Let the Sunshine in?

Have we children of the Vietnam War era forgotten the pain to the USA and Australia caused by this heinous war?

Are we wrong again in our efforts against a religious maniac just as we were then up against Ho Chi Min? Are we sacrificing another generation to the ongoing consequences of a War nobody wanted not even fully understands or will understand in the future?

This song and the recent watching of the movie, "Hair" has me thinking. Again I'm no Solomon, no wise old sage with answers. But I do tend to ponder just when the 'right' time to leave the Afghan people to their own devices will be. No, I am not anti-war in total as it seems the only way for some parts of mankind to reach an understanding. But I detest the cost in lives spent and lives ruined. And this doesn't even take into account the widows, widowers and children and likewise of those afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress and all manner of disorders.

Ah well just the meanderings of my mind on the subject. Please feel free to add your input or opinion.

Remembrance Day, Another Year........

Another year, another Remembrance or Armistice Day...........

But what have we learned? In the 1914-18 War, World War I, the Western Nations of the world sacrificed the young men and some women of a whole generation not only of their own country's people but of colonies and protectorates in a pointless meat grinder.

Today, perhaps not in the same numbers, we are sending our young men and women to foriegn lands for more Wars. Let's not use politically correct titles here, there are opposing sides and weapons on both sides so it's WAR. Is there, or will there be a point? A positive outcome? At least in World War II there was Hitler and the Japanese who were aggressors to be despised and stopped at all costs to prevent their spread. IT wasn't the Countries themeselves the Allies were opposed to but the political philosophy of these two nations that simply HAD to go lest they damage the freedoms of us all. Humankind had a Cancer of philosophy and it was painfully removed from the locations from whence it grew.

Now the terms of War are blurred. No forming and gathering of great armies on either side. Seemingly no national or goegraphic borders to detect the real enemies and to be fought over. The Cancerous philosophies and abuse of religious ideas and ideals is now more widespread with secondary tumours growing in almost every part of the Earth. What do we do this time? In part we're performing the old tradition of giving up our youths to conventional War. But at the same time we're placing protection in Western nations for groups who are being used as fronts for; promoting the cause of; or openly funding the aggressors. This is like keeping a Melanoma as a prized birthmark on your body instead of seeking treatment and taking aggressive action to prevent it's spread.

I'm an advocate of Freedom, and I support peoples' right to religious freedom............ but then, what if a group has a philosophy of not only taking the rest of the peoples' freedoms away, but to desire to kill all those who cherish and exercise those freedoms? I'm not Solomon, I'm no wiser nor more stupid than the next man. I detect we're doing something wrong here though.

So in the interests of the freedom and safety of the majority of people in our countries, should we curtail some freedoms of others who are for now in the minority? Or do we continue as now, protecting the rights of a minority of those who cover and support those who would do us harm and/or are those who would do us harm as though we are oblivious to the danger? Is this not a little suicidal of our current culture NOT to take some measures to curtail the menace to our way of life?

Perhaps you, the reader, have some ideas over this mess. Maybe we learned a little from past Wars, but does it do us any good in this one? Are we now so adverse to a full blown War that we'd rather simply surrender our values and way of life rather than cut out the malaise?

You tell me.

Lest We Forget ALL those who have fallen in the name of our Countries and our Freedom.

DON'T PANIC!

G'day Reader,

I've left this one for a couple of days deliberately. And as I suspected, some are already doing the usual panicky drama queen act.

The whole story (so far) is in the links provided here:

Police make terror raid across Melbourne
Four men face court over 'terror plot'
Army base arrests expose security flaws

You see these stories rarely are fully told in the first few days. To summarise, some Somali and Lebanese residents here planned a 'raid' on one of our larger Army Bases where they planned to simply walk in and start shooting anyone they can and to keep going till they themselves were in turn killed. Thankfully, the Australian Federal Police(AFP), sort of like the FBI but with a sillier track record and lower pay, rounded up the plotters before any harm could be done. They raided 19 homes but it appears they arrested only four men. IT should be interesting how this is explained.

OK, now on to my meandering rant.

People are already criticising the AFP that the accused are here in the first place along with my comment above about 19 homes raided but only four people facing court along with the "why is this the first we've heard of it?" comments. Well of course it's the first we've bloody heard of the plot! If our security forces and agencies are doing their job the first we should hear of these things is once they're foiled! In the meantime we shouldn't be hearing anything at all - "loose lips sink ships" springs to mind, the old World War II Slogan.

This brings me to another point. Like it or not, politicially correct language be buggered, through no fault of our own we're in a type of undeclared War. This War however is like a multi-layered, multiple round, game of Chess and never quite knowing where the Chessboard is located. I'm not going to re-hash how we got into this mess, but we're here, Now. And like in past World Wars, security is everybody's business. Please don't go mistaking it for paranoia. But a degree of observation of things that don't seem quite right and reporting same is the responsibility of us all. In addition, if one observes or knows of a security flaw or risk, don't go gossiping about it! Report it at once to the relevant authority or authorities. Don't go BLABBING! And DON'T spread rumour. Today perhaps we can update the old WWII slogan to "Loose Lips Lose Lives".

And I can hear people now already. This leaves the door open to racists, and anti-multi-culturalists and other ignorant fools to spread their harassment of those different to them. Well yes it does. But that's why we also have tough penalties for people who maliciously report false information. Frankly, I truly believe most people who choose to come to Australia do so for reasons we welcome: to embrace our way of life and help us to grow and prosper. But being realistic, mixed in with the flood of good people there will always be a few bad apples. And sadly, a few bad terrorist apples is all it needs to make a mess and also tarnish the reputation of some immigrants in the eyes of the ignorant.

SO read the papers and view the media with the eye of one who knows they want to sensationalise everything for readership and viewer numbers.

Watch for the decidedly Odd and report it. IF it turns out to be nothing there's nothing lost. If it turns out to be something there may be much to be gained. We're not Nazi-Germany, so nobody will be carted off even though innocent or for merely having an opinion.

NOW for the harsher bit. Those who are legally found to have abused our hospitality through plotting terrorism should at the very least have their Citizenship and or Visas revoked and held as Combatant Prisoners and or Spies. Once they've served the sentence handed down to them, during which they should be 'de-programmed' as with any other cult-member they should immediately be expelled back to whatever hole they came from.

The Returned Services League of Australia(RSL) has a motto that's apt in these days:

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilence"

What is Equality?

G'day Reader,

I know you're there I can hear the keyboard.

Thanks to those who've sent me opinions and even more information on the subject of the last blog. I do ask though that they be posted, pro or against, to the comments section. Even as an anonymous post if you feel you'll be attacked. I'd like to use my comments area for reasonable debate so post links to information you're quoting too if you wish.

OK, now to the topic. So what is Equality?

Um..... 1=1; 1+1=2?

Looks straight forward doesn't it? The humble Equal sign(=) that we first encounter when we begin learning mathematics in our earliest school years. Basically, it means that each number or thing on each side has the same numerical or other properties as the other. In Human terms it means each is recognised as being a cognizant being with the same Rights.

Let's do the old early school thing again.

Apple = Apple

Hmmm, is there such a thing as two identical Apples? Every mark and shade of red or green without error the same? But we recognise them as 'Equal' as they're both Apples. Let's try the next one.

Apple = Orange

Definitely something wrong here. But in terms of them both being Fruit it's correct. And no smartarse comments about the Fruit pun on the general subject thanks. We know an apple and an orange are two different things but in some ways they're the same and deserve all the rights and privileges of being known as a beneficial Fruit and foodstuff. Now comes the discrimination bit. Some people prefer Apples and some prefer Oranges and some like both. So if I like Oranges, but dislike Apples: Do I have the right to deny that Apples are Fruit or Beneficial to our diet? This is silly and would be ridiculous issue to raise now wouldn't it?

So now if I put this: Man = Man

We'd assume that one Man is equal to another. Right? Yes, Yes, like the fruit there can be differences, even if they're the same Race but they're BOTH Men, Yes?

Now this one: Man = Woman

Hmmm, tough one that. One has babies the other just throws seed. But as they're both human and have that spark, spirit, or soul: we can say Yes, this is Correct. Anyone see where I'm heading here?

Now if Man and Woman are equal, then both have the right to Vote, Work, Pay Taxes, Couple, Marry, have a family and all is well. Yes?

OK, who said NO? DO I have to hide my thoughts and notes to stop people getting ahead of me here?

The knee-jerk reaction to this answer of 'No' would first be to think of one Race denying the Rights of another Race now wouldn't it? A discrimination based on something we can all see obviously making us different. But we know in the question of are they human both Races would come out as "Equal". So who am I talking about here?

No don't go back to previous Blogs looking, I'll show you here.

We currently, in Australia where Man Does NOT equal Man, and even Woman Does NOT Equal Woman with regards to all Human Rights. Hmmm, it's not Race as that would be illegal. Now what could it be that makes these people less deserving of Human Rights? Surely, it must be something Heinous, Illegal perhaps, our outright Nasty!

No, not at all.

In the very Spirit of Equality, they've found themselves attracted to members of the same Gender - OOOOH AAAAH!! How evil?!?!?! PFFT!!!. Yes, they're Gay. Now let's see. What evils do Gay people bring down upon us? Oh yes, there's the recession - Naughty Gays; The breakdown of Families - Bad Gays; Global Warming - Cleverly Devious Science Gays; Poultry stop laying and cows go off their milk - Insidious Veterinary Gays; oh and the classic, Corruption of Our Children - Department of Education Gays.

Did I leave out any of the ludicrous and just plain jaw droppingly silly and insane things of which Gay people are accused? I know we can all make lists and lists from the Fundamentalist Christians, Right Wingers and other general fanatics to laugh at. But some of these ignorant dullards BELIEVE THIS SHIT! Oh and I forgot to mention the Westborough Baptist Church(Sorry to real Baptists), "God Hates Gays". This "Pastor" Phelps makes Rev. Fred Nile look like a one-man Gay Rights Campaigner.

Having watched some additional input and read through some more links, it seems we here in Australia, or at least our Government also "Hate Fags". Seems the posters leave out Lesbians.....

But I'm getting off my point. Here in Oz(Australia), we Pride ourselves on being the "Land of the Fair Go". A land where everyone is free to be who they wish, worship whom they wish, and for that matter indulge in all manner of once criticised forms of life provided they do no true harm.

But it seems we have a legal Paradox now. Although Homosexual Men and Women are equal in many acts of Parliament, they're just not "Quite" as equal as the rest of us due to a single Definition. That definition being the one for "Marriage". Marriage in Australia is defined as being between a "Man and a Woman" and some other waffle as being for the purposes of procreation. Now isn't it interesting that "Family" has been redefined for all intents and purposes to include single parents and the like, but we get stuck on ONE Bloody Definition.

So ok, Mr KRudd, Prime Monster of The COMMONWEALTH of Australia, let's not call it Marriage if changing a word or two simply is too hard. Let's have Civil Unions like the UK. No? Hmmm, well why not Mr KRudd? Could it be that you're every bit as antiquated, superstitious and Bigotted as "Pastor" Phelps underneath? Yes? Well that explains a lot. You know Mr KRudd, there are and were more Australians in favour of Gay Marriage that voted for you and in general than there are or were in favour of saying "Sorry" the the Australian Aborigines. Oh I see, you know that but you're still on yoru ego trip of having been elected in the first place and you'll do as You like not what the people want. I'll remember Mr KRudd, and shout it loud and long leading up to the next election too, ya jack bastard!

Dear MrKrudd, I'd support a Bill where you and other conservative members of your Party were checked into Hospital, at taxpayers expense, to have your Head surgically removed from your Arse!

OK, back to me talking to you the reader. Frankly, I find this whole Gay Marriage issue SHOULD be a storm in a teacup. An issue where we simply change the odd word or two in the country's legislation and everyone is then legally equal. Add to that, I don't want my Grandchildren thinking how aweful we were in this generation for making up lies and silly reasons in order to discriminate against people and infringe on their Rights as Human Beings. I sincerely hope, that by the time my own Grandchildren, or even my younger children get to voting age that this WILL BE a NON-ISSUE and simply remembered as a bad time where we were in the Wrong.

GIVE EQUALITY TO US ALL!

Rudd's Backs Away From Gay Marriage

G'day Reader,

Anyone out there? Ah well, I'm gunna rant on this topic anyway.

Prime Monster KRudd has done it again. During his campaign for election his Party, Labor, lead many people I know personally as well as those making statements in the news that true Equality for same-sex couples would be not only a priority but would be one of his governments first acts. And that includes, Gay Marriage.

This subject particularly catches my attention now as I've recently had my eldest Daughter marry, and now my wife and I are helping friends with setting up for their same-sex wedding.

Bemoan and ridicule me all you like for my support of Gay Marriage if you wish, but I was taught as I grew up that we all have a Soul. All those Souls are equal, whether male or female. So it's no stretch of logic at all to accept two Souls of the same gender wishing to become partners for life as spouses. I hate the word Spouse, but the language hasn't kept up with the times so its the only word that describes both male-male and female-female partners in a Gay marriage.

More of my justification of my support?

Homosexual men and women have been around as long as humans have been around. If one accepts Evolutionary Theory it was probably around in our prehistoric ancestral forms as well. We see it in nature all the time, and if this is so, for the "Believers" then it is God's Will that some animals AND PEOPLE be homosexual. Just the same, hermaphrodites happen. So following the same logical thread, surely some people are born into the wrong gendered body and so with our technology today we can help them to be and feel like the gender they believe themselves to be. But that one is for another day.

For now, I wish to say to the naysayers on Gay Marriage/Committment/Civil Unions/[Add politically correct bullshit pseudonym] that if homosexuality is a Sin then it's a Sin on those who Practice it and no skin off your nose. However the same Teachings of the Bible say, 'Judge not lest ye be Judged' so it's not anyone else's place to criticise. Christ himself never went around condemning everyone but merely set an example to be followed. Thus he left it up to each individuals choice to simply live the best life they could while mortal. Criticism and condemnation of homosexuality in the Bible is more a product of the times and culture than anything else as nowhere is "God" or "Christ" quoted as saying ANYTHING on the subject. Historically, fundamentalist christians(deliberate lower class c) seem to be among the only people who can't seem to embrace homosexuals and homosexuality as being normal. Fair enough the Greeks and their predecessors worshipped all sorts of odd and strange demigods, but they also thrived for centuries and their culture was enhanced by simply accepting all the people within their culture. For goodness sake, even Alexander the Great is a known historical figure who preferred the company of the same gender for both commeradery and sex.

Haven't we, as supposedly well educated and civilised western human beings, evolved far enough and learned enough yet that we can accept and embrace ALL people within our communities? Do we still have to hang on to ridiculous superstitions and out-dated predjudices fuelled by false information and 'stories'? It's time to use your Brain! That wondrously incredible organ inside your brain box and forget the propaganda of generations of bigots and the ignorant. DO your own research, think for yourselves and stand up for some other human beings who are being denied the freedoms heterosexuals enjoy every day. The simple surety of a union of two people in the hopes it will last a lifetime and be as happy in old age as it is when young.

I promised myself to keep this short, but for those of you who voted for Mr Krudd: had you bothered to look up his biography, you'd have known he has a hardline, right-wing christian background. I tried to warn people, but of course 'political advertising' tells the Truth doesn't it? For those too stupid, lazy or ignorant to actually look into who you are voting for and find out their and their party's history, you got what you deserve.

[Read the link attached to the heading for the news article upon which this rant is based]