Oracle of DelphiHas Peter Garrett sold out?
February 16th 2007 09:24
I tend to think we should be against US army bases being in Australia and definitely believe we shouldn't establish new ones.
One would think Peter Garrett would share this view, what with his past beliefs, but a certain backflip has surprised and disappointed me. He made a press release today saying he supported the decision of the Government to allow a new US satellite base in Geraldton. To me this seems as though he is simply towing the party line, something he has done a bit of since joining the ALP. Even joining the ALP was a move towards a softening of his stances.
I am well aware how Australian politics work and that disunity is death, but I really don't see in this current climate how choosing not to support another base is going to be bad for the ALP chances in this year's election.
It's not as though the ALP were calling on the US to move out of their base in Pine gap. Just say we don't think it is necessary for them to take up anymore of our land!
Come on Peter, stay strong on the issues you know matter.
One would think Peter Garrett would share this view, what with his past beliefs, but a certain backflip has surprised and disappointed me. He made a press release today saying he supported the decision of the Government to allow a new US satellite base in Geraldton. To me this seems as though he is simply towing the party line, something he has done a bit of since joining the ALP. Even joining the ALP was a move towards a softening of his stances.
I am well aware how Australian politics work and that disunity is death, but I really don't see in this current climate how choosing not to support another base is going to be bad for the ALP chances in this year's election.
It's not as though the ALP were calling on the US to move out of their base in Pine gap. Just say we don't think it is necessary for them to take up anymore of our land!
Come on Peter, stay strong on the issues you know matter.
| 82 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Visit other sites this author contributes to:
Travel
- "World Travel" - Places to go and things to do worldwide
- "Australia Found" - Places to go and things to do in Australia
- "Sights of Dubai" - The world's number one tourist destination
Media and Entertainment
- "The Hot Report" - Celebrity Gossip
Science and Technology
- "Good Gadget Guide" - Latest release techno gadgets
Sports
- "Sport World" - World sport stories
- "NRL News" - Rugby League
- "Rucks and Rolls" - Rugby Union
- "Wrestling Wrapup" - Wrestling
Motoring
- "Top Class Cars" - New releases and motor shows
Politics and Law
- "The Australian Constituency" - Politics news
- "Legal Herald" - Law news
Social Issues
- "Homelessness Issues" - Homelessness issues
- "Street Beat" - Stories from the world's street magazines
- "Hind Sight" - Aboriginal communities in outback Australia
Feature Articles
- "Australian Tales" - Lives of great Australians
- "Daily History" - Historical events "on this day"
Fun and Fiction
- "Noteable News" - Bizarre news stories
Read more Australian travel stories
Links to other stories on this site are listed below (Recent Posts).
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Yes we all sang along but how many actually cared what it was about? We all sang along with Red Gum's "I've Been to Bali Too" but few cared that they were proud communists. Some people from the Liberal side still talked about how we should have stayed in Vietnam and how we could have won the war. Rambo 2 gave mumbled speeches to say as much.
A lot of minds have changed in the last twenty years. How many could be accused of selling out?
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
The pragmatist in me says it is a compromise. The radical in me says that it is a sell out. This issue depends upon whether he has changed his mind or is just saying something that he does not believ in.
Bottom line is that the Peter Garret of the eighties is not the same one today.
ps:I was going to write a post on the same subject but you beat me to it.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I burnt some midnight oil and did a post recently about Peter Garrett, asking whether he would stand with his passion, or be swayed by the power, of it all?
I'm not completely convinced that (as Tracy says), there isn't a broader agenda that we know nothing about, like a proposed nuclear plant to be built close by, that may be guarded? Or some UStrade deal for …whatever?
Either way, both liberals and labor seem to be proving to be pro-nuclear in their leanings, no doubts about it. Think about it a little. Whichever way we go forward for energy, it must involve enough 'revenue' to cover the politicians 'future wages,' as well as jobs for people. It must also produce ‘gross national income’ to offset the ‘gross national debt.’ The people have to remain dependant to a large degree too, to avoid civil unrest (and perhaps anarchy). First rule of democracy? ... maybe...Japan currently runs 27 nuclear plants for energy and desalination, just think of the revenue in uranium sales here.
Personally, I loved Bob Brown’s suggestion of a more independent solar powered society (which was poo-poohed by both parties)… and no word from Peter on That?
The 'alliance' between America and Australia is great on one hand and pathetic on the other. and probably a side issue, except that to America Australia is 'secret.' To me, the point is this; that over the past 10 years, I have seen two of my close friends, (both complete idealist zealots) go into government and turn from complete idealism, to totally back-flipping, party-line tootling, pawns.
Is the verdict out for me on this issue with Peter G’s backflip? Not sure, I'm waiting one more week to see what I can find out about this proposed 'base' first.... "lol* then I probably won't say! My bet though, is on him eventually loosing his passion to the power.
I so hope I am wrong on this one, though...
Lilla ...