What a worthy phrase to describe the juggling act between advertisers, politicians, the public and the media. Worth reflecting on in the current focus of interest on the Murdoch empire. Justin Glyn’s article Getting the media we deserve – Eureka Street is something to chew on. To what extent does one participate in the “consent” thatContinue reading “Manufactured consent”
Category Archives: international politics
Manipulating words
With Osama Bin Laden’s death, the battle for minds shifts. Do we join the cheering crowds at Ground Zero or shake our heads in lament at the sure perpetuation of a never ending cycle of violence? Social networking sites are full of debate with new alignments amongst hawks, doves and the in-betweens. Indeed, some areContinue reading “Manipulating words”
Kids learning violence – Eureka Street
Here’s a movie on the must see list for all who agonise over the culture of bullying and the immediate question of intervention in Libya. This review of Hævnen (In a better world) (Danish – English subtitles) gives some background: Kids learning violence – Eureka Street. Recent viral video clips of schoolyard bullying remind me ofContinue reading “Kids learning violence – Eureka Street”
Japan’s nuclear distortion – Eureka Street
A well articulated and compassionate article that does not minimise even the most calculated risks in implementing and managing nuclear energy Japan’s nuclear distortion – Eureka Street.
Praying with the Coptics…
Many of Perth’s Egyptian community endured a sleepless night as the dramatic events of their homeland unfolded and the seat of government changed. Such was the background for the 40th day commemoration of those who died in the Alexandria bomb blast on New Year’s Day following midnight prayers. It was my privilege to attend theContinue reading “Praying with the Coptics…”
Watching Egypt
A few of my friends are nervous about Egypt right now. Some are predicting an outcome similar to that of the Iranian revolution. Others see the possibility of the beginning of a new phase of more open and accessible governance as opposed to repressive and despotic regimes in the Middle East. Truth is, much remainsContinue reading “Watching Egypt”
Responding to Natural Disasters
After checking on family and friends in the Queensland danger zones, I now turn to a question that has arisen in several forums over the last day or two – “but this is what underdeveloped countries are facing constantly, and they don’t have the infrastructures in place to respond as we do.” On this day,Continue reading “Responding to Natural Disasters”
The power of words
Our morning paper’s lead story covers the Arizona shooting spree during which Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, was critically injured. It was Sheriff Dupnik’s comment that caught my eye – “the anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous.” He was referring to an increasingly vitriolic political debate thatContinue reading “The power of words”
‘No grey areas’ in stance on whaling, says minister | The Australian
Politics is always going to see the tension between environmental striving and so-called economic necessity. This is a given. But why try and hide it? When all comes to light, as it inevitably will, our lead negotiators are revealed as disingenuous, saying one thing (a lie) for public consumption while sealing compromise behind closed doors.Continue reading “‘No grey areas’ in stance on whaling, says minister | The Australian”
The SIEV-221 drama: lessons from a disaster
It’s only a few weeks since a maritime refugee disaster occurred off our coast. While the aftermath has largely slipped off the radar of mainstream awareness – the question of developing humane asylum seeker policy remains untouched. Jack Smit of SafeCom is one of the most relentless and compassionate commentator/lobbyists I have come across forContinue reading “The SIEV-221 drama: lessons from a disaster”
Wondering Pilgrim 