Threats to Australian Press Freedom and Civil Liberties last week : Melbourne Indymedia

I’m concerned about two threats to Australian press freedom, leading up to the biggest politics story of the week on Kevin Rudd and press freedom.

The lead-in is the press freedom aspect of the Alan Jones monstering by ACMA. Commentators, other than the anti-Howard crowd, have correctly called it as an ACMA lynching attempt without basis.

The people howling about sedition last year – remember all the concerts about freedom of the press – now have no problem with arguing for reduction of free speech or, more particularly, attacking Jones for providing free speech.

This has nothing to do with Jones’ power and I’m absolutely no apologist for cash for comment. But I’ll fight for freedom and against lynch mobs.

This leads into press freedom and the fact that Kevin Rudd now has two legs of a hat trick for aggressive media handling and bullying, leaving aside the dishonesty and tendency to falsehood.

You recall the SMH running a good investigative story on Rudd’s false remembered history, and then getting attacked aggressively by Rudd personally, his media minders etc., to the extent that Alan Ramsey did a forensic analysis of it. Rudd’s Stasi managed to get the Melbourne Age and their Canberra bureau to roll over for Rudd (hmm, who are those journalists?)

And now the Sunrise False Dawn Service has led to a MAJOR PRESS FREEDOM STORY. It has:

- a paper running a scoop about the attempted fraud – the Tele in Sydney

- Rudd getting up and doing the ‘incandescent with rage’ shtick in public and also in private bullying the paper

- And then the evidence which proves that Rudd media minders were lying, at minimum.

It’s the media story of the week, lying politicians, media under pressure – rather like what

- Vladimir Putin’s doing in Moscow

- Mugabe in Zimbabwe and

- for that matter like China (perhaps Rudd's formative period there was too formative in terms of media management)..

What’s next for Vladimir Rudd or if he becomes PM? Squads of goons to ‘manage’ media who publish unflattering or problematical stories?

Christian Kerr had it in one in Crikey on Friday, here

http://www.crikey.com.au/Politics/20070413-It-dawns-on-Rudd-the-Sgt-Schultz-defence-can-be-handy.html

“A change of government is a great story, but surely close proximity to Rudd over the years has taught them a thing or two.

"The Canberra Press Gallery has a good idea of what a maniacal, dictatorial bully he really is," an informed source tells Crikey. "The Public Service is already quaking in its boots at the thought of him becoming PM."

"Who cares, you say, as long as he gets the job done? Only it is important to understand the motivation and character of our politicians before we entrust them to the leadership of our country - just look at Mark Latham. This is especially so when they espouse Christian virtues, act like goody twoshoes and have glass jaws."

"Howard is a clever manipulator, which much of the electorate took a long time to realise. This might not have been the case had the media been willing to be more critical and not just a tool for powerful politicians to use. When will the media be willing to break this conspiracy of silence for the greater good?":”

I reckon we need a concert, run by the people who did the Sedition concerts last year, to support press freedom.

I'm also writing to the Civil Liberties people and PEN.

These things are all missing in your so called "democracy" the democracy you think you have!

We are calling for an abundance of people who don't believe in the official truth, which is a MONSTER and a lie all the days of your life, not to vote.

If things are going to change then they're never going to change whilst people give validity and credibility to a totally flawed system.

That means you'll be looking at Lib/Lab until the day you die!

Just Don't Vote or Vote Informal

You don't live in a democracy you live in a pseudo democracy. The democracy you have when you don't have a democracy. Which is a dictatorship!

You don't need a dictatorship! You're not a sheepy.

If John Howard and Kevin Rudd are a democracy then where is the Senate?

COAG is not a Senate! If every time you vote you get a Labor State or Territory and a Liberal Coalition National Govt then you live in a dictatorship.

By the way what would happen with COAG if one party ruled both the National and State and Territory affairs? DICTATORSHIP.

But if you consider that being a well-paid loser isn't a bad job and pays well then also consider the handshake between Lib/Lab that is a virtual one party.

For instance:

Where is the opposition to WAR?

Where is the opposition to WAR Crimes?

Where is the opposition to Draconian Laws?

Where is the opposition to Refugee Detainment?

Where is the opposition to David Hicks 5 year detention?

Where is the opposition to the AWB scandal?

Where is the opposition to Islamophobia?

Where is the opposition to Political Scapegoating?

Where is the opposition to Neo-Colonialism?

Where is the opposition to the FTA 'Investors Rights Agreement'?

Where is the opposition to Social Services Reform?

Where is the opposition to Desperate and Disabled to Work?

Where is the opposition to 6 week Social Security Payments Cut Off's?

Where is the opposition to Work for the Dole instead of Getting Better Education and Skills for Better Employment Opportunities?

Where is the opposition to Rorting the Social Security System by Corporate Greed?

The Real Dole Bludgers

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/03/142867.php

Jones 'lashes out' at Cronulla ruling

One broadcast Jones encouraged a biker gang to turn up at Cronulla railway station to deal with those he described as "Lebanese thugs" and "scum".

http://sydney.indymedia.org.au/node/50625

CMA links Alan Jones to Cronulla violence

The Sydney radio station 2GB and its breakfast host Alan Jones have been found to have breached the commercial radio code by broadcasting material that was likely to encourage violence, in the lead-up to the Cronulla riot.

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/04/143344_comment.php#143352

Australia: Police report reveals real instigators of Cronulla race riots

A five-volume New South Wales police report released last month sheds light on the dangerous and reactionary forces that instigated, and were involved in, Sydney’s “Cronulla Riots” of December 11, 2005. On that day, approximately 5,000 people, mostly young, gathered on Cronulla beach, many draped in the Australian flag. They launched a nationalistic, alcohol- and drug-fuelled pogrom against anyone of Middle Eastern appearance, injuring more than 20 people, two of whom were stabbed.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/nov2006/rio1-n30.shtml

Australia: Police report reveals real instigators of Cronulla race riots

According to Assistant Police Commissioner Hazzard’s report: “The blame for the ethnic tension that was evident, could not exclusively be attributed to either the Middle Eastern or Caucasian Australians.”

In other words, the Cronulla riots were not caused by ethnic tension between “Anglo” Australians and those of Middle Eastern background or appearance per se. Another factor was required for the riots to erupt.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/dec2006/rio2-d01.shtml

The class issues behind Australia’s race riots

The racist violence that exploded in the Sydney suburb of Cronulla on December 11 has exposed the ugly face of Australian society. Intense social pressures generated by the prolonged assault by the Howard government and its Labor predecessors on living standards have erupted in a malignant and reactionary form. A violent and drunken mob—draped in Australian flags, singing the national anthem and chanting nationalist and racist slogans—sought out, abused and physically assaulted anyone who appeared to be of Middle Eastern origin.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/sepa-d22.shtml

Government and media provocations spark racist violence on Sydney beaches

Violence erupted on Sydney’s beaches yesterday, following days of media provocation. Some 5,000 people rallied against so-called “Lebanese gangs”, then attacked immigrants and Muslims, who had been accused over the past week of harassing beach-goers. More than 20 people were injured, and two were stabbed, in confrontations across a number of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. About 100 cars were also vandalised.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/riot-d12.shtml

Now we have the net I think a constructive case can be made for a limited amount of repression against fascist hate speech and holocaust denial. Even libertarian socialists might agree provided the power and reach of the state continues its overall healthy rapid decline in the west.

Jones comments don't even need more and better laws to cover them now.

Hate crime today could easily be SEDITION under new laws here in Oz.

Seditious Intention ( Wiki)
Section 24 defined a seditious intention as [a]n intention to effect any of the following purposes:
(snip)
(g) to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different classes of Her Majesty's subjects so as to endanger the peace, order or good government of the Commonwealth;

Hotline. 1800 123 400 24-hour National Security Hotline

Andy you are a brave man defending direct incitements to racist fascist violence - crazy brave I would say after Rwanda.
As for the Rudd deal - its true this rotten little creep now looks less like the messiah and more like Howard Lite.
More and more people appear to be voting ' None of the above' so when the participation rate drops below 50% no one should claim a mandate unless they are some little pumped up National Socialist Hitler.

Then they can be safely fucking ****ed.

The way I understand it is that the sedition laws are to protect the ruling elite and since Jones aligns himself with this 'ruling elite' in Australia he will never be charged by them.

You want to throw that law back in there faces? It will never happen.

I think the whole thing is less about Jonestown, anyway. And more about keeping a strong control over the media. The media they are loosing to things like BLOG TALK RADIO where there are absolutely no rules. When Aussie kids stop bullying each other at skool and start making their own shows.

What is all this bullshit about Xavier anyway? If I had a video camera when I was at skool there'd have been some headlines I tells ya.

Acting New South Wales Premier John Watkins says the Prime Minister should step-in over the decision to give a series of radical Islamic films a PG rating.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1897583.htm

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But not Alan Jones? So that's alright then?

Inciting Violence and Race Hate is not Freedom of Speech

Jones 'lashes out' at Cronulla ruling

One broadcast Jones encouraged a biker gang to turn up at Cronulla railway station to deal with those he described as "Lebanese thugs" and "scum".

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/04/143593_comment.php#143598

I didn't see the Sydney Jews jumping up and down about Alan Jones!

Did you?

Attorney-General Philip Ruddock says he has asked the states and territories to urgently approve changes to censorship laws so that material that advocates terrorism can be banned.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1897726.htm

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Australian Islamophobic blog
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PM urged to take action over PG rating on radical Islamic films

Acting New South Wales Premier John Watkins says the Prime Minister should step-in over the decision to give a series of radical Islamic films a PG rating.

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/04/143583_comment.php

Jones 'lashes out' at Cronulla ruling

Now Jones, speaking on his program on 2GB this morning, has lashed out at the ruling and it goes without saying the authorities that made that ruling. Where's the remorse?

http://sydney.indymedia.org.au/node/50625

Howard says Jones voices Australians' views?

Prime Minister John Howard says Alan Jones is an outstanding broadcaster who says what a lot of Australians are thinking.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1894552.htm

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Would you believe, he also says a lot about what John Howard wants people to think? So it makes sense for John Howard to back up Alan Jones and say... that what Alan Jones says is what everone else is thinking, especially if it's coming from Howard himself. If he's thinking like that it's criminal. Even if some Australians are or were just thinking about how to kick the shit out of some middle eastern people on the train station, then they are illegal degrading thoughts.
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Similarly perhaps this is what Australians are thinking too by now anyway? And would it be any wonder why they would be thinking like that?

ACMA links Alan Jones to Cronulla violence

The Sydney radio station 2GB and its breakfast host Alan Jones have been found to have breached the commercial radio code by broadcasting material that was likely to encourage violence, in the lead-up to the Cronulla riot.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1893477.htm

Hilali to 'clarify' Iran comments

A spokesman for Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali says politicians should hold off judging comments the Sheikh reportedly made about Iran.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1893443.htm

Iran comments could increase support for Sheikh: Trad

Islamic Friendship Association founder Keysar Trad says he believes Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali will garner more support from Australian Muslims following his controversial latest comments in Iran.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1893269.htm

Downer says Hilali should be replaced?

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Australian Muslims deserve a new mufti.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1892818.htm

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Bring on the war criminal headkickers!
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Hilali sacking claims are 'a gross exaggeration'

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils says speculation that the senior Muslim cleric, Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali, has been sacked are a gross exaggeration.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1892149.htm

Islamic speaker condemns media 'Islamaphobia'

A 'controversial' speaker at an Islamic conference in Melbourne this weekend has lashed out at the media, accusing reporters of whipping up hysteria over Muslims.

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/04/143196_comment.php#143240 ?

AFP continues to hunt down Al Hilali funds

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are still examining material to determine if it will investigate whether the Islamic cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali broke Commonwealth laws by allegedly giving charity funds to a terrorist supporter.

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/04/143196_comment.php#143234

Our Fascist Welcome Mat John Howard's ABC

Anger as Beslan massacre apologist arrives in Aust

A British reporter who converted to Islam after being kidnapped by the Taliban is set to address a controversial Islamic conference beginning in Melbourne today.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1891486.htm

Yvonne Ridleys article

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/04/143196_comment.php#143244

Opposition questions Ridley's character test

The Federal Opposition says the Government should explain how high-profile British Muslim Yvonne Ridley passed the character test to visit Australia for a conference this weekend.

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/04/143038_comment.php#143145

Muslim group rejects visa ban on sheikh

The Islamic community has questioned the Government's ban on Canadian Sheikh Bilal Philips, who was to speak at the first Australian Islamic Conference.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1889980.htm

Trade Centre sheikh barred from entering Australia

A Canadian Muslim cleric linked by the US Government to the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing has been refused entry to Australia on security grounds.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1889169.htm

ABC Repeat offenders: I just can't help myself?

LMA to refund Al Hilali's donations

Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) president Tom Zreika says controversial cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali gave Australian aid donations to a Lebanese radio station with suspected links to Iraqi insurgents.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1887993.htm

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What about the links to Bin Laden? How many cups of coffee did Hilali have with him hey?

Jihad coffee?

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Al Hilali under pressure to provide donations paper trail

The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) has asked Sheikh Taj el
Din Al Hilali to provide proof that he did not mishandle charity funding meant for victims of last year's Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1887846.htm

Politics, Corporations and Religion Don't Mix?

Praise the Lord what religion is this? What do we do about the MONSTER and war criminals that argue that there is something wrong with selected Muslims? And imply that all other religions must be better than Islam because some Muslims are Islamic fundamentalists? Like there are no fundamentalists in any other religion?

http://sydney.indymedia.org.au/node/50552

Ruddock wants answers to Hilali donations in Lebanon

Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock says he is anxious to receive information about how money raised by Australia's Lebanese Muslim community has been spent in Lebanon.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1887491.htm

Sheikh asked to account for Lebanon aid cash

Questions are being asked about how controversial Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali spent money raised for victims of last year's war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1886995.htm

Impact of Al Hilali decision extremely negative: PM

Prime Minister John Howard says Islamic leaders are doing damage to their community by not taking decisive action against Sydney's Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1881341.htm

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Even though the war criminal John Howard is one of the most negative people on the planet! How does he get away with it? Bullshit!
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Muslim leaders mull replacing Sheikh Hilali

The first conference of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has voted to set up two committees to determine their spiritual leader or mufti.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1881093.htm

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Muslim leaders or the ABC? I say that John Howard's ABC mull divide and conquer! How about SBS and John Howard's ABC just accept the decision? Fair?

Now go away! Worse than the flies!
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Hilaly stays on as Mufti

The inaugural meeting of the Australian National Imams Council has decided controversial Sydney Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly will stay on as the head of Australia's Muslims for now.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1880999.htm

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Nile claims NSW election win for Muslim bashing

Christian Democratic Party leader Fred Nile says he has been re-elected to the Upper House for a fourth term in the New South Wales election, after proposing to freeze Muslim immigration.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1880686.htm

divide and conquer

Clerics to decide on Hilali's future as mufti

An historic meeting tomorrow of more than 60 of the nation's Islamic clerics will decide if Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali should continue as mufti at the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1880502.htm

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Muslim leaders call for Sharia divorce court in Perth

ELEANOR HALL: To religious issues in Australia now, and Muslim leaders in Perth are planning to set up a special court under Sharia law to settle disputes in divorce proceedings.

At the moment, anyone whose marriage is registered in their country of origin has to go there to get an annulment.

But Abdul Jalil Ahmad, of the Islamic Council of Western Australia, says the Sharia court is needed here.

However, he says it would not be a replacement for the Australian legal system.

This report from David Weber in Perth.

DAVID WEBER: Abdul Jalil Ahmad says a board of 10 Islamic leaders may be required to make up the court. He says the court would protect the interests of women going through a separation or a divorce.

ABDUL JALIL AHMAD: Sometime, you know, if they come to me as individual first, you know, it is not right for me like to decide anything because I am not a judge. I can advise them. Or if the problem is not so big, I can try to solve their problem, but sometimes big problem, especially when the husband, you know… for example, the wife has been suffering, the husband refuses to divorce here or something like that. So there's no way for them to explain it to the Sharia court, you know.

DAVID WEBER: So a Sharia court would take the place of mediator, I suppose?

ABDUL JALIL AHMAD: Yeah, something like that, like, you know, court of arbitration, you see.

DAVID WEBER: A Sharia court would not take the place of the Australian legal system?

ABDUL JALIL AHMAD: No, no, no. You know, the most we expect or we hope is that it can be recognised, you know.

DAVID WEBER: Is it possible that a court, a Sharia court, could deal with other aspects of Sharia law?

ABDUL JALIL AHMAD: You see, when we live in any country as minority you always, you know, what do you call… abide by the law of the land, you see.

Only in areas where we are legally allowed to implement our Islamic teaching we do, otherwise we cannot do because it is illegal, you understand. Especially, like, where it got to marriage, divorce and funeral, that all we have – what we have been doing so far, you know. But it doesn't extend to, like, criminal law or something like that, because you have to follow the law of the land because we are a minority.

DAVID WEBER: What would you hope to say to people in Australia who may be concerned about some of the more extreme aspects of Sharia law that are in place in some parts of the world, like Sudan for instance, and the idea that that may be coming into play here?

ABDUL JALIL AHMAD: We are a minority here, we cannot do anything against the law, you see. So we can only demand or practice our diligence, you know, in the areas or the aspects in which we are allowed legally.

DAVID WEBER: The WA Ethnic Communities' Council does not support the move.

The President, Suresh Rajan, says there could be problems where two sets of laws exist.

The Chief Executive of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Amjad Mehboob, says an imam has a mediating role where marriages are breaking down.

But he says a Sharia court would be useful in some circumstances, because it would provide a legal framework.

AMJAD MEHBOOB: Maybe where a husband is refusing to grant divorce, where the woman is asking for one, and then she could perhaps approach an avenue that has some legal powers. But the imam hasn't got directly very many legal powers in the normal sense.

ELEANOR HALL: Amjad Mehboob, the Chief Executive of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, speaking to David Weber in Perth

http://sydney.indymedia.org.au/node/50468

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/03/142553_comment.php#142613

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Break it down, lay it down he said?

Let's review this report:

ELEANOR HALL: He says, "But Abdul Jalil Ahmad, of the Islamic Council of Western Australia, says the Sharia court is needed here.

"However, he says it would not be a replacement for the Australian legal system."

This report from David Weber in Perth.

==============================

DAVID WEBER: "A Sharia court would not take the place of the
Australian legal system?"

==============================
ABDUL JALIL AHMAD: No, no, no. You know, the most we expect or we hope is that it can be recognised, you know.
=============================

Now we have to be very certain about this don't we?

So whose Idea was it? David 'divide and conquer' tactics' Weber?

Eleanor Hall?

John Howard?

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Maybe they just send the file to ASIO like they did to Jack Thomas? And say that he said it now? But they didn't instigate it? Oh no!
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http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/03/142568.php
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Fact is they make it sound like ABDUL JALIL AHMAD is trying to take over Australia therefore we should all live in fear of Isamophobia, and divide and conquer rules best?

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"DAVID WEBER: What would you hope to say to people in Australia who may be concerned about some of the more extreme aspects of Sharia law that are in place in some parts of the world, like Sudan for instance, and the idea that that may be coming into play here?"
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The 655,000 dead people in Iraq you mean? That's a holocaust and very extreme yes but perhaps you don't wish to talk about that David?
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Some advice for John Howard, Eleanor Hall, David Weber, and the ants: However, there are two truths that are ignored in such a pessimistic assessment. One is that while it is easy to control individual citizens, it is impossible for a relatively few officials, police, or whoever, to control many citizens. Try it with some ants, you can use a small twig or a pencil to block the path or a single ant, and you can do so for five or six at once. But once there are 20 or 30 ants, let alone two or three thousand, control of the routes they take becomes impossible. That is why the authorities of the old order fear mobs, and why they always adopt 'divide and conquer' tactics within their national control strategies.

http://sydney.indymedia.org.au/node/50448

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Islamic association denies claims Hilali pensioned off

A spokesman for Australia's most [mass media savy agent provocateur] controversial Muslim cleric, Sheikh Taj el-Din al-Hilali, has rejected claims that the mufti has been given a golden handshake in return for abandoning claims to leadership positions.

Source http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200702/s1842736.htm

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Baptists stand by 'Jesus loves Osama' sign

Baptist leaders say a sign displayed on many of its churches, reading "Jesus loves Osama", is not meant to cause offence.

[What about a distraction?]

A number of churches have displayed the sign that also quotes the Bible saying "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".

[Even the John Howard govt, his cronies, and the Coalition of the Killing?]

New South Wales Baptist Union spokesman Alan Soden says while he can understand people may be offended, the sign reflects Christian teachings.

"[Jesus] said we should love our enemies as controversial as that may be," he said.

[We must really love the Coalition of the Killing then because some people were stupid enough to elect them back into public office? That's how much they love them? See!]

Alan Soden "The bottom line to me is we're all sinners.

[Some a lot worse than others hey Alan? Like 655,000 dead in the Iraq war. Then why are some people sent to jail and other not so unlucky?]

Alan Soden "He loves us all, no matter who we are or what we may've done."

[Even a holocaust in Iraq? Hey Alan? And even if you blamed the wrong bloke, Osama 'where has he bin lately?' And whose just the scapegoat demonic and a figment of George W Bush's sinister imagination? And even if your Christian church is just a 'propaganda distraction for the mass media and mass murderers, hey Alan?]

[You there Alan?]

Sorcerer: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200702/s1838230.htm
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Agencies asked to 'review status' of Islamic group
Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has asked the relevant agencies to review the status of the controversial Islamic group, Hizb ut-Tahrir.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1835919.htm

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Ruddock won't do it and the State won't do it then the police might do it? As long as it stays on the front page? Notice no one will arrest those war criminals like John Howard and his cronies either? Because one of them is Phillip Ruddock. That makes everyone else a potential witch!
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Islamic group could face legal action: NSW Neo-Liberals

The New South Wales Opposition says a radical Islamic group in Sydney could face court over what it says is the racial vilification of non-Muslims.

The group, called Hizb ut Tahrir, held a conference in south-west Sydney yesterday and called for the establishment of an Islamic state under sharia law somewhere in the world.

Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock says there is insufficient evidence to ban the group.

But the NSW Liberal's justice spokesman, Chris Hartcher, says the State Government has the power to prosecute Hizb ut Tahrir separate to the Commonwealth.

"The whole thrust of Islamic extremism in Australia is to vilify the races in Australia who are not adherents to Islam," he said.

[But some might say that Neo-Liberal conservatism 'stick' and mass media 'power' in Australia is to vilify the races in Australia who are not adherents to Christianity?]

"That clearly constitutes vilification under the racial discrimination sections of the racial discrimination act."

Mr Ruddock says NSW will have to decide itself if it wants to ban the controversial Islamic group.

[NSW Yes!]

"If the State Government believes it should be banned as an organisation simply because they don't like their views, I would suggest they've got power to do it," he said.

"The Commonwealth doesn't and we know that from the Communist Party dissolution case."

[But this is just another way to change their mind by using the State as a different entity than that of the federal regime and somehow not connected to the same constitution? We can't do it but someone else can I think?] Sure someone else can most likely Morris Iemma. But Peter Debnam would have to push him into it so that he gets the credit?]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1835361.htm

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In anycase it's just another round of Islamophobic bashing that's going on in Australia and in particular NSW. Must be electioneering? War related? It would still be happening even if there weren't and election looming in NSW or in Federal arena so it's war related electioneering? It's also another in the very long list of Australian Islamophobic webblogs or should I say webwogs?
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Islamic super state

How to wind up the community with nonsense!
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Banning Muslim group 'would be dangerous'

A leading Muslim says the Federal Government is right to allow the controversial Islamic group, Hizb ut Tahrir, to practice in Australia.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1835066.htm

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Tell me what line I crossed?

2nd Renaissance - Beyond Industrial Capitalism and Nation States

Go forward in peace. And always remember the line from Gravity's Rainbow: "If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about the answers."

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2006/06/115092.php
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Sydney conference speaker demands Islamic state

A speaker at a conference in Sydney's south-west says a revolution or a civil war may be necessary in order to create an Islamic state, or caliphate.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1834944.htm
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The article describes what someone is alleged to have said but fails to provide the context. Typical rubbish beamed into our Sunday lunch.

Islamic group moves meeting after council ban

A controversial Islamic group that was banned from holding a conference at a Sydney town hall is today meeting at an alternate venue in the city's south-west.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1834903.htm

=======================

In addition this seems to be where the witch-hunt started.

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Sheikh Hilali warned off sermon

Controversial cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din al-Hilali pulled out of his weekly sermon at the Lakemba Mosque yesterday after he was told his address would have to be apolitical.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1834582.htm

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Even though Islamic cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali never offered himself up as a personal candidate for the State foregone conclusion? Does Peter Debnam, john hoWARd's bum boy, think everyone was born yesterday? Why? Because he's a racist scumbag that's why! If you want to make some trouble ask Peter Debnam about this:
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Sheikh urged to end election speculation

New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma says Islamic cleric Sheikh Taj el-din Al Hilali should announce whether he is going to run in the state election.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1833703.htm

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/01/137723_comment.php#137757

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Group won't support Sheikh's MP push

The president of Australia's Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), Tom Zreika, has distanced himself from Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali, who reportedly wants to field three candidates in the south-west Sydney seats of Lakemba, Bankstown and Auburn in the state election.

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You say, "Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali, who reportedly wants to field three candidates in the south-west Sydney seats of Lakemba, Bankstown and Auburn in the state election."

Then why didn't anyone including the ABC tell the New South Wales Deputy Premier John Watkins?

Debnam urged to rule out Hilali preference deal

New South Wales Deputy Premier John Watkins is calling on the State Opposition to rule out preference deals with Islamic cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali if he decides to run as a candidate in the state election.

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Does New South Wales Deputy Premier John Watkins think we don't know that Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali publicly declared on National TV that he was not offering himself up personally as a NSW candidate? Or is he just acting dumb? Perhaps no one told him? Nah! So what would he have against any other Muslim candidate anyways? Islamophobia?

What would Peter Debnam Say? I love you I love you all?

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/01/137206_comment.php#137235

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slamophobic Australians attack peaceful Aussie mufti

January 15, 2007 - Aussie mufti Sheik Taj al-Din Hilali's recent comments during an Egyptian TV interview have triggered more Islamaphobic outrage in Australia, with a number of politicians, including Federal Immigration Minister Senator Amanda Vanstone, laughing him off as an "irrelevance" or demanding he "stay in his native Egypt if did not like Australia."

http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/57907

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Sheik's comments spur calls to Immigration Dept?

Now it's alleged that the Sheik Taj el-Din Al Hilali comments spurred calls to the Immigration Department? What was the point of the pr exercise if people weren't going to call her? Why does she distance herself from her government and political media establishment's xenophobic pr campaigns?

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/01/136146.php

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debnam has got to go!

The New South Wales Flopposition Leader, peter debnam, says an anti-American statement made by Sydney cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly was a virtual declaration of war on Western society. So debnam actually thinks war crimes against humanity and the death of 665,000 Iraqi men, women and children for democracy is a fair argument? Sack him before it's too late, please!

http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display/40531/index.php
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Xenophobic rocket launcher, so why was it reported really?

Police say they are unsure if the claims, published in a 'Sunday newspaper', are true and they are now being investigated. [So why was it reported today by howard's 'abc' and the 'Melbourne age'?]

http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/50226

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Man refused bail over rocket launcher charges, discrepancies?

Peter Debnam is also a 'chip off' the old neo-liberal rocket launcher 'war criminal', block, John Howard, who has a very good reason to hype up and generate fear in the community for an illegal and degrading war in Iraq. Sinister?

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/01/135990.php

Australian media seizes upon Muslim cleric’s comments to whip up xenophobia

There is now an inescapable necessity for all those opposed to militarism and war, and committed to the defence of democratic rights, to develop an independent political opposition to the xenophobic campaign being directed against Muslims. No faction of the media or political establishment has any opposition to the drive to militarise society under the banner of “Australian values”, and all are complicit in the cultivation of anti-Muslim communalism.

http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/45493

PART THEREOF AUSTRALIAN MYTH OF THE MEDIA BLOG

Bill Moyers: "Big Media is Ravenous

Bill Moyers: "Big Media is Ravenous. It Never Gets Enough. Always Wants More. And it Will Stop at Nothing to Get It. These Conglomerates are an Empire, and they are Imperial."

http://perth.indymedia.org/index.php?action=newswire&parentview=42717

Christians United for Israel: New Christian Zionism Lobby Hopes to Rival AIPAC

We take a look at a new recently established group called Christians United for Israel - an evangelical organization that believes supporting expansionist policies of the Israeli government is: "a biblical imperative." We speak with investigative journalist Max Blumenthal who reports they lobbied the Bush administration to adopt a confrontational posture toward Iran, refuse aid to the Palestinians and give Israel a free hand in its attack on Lebanon.

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/08/15/1326256

Sen. Hillary Clinton Refuses to Acknowledge Making Mistake Over Voting for Iraq War

At a town hall meeting in New Hampshire resident Roger Tilton asked Clinton: "I want to know if right here, right now, once and for all and without nuance, you can say that war authorization was a mistake." Anne Miller later asked Clinton about her views on Iran.

LISTEN ONLINE:
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/13/154256

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/02/13/18362570.php

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2007/02/139613.php

My impression of events in the US at this time is that with the Patriot Act One, and Two, The Military Commissions (torture law) Act, and the more than 1000 presidential orders. The American Constitution and Bill of right are now void….The US has been taken over. The people just don’t realize it. It is the same thing they did to Germany.

http://sydney.indymedia.org.au/node/50682

The main post is bogus sophistry and just apologia for white supremacist racism really.

1. Jones was found guilt of promoting violence with a radio licence from the government. The NSW police who are hardly known for being very tolerant were the main witness that Jones had breached his obligations as a broadcaster so you know it must have been bad. More power to the ACMA for their decision, at least on this issue.

2 the reason the Sunrise Ch7 show is getting a fearsome mugging has very little to do with shifting the schedule an hour or two on an important public holiday. Most people would not care less especially if it helped promote a sentiment of remembrance to more people. It’s all about opportunistic khaki politics in the lead up to the federal election.

But even more than that it’s about beating up Kerry Stokes for daring to run his huge C7 pay tv litigation against the Big Media rivals. News Ltd have been attacking every 7 programme possible from Naomi Robson and then her replacement and on and on it goes.

Sure a few officious neurotic bureaucrats, and yes even veterans, will want ceremonies correct to the last minute and letter but that doesn’t mean much. Some people live for pomp and circumstance when the original irreverent diggers couldn’t give a stuff really. What’s the bet the particular veteran is a card carrying Howard mate.

A group of AWB shareholders will launch legal action tomorrow claiming $25 million in compensation from the wheat exporter over its role in the Iraq oil-for-food scandal.

They have won financial backing today from the litigation funding firm, IMF Australia.

IMF Australia managing director John Walker says many investors lost money because of AWB's alleged failure to keep the market informed about the secret deals that underpinned its business.

"When it's allegedly backed by contracts which are very unlikely to have any future, particularly legitimate future, then the market sets a price which is higher than that which it would set if it knew the information it wasn't being told," he said.

Papers will be filed in the Federal Court tomorrow, alleging the company failed to keep the market fully informed of its activities and investors lost money as a result.

IMF Australia told the Australian Stock Exchange this morning it is backing the case.

AWB describes the court action as ill-conceived and says it will vigorously defend itself against the claims.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1898072.htm

Shit happens Hopi
by pro2rat@gofuckyrself.org Monday April 16, 2007 at 03:08 PM

Just in my lifetime Watergate happened Hopi.
Just recently Libby got convicted.

So I guess shit happens eh Hopi?

You pathetic losers give up before we even fucking start in on the 'elite' ( some master race!) while others advance in diversity and strike in unison like real activists do.
Get a blog - go pull yr dick somewhere else.

the ACMA rightly nailed Jones for inciting violence based on ethnicity -- in plain language that is called, violent, fascist racism. Care to listen to a few tapes of the Nazis ranting against the Jews; or today, the Jews ranting against the Muslims, or the Muslims ranting against everyone ... Shit!

Jus goes to show how necessary the ACMA is .. the breach shoud have been followed by an appropriate (large) fine.

Aaron Russo’s ‘America freedom to fascism”

http://tinyurl.com/239nfo

http://www.freedomtofascism.com/

Regular trolls might come here to pull their dicks, but yogis can blow themselves, maan.

I see the bulls eye painted on Jones' forhead. But I also have a feeling there is a black flag in operation is all.

Glorianus was probably hoping to suck you off.

So unless some other stupid fucking grunt has a better idea I suggest we proceed to seal off the ship and move through the air-locks until we can isolate this fucker with flame throwers and blow it the fuck out into space. Okay with youse?

I mean did IQ's suddenly drop while I was away?

So Hopi hops into me who everyone knows is a stand-up guy while ' andy george' goes ' blah, blah, blah' till the cows come home!?

Its garbage like this that has me formally applying to clerk the wire to agreed standards.

No standards - no class. Thats Melb IMC all over.

A year from now Alan Jones will still be on the air and the executives at 2GB will continue to suck each others dicks and plook each other.

V for Vendetta. We bemoan a "Voice of London" style dick-head on the radio when we should be applauding a "Johnny Wizard" style voice of Australia.

Pray the Scarlet Carson be delivered to Jonestown and he "dies peacefully in his sleep".

He will be sorely (blink) missed.

Anarchy will prevail.