Archive for December, 2011

Computer Says “NO!”

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Just what *IS* Tony Abbott’s problem with compromise?

It seems to me that he is terrified that the “Malaysian Solution” (inhumane though it is) might actually work to deter people smugglers.  Abbott doesn’t want them deterred, he wants the problem to continue so he can continue shouting, “Stop the Boats! Stop the Boats!“  Hey, scaring Australians about “boat people” worked for Howard’s 2001 Tampa election.  And the drownings of a few hundred refugees and their children don’t count; they don’t vote.

Tony Abbott and his other purveyors of fear (Bernadi, Mirabella, Brandis, et al) are not part of the solution, they’re part of the problem.

As we leave 2011 behind, can we also leave behind this absurd and life-threatening negativity?

Joy to the world

Saturday, December 24th, 2011

I cannot help thinking that if Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem today without a tourist visa, Jesus would be born in an Israeli checkpoint.  But all is not without hope, because …

Joy to the world; this day a child is born.
This time in Gaza, also under occupation.
His name is Darren Issa (Jesus)
His mother is a long-time Facebook friend, Sana Ahmed.

Joy to the world; this day a child is born
Darren Issa, Christmas Eve 2011

Sana, I wish peace for you, your new child, your family and your countrymen.