The Chasers War on Bush

Stars of the popular ABC cult hit "The Chasers War on Everything" are facing up to six months jail time after their daring Apec skit saw the pass three central points of security in order to make it within ten metres of President George W Bush's hotel. With security rumoured to be worth more than $250 million dollars, the Chasers team consisting of Julian Morrow, Chas Licciarredllo, Andrew Hansen, Craig Reucassel and Chris Taylor were all officially arrested and summoned to appear in court for their skit "gone wrong."

In my opinion it is laughable that the team were able to surpass any of the checkpoints at all, let alone the second checkpoint were they were even checked by sniffer dogs. This daring comic skit, not merely makes a mockery of government security, but depicts the lack of safety we as Australians should feel. While I am a fan of television series, I find it disturbing that they endangered themselves to such an extent that there was a risk of them being shot by snipers, a option the boys most likely had not thought of at the time. Yet this should be seen for what it truly is, a bit of fun. Maybe at the cost of the government's quickly diminishing popularity, but ultimately who is having the last laugh? NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipionec criticised the team of ten men and one female for their stupidity. He said, "It's nothing short of dangerous . The snipers are there for a reason . . . Clearly they are there because they mean business. They're not there for show." I agree that skit was dangerous, but more importantly I see it as team once again highlighting the flaws of Australian government. The team ultimately had a point to make, and even to their own surprise I am sure, they made that point loud and clear.

References:"The Greenleft Weekly"
*picture courtesy of channel 7.

Cancer Victim Condems Excessive Tanning

I like many Australians have been touched by the bravery and integrity of 26 year old cancer sufferer Clare Oliver. Her strength in the face of adversity is a credit to herself and the Australian public. I myself have in the past used solarium's, but it is safe to say now that i have learnt my lesson, fortunately not the hard way like so many young Australians. Solarium's themselves deliver five times more ultraviolet rays than the midday sun and if that in itself does not suggest there is something seriously wrong, then i do not know what will. In her public appearance on the ABC 7:30 Report Ms Oliver said of tanning within Australia, "I guess it's just embedded in the Australian culture to be dark, not just dark but that golden tan. It sort of symbolises health, it symbolises just being a beautiful girl." Ms Oliver now has to pay the price of her life for trying to amount up to what is considered to be the "ideal" in Australia. With skin cancer particularly on the rise with Australia, when will this stupidity be put to an end? Isn't life itself is more precious than vanity and a meaningless tan? Tragically young lives have to be taken like that of Ms Oliver, an itelligent articulate and beautiful young woman.I appalled Ms Oliver's desire to speak publicly about her private plight, her will to live and her desire to speak out has seen her become the star she always longed to be.

*References- The Bulletin

Image from google

Bush's Dismissal of "Katrina"

In American news, President Bush has refused to create more assistance in preventing natural disasters like that of Hurricane Katrina from occurring again. The Bush administration's lack of response to one of the largest natural disasters in the nation's history has had Americans concerned for quite some time. Bush and his government have only recently began to voice measures they will take in order to try to prevent another hurricane from taking places. The measures it seem however, revolve around incompetent contractors attempting to rebuild the damage caused, rather the division of a national plan to protect the U.S. coastline. The hurricane formed on August 23rd during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season causing much devastation across the coastline.

The most severe affected were those living in New Orleans, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.At least 1,836 people lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina and in the subsequent floods, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane. Estimated to have been responsible for $81.2 billion US dollars worth of damage, there was widespread Criticism of the federal, state and local governments' reaction to the storm subsequently resulting in an investigation by the United States Congress.

President Bush's dismissal of this natural disaster is disgraceful, showing an utter lack of respect or concern for those who were affected and lost their lives at the hands of Hurricane Katrina. His often disastrous and criticised way of dealing with the public after devastating events has caused much widespread outcry's over his ability to conduct one of the most powerful countries in the world. Lets hope Americans are a little more precise with their choice of president when the next election comes round.

Bindi Still Making Australia Proud

It's been a year since Australia lost one it's most acclaimed and celebrated Australian icons. The death of Steve Irwin saw the whole nation stop, a man who was thought to be invincible as he wrestled crocodiles and advocated as the outspoken voice for the animals. His death saw a tragic end to Australia's "Wildlife Warrior" but his memory and he's vision has not been forgotten. His nothing short of extraordinary daughter Bindi Irwin as continued his battle, eagerly stepping into his shoes as the new Australian "Wildlife Warrior", and there is not one better for the job.

I personally admire Bindi's courage and lack of hesitation in simply stepping into her dad's shoes. Australia has embraced Bindi, as the special girl she is, treasuring her as they had done her father.She and has continued to create her show, that saw death of Steve Irwin by stingray in the Great Barrier Reef, in order to honour and keep his spirit alive. She has certainly done that, just as her dad would have wanted.

*References: The Australian
Image taken from Google images.

Gays Still Fighting Federal Ban

Despite it being three years on since the federal ban on homosexual marriage, the gay and lesbian community have not given up their fight. On August 12th around 3000 people protested demanding marital and adoption rights. While this is heavily controversial issue that dates back decades, Australia's gay community has been struggling for these rights for years and continues to demand the same respect as heterosexual martial unions. Across NSW, Sydney and Victoria the gay community rallied the streets casing conflict with police, particularly Sydney where thousands of the gay community protested down Oxford street to the town hall. While Conservative religious and family-first groups condemn this, Green's senator Kerry Nettle declared, "It’s a clear pattern about the prime minister trying to garner votes from the conservative religious fundamentalists within the community and in doing so seeking to scapegoat a particular section within our community.” As gay bashings have recently been on the rise, Rachel Evans, an organiser of the protest and also Socialist Alliance candidate for Sydney argued, "Our love is not second class".This war of conflicting ideas seems to be never ending, and ultimately I believe gay marriage does not impose any threat on society so why not legalise it? Members of long and fulfilling gay relationships can have all the right reasons to marry, except it is unacceptable within the eyes of the law. The law's perception of what marriage is should be evolving just as Australia continues do so, the notion of being homosexual should no longer be seen as something to frown down upon, rather just a way people chose to live their life. And ultimately who are we to judge?

*References Greenleft weekly

image from google images

Rowdy Rudd's Regretful night

Rudd's seemingly flawless political run had to end somewhere and it did. In an article published in the Australian Bulletin Rudd's conspicuous night in New York was revealed. It could be Kevin Rudd's decision to attend a New York strip club that could cost him public votes, with feminist groups depicting it an exploitation of women, but yesterday majority of the public seemed quite bemused. Rudd's drunken antics at the Manhattan strip club have left staff describing him and fellow politician Tony Snowdown as "rowdy" and "snotty", yet Rudd claims to have had a complete memory blackout. He claims he has only been drunk twice in his life, his 35th birthday celebrations and and this night in New York. Owner Elliot Osher has said that while the two were demanding, ordering staff to bring them beers, they did not physically touch any of the exotic dancers and acted as complete gentlemen in the short period they stayed at the club. As a potential prime minister I find this quite amusing, and giving Rudd his due, he has by no means depicted himself to be perfect throughout his political campaign, his often quirky mishaps appealing to the public. This incident just simply depicts Rudd as a human and in no way can it be condemned a crime or immoral. He had a few too many drinks and ended up at strip club. Personally I think worse things have happened.

References: The Australian Bulletin

Image taken from google images.

Powderfinger's Poltical Plight

An article that appeared in the Australian Greenleft weekly spoke of Australian music and the influence it has on our cultural identity.Leading Australian rock band Powderfinger was mentioned as they have been rocking the music scene for over a decade. Lead singer Bernard Fanning's political and often passionate lyrics have truly ensured Powderfinger remain not merely simply a rock band, but political ambassadors, giving voice to Australians. With Ideas spanning from religious hypocrisy to the struggle of Indigenous citizens to seek equality, Powderfinger seeks to challenge the Howard government significantly in their newest album.

Why Powderfinger has been condemned for their anti-Howard views, their music is not simply negative view on the Australian government or John Howard himself. In my view, their music captures the beauty and culture of Australia while is some instances giving a voice to those who are left unheard, particularly refugees and Aboriginal Australians. The song “Black Tears”, on Powderfinger’s new album Dream Days at the Hotel Existence, focuses more clearly on Indigenous Australian's struggle to find peace with their painful past. Fanning himself has even declared it to be a song that addresses and highlights the neglect of Aboriginal people. Fanning's powerful and harrowing lyrics, depict his ability as songwriter to take the listener on a powerful and political journey. Personally I applaud Powderfinger's work, as an evolutionary Australian rock band who give hope to Aboriginal Australian's future.

References Greenleft Weekly

picture from Google images

Doctor is Discharged

"On my view of this matter as mistake has been made". Those were the words of Federal director of Public prosecutions Damien Bugg as he announced to the Australian public it was all a mistake after Haneef's terrifying and publicised ordeal and his final release.

The situation that concerned Doctor Mohamed Haneef arrested and subsequent dismissal of all criminal charges is nothing short of a an embarrassment to the Australian public. As an Australian citizen I am appalled that a man who ultimately, is venturing to our country to aid in a a shortage of medical personal was wrongfully accused of one of the most atrocious crimes know to mankind.His treatment while at the hands of the Australia government disgraced and tainted the name of an innocent man, whose family ties and a mobile phone SIM card were the only links to the terrorists.Haneef's barrister, Stephen Keim outwardly voiced the inaccuracies that existed within his clients case throughout the ordeal.

References: The Australian Bulletin
Image taken from Google images.

G'day Everyone

Hey everyone! My name is Bert and this is my first blogging experince! I am a second year journalism student at La Trobe University and hope to engage you all in some political debates as I weekly blog to you all! Please feel free to leave any comments....