular citizens who, for whatever reason, get hooked into the idea that is now being played out on their TV's, radios, newspapers, magazines and the internet.
Just as the green movement, and the anti-nuclear movement before it, swooped across the world in a wave of acceptance with powerful consequences, so too can the ideals of peace in the Middle-East or faith in Islam be turned to less positive consequences and have such disastrous effects upon the world.
Burke is right - and it goes far deeper than he cared to admit.
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It certainly seems that the more the USA and its allies fight the terrorists the greater their number and more widespread their attacks become. It is like trying to fight Golden Staph with simple penicillin.
In 2001 the world stood in the wake of 911 and vowed to bring justice to those who lost their lives. Soon we will witness the passing of four years, with two wars fought (and still underway) and two 'evil' regimes overthrown (despite being unconnected to the attack on the USA).
In the time since that fateful day the horror has continued with Bali, Madrid and London as well as numerous smaller attacks, all of which have left tens of thousands of people dead or mourning and millions more living in fear or with their rights under threat.
Jason Burke writes in The Guardian today to suggest that what we are seeing is the work of an idea sweeping the world, rather than a carefully crafted plot by some underworld organisation.
... we need to face up to the simple truth that Bin Laden, al-Zawahiri et al do not need to organise attacks directly. They merely need to wait for the message they have spread around the world to inspire others. Al-Qaida is now an idea, not an organisation.
He is right. And what is more, the governments and the media are the unwitting fuel for this pandemic. What we are seeing now is the start of a long list of copycat terrorist attacks from all manner of people, not just trained terrorists or crazed fundamentalists but real people with a real grudge.
The new war is beginning to be fought in our own streets, near our homes and places of work. It no longer requires a large network of terrorist cells financed by middle eastern billionaires or a magic word to awaken the sleepers that lie dormant in our suburbs.
Today's terrorists are people we went to school with, the guy we chat to in the lunch bar or on the bus. They are regular citizens who, for whatever reason, get hooked into the idea that is now being played out on their TV's, radios, newspapers, magazines and the internet.
Just as the green movement, and the anti-nuclear movement before it, swooped across the world in a wave of acceptance with powerful consequences, so too can the ideals of peace in the Middle-East or faith in Islam be turned to less positive consequences and have such disastrous effects upon the world.
Burke is right - and it goes far deeper than he cared to admit.
[+/-] show/hide this post
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