En Passant

Patricia woke up this morning (Saturday the 11th) with the words of Joe Hill playing in her mind. I dreamed, I saw Joe Hill last nightAlive as you and meSays I “But Joe, you’re ten years dead”“I never died” says he“I never died” says he And standing there, as big as lifeAnd smiling with his […]

11 November 1953 to 5 April 2020 A man of emotionsOf guesses at lifeWatering the strifeTo negate the hateAnd blossom the love              excerpt from Understanding by John Passant Sadly John passed away peacefully on 5 April with Patricia at his side. Husband to Patricia, father to Michael and Louise and brother of Paul. Passionate challenger […]

The barbed wire deepens Twisting the torn, Skin born of other things, Of fear, 0Of hate, Abuse mailed in bullets, While geese step their way Round the bodies Of our living, and their dead   The night darkens day, Infiltrates the future Where spies gather us For their uses Sluices on the waterway Of life […]

I am now the Canberra correspondent for Independent Australia.
 
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In Independent Australia Sara Moss reviews IA contributor John Passant’s book of poetry, Songs for the Band Unformed, a passionate reflection on politics and love.

  You can buy signed copies of Songs for the Band Unformed, my first book of poetry, via the Independent Australia Online Store. As that site says:   John Passant released his first book of poetry, Songs for the Band Unformed (Ginninderra Press 2016).   The poems are a mix of the personal and the […]

  Looking for a Christmas present for someone interested in poetry? And a leftie? My book Songs for the Band Unformed may or may not be your answer.   You can buy a signed copy or copies from the Independent Australia online shop. But you will have to be quick if you want a signed […]

In Independent Australia on Tuesday I discuss the recent tragedies of Orlando and the Jo Cox murder and the systemic violence behind these and other violent incidents.

Abstract Tax, war, democracy and rebellion intertwine down the ages. In this paper I introduce readers to the reasons why tax history is important and the concepts underpinning later articles. The four tax history articles that will be published in total over the next four issues (from September 2016 to June 2017) will look at […]

I am unwell again. I won’t be posting much, other than perhaps links to other articles and short comments.