Character matters

This was unsuccessfully submitted for publication to a newspaper's letters column. The good thing about having a blog is that enables opiniated people to self publish instead. You have an alternative outlet. 

Reports of Labor caucus dissatisfaction with Premier Jacinta Allan's leadership, combined with the Victorian government's challenging fiscal situation, and endemic maladministration, invite comparisons with the former Cain/Kirner governments (1982-1992), but with one important distinction.

Rather than spin and obfuscation, the likes of former Premier John Cain (1982-1990), his deputy, Robert Fordham (1982-1989), and Treasurer, Rob Jolly (1982-1990), resigned from their positions because of their conviction that it was the only way to take responsibility and accountability either for their, or the government's failed policies.

By comparison, their present-day successors seem to be lacking in such character and integrity. 

 

That was so last century, man

Visitors to this blog, if indeed there are any, may remember John Jost, former host of ABC TV's nightly current affairs programme, The 7.30 Report. 

This video clip was the only one I could find. If gives you some idea of Jost's grumpy screen persona. Unlike Clive Robertson, one of Jost's contemporaries, it was his natural disposition, and not a shtick. 

No way

Why did this need to be released in cinemas? If this film's low box office takings are any indication, it looks like movie fans worldwide are asking this very question. 

Can hate and tolerance coexist?

As any thoughtful student of history will be aware, antisemitism is the oldest hatred. In this recent presentation to the Sydney Institute, David Harris, former Chief Executive Officer of the American Jewish Committee, gives an overview of historical and contemporary antisemitism. 

One hundred proof drivel

The internet is full of vile content pushed by so called influencers such as Nick Fuentes and Ana Kasperian. It is well past time they were put in their place. 

Sycophancy writ large

Heading to cinemas soon is this satirical biopic about Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin. Featuring Jude Law as Putin, it follows a young spin doctor, Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) who helps Putin to create his image when he takes power. The film is far from flattering to its subject. 

I'd like to organise a boy's night out to see this film, inviting along American buddies such as Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson, and Nick Fuentes. Closer to home, my fellow Australian, George Christensen, would also be more than welcome. 

One wonders if this spin doctor character was the one who convinced Mr Putin to use Christianity and the Russian Orthodox Church as a political prop. 

How very reassuring

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation tonight to talk about the fuel crisis. All television networks covered it live, in prime time. In the end, Albanese didn't really say anything to allay anxieties about impending rationing or shortages. 

All he did was call for calm. What a let down. There was no information given about what his government is doing to manage the crisis. Why did he bother?

Fairweather friends

This song will resonate with anyone who has been abandoned by a loved one in a time of need. 

Read this carefully

Some very timely teaching from Robert A. Gagnon, Professor of Bible at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Mississippi. It speaks to current debates about illegal or undocumented immigration. This is not, as commonly believed, a parable about social justice, but about how Gentiles receive and treat Christian missionaries, and the Gospel itself. The Bible commentary set and board games on the shelf behind him are slightly distracting. 

Pushback

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The problems with Christian nationalism & why It’s one of the most dangerous false teachings of our day?

1. It Confuses the Kingdom of God with Earthly Nations

The Bible consistently teaches that God’s kingdom is not tied to any earthly nation-state.
• John 18:36 – Jesus…

— Dr. Eric Mason (@pastoremase) March 10, 2026

Moral conscience of the nation

The Australian Greens are well known for their opposition to war. A cursory reading of their website makes it very clear to any observer that they are vehemently opposed to the United States and Israel's military action against the Iranian regime. Diplomacy and peaceful resolutions are the solution, not war. 

Perhaps they envisage negotiations, brokered by an impartial third party. Moreover, the aggrieved Iranian regime isn't evil, but amenable to reason, if only they were given a chance to calmly talk about their legitimate grievances, all sides in this conflict would see the errors of their ways. 

Foreign policy analysts who are actually across their brief on the subject of Iran think otherwise. As Times of Israel contributor Samuel Koltov argues, Iran cannot be treated as a rational, and logical state actor. Too many analysts fail to grasp Iran's religious-ideological worldview. Its leaders believe themselves to be preparing the world for the coming of the Mahdi, an Islamic Messianic figure. Their hostility to the United States and Israel is regarded as a religious obligation. They are engaged in an eschatological battle with religious enemies. 

Nobody likes war. The immense death and destruction is tragic. The Greens fail to grasp that whoever negotiates a ceasefire with Iran will be negotiating with fanatics. 

https://greens.org.au/campaigns/no-us-forever-wars

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/stop-treating-iran-as-a-rational-actor/

Read the book

For your listening pleasure (hopefully), I present some classic Christian music from 1986. Don't Wait for the Movie, which was the title track from White Heart's fourth studio album of the same name. 

Bottomless pit of shonkiness

With reports of widespread corruption in the Victorian government's multibillion dollar infrastructure programme, the Big Build will turn out to be a massive rort. 

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/alleged-big-build-union-corruption-may-have-cost-victorians-up-to-30-billion/ar-AA1W7HN7?ocid=BingNewsSerp

 

Son of the father

This is a neat summary of Christology, as outlined in the first chapter of the New Testament book of Hebrews. Some errant pseudo-Christian new religious movements need to be reminded that Jesus is God, and not a created being. 

Unity over division

While recognising that some Australians, Australia Day is a day of pain, it can still be celebrated in a reflective frame of mind. Australia Day brings people together to celebrate in different ways, with  community events, recognition of local achievements, and by sharing food, music, and laughter. I cherish the chance to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and celebrating the unique outdoors, humour, and diverse cultures that define Australia.

Editorial. Australia Day protests show much work to do on civics | The Australian

Secularised Christmas

Clickbait article from the Daily Mail Australia about Carols by Candlelight, held in Melbourne, Australia, on Christmas Eve. This is lazily written. All the writer needs to do is collate some social media activity, with anonymous attribution for legal reasons, and the article writes itself.

As for the event itself, it was well done as a television production. Unlike in recent years, none of the performers forgot the stage etiquette of appearing in an ensemble setting, by upstaging other performers.

This is what did not sit well with me. Why did it take almost an hour of running time before an actual Christmas carol was sung? And why was not Jesus mentioned, even once? 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15411465/Nine-Carols-Candlelight-viewers-slam-Sammy-J.html

Guilty before proven otherwise

Just like Lady Macbeth's "damn spot," some Australian critics see that Australia has a great collective national guilt that it can never assuage. 

Somebody had to say it

Josh Frydenberg, former Australian federal treasurer, and prominent member of the Australian Jewish community, delivered an impassioned speech at the makeshift memorial to the victims of the December 14 Islamist terror attacks. Evil cannot go unchallenged.  

https://thenightly.com.au/opinion/ben-harvey-power-pain-and-a-path-forward-why-josh-frydenbergs-bondi-speech-was-so-important-c-21033867

Give your ears a treat

The Christmas song, The Little Drummer Boy, is well known to many audiences around the world. I had no idea that Bob Seger had recorded a version of it back in 1987. That's so 20th century, man. A raspy voiced singer shows that he also has an introspective side. 

Anyone for karaoke?

This song, I Did What I Did for Maria, was a worldwide hit in 1971. It had a fairly crummy promotional film, as music videos were known at the time.