An Australian Anarchist Weblog

Since last I wrote in this blog, Australia has a new federal government - from Coward to Crudd. I am always amazed that even intelligent observers of politics appear to be pleased when we have a change of government, as if this alone will be enough to make our world a better place. Of course, after a couple of years, when the gloss has worn off and the same old shite is revealed underneath, many then turn on their saviour and condemn the government. Then, when told to vote again, gladly traipse off to the ballot box to vote in the new great change which will make our world a better place…

In January 2005, Condoleezza Rice sparked a small controversy by describing the tsunami as “a wonderful opportunity” that “has paid great dividends for us.” Many were horrified at the idea of treating a massive human tragedy as a chance to seek advantage. But, if anything, Rice was understating the case. A group calling itself Thailand Tsunami Survivors and Supporters says that for “businessmen-politicians, the tsunami was the answer to their prayers, since it literally wiped these coastal areas clean of the communities which had previously stood in the way of their plans for resorts, hotels, casinos and shrimp farms. To them, all these coastal areas are now open land!”

For details on Rice’s statement

For details on land tenure issues in Thailand

Interesting fact:

49.2 per cent of 54,436 AWA wage agreements ruled to be subject to the Australian Government’s fairness test have not met requirements and have been sent back to employers.

See the ABC for details