Is it just me or does anyone else find it ironic that Mark Latham turns to the private system to be the saviour of our ailing public health system, so lovingly administered by state labor governments?
He says that the old codgers can now have publicly funded beds in private hospitals because they don't have any waiting lists and have a surplus of beds. What the?
This is not an admission of the superior service that a free market system can provide is it?
What next? We could pay for public school kiddies to go to private schools maybe?
That's tops!!!
By the way, is all this free health care happening after the end of childhood poverty in 1990 or is that off the list now?
Friday, October 01, 2004
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Sweden, the workers paradise. Again...
I found this today from USA Today via Dissecting Leftism.
Many Swedes say fatigue is enough to skip work
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) — In a country plagued by skyrocketing sick-leave costs, a new survey presented Friday found that 40% of Sweden's population believes it is acceptable to skip work because they feel tired or have trouble getting along with colleagues.
The survey, by the National Social Insurance Board, also found that 65% of the 1,002 people interviewed think a stressful work situation is also a valid reason for calling in sick and collecting pay under Sweden's liberal social programs.
The survey shows "a deep lack of knowledge about what the health insurance is meant to cover," board director Anna Hedborg said of Sweden's 9 million residents.
Alf Eckerhall, a social insurance expert with the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, went a step further: Many Swedes deliberately abuse the system.
"The insurance laws clearly state that inability to work because of illness" is the only valid reason to stay home, Eckerhall said. "The key word is 'inability to work' — not 'illness.'"
The survey, conducted June 17-24, did not have a margin of error.
Sweden's extensive cradle-to-grave welfare system includes generous programs covering sick leave, parental leave and unemployment benefits. But paying for workers on long-term sick leave and disability has become one of the government's biggest expenditures. Sick leave compensation tripled from $2 billion in 1997 to $6 billion in 2002.
In Sweden, the employer pays for the first three weeks' sick leave, and workers can call in sick for seven days before needing a doctor's certificate or medical proof.
People who call in sick do not receive any compensation for the first day they are absent. But Eckerhall said many people get around that by leaving work a little early, and then calling in sick for that day. That counts as one sick day, which lets them start receiving sick pay the next day.
"That means your day without compensation was 15 minutes long," Eckerhall said. Hedborg said the board will launch a massive nationwide campaign to inform people that illness is the only valid reason to stay home from work. "To many, this message may seem hard and even insensitive," she wrote. "The truth is, that if we don't defend our common insurance today, we won't be able to afford keeping it."Classic stuff!
Thursday, September 16, 2004
ALP Education Policy Comments
As regular readers will know, I'm no socialist. However, I am a genuine believer in the public education system. I went to a public school as do my kids and I actually work in a public university.
You know as well as I do that there are problems though, the biggest in my opinion being the evil influence of the teachers federation which is one of the most blatantly communist organisations that ever existed. Being a free enterpriser I also have no problem with people choosing to send their kids to private schools. I have friends who bust their arses to do it too.
My concern about Mark diddly ding dong Lathams' policy, is that it will now send a large amount of funding directly to the largest competitor of the public school, the local Catholic/Anglican school. This will make it easier to lower their fees and expand their schools which will in turn make it easier for the average Joe to send his kids to a private school.
I also think that by topping up public school funding it will make it more tempting for State Governments to lower their portion of funding again, making private schools more attractive.
The problem that public schools have is not one of just inadequate funding. Recent surveys have found that parents are willing to bust their arse to fund their own school expenses rather than put up with the constant political indoctrination from rabid communists. They would rather that their kids could spell than know how to rage against the machine. They would rather that their kids can add up instead of knowing about the violence inherent in the system. They would rather that their kids could be proud of our country instead of being told that we are a bunch of bigots who invaded the country.
It strikes me as strange that the very people who bitch about our public school system are the ones who do it the most damage.
You know as well as I do that there are problems though, the biggest in my opinion being the evil influence of the teachers federation which is one of the most blatantly communist organisations that ever existed. Being a free enterpriser I also have no problem with people choosing to send their kids to private schools. I have friends who bust their arses to do it too.
My concern about Mark diddly ding dong Lathams' policy, is that it will now send a large amount of funding directly to the largest competitor of the public school, the local Catholic/Anglican school. This will make it easier to lower their fees and expand their schools which will in turn make it easier for the average Joe to send his kids to a private school.
I also think that by topping up public school funding it will make it more tempting for State Governments to lower their portion of funding again, making private schools more attractive.
The problem that public schools have is not one of just inadequate funding. Recent surveys have found that parents are willing to bust their arse to fund their own school expenses rather than put up with the constant political indoctrination from rabid communists. They would rather that their kids could spell than know how to rage against the machine. They would rather that their kids can add up instead of knowing about the violence inherent in the system. They would rather that their kids could be proud of our country instead of being told that we are a bunch of bigots who invaded the country.
It strikes me as strange that the very people who bitch about our public school system are the ones who do it the most damage.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Shithouse Scrubbers of the World Unite!
I left a comment recently over at Robert Corrs' site in response to his post about poster tampering.
this is it:
this is it:
This is happening on an on-going basis at the Uni where I work. Anti greensIn response, a charming person called Jockman left this classic:
posters last about 12-24 hrs before dissappearing. Anti-Labour posters last
about 2 days.I find it amazing that the "equality loving left" feel that they
have an exclusive right to display their propaganda, but anyone else...
gooooone!If I was half the bastard that I am supposed to be, I would remove a
few posters myself. Us right wingers believe in free speech though so I'll just
leave the greeny ones alone and keep replacing the others.greens = fascists.
Free thought is not encouraged at all. This is another fine example of the
elitists knowing better then the plebs.
Posted by Gibbo at 7:21am on 14
September 2004.
Gibbo,"greens=facists", bitching about the elite, and you're a right winger who
works at a uni. My guess is you are not in academia. Do you by any chance scrub
shithouses or cut grass for a living?
Posted by jockman at 9:22am on 14
September 2004.
I left an answer there, but would like to publish it here too:
Jockman, sorry mate, guess again! No shithouse scrubbers here.I nearly wet my
pants laughing when I read your comment. I love the idea that I can't be an
academic because I don't vote green. Classic stuff!Thanks for once again proving
what a caring, sharing and equality loving person you are. The best thing about
this election has been the spotlight on the stupidity of the left. What if was
the "shihouse scrubber"? In your eyes my opinion wouldn't count. You prove my
point succinctly. Thanks.
The hypocrisy of these people is astounding! The public face is all cuddly koalas & save the whales but the reality is a bunch of bitter and twisted elitists. Communism with a marketing campaign.
Idiots!
Shithouse scrubbers of the world unite!
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
In search of an intelligent argument
I found this classic today on one of the noticeboards at work. You expect a university to attract a few left wingers(whingers?) but you also expect an intelligent argument.
The best line for my money was: "He did all that Iraq stuff"
Evil bastard! Imagine voting for a prick that cut down all the forests, stole your funding AND all that Iraq stuff to boot.
The best line for my money was: "He did all that Iraq stuff"
Evil bastard! Imagine voting for a prick that cut down all the forests, stole your funding AND all that Iraq stuff to boot.
Friday, September 03, 2004
I was wrong!
I know some folks don't read the comments section of blogs so I thought that I should "publicly" answer some very important questions that have been raised.
Here are the comments as they appeared.
"LAWS to force people to ride bicycles more often and eat less meat.This is where the word "force" is used."Force" and "encouraging" are completely different. The former is the act of a totalitarian state; the latter can be achieved with better facilities, subsidies, other forms of positive encouragement.You know, like everything else the government does to enact policy. You don't describe Howard's policies which encourage people to buy 4WDs (the tax discount for 4WDs) as "forcing" people to buy 4WDs, do you?And you ask where the funding's going to come from; obviously it's going to come from taxes. Der.C'mon, guys, admit that the Hun article was a contemptible beat-up and filled largely with lies. Yeah, sure there was some truth - the Greens DO want to create equality for gay and lesbian people, for example. (And why shouldn't they?) But the extremist stuff was complete bullshit. It was a hatchet job, and you should be ashamed of yourself for supporting it.
posted by Jeremy : 6:38 PM "
Jeremy, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologise to you & your fellow greens. I was wrong!.
Were I went wrong was in thinking that by stating something in a policy and actually putting a target figure on it, then you would actually want to enforce it. You see, I thought that these were policies, not suggestions. or things to be "encouraged" . I thought 20% actually meant 20%. Sorry, I'm a bit new at greenpolicies suggestions positive encouragements proposals submissions hints ideas.
As far as 4WDs go, I agree. I would remove any subsidies for these things too. However, I don't see a Liberal policy that has a target of 20% 4wd's. Surely if they were encouraging it they would have a policy for it? Sorry, I'm getting confused again. It's the greens that have encouraging policies and the Libs that tell lies. Now that we are back on track...
If we vote green, will we then have speed suggestions instead of speed limits? Will we be encouraged to not drink and drive or will we have laws against it?
By the way Jeremy, I re-read the policy and you are right. The word force does not appear. Neither does the word encourage. It says 20%. Do they mean it or not?
Thank you for finally admitting that taxes will rise under green influence. Finally one of you developed the balls to own up. Scroll down to my writings on Sweden to see the real cost of the Workers Paradise.
As far as the gay and lesbian issue... Can you please explain to me how segregating people by their sexuality and having different policies for each sub-group is not discrimination? The same question needs to be asked of your indigenous and refugee policies. They are simply racist by any sensible definition. Multi-racialism has never been a problem in Australia. I grew up in a place where if you were racist, you didn't have any friends. I am very proud of Australia's multi-racial backgrounds and am actually married to an immigrant to this country. Multi-culturalism however, has been an abject failure. Your policies are sexist, racist and divisive.
You either believe in equality or you don't. Make your mind up. The only true equality is the equality of opportunity. Stories abound in this country of people who have overcome all sorts of circumstances and have made good. But to do well here, you need to get off your clacker and stop suckling from the teat of the State. I am 42 years old and the highest qualification I have ever had is a drivers license but he last time I needed the dole was in 1982. There is work and opportunity in this country for everyone who wants it and has the gumption to do something with their life.
The reality is that your mob are simply another tired old reincarnation of the communist and anarchist movement. You have nothing positive to offer on the environment. You have nothing positive to offer on equality. You have nothing positive to offer toward peace. You have nothing but negative viewpoints. You see nothing but problems and strife in the world. You see conspiracies everywhere. You take no responsiblity for your actions. It is always someone elses fault. Everyone is telling lies but you.
I would offer you the same advice that I offered your mob a few weeks ago. If you honestly know of a place where your communist ideals are being met then why aren't you living there? You simply don't have the courage of your convictions do you? It is all well and good to live in a strong capitalist system and to bag it but actually living under a real communist regime? No way. You are gutless!
So far the only policy you have sparked up on was the pushbike one. You have had no sensible argument or refutation against any of the other charges laid against you by the Herald Sun or anyone else. So, again, I was wrong when I used the word "force". Now it's time to admit where you have been wrong.
Get something through your head and understand it. The vast majority of Australians reject your ideologies outright. Stop thinking of yourself as an elite with all the answers and see yourself for what you really are. A bitter and cynical communist.
You are finally coming under genuine scrutiny and you're all shitting your pants & crying like adolescent girls.
Grow up!
Here are the comments as they appeared.
"LAWS to force people to ride bicycles more often and eat less meat.This is where the word "force" is used."Force" and "encouraging" are completely different. The former is the act of a totalitarian state; the latter can be achieved with better facilities, subsidies, other forms of positive encouragement.You know, like everything else the government does to enact policy. You don't describe Howard's policies which encourage people to buy 4WDs (the tax discount for 4WDs) as "forcing" people to buy 4WDs, do you?And you ask where the funding's going to come from; obviously it's going to come from taxes. Der.C'mon, guys, admit that the Hun article was a contemptible beat-up and filled largely with lies. Yeah, sure there was some truth - the Greens DO want to create equality for gay and lesbian people, for example. (And why shouldn't they?) But the extremist stuff was complete bullshit. It was a hatchet job, and you should be ashamed of yourself for supporting it.
posted by Jeremy : 6:38 PM "
Jeremy, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologise to you & your fellow greens. I was wrong!.
Were I went wrong was in thinking that by stating something in a policy and actually putting a target figure on it, then you would actually want to enforce it. You see, I thought that these were policies, not suggestions. or things to be "encouraged" . I thought 20% actually meant 20%. Sorry, I'm a bit new at green
As far as 4WDs go, I agree. I would remove any subsidies for these things too. However, I don't see a Liberal policy that has a target of 20% 4wd's. Surely if they were encouraging it they would have a policy for it? Sorry, I'm getting confused again. It's the greens that have encouraging policies and the Libs that tell lies. Now that we are back on track...
If we vote green, will we then have speed suggestions instead of speed limits? Will we be encouraged to not drink and drive or will we have laws against it?
By the way Jeremy, I re-read the policy and you are right. The word force does not appear. Neither does the word encourage. It says 20%. Do they mean it or not?
Thank you for finally admitting that taxes will rise under green influence. Finally one of you developed the balls to own up. Scroll down to my writings on Sweden to see the real cost of the Workers Paradise.
As far as the gay and lesbian issue... Can you please explain to me how segregating people by their sexuality and having different policies for each sub-group is not discrimination? The same question needs to be asked of your indigenous and refugee policies. They are simply racist by any sensible definition. Multi-racialism has never been a problem in Australia. I grew up in a place where if you were racist, you didn't have any friends. I am very proud of Australia's multi-racial backgrounds and am actually married to an immigrant to this country. Multi-culturalism however, has been an abject failure. Your policies are sexist, racist and divisive.
You either believe in equality or you don't. Make your mind up. The only true equality is the equality of opportunity. Stories abound in this country of people who have overcome all sorts of circumstances and have made good. But to do well here, you need to get off your clacker and stop suckling from the teat of the State. I am 42 years old and the highest qualification I have ever had is a drivers license but he last time I needed the dole was in 1982. There is work and opportunity in this country for everyone who wants it and has the gumption to do something with their life.
The reality is that your mob are simply another tired old reincarnation of the communist and anarchist movement. You have nothing positive to offer on the environment. You have nothing positive to offer on equality. You have nothing positive to offer toward peace. You have nothing but negative viewpoints. You see nothing but problems and strife in the world. You see conspiracies everywhere. You take no responsiblity for your actions. It is always someone elses fault. Everyone is telling lies but you.
I would offer you the same advice that I offered your mob a few weeks ago. If you honestly know of a place where your communist ideals are being met then why aren't you living there? You simply don't have the courage of your convictions do you? It is all well and good to live in a strong capitalist system and to bag it but actually living under a real communist regime? No way. You are gutless!
So far the only policy you have sparked up on was the pushbike one. You have had no sensible argument or refutation against any of the other charges laid against you by the Herald Sun or anyone else. So, again, I was wrong when I used the word "force". Now it's time to admit where you have been wrong.
Get something through your head and understand it. The vast majority of Australians reject your ideologies outright. Stop thinking of yourself as an elite with all the answers and see yourself for what you really are. A bitter and cynical communist.
You are finally coming under genuine scrutiny and you're all shitting your pants & crying like adolescent girls.
Grow up!
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Finally, someone is doing their homework.
I was absolutely heartened today by the story that someone else other than me had gone to the trouble of actually reading the shit that passes for Greens policy. It managed to make the front page of the Herald Sun under the Headline "Greens policy backs illegal drugs" I have been telling everyone I know to actually take the time to read their various policies. They truly are barking moonbats. They comment on just about everything and yet almost always never suffer any scrutiny of themselves. They are passed off as caring, sharing people yet their policies are truly ridiculous. Dig this:
"The Greens manifesto backs official supply of the dangerous drug ecstasy as well as state-sanctioned heroin and marijuana sales at what it calls appropriate venues."
and
* LAWS to force people to ride bicycles more often and eat less meat.
* DRIVING farmers from their land.
* MEDICARE funding for sex-change operations.
* CAPITAL gains tax on the most expensive family homes.
* AN OPEN door policy on asylum seekers.
plus many more... including my personal favourite, "Green Collar Jobs"
Here is where I get serious folks. These idiots are making a determined effort to win a controlling block in the Senate. Make no mistake folks, this would be an absolute disaster for most Australians. These people have nothing to do whatsoever with a responsible environmental movement. They are quite simply radical communists and anarchists who want to grab power. Don't let the whackiest 6% of our population have a controlling say in parliament. Do your patriotic duty and dump the Greens, Democrats, Shooters Party, Lesbian Fisherpersons For Christ, Marijuana Party and all the rest.
Understand this. An Independant politician is usually just some whacky headed idiot that couldn't get party backing.
Lets have the balls this time to elect a government with enough of a majority that they can actually govern. If they are shit, we will kick 'em out, simple.
Those who have read my rantings know which way I lean. I am voting for Pat Farmer and I hope that John Howards' Government is re-elected. If this is not to be, then elect Mark Latham with a majority and let him go. We live in a democracy and I'm willing to live by the wishes of the majority.
I am not prepared, however, to be held to ransom by a couple of wingnuts who speak for so few.
Tell everyone you meet. "Make your mind up. Labor or Liberal. No third choice"
Make sure that they understand that if they vote green, their vote is probably going to go to Labour through preferences anyway. If you are going to vote for Latham anyway, cut out the middleman and vote for Latham. Don't encourage the greens along the way.
Fuck the minor parties.
Slatts has had a few words to say too.
By the way. Take the time to look over the greens policies. This is no conspiracy folks. You can't make up shit that stupid. The scary part is that some of them believe it. The more scrutiny the better.
"The Greens manifesto backs official supply of the dangerous drug ecstasy as well as state-sanctioned heroin and marijuana sales at what it calls appropriate venues."
and
* LAWS to force people to ride bicycles more often and eat less meat.
* DRIVING farmers from their land.
* MEDICARE funding for sex-change operations.
* CAPITAL gains tax on the most expensive family homes.
* AN OPEN door policy on asylum seekers.
plus many more... including my personal favourite, "Green Collar Jobs"
Here is where I get serious folks. These idiots are making a determined effort to win a controlling block in the Senate. Make no mistake folks, this would be an absolute disaster for most Australians. These people have nothing to do whatsoever with a responsible environmental movement. They are quite simply radical communists and anarchists who want to grab power. Don't let the whackiest 6% of our population have a controlling say in parliament. Do your patriotic duty and dump the Greens, Democrats, Shooters Party, Lesbian Fisherpersons For Christ, Marijuana Party and all the rest.
Understand this. An Independant politician is usually just some whacky headed idiot that couldn't get party backing.
Lets have the balls this time to elect a government with enough of a majority that they can actually govern. If they are shit, we will kick 'em out, simple.
Those who have read my rantings know which way I lean. I am voting for Pat Farmer and I hope that John Howards' Government is re-elected. If this is not to be, then elect Mark Latham with a majority and let him go. We live in a democracy and I'm willing to live by the wishes of the majority.
I am not prepared, however, to be held to ransom by a couple of wingnuts who speak for so few.
Tell everyone you meet. "Make your mind up. Labor or Liberal. No third choice"
Make sure that they understand that if they vote green, their vote is probably going to go to Labour through preferences anyway. If you are going to vote for Latham anyway, cut out the middleman and vote for Latham. Don't encourage the greens along the way.
Fuck the minor parties.
Slatts has had a few words to say too.
By the way. Take the time to look over the greens policies. This is no conspiracy folks. You can't make up shit that stupid. The scary part is that some of them believe it. The more scrutiny the better.
No new LeviesTaxes
Day One, Mistake One.
Knacker Lacker says no new taxes, but apparently levies are different. "What's the difference?" you ask. I'll let Mr Latham explain.
"There are levies and there are taxes, and I think economists have got clear definitions of the two and I think that's all established in economic theory and practice,"
??????????????????????????????? Please explain!
Knacker Lacker says no new taxes, but apparently levies are different. "What's the difference?" you ask. I'll let Mr Latham explain.
"There are levies and there are taxes, and I think economists have got clear definitions of the two and I think that's all established in economic theory and practice,"
??????????????????????????????? Please explain!
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
My Pal Brian.
I was sitting, having a couple of quiet ones, with my pal Brian the other day watching the Olympics. The weighlifting was on and we saw this Chinese ball of muscle struggling to lift his weight. After he dropped it, I thought I saw him swear. I asked Brian what the Chinese word for "fuck!" was, as he had spent time in China and was sure to know. He thought for a minute then said " I think it's just Fuck! I think Fuck is universal."
"So they understand Fuck, eh?" I said.
"They seemed to understand it when I said it" was the answer.
"So they understand Fuck, eh?" I said.
"They seemed to understand it when I said it" was the answer.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Sweden just gets better and better
In response to some comments regarding the new Workers Paradise, Sweden, I thought I would check the place out further. This document has the detail but the guts of it is this:
- State taxe rate of 29% -34%
- plus national taxes of 20% - 26%
- plus additional taxes of 1.5% for "the rich"
- plus contributions to a pension scheme
- plus a VAT(GST) of 12% - 25%. Most commonly 25%
- Corporate tax rates of only 28%
So, all we have to do to be a super dooper place like Sweden is:
- Double our GST
- Raise personal taxes
- Lower corporate taxes
- Introduce compulsory military conscription
- Halve our migrant intake
- Increase our private sector
- Drive Volvos
It seems to me that all the folks sitting around the bong, twirling their dreads and dreaming of Sweden, the workers paradise, have never bothered to check the joint out. As usual.
I think I will change my name to "Skye Moonunit Gaia Johnhowardisalyingbastard Gibson"
But you can call me Gibbo still.
You don't need a long neck to be a goose!
My Pal Brian
My pal Brian sent me this today.
In the village of Hurbum, Hertz near Tillet Town, lives Lucy Lykes who owns the Cockwell Inn.
Her address is...
Lucy Lykes,
The Cockwell Inn,
Hurbum, Tillet,
Hertz.
Idiot!
In the village of Hurbum, Hertz near Tillet Town, lives Lucy Lykes who owns the Cockwell Inn.
Her address is...
Lucy Lykes,
The Cockwell Inn,
Hurbum, Tillet,
Hertz.
Idiot!
Monday, August 16, 2004
I saw something funny the other day.
I saw something funny the other day. I walked into a classroom in the institute of marxism higher learning where I work to see the remains of someones lesson on the board. It was obviously a lesson on politics of some sort. It had three columns headed Labour, Liberal & Greens. In each of the columns was a brief description of the ideology of each. In Labor it said something like.. Believes in social democracy, large public sector, blah, blah blah. Under Liberal it said... Believes in private ownership/enterprise, small government blah, blah blah. Under Greens it just said "Anti..."
I nearly pissed myself! This is probably the most honest political lecture ever given.
I nearly pissed myself! This is probably the most honest political lecture ever given.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Sweden. The Workers Paradise
A lovely fellow by the name of Andrew has alerted me to the fact that there apparently is a genuine Socialist Workers Paradise, Sweden, which really blows my theory away.
Now, I heard Sweden mentioned just recently in a conversation with a member of the left side of life. This could be a coincidence, or maybe the mythical beast really exists and us Free Enterprisers should all just shut up. I thought that I would check out Sweden for myself to see what all the fuss was about. I was sure that armed with the correct facts that I could shoot Andrews argument down. Surely, I reasoned, if Sweden is a genuine Socialist country then it will be a shit heap, right? They all are, aren't they?
Well folks, I was wrong!
The very first place that I checked was the CIA World Factbook. Then I called up the page for Australia so I could compare the two. Pretty similar really in most areas. I tell you folks, I was getting really pissed off! This place looked alright! Then the killer. The bit about Swedens economy. (Emphasis is mine)
Now I'll give you my interpretation of your Workers Paradise Andrew.
You goose Andrew. Sweden is the perfect example of successful Capitalism. In fact the place is so good that I have decided to become some sort of politically radical dude & subvert our evil capitalist/facist/alarmist/racist/sexist government, in the hope that we can eventually rise up and allow people power to deliver us to Swedens level of wisdom. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!! I am born again. Thank you Jebus! It's a murkel!
Lastly Andrew, the two things that really stuck out about Sweden when you compare it to our racist/capitalist country.
Now, I heard Sweden mentioned just recently in a conversation with a member of the left side of life. This could be a coincidence, or maybe the mythical beast really exists and us Free Enterprisers should all just shut up. I thought that I would check out Sweden for myself to see what all the fuss was about. I was sure that armed with the correct facts that I could shoot Andrews argument down. Surely, I reasoned, if Sweden is a genuine Socialist country then it will be a shit heap, right? They all are, aren't they?
Well folks, I was wrong!
The very first place that I checked was the CIA World Factbook. Then I called up the page for Australia so I could compare the two. Pretty similar really in most areas. I tell you folks, I was getting really pissed off! This place looked alright! Then the killer. The bit about Swedens economy. (Emphasis is mine)
"Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for only 2% of GDP and 2% of the jobs. The government's commitment to fiscal discipline resulted in a substantial budgetary surplus in 2001, which was cut by more than half in 2002, due to the global economic slowdown, declining revenue, and increased spending. The Swedish central bank (the Riksbank) is focusing on price stability with its inflation target of 2%. Growth remained sluggish in 2003. On September 14, 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system, concerned about the impact on democracy and sovereignty"
Now I'll give you my interpretation of your Workers Paradise Andrew.
"When you leave a Capitalist system alone to do what it does best, the
people who actively participate in it are rewarded with a prosperous and compassionate society."
Gibbo
You goose Andrew. Sweden is the perfect example of successful Capitalism. In fact the place is so good that I have decided to become some sort of politically radical dude & subvert our evil capitalist/facist/alarmist/racist/sexist government, in the hope that we can eventually rise up and allow people power to deliver us to Swedens level of wisdom. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!! I am born again. Thank you Jebus! It's a murkel!
Lastly Andrew, the two things that really stuck out about Sweden when you compare it to our racist/capitalist country.
- They take half the amount migrants that we do per capita.
- Their bottom 10% of wage earners was twice as big as ours and their top 10% was smaller than ours. in other words, The gap between the haves and have-nots is much bigger in their ultra-equitable society
Any other places that you would care to put forward Andrew?
Update
Apparently Sweden has compulsory conscription into the military for everyone with two arms & legs too. I'm really starting to like this place. The further I look, the less left wing the place seems.
I stand on my previous statements. Socialism only works when supported by Capitalism.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
The world According To Gibbo. Part 1of thousands
Put the kettle on folks, this could be a big one. I haven’t posted here for a couple of weeks. I’ve had business, work & family commitments galore and to be quite honest, I just haven’t been bothered. Anyway… here we go again.
Before we go too far, I would like to introduce a new symbol. <*> This symbol is hereby known as “Does Not Necessarily Equal” as in “Theory <*> Fact” and “Time Spent <*> Experience”. Get it? It just saves a lot of typing and serves the purpose of this discussion. Now that we have that established we can get on with it.
It is only relatively recently that I have become concerned about political and social issues. I suppose it’s one of the traits of getting older. The older I get though, the less tolerant I am of those who hold particular viewpoints because they might be fashionable. For some bizarre reason it has become fashionable over my lifetime to be part of a group that I will loosely call “The Looney Left” side of politics. The reason that I find this position bizarre is largely due to the type of person who is likely to be spouting this crap. It is all well and good to see some rabid, left-wing unionist slogging away on a building site somewhere. They have always been part of our culture. The ones that shit me are the new crop. The “Champagne Socialists” The well paid academics that think that YOU should work in a bicycle factory. The well paid teachers who only manage to work 40 weeks a year, who think YOU should give your ¼ acre over to the indigenous community or that you don’t need to spell as long as you understand “the violence inherent in the system” and can rage against the machine. The well paid journalists who think that Iraq was better off under Saddam and that it’s only torture if Americans do it. There are some common threads through this group. Firstly, they are all espousing theories that none of them would ever live by. They just think YOU should be doing it. Secondly, they are generally quite well off and often in the employ of the government(taxpayer). This is where my symbol comes in:
Theory <*> Fact.
Socialism/Communism is a THEORY that has simply never worked in practice. Not once, ever. Those of you who are tempted to contradict me on this point should consider the following. If you can name me one country where communism is working, then my first question to you is, why don’t YOU live there? Simple as that. If there is a place better than this one, then why aren’t you there? Maybe you don’t really have the courage of your convictions?
You see, communism is a great theory as long as it stays in the realm of theory and while it is being supported by a capitalist system. While you are living the high life on a government wage, working 40 weeks a year, it’s all well and good to have your theories on how us plebs should live.
I might be dumb but I like to think that I look at the facts before taking a position. Name me one communist country that is having trouble with illegal immigrants. Coming in that is, not trying to escape. How many people cop a bullet in the back escaping from Australia? How many Australians part with their life savings to climb aboard a leaky, death trap and set sail for Cuba. How many Australians land on the shores of China each year? It’s not a big number folks.
Socialism/Communism is one of the most demeaning things that humans inflict upon each other. It is elitist and fascist in the extreme. To reduce human beings to a commodity which exists purely to serve “The State” is abhorrent to me. In my world “The State” is strong and prosperous when its’ citizens are strong and prosperous. Not the other way around. It really is as simple as that folks.
Next time that you pick up the paper, or turn on the tele & some elitist goose is telling you that we will reduce unemployment by whacking tax increases onto evil businesses, or that that you should be sorry for what someone the same skin colour as you did to someone the same skin colour as them 200 years ago, tell them this. When you give your land back, I’ll consider it. When you move to Cuba, I’ll consider it. When you sell your car & house and move into a low environmental impact yurt, then I’ll consider it. When you give up your government job & work 50 hours a week in the bicycle factory, I’ll consider it. When you trade your Armani suit in on a nice industrial grey number with matching cap, I’ll consider it. When you increase your taxes to pay for “green collar” jobs, I’ll consider it. Until then, shut-up. You are too stupid to understand how stupid you are.
Before we go too far, I would like to introduce a new symbol. <*> This symbol is hereby known as “Does Not Necessarily Equal” as in “Theory <*> Fact” and “Time Spent <*> Experience”. Get it? It just saves a lot of typing and serves the purpose of this discussion. Now that we have that established we can get on with it.
It is only relatively recently that I have become concerned about political and social issues. I suppose it’s one of the traits of getting older. The older I get though, the less tolerant I am of those who hold particular viewpoints because they might be fashionable. For some bizarre reason it has become fashionable over my lifetime to be part of a group that I will loosely call “The Looney Left” side of politics. The reason that I find this position bizarre is largely due to the type of person who is likely to be spouting this crap. It is all well and good to see some rabid, left-wing unionist slogging away on a building site somewhere. They have always been part of our culture. The ones that shit me are the new crop. The “Champagne Socialists” The well paid academics that think that YOU should work in a bicycle factory. The well paid teachers who only manage to work 40 weeks a year, who think YOU should give your ¼ acre over to the indigenous community or that you don’t need to spell as long as you understand “the violence inherent in the system” and can rage against the machine. The well paid journalists who think that Iraq was better off under Saddam and that it’s only torture if Americans do it. There are some common threads through this group. Firstly, they are all espousing theories that none of them would ever live by. They just think YOU should be doing it. Secondly, they are generally quite well off and often in the employ of the government(taxpayer). This is where my symbol comes in:
Theory <*> Fact.
Socialism/Communism is a THEORY that has simply never worked in practice. Not once, ever. Those of you who are tempted to contradict me on this point should consider the following. If you can name me one country where communism is working, then my first question to you is, why don’t YOU live there? Simple as that. If there is a place better than this one, then why aren’t you there? Maybe you don’t really have the courage of your convictions?
You see, communism is a great theory as long as it stays in the realm of theory and while it is being supported by a capitalist system. While you are living the high life on a government wage, working 40 weeks a year, it’s all well and good to have your theories on how us plebs should live.
I might be dumb but I like to think that I look at the facts before taking a position. Name me one communist country that is having trouble with illegal immigrants. Coming in that is, not trying to escape. How many people cop a bullet in the back escaping from Australia? How many Australians part with their life savings to climb aboard a leaky, death trap and set sail for Cuba. How many Australians land on the shores of China each year? It’s not a big number folks.
Socialism/Communism is one of the most demeaning things that humans inflict upon each other. It is elitist and fascist in the extreme. To reduce human beings to a commodity which exists purely to serve “The State” is abhorrent to me. In my world “The State” is strong and prosperous when its’ citizens are strong and prosperous. Not the other way around. It really is as simple as that folks.
Next time that you pick up the paper, or turn on the tele & some elitist goose is telling you that we will reduce unemployment by whacking tax increases onto evil businesses, or that that you should be sorry for what someone the same skin colour as you did to someone the same skin colour as them 200 years ago, tell them this. When you give your land back, I’ll consider it. When you move to Cuba, I’ll consider it. When you sell your car & house and move into a low environmental impact yurt, then I’ll consider it. When you give up your government job & work 50 hours a week in the bicycle factory, I’ll consider it. When you trade your Armani suit in on a nice industrial grey number with matching cap, I’ll consider it. When you increase your taxes to pay for “green collar” jobs, I’ll consider it. Until then, shut-up. You are too stupid to understand how stupid you are.
Friday, July 16, 2004
Labors' Dirt Unit
Busted! Those sly pricks at the ALP have been caught out with their own dirt unit.
"A SYDNEY public relations firm with links to the Labor Party has taken responsibility for a contentious website critical of Prime Minister John Howard.The website, johnhowardlies.com, had been falsely registered by a group or person going by the name "ABC DEF", but has now been authorised by Manly-based Springboard Australia Pty Ltd.
Its director Tim Grau, was a policy adviser to former Queensland Labor premier Wayne Goss and a senior political and communications adviser to the Keating government attorney-general, Michael Lavarch."
After squealing like stuck pigs about non-existant dirt units, the truth finally is exposed. I don't normally resort to "language" here but... Fuckin' hypocritical cunts! Fuck off and die!
There, now that I have that off my chest, where do these mongrel bastards get off? Basically, anything that they accuse the Government of, they are probably doing themselves. They think the rest of the world is like them so if they have a dirt unit, Johnny must too. Stands to reason, eh?
I saw the same shite out of Michael Moores gob this week too. He accuses Bush of propagating an atmosphere of fear via non-existant terrorist threats in order to prop up their immoral regime. Well.. I accuse him of exactly the same shit. The whole green/left movement is based on scaring the world into submission with lies like Global Warming etc.
A pox on them all!
Friday, July 09, 2004
The Trouble With Mark
"The trouble with Mark
The most likely outcome of the next federal election is an increased majority for the Howard government. This may or may not involve a two party preferred swing to the Coalition. (Perhaps even a small swing to Labor.)
Here's the problem with Latham: he's a strategist, not a communicator. Knows the value of a multi-faceted brand-name and the need to construct an alluring picture, to let punters join the dots and feel involved.
Comes up with effective five second six o'clock news grabs. But at anything longer or more substantial he is flat, uninspiring and evasive. He can't present - let alone defend - a policy or stance. And he has difficulty reconciling his party's inclinations with his own."
This site, while quite left leaning, has some very interesting theories on the upcoming election. Check it out for more.
I think that this weeks efforts have really made people stop & think about whether Back Flip Boy is a genuine contender. It's all well and good to say "anyone but Howard". The trouble is it ain't necessarily so. A lot of us still remember 17% interest rates and 11% unemployment. Mark has not responded well this week for a guy who can dish out great steaming gobfuls of his own. One thing Aussies don't like is a bully. All well and good if you can take some back, but when you turn to water at the very first sign of criticism, well...
The most likely outcome of the next federal election is an increased majority for the Howard government. This may or may not involve a two party preferred swing to the Coalition. (Perhaps even a small swing to Labor.)
Here's the problem with Latham: he's a strategist, not a communicator. Knows the value of a multi-faceted brand-name and the need to construct an alluring picture, to let punters join the dots and feel involved.
Comes up with effective five second six o'clock news grabs. But at anything longer or more substantial he is flat, uninspiring and evasive. He can't present - let alone defend - a policy or stance. And he has difficulty reconciling his party's inclinations with his own."
This site, while quite left leaning, has some very interesting theories on the upcoming election. Check it out for more.
I think that this weeks efforts have really made people stop & think about whether Back Flip Boy is a genuine contender. It's all well and good to say "anyone but Howard". The trouble is it ain't necessarily so. A lot of us still remember 17% interest rates and 11% unemployment. Mark has not responded well this week for a guy who can dish out great steaming gobfuls of his own. One thing Aussies don't like is a bully. All well and good if you can take some back, but when you turn to water at the very first sign of criticism, well...
Monday, July 05, 2004
Back Flip Boy = Frilly Girls Blouse
Apparently "Iron Mark" was close to tears today after the Sunday programs half-hearted expose. I watched it, and to be honest, there wasn't too much in there that I thought warranted much of a fuss. Lets face it, how many people can say that they grew up in Green Valley and hadn't been in a fight? I grew up not far from Mr Latham and attended the same high school as him and I must admit to being involved in a punch up or two, although I've never beaten up an old bloke.
Where I think they got traction was in his dealings with Liverpool Council. I believe that anyone who looks even slightly will find enough "bad form" to really get a story up. It strikes me as odd that the team who brought you the Oasis Affair in all its' glory, the Silly Moaning Herald, aren't interested in having another quiet dig around Liverpool Council regarding Mark.
The real story for me was how Back Flip Boy handled it himself. Not well! After an absolute dream run from the Aus media since being elected, he turns to water at the very first negative story. Weak as piss mark, weak as piss! I thought you were some kind of "bovver boy" who was fearless. Or is that only under parliamentary priviledge?
You are nothing but a frilly girls blouse.
Where I think they got traction was in his dealings with Liverpool Council. I believe that anyone who looks even slightly will find enough "bad form" to really get a story up. It strikes me as odd that the team who brought you the Oasis Affair in all its' glory, the Silly Moaning Herald, aren't interested in having another quiet dig around Liverpool Council regarding Mark.
The real story for me was how Back Flip Boy handled it himself. Not well! After an absolute dream run from the Aus media since being elected, he turns to water at the very first negative story. Weak as piss mark, weak as piss! I thought you were some kind of "bovver boy" who was fearless. Or is that only under parliamentary priviledge?
You are nothing but a frilly girls blouse.
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