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Last updated on March 5th, 2018 at 01:40 pm
John Howard’s decision to increase troop numbers in Iraq has sparked the standard demands for an apology from the scalp-hunting moon howler community. Leading the anti-Howard charge is Margo “Heil�? Kingston:
It’s the first time I’ve used ‘Heil’ re Howard. His behaviour can no longer be seen as maintaining even a pretence of being democratic. He says ‘circumstance have changed’. Really? During the election their were grave fears that the Iraq election might need to be postponed or that not enough Iraqis would vote. Just this month Howard hailed the achievement of the election. What circumstances have changed that require us to more than double our troop numbers in Iraq, and to put them on the front line for the first time? That Japan asked us to do it? Please! This has been on the table for a long while, from the interviews I’ve read to date. He lied to us to stop us considering our vote in the context of whether we wanted to continue to occupy a nation the invasion of which has strengthened terrorism and increased our risk of terrorist attack. Sorry, but this man has shamed democracy and is a danger to Australia.
If Howard decided that changed circumstances meant Australia should now ratify Kyoto, would Kingston condemn him? Just a hunch, but I suspect not. Meanwhile, the woman is doing everything she can to draw attention to her problems short of carrying a Norwegian passport and claiming German citizenship:
I never have besmirched our troops on the ground, and never will.
No, but the Great Unsmircher did write: “We have invaded Iraq. Iraq, or its new allies, have every right to attack back.�? Our soldiers thank you for your support, Margo.
I have never accused those who voted for Howard at the last election of being right wing fascists or anything close. Not ever.
Except for saying this: “If Australia as a whole says yes to returning a Liberal government, I think our democracy is dead.�? Close enough, Margo? Webdiary reader Syd points out to Kingston that “Iraq was front and centre of the election campaign, and the electorate knew who would handle it the best.�? Margo’s response:
And the right wingers waxed lyrical post-election that it was about interest rates and economic management! You must be feeling defensive to rewrite history so dramatically Syd.
Actually, Margo is re-writing history; it was the left that sought to deny Iraq’s election influence. Other Webdiarists weigh in as best they can, given the limited internet access under Howard’s brutal regime:
Jan Piper: “If you vote for a dictator, you get one.�?
Reg Rickard: “Are we not an accomplice before and after the fact for all crimes committed by the Coalition?�?
Shane Edwards: “Leaders with Napoleonic syndrome may ultimately suffer Napoleon’s fate. Where is our St Helena island?�?
Avril Sykes: “Little by little we see our freedoms eroded. And where will it end? It will end with jack boots and brown shirts. Right here in our living rooms. That and Howard taking complete control of every arm of the government. Herr Howard the Hater. Is this what we want? Not me! Killing democracy to make one man more powerful than all of us put together so one man can rule Australia like Sukarno ran Malaysia. You’d have to be crazy if you think I’m going to knuckle under jack boots and fascists. Over my dead body.�?
As you wish, Avril. The jack-booted Living Room Kommandants are on their way!
UPDATE. Professor Bunyip notes Webdiarist Andrew Stretton’s quest for spiritual meaning:
I discovered that my soul could not be denied and that my thoughts needed to be expressed. I moved to Ballarat and took up a position with the local Chamber of Commerce
As the Bunyip writes: “Bugger this business of going to Tibet for enlightenment. The next time this Bunyip is laid low with care and torment, when questions of life’s meaning bring only echoes in the void, it’s pack the bag and straight up the Western Highway as fast as the speed cameras will allow.�?
- My old favourite Radio National led this morning’s bulletin with “Howard refuses to apologize” for sending more troops, and managed to work this “howard..apologize” trope into the body of the bulletin at least once more. What about the days when a news bulletin would simply tell you what the PM had done, instead of trying to tell you what to think about it?Posted by cuckoo on 2005 02 23 at 01:14 AM • permalink
- Wow!! tim,
That Avril sure is clever – everybody else just thought Sukarno ruled Indonesia but she saw through the smoke-screen of lies to realize that he actually also ruled Malaysia as well. There is no way that that anything could be hidden from someone with such a clear and unclouded grasp of history.
- Oh yeah, those shifting arguments used by Margo’s left. lets see:
Opinion polls say! Versus forgetting an other opinion poll on say, the Baktihari’s or Tampa.
I’m not anti-semetic Versus the ‘jews’ controlling the media and the use of ‘Heil’
Why are we supporting Japan? versus Howard is hated by Asia, we are seen as racists and we should be doing more to cement relationships.
There are plenty more I’m sure.
“Little by little we see our freedoms eroded. And where will it end? It will end with jack boots and brown shirts. Right here in our living rooms.”
I see this same type of hysteria in the US. I wonder how someone like this would react if they lived in a country where freedoms were REALLY eroded, or nonexistent?
They get themselves all worked up over imagined loss of freedoms. Wonder how they’d cope in Cuba, N. Korea, or one of the ME dictatorships?
Posted by CJosephson on 2005 02 23 at 01:27 AM • permalink
- The whole “breaks election promise” or “changes mind” whinge is bunk anyway.
I’d rather politicans did the right thing rather than doggedly stuck to every decision they made.
As in: I want them to keep all the election promises I thought were good ones, and dump the ones I think stunk.
Posted by Quentin George on 2005 02 23 at 01:31 AM • permalink
- Wait a minute. Voting Howard back in is the death of democracy?
What sort of democracy? People’s Democratic Republic of China type democracy?
P.S. Our St Helena is Tasmania.
Posted by Dog of War on 2005 02 23 at 01:32 AM • permalink
- Unless I missed the bit on probability where they proved this sort of thing is routinely possible, I’d suggest that “Avril Sykes” is having a lend. Perhaps a different format explains what I mean. Okay, she can’t spell (or Margo surreptitiously edited it), but as I said, the chances of writing a passage like this are pretty slender. My money’s on Evil, Prof Bunyip. Any takers?
This all adds up to lunacy.
I‘m appalled that Howard thinks he can get away with this.
My father fought to keep Australia democratic and this is how we’ve ended up.By allowing this to happen we are all shamed.
Little by little we see our freedoms eroded.
And where will it end?
It will end with jack boots and brown shirts.
Right here in our living rooms.That and Howard taking complete control of every arm of the government.
Herr Howard the Hater.
Is this what we want?
Not me!
Killing democracy to make one man more powerful than all of us put together so one man can rule Australia like Sukarno ran Malaysia.You’d have to be crazy if you think I’m going to knuckle under jack boots and fascists.
Over my dead body.
Everyone said he’d do this.My father – God rest his soul – knew it would happen.
And it has.
Down with Herr Howard!
- Avril lives in that parellel universe inhabited by moonbats, in which they get their way- Australia was shamed out of Konfrontation in the ‘60s by peace activists, and Bung and the PKI took over Malaysia. They later joined a SE Asia co-prosperity scheme with communist Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China, then invaded Australia. Unfortunately Avril’s hippy mother was bayonetted, so in her universe she no longer exists and has to live in this terrible Hitlerhoward Hate universe. Ain’t chaos theory a bitch?
(That or ‘lil Avril was educated in a public school, and also believes that El Nino is caused by the Rainbow Serpent having a hangover).
- Sukarno ran Malaysia? Ran to …? Ran away from …? Ran up a tab at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton?
I knew the guy was the father of Indonesian nationalism. His hitherto rarely understood involvement in the establishment of a post-colonial independent state in Malaysia (nee Malaya) must surely elevate his place in history among such nationalist luminaries as Mao (for his fine work in Mongolia), Ho Chi Minh (The Philippines) and Castro (The Falkland Islands).
Posted by Peter Hoysted on 2005 02 23 at 01:45 AM • permalink
Actually, Margo is re-writing history; it was the left that sought to deny Iraq’s election influence.
Absolutely correct. The fact is that Iraq was a factor in the election outcome. The Latham/ Carlton “troops home by Christmas�? policy was almost universally supported by the Canberra press gallery, and Margo’s “not happy John�? group made Iraq the centrepiece of their “truth in Government�? campaign. The left had characterised the election outcome as the result of an economic “scare campaign�? thereby avoiding the uncomfortable reality that Howard was vindicated on their pet issue. Now, it is in their interest to talk up the Iraq factor!! Ah well, I am glad to see the conversion regardless of their motives.
- The venomous hatred of the Kingstons of this world towards Howard and Bush are counterproductive and will go on being so. The majority of Australians, even those like me who are ambivalent about Howard, can see that he is a moderate man with a good deal of common sense, and that comparisons with Germany 1933-45 are beyond the ridiculous.
For every supporter this sort of language and argument can dredge up, there will be many who are alienated by it.
On the left side of the blogosphere, the lunatic fringe seem to have way too much influence (or make way too much noise). To the extent that this has any effect at all, it can only help leaders like Howard.
- think you are right on there zscore. I have also concluded that when the attack becomes reductio ad hitleram that the clamourers have nothing to say other than frothing at the mouth.
Heard neil james, his view from reading the transcripts was that Howard only ever said that we were not planning to send any more troops not that we wouldn’t. In his view that is what a good commander does, adapt to changed circumstances which are of course inevitable in a campaign. he also tied in the need to support Japan and I think the political advantages for the North korean situation.
Even better heard Laura Tingle expressing the view that the liar liar was getting a bit tedious.
- I’m glad to see the extra Australian troops coming in! When the Aussies pass by, I will render a salute.
And these troops are providing security for reconstruction work in Iraq, not boot stomping innocent Iraqis back into the Dark Ages. This is a good move, not a bad one. Margo and her peers can go and jump in a lake.
Posted by The_Real_JeffS on 2005 02 23 at 03:23 AM • permalink
- I’m getting tired and bored reading all this misinformation by Margo and Australia’s MSM.
Can’t we be like our American cousins and have our own Dan Rather/Easson affair?
All I see for example are offending ABC propagandists get overseas promotions.
I want to see heads rolling!Ooop’s I hope that doesn’t make me sound to harsh? Maybe let their heads hang by a thread.
- Not me! Killing democracy to make one man more powerful than all of us put together so one man can rule Australia like Sukarno ran Malaysia. You’d have to be crazy if you think I’m going to knuckle under jack boots and fascists. Over my dead body.�?
Funny I always thought that Sukarno was the ex-president of Indonesia. Whilst Sukorno was fond of jackboots, it was because he was a commie sympathiser.
Is there anyway help I can provide with the last assertion?
- I just checked Margo’s post times. They start at 02.38 and go right through to 04.28 the next day with posts all thru. Margo has been on this beat up for 22hrs and still going strong.
When I mean posts I mean her uninvited and gratuitous her interjections and interruptions. Talk about an invasion of rights!
I reckon she’s bipolar.
- Not only does dear Avril get her countries mixed up, I fear she may also have Sukarno mixed up with Suharto. Sukarno was the communist sympathiser much loved by the left as they believe he was removed as part of a US conspiracy. Somehow, I don’t think someone like Avril would see him as the prime example of totalitarianism. In fact,The more I think about it, the more I think Hanyu has a point and it is a piss-take. I mean, not even a member of the “not in our name” crowd could be that stupid.
- “Little by little we see our freedoms eroded. And where will it end? It will end with jack boots and brown shirts. Right here in our living rooms.”
Shit, now I’ll have to move the couch over and then adjust the placement of the speakers and surround effect speakers, all just to fit the Jackboots and Brown shirt into the living room.
Do you think Mr Howard will let me keep them in the hall closet?
Posted by Harry Buttle on 2005 02 23 at 04:20 AM • permalink
- Tim, is Margo really a worthy target these days? We don’t see her in Adelaide, but Adamski still comes almost every day, somehow. In Saturday’s Oz it was to complain that it’s getting ‘dangerous’ for dissenters in Australia. Funny that Barry Cohen right next to him was complaining that you can’t buck the ALP faction lines [let alone vote conscience in the parliament!], ‘for fear of committing political suicide’.
Adams is much the more malignant, and just as easy a target. What’s more, you get at the ABC too for the one price.
- “Is this what we want? Not me! Killing democracy to make one man more powerful than all of us put together so one man can rule Australia like Sukarno ran Malaysia. You’d have to be crazy if you think I’m going to knuckle under jack boots and fascists. Over my dead body”
lol…. that passage really made me laugh . It reminded me of the scene in Animal House where Brother Bluto tried to rally the Delta Houses members when they felt it was all over after Dean Wormer closed them down.
‘
“Over? Its not over. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl
Harbour?”Its hard to take some moonbat seriously when youre pissing yourself laughing
- If anyone is wondering, Fairfax newspapers have a rapidly diminishing circulation and readership.
Practically no-one reads them any more.
They have retracted to the inner city where like-minded lefties reside but where no issues of real importance obtain beyond their obsessions.
Margo Kingston is a figure of fun, not a real foe.
Time we got over her and moved on.
- Avril Sykes should get history right:
Killing democracy to make one man more powerful than all of us put together so one man can rule Australia like Sukarno ran Malaysia
Sukarno didn’t run Malaysia… If I remember well – and Google agrees with my memories – Sukarno was president in Indonesia, before Suharto.
Posted by Pedro Oliveira on 2005 02 23 at 06:50 AM • permalink
- Pedro, you are now the fifth (or is it the sixth) – poster to point out that Sukarno ruled Indonesia not Malaysia – since there are only about thirty posts in the thread that means we’re all just as clever as each other.
You should read Hanyu’s post that pointed out that Avril’s post was a bizarre acrostic – an odd stunt pulled on Margolia.
Doesn’t anybody actually read the thread before posting
- Didn’t Sukarno run Indonesia? Holy cow, these moonbats. /DUCKS 😉Posted by Tommy Shanks on 2005 02 23 at 09:31 AM • permalink
- Well spotted indeed, Hanyu. I’m flattered that you think it could have been me, but regrettably it wasn’t. Kudos to the unknown Margo-tricker!Posted by Evil Pundit on 2005 02 23 at 10:27 AM • permalink
- If Sukarno ran Maklaysia, does that mean Howard gets New Zealand?
And just for a laugh, look at pictures of military parades for the last 20 or so years. Check out which countries are still goose-stepping and wearing the jackboots…
Posted by richard mcenroe on 2005 02 23 at 11:02 AM • permalink
- As a Yank, I’m afraid I’m not that knowledgeable about your politicians. What’s the story on this Jack Boots fellow?Posted by Bud Norton on 2005 02 23 at 01:51 PM • permalink
- I’m sorry you guys have moonbats too, but I confess that I’m relieved that they aren’t all here.Posted by Joe R. the Unabrewer on 2005 02 23 at 02:15 PM • permalink
- I hate to admit this, but I kind of enjoy Margo. She is so over the top, she’s a caricature.
And I even enjoy the Bush = Hitler / Amerikkka talk. It’s like they’re holding a big fat target for me, daring me to throw something at it.
And especially when they get their facts wrong, like, well, OK, here goes. Sakarno was not the leader of Malaysia. I know this. I read it recently somewhere.
Posted by wronwright on 2005 02 23 at 05:02 PM • permalink
- You’re 100% right Wronwright.
What I enjoy about Margo’s mob is their fanatical pursuit and condemnation of the “lies” of right wing politicians. Of course most of the lies and half-truths are being told by them and their fellow moonbats on the left, but that seems to be allright with Margo and her half-educated mates.
- G’day wronwright & Toryhere2
I find any of my brief forays into Margolia a trying experience – they occupy a weird alternative reality in which people with a history of telling the truth are untrustworthy but people with a history of telling lies are totally trustworthy.
I can’t function in a place where a statement such as “Bin Laden is a great man for destroying the two towers and anybody who even suggests he did it is insane!!” is not only seen as intelligible, but is applauded as a great insight.
Some roads are too strange to travel.
- Bit late to remark but i was taken by Margo’s re the right to grow up under democracy. “Noone has that right. It has to be earned. It took Britain and France centuries of struggle and blood. And once it’s been earned, it has to be defended constantly or it will be lost. Democracy is not a natural state.”
Thus one assumes Australians don’t have that right. nor clearly do Iraqis because GWB came and gave it to them
Not a natural state? I would have said by the elements of a complex system that distinguishes it from other political systems currently on offer, the most natural.
This lady doesn’t actually believe in democracy despite her clamouring. It is a privelege, earned by whom? the Clamourers of the left, I suspect not the Australian citizen. hasn’t shed any blood.
- It’s amazing the power of the web. For a person from Ohio with little experience of Australia, I now know of Margo. Such an interesting person she seems. Convinced. Convicted. And with such ardance that could only come from the truly righteous.
Oh, it gives me a feeling of nostalgia for the 1970’s. Attending a small Quaker liberal arts college where virtually all my professors were, shall we say, of the left liberal bent. Emphasis on pacificism, diatribes against the military industrial complex, rebel against the establishment. Within a short time, I found that the best way to get great grades was to espouse the same left liberal talk as the professors. Heck, go one step further. Sacco and Venzetti were framed, I tell ya!
Margo would have fit in great there.
Posted by wronwright on 2005 02 23 at 06:14 PM • permalink
- She would indeed Wronwright!
Yes Ros, Margo and her type actually loathe Democracy. You only have to read the comments made by Margo and her cohorts after the re-election of John Howard’s government. The gist of the moonbat opinion at that time was that democracy was a failure and that the uneducated masses who vote Liberal should be somehow deprived of their franchise.
What Margolians adore and salivate over is Government itself, and the opportunity it gives to boss people about. Democracy to them is government for and by activists and lobby groups of a left-wing bent.
- Nightfly: Heh… That’s applicable, although I was thinking of “Bark at the Moon”:
Howling in shadows
Living in a lunar spell
He finds his heaven
Spewing from the mouth of hellAnd when he finds who he’s looking for
Listen in awe and you’ll hear him
Bark at the moon.Lyrics from Paranoid seem strangely appropriate too:
People think I’m insane
Because I am frowning all the timeAll day long I think of things
But nothing seems to satisfy
Think I’ll lose my mind
If I don’t find something to pacifyCan you help me occupy my brain?
Oh yeah!I need someone to show me
The things in life that I can’t find
I can’t see the things that make true happiness
I must be blind
- Toryhere2 and wronwright have touched on the point; Margo’s definition of democracy is not the one that others share and live under.
Her definition is good and pure and right whilst the current form is tainted and corrupted and easily manipulated by the lies of the powerful and greedy.
Thats why she wants to get rid of the present and install her own Margocracy – all in the name of democracy!
- ’jack boots’ is my porn name. (just so’s you know).Posted by Lucky Nutsacks on 2005 02 23 at 09:02 PM • permalink
- Google shows virtually nothing for Avril Sykes. I suspect a piss-take. But a very good one!Posted by Susan Norton on 2005 02 23 at 11:02 PM • permalink
- Do we know if we are the only ones (via Tim) who read her? Maybe we are the readers keeping her afloat.
Apparently a while back, the number one referring blog was spleenville.com (Tim’s old haunt).
Posted by Quentin George on 2005 02 24 at 01:36 AM • permalink
Does anyone have numbers on Margo’s audience? Do we know if we are the only ones (via Tim) who read her? Maybe we are the readers keeping her afloat.
Webdiary is hosted by the online edition of a major metropolitan daily newspaper – the Sydney Morning Herald (our version of NYT/ Guardian)which links to her Webdiary. She is also on the payroll of that publication. Don’t think for one moment that she’s an independent blogger.
- Taspundit,
That’s a fair enough point. It’s just that Tim has a lot of readers from overseas who may not be aware that Margo is the editor of the online SMH. Any talk about the volume of her readership should acknowledge that the online SMH has both a permanent link to webdiary and also links from relevant online news pieces thus inflating webdiary numbers. I understand that Tim now has holds an editorship at the Bulletin, but I thought that was totally separate to his blogging (I may be wrong). There has also been some suggestion in this thread that it’s time to leave Margo alone. If she were an independent blogger who just happened to work in the MSM, I would understand this position. But as long as her polemics are hosted by the SMH, she remains a valid target for criticism.
