Quakergreen

Wed, 17 Dec 2003 22:24:43 GMT

A Timely Warning For Greens

Now that we are entering an election year with great hopes of success, it might be appropriate to take a close look at the political history of another populist movement that went “off the rails” during an election campaign to make sure that the same thing doesn’t happen again to the Greens.

In her book Off The Rails: THE PAULINE HANSON TRIP, Margo Kingston gives an account of the One Nation election campaign in the 1998 federal election. She starts by giving a historical run-down of the rise of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party; a party dedicated to giving voice to the “disaffected right” of Australian politics. After the electoral successes of the Queensland state election of 1998 where the party picked up eleven seats off the coalition, followed by similar results in the West Australian state election, One Nation was on a roll. But could it keep up the momentum in the 1998 federal election?

As we know the election campaign turned out to be a disaster culminating in the virtual demise of One Nation as a political force. Margo describes the saga throughout the entire campaign as she covered the event for the Sydney Morning Herald. Day by day she describes the incredible disorganisation, petty egotism and backstabbing that went on within the party structure. There seemed to be no communication between the chief functionaries of the campaign committee. For example Margo points out the arrogance and duplicity of David Oldfield who thought and acted as if he was the true leader of the party. He was fond of making unilateral decisions without telling Hanson, let alone anyone else in the party. His relationship with the press was one of self-aggrandisement at the expense of party policy promotion.

Hanson was completely out of her depth. She hadn’t a clue as to how to run a campaign, deal with the media or to enunciate policy. There was total disorganisation every step along the way, with opportunities being squandered on a daily basis. According to Margo, the campaign was so poorly organised that the whole thing became a farce. So, what started out to be a magnificent opportunity to put real pressure on the major political parties ended up in complete disarray. This was probably a good outcome for Australia, but it highlighted the problems facing grass roots popular movements when dealing with serious politics on a national level.

I am not suggesting that the Greens are anything near the rabble of One Nation, but it is important to bear in mind what can happen when a movement gets side tracked from the issues at hand and degenerates into sheer emotionalism. The Greens are a highly organised and issues based party with a tremendous amount of energy. But so were the Australian Democrats until ego and self-importance acted to ruin that party. It’s food for thought.

I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in the dynamics of the electoral campaign process should read this well written book. I also encourage the reader to follow Margo Kingston’s Webdiary on the Internet at www.smh.com.au/news/webdiary . Anyone who is familiar with this brilliant (and brave) journalist will vouchsafe my opinion.

Off The Rails is published by Allen and Unwin and can be purchased at any good book shop for around $22.

Sun, 14 Dec 2003 07:28:03 GMT

Absolution by Denial

When the new Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, in 1996 refused to promote the cause of national reconciliation with the indigenous aboriginal population of Australia by saying that the white population of this country has no obligation to apologise to the original inhabitants of the continent for the genocidal practices conducted by our ancestors, we began to get the idea that this tiny minded little man was out to transform Australian politics into his ugly self image. This lack of magnanimity didn’t stop there. He then went onto dismantle most, if not all, of our treaty agreements with our Asian neighbours and to place the nation into a client state relationship with the USA. These changes were never mentioned during the 1996 election campaign, but over the next few years, with the help of a pusillanimous Opposition and the active cheerleading of the media barons, we find ourselves in the invidious position of being seen as mean, nasty and selfish in the eyes of the world community. The lesson learned is that reactionary politicians can, in a very short period of time, change a beautiful swan into an ugly duckling country.

We are constantly being told by the media what a brilliant politician Howard is. After all he has won three elections and looks like buying another one by giving more tax cuts to those who don’t really need it while starving the public health and eduction system to death. The formula is simple: buy off the wealthy with tax breaks while scaring the shit out of the so-called “battlers” with the idea of an immanent attack by terrorists. The way this furphy is sold is by cultivating the idea that only our present government’s “get tough” on helpless refugees and asylum seekers policy and by allying the country even closer with the crazy North American foreign policy, will we be safe from the threat of terrorism. P.T. Barnum once said that nobody ever went broke by under-estimating the intelligence of the general public. He must have had Australia in mind at the time.

How does one go about bringing reason to a frightened group of people who have got so used to being lied to that they can no longer recognise the truth when it is presented to them? We now have secret police (ASIO) legislation passed through Parliament last week (with the help of the “new and improved” Labor Opposition) that makes the US Patriots Act look like childs’ play. We are being offered a diet of paranoia and the prospect of endless war to look forward to. What will it take to refocus the thought of the public onto something positive and good? Perhaps we will have to wait for the economy of gluttony to finally fall into a heap before we start to come to our senses.

We have a federal election coming up sometime in 2004. The result of this election will determine the fate of Australia for years to come. It will also determine the cultural morality of the nation. Remember the nation is headed by a man who refuses show contrition over the destruction of aboriginal culture by our forefathers. But for now the Howard government must keep the “good times” rolling for a few more months. Up till now the cynical policy of being mean, nasty, never saying sorry for wrongs committed, and above all, lying to the public appears to work like a charm with the Aussie public. The mystery is if the “new and improved” Labor Party can somehow figure out how to look like they are different from the government. It will be hard for them to overcome the “me too” mantra they have adopted over the past seven years. Only time will tell, but don’t hold your breath.

This country needs a breath of fresh air. Think Green!

Tue, 25 Nov 2003 03:12:18 GMT

The Curse of ‘Vietnam Mentality’

The US Americans are pathetically slow learners when it comes to their primal blind spot. For a nation with such promise, endowed with natural resources almost beyond belief, with a diverse cultural background augmented by some truly creative people in the matters that count, in many ways they are collectively stupefied people. It’s a shame really that a country that could be of great benefit to the global community, has become, and remains, so ethically damaged. It could be said that besides its enormous military might, the USA at present has virtually nothing “going” for it. It is by and large morally, culturally and spiritually defunct. I have no doubt that many of the US American readers of this article will be experiencing a fit of indignation; but that’s just the point. I think I can say without serious contradiction, that to the vast majority of the worlds people, it is time that the US Americans took a good hard look at themselves and made a fundamental assessment of their role in the world as well as their duty to themselves and their country. Alas this is a difficult ask of a people who still can’t face the fact that death is a part of life and that there is such a thing as growing old. In a Land of Make Believe where reality has long been submerged in sitcoms, introspection is hard work and the results would be depressing if not sobering.

But what is the “primal blind spot” and how does this relate to Vietnam? Firstly, my definition of Vietnam mentality is the propensity to make oneself believe that if one does the wrong thing long enough it will eventually turn out right. It is a refusal to recognise reality and work within its parameters. In a child it is called “hard-headedness”. Unfortunately we are considering a nation of people. So the primal blind spot is the inability of the nation to see itself in relation to the rest of the world and to recognise what their legitimate duty is in the world community. This manifests as a refusal to see and respect other points of view. It is a worldview that says, “You are either with us or against us” and is predicated on hubris. Common sense indicates that this line of thought is not a sign of collective mental health.

I forget the name of the philosopher that said, “those that fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them”, but this is exactly what the USA is doing in Iraq right now. Like in Vietnam the US Americans and their sycophantic cohorts attack a small country in the name of “democracy”, create havoc, steal resources, impoverish the people, destroy the environment and say we are protecting the “free world” from communism, or as the excuse is now called, terrorism. Nothing has changed, but another great defeat is looming and yet another humiliation of national pride. If things go to script, the leadership will say the defeat is all because of lefty pacifists and traitors, etc. And so it goes on until something shatters the dream. Of course then it is too late.

Until a few years ago Australia was recognised in the world community as a supporter on universal human rights and humanitarian enterprises. Now, because of the behaviour of the present government and craven compliance of the opposition, Australia is looked upon as scum that is totally subservient to the interests of the USA.

Around about 1950 the USA made a decision that is even now haunting it. After WW 2 the US had the world on a string. They had just completed one of the greatest humanitarian efforts in world history in organising the reconstruction of Europe and by ameliorating the needs of thousands of refugees. The USA was loved and respected by the International Community and was offered the leadership of the western world. Oh what great deeds could have been done with that window of opportunity. But history tells us the story of squandered opportunity and the lust for world supremacy and rule. This set the stage for what is happening now.

Like Australians the US Americans are isolated from the rest of the world’s thinking, mostly these days by a controlled media that refuses to speak the truth. It is easy for Aussies to talk to Yanks because we are so similar. Just as the average Aussie has no idea what the world thinks of their country, likewise the average US American would be shocked and hurt to know that in the eyes of the world’s people they are loathed and despised.

The aim of Quakergreen is to touch the men and women of goodwill. Is it not time to stop pandering to the crazies and strive to turn this appalling situation around? Perhaps the reason we are losing our “rights” is in some part due to the fact that we have ignored the rights of others.

Until we meet again let us practice thoughtfulness in our dealings with our fellow creatures.

Fri, 21 Nov 2003 03:15:10 GMT

Turning Green: The symptoms

In our post-modern world, where thought is a commodity and up for sale at the lowest common denominator, where the desire for the possession of “things” is more important than the greatest good for people, I sometimes wonder at the sea change in personal philosophy the leads one to become a Green. In short, what is it that transforms an individual from being a net destroyer of the planetary environment to one who desires to nurture and sustain the world we live in? How is it that a person can go from being oblivious to the world around them, to one who is alert and aware of the obvious and subtle environmental imperatives that face us each day?

Yogis tell us that the miracle of changing from stupid to intelligent in an instant is an example of the grace of God manifested through spiritual enlightenment. However, I maintain that the vast majority of human adaptation comes in incremental stages leading to a situation of “critical mass”, for lack of a better word, until the individual begins to realise he is Green and starts to behave accordingly. At first this experience leaves the individual at a loss to explain the sudden change of thought even though he has been changing for years. The life of the person becomes a series of hypocrisies in thought, word and deed. But at last one is born into a new reality that extends beyond the personal self and a new vista of personal growth becomes visible.

Many readers will think all this is gobbledygook and have probably stopped reading by now, but those who have ears to hear will know what I am talking about. But what are the symptoms of this new mind set? Consider:

· The thoughtless person is selfish, lives for today, and takes no responsibility for the coming generations. The evolving Green is considerate of the future, and attempts to leave a clean and decent world for children and grand children.

· The unenlightened man is unaware of the harm he is doing to the species and the environment, and if told, he does not care. Whereas, the evolving Green is sensitive to the ugliness resulting from the plunder and waste of the Earths resources. This increased awareness produces inner pain.

· The one who is still sleeping thinks that there is but one life and has no thought for his spiritual growth. But the one who has awakened even slightly experiences an inner pressure that leads to the knowledge that one is a soul that has a body rather than a body that has a soul. From this awareness the new man learns that he is responsible for his every thought and action. This revelation is the wake-up call that transforms many from stupidity to intelligence.

As these changes gradually (or rapidly) take place the new man begins to modify his behaviour. He becomes less selfish and more thoughtful of the condition of others. He loses interest in his old way of living; as a result his life-style begins to alter. Personal and collective ethics become important as guiding principles in his new life. He finds joy in participation in work that lead to the common good. He ceases to hate and be afraid of the unknown. A new sense of freedom comes into his life and simple pleasures become his mainstay. Alas, this newfound freedom and new way of thought often leads to the break-up of old associations and personal relationships. This brings temporary misery (as any loss does), but the future brings with it new like minded friends and fields of activity. The new man knows from deep within that he is growing, that he is important, has a role to play that is cut out just for him and that he now is beginning to do the work that he was always meant to do in this life. He may even join an international political organisation that is out to rescue the future.

Until we meet again, ponder on kindness.

Fri, 14 Nov 2003 04:46:36 GMT

The Myth Of Democracy

There was a time when it was understood that the role of democratic governments was to serve the people. The whole of government activity was predicated on the promotion of the public welfare. It was assumed that the government was there to foster the interests of the nation through the inclusiveness of the democratic process. This meant that the government was to be open and honest with the public. In short the role of the government was to serve the public through the public (civil) service.

Somewhere along the line, over the past fifty years or so, we have lost track of our governments. We now find it very difficult to know exactly what our governments are doing because of the replacement of honesty with secrecy and the institution of the public service with service to the government for the ruling the people. The mockery of democracy now only happens once every few years at election time (which has become a festival for advertising agencies), when the politicians promise us what we have been saying we want without the slightest intention of ever providing it.

Politicians were supposed to be sensitive to the desire and opinion of the public and express those opinions in Parliament. However the modern politician, far from reflecting the public opinion on issues, treats the public like fools. They know that the public memory is evanescent and can easily be manipulated at election time. So, we now get away with calling what is clearly authoritarianism “democracy” because of the charade of general elections that over the years have been “adjusted” in such a way that no matter what the outcome, nothing will change. That’s called “jigging” the electoral laws.

Some folks don’t believe me when I say modern democracy is a farce. Let’s think about it. I will give three Australian examples that I am sure will ring true for others. At the end of the reign of the so-called Labor government there was a lot of pressure from the business sector to privatise the Commonwealth Bank. In opinion poll after opinion poll the public said no to privatisation. The bank was privatised anyway, thus removing any break on the rip off fees being developed by the other big banks in Australia. Today the banking industry rakes in obscene profits while providing less service for higher fees. Again, the vast majority of the public were against the sale of Quantas, our national airline, but government knows best, and sold it anyway. Here in South Australia, the former so-called Liberal government sold our electricity assets even though almost eighty per cent of the public was against it being privatised. Since then the price of electricity has gone up by thirty per cent. And finally, our present federal government committed us to attacking a country that had never been our enemy for reasons that turned out to be lies. During the build up to the war well over seventy per cent of Australians opposed the attack on Iraq. This was before the lies of WMD and other furphies were made known. So where is democracy? Is it dead or merely sleeping?

From the above examples one can see how politicians hold the public in contempt and only take their snouts out of the trough of the Parliamentary gravy train at election time. However the discerning reader can see that democracy is a lot wiser than the politicians we put into power. This being so, why don’t we elect better members to Parliament? Obviously, the majority must like it that way.

Until we meet again, let’s practice doing what we know is right.

Mon, 10 Nov 2003 07:35:52 GMT

Let’s Play Make Believe

I guess when the boys want to play war games the girls are sometimes allowed to join in the fun. And sometimes if a girl is good looking enough, she may be able to play the war hero when the game is being told to the audience for their “infotainment” and credibility.

Jessica Lynch had it all. She was in the wrong place at the right time to inadvertently become the American darling war hero who, after being captured by the retreating Iraqi army, was tortured, raped and sodomised, and was then dramatically rescued by equally heroic special forces armed with all the paraphernalia Hollywood need to make a true make believe. After all, Jessica’s story was designed to make America “love the war” and shore up support for the pack of lies that initiated it.

What does it take to make a hero? What with 135,000 GI Joes and GI Jessies sent over to invade Iraq on the back of rank deception, the nation would be entitled to at least one hero; one heroic incident of genuine valour to hold onto and justify home town flag waving. What was called for was a snippet, a sound byte that was true and up-held all that America always said it believed in. For a while Jessica Lynch took the American mind off the deception of the invasion of Iraq and put it back onto another form of non-reality.

So, now we hear that Jessica is not a hero after all. She has admitted as much. Like everything else in this crazy war the whole story was a beat-up from the start. Contrary to the telemovie and the biography and the million-dollar royalty offer, she admits, to the contrary, that she was treated with nothing but kindness by the Iraqi medical staff and soldiers. What a let down! Why, with everything going for her, did Jessica turn chicken?

I guess she had never heard the old expression about never letting the truth get in the way of a good story. She has apparently decided that the truth is nobler than fiction and living in the shadow of a lie, in the land of make believe, for the rest of her life knowing that she would be known for what she had not done. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Jessica, when asked if the Pentagon’s portrayal of her rescue bothered her, she replied, “Yeah, it does. It bothers me that they used me as a way to symbolise this stuff. Yeah, it’s all wrong.”

Dear reader, I invite you to take a step back a moment and consider the concept of heroism. I ask you to put yourself in the shoes of the 20-year-old girl at the centre of this example of typical American hype and bullshit. Ask yourself if you would have the courage to stand up and say that it is hype and bullshit and that you want out of the game.

To me Jessica Lynch is an example of a real hero (in her case a shero) for standing up for the truth. It takes a lot of guts to face up to reality after all the make believe.

Good on you. We love you Jessica. God bless you.

Sat, 08 Nov 2003 05:58:03 GMT

The Choice Is Up To You

When the selfish and the crazy ones took control of our government many of us had to make a decisions about our lives that we never thought we would ever have to make. Those decisions were based on what we believe to be right from the teaching of our parents and what we in turn have taught our own children.

When we saw our government turn it’s back on the aboriginal people, refusing to make a formal apology to them for the genocide conducted by our forefathers we knew that some latent immorality had surfaced in the body politic.

When the Prime Minister went out of his way to change the aboriginal land rights legislation so that their claim for the return of their own land would be virtually impossible, we knew that the bigotry of the ignorant underclass and fearful farmers was being cultivated for cheap populist political advantage.

When the prime minister ordered the SAS troops to board the Tampa and arrest the destitute asylum seekers for having the temerity to seek refuge in Australia, we knew that our national heart had hardened.

When the Minister for immigration and Ethnic Affairs ordered the would be refugees coming to our shore in leaky boats to be put into what can be described as concentration camps in the outback desert, incarcerated without charge, legal representation or trial, we knew that the rule of law had become perverted.

When the Prime Minister told the President of the United States that we would send our troops to help him attack Iraq and then lied to the people by saying no decision had been taken, we knew we could no longer trust our government.

When the “coalition of the willing” of which we were part went ahead and attacked Iraq without UN sanctions and then we found out that the purpose of the war was a pack of lies, we knew that we had become despicable as a civilised nation.

And now we are on the verge of negotiating a so-called Free Trade Agreement with the US that will utterly destroy our independent economy in favour of American interests. It seems that our Prime Minister is so in love with President Bush that he is willing to sell out our national interests (our birthright) for a bowl of pottage. That is why so many of us feel ashamed to be Australians.

We take a look around us and see everything that used to be noble and good being systematically defaced as if to mock the men and women of goodwill. We have to ask ourselves if we can live with a system that desecrates everything we know to be true and proper. And we all must ask ourselves “is this the way we want to live?”

Peace be with thee.