In his new book, Peace Kills: America’s Fun New Imperialism, P.J.O’Rourke casts a cynical eye over four marches that occurred simultaneously in Washington D.C. a couple of years ago. These rallies, which came together in one mass of futility, had such a dearth of shared purpose, not to mention a lack of talent in political […]

THE following statement was made in Washington, USA, earlier this week: “Over eight years, it was clear that Bill Clinton loved the job of the presidency. He filled this house with energy and joy. He’s a man of enthusiasm and warmth…….”. Al Gore? John Kerry? The Rev Al Sharpton? Ted Kennedy? All wrong……….these word were […]

Last week Brisbane’s new Liberal Lord Mayor Campbell Newman delivered his first budget. It delivered on his campaign promises and continued on his theme of being the “Can Do” Mayor, but will this be enough? This budget is more interesting than most because while Newman is the Lord Mayor his Opponents control the council. I […]

Mark Latham spent part of the weekend addressing delegates, observers and others at the Australian Labor Party’s (ALP’s) State Conference. While it’s arguable that Conference is less dull and painful than watching lawn bowls and having your bikini line waxed, Latham’s speech was an interesting, and relatively painless, example of how the language conservatives have […]

THE resignation of Ian George as Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide has been as messy as it has been necessary. The allegations against Dr George are significantly more serious than those levelled against Peter Hollingworth that forced his resignation as Governor General a year ago. Yet Peter Hollingworth has in many ways paid the higher price […]

Oh to be an actor. You get to play make-believe every day. Or a rock star, even a social campaigning one. Seems that lyrics are no more than the words that come out of your mouth, not the beliefs that you hold in your heart. Having a social conscience is a way of connecting with […]

THE endorsement of Peter Garrett as Labor Candidate for Kingsford Smith is now a foregone conclusion. If his proponents had looked over the record of “celebrity” candidates in Australian politics they might have had second thoughts. Choosing celebrity candidates is not new in state or federal politics. Both major parties do it…….and so do the […]

IT is hardly surprising that some commentators have sought to highlight only Ronald Reagan’s failings, and ignore totally his not insignificant achievements. One or two have been quite unbalanced in their commentaries. That is their right, but I am reminded of the saying “if you can’t say something about some one on their death, say […]

Appointing front man of apocalyptic rock group Midnight Oil as the new member for the safe Labor seat of Kingsford Smith is Mark Latham’s biggest mistake to date. It reinforces perceptions that Latham represents style over substance; reeks with the smell of un-democratic “fixing” that characterizes NSW Labor politics; suggests Latham is arrogant and just […]

MY friend Sir James Killen occasionally reminds me of some very sound advice Sir Arthur Fadden gave him when he entered Federal Parliament – there are more Members who talk their way out of Parliament than who talk their way into it! The Federal Liberal Members for Blair and Ryan run the real risk of […]