I posted this on ANZAC Day 2020, less than a month into lockdowns in Victoria. Having read Vikki’s contribution last night, and being 17 months further into it, with even tighter restrictions on some individuals and families, with even more ‘exempt’ people and occupations coming out of the woodwork, I am posting it again.
From Vikki’s article:
“Based on Labor’s logic, all politicians must do as those in the most impoverished situation because some others are going through it.”
When that impoverishment is the direct result of the ill-conceived decisions made by said politicians, the answer is ‘Yes, they absolutely should’. It’s a healthy state of affairs.
A Symbol of Servitude
“The Officer Epaulettes on his uniform is a sign of servitude; servitude to his men.”
It’s a long-standing, yet unwritten rule, that Army Officers are the last to be fed in any meal line. The reasons behind this are twofold. Firstly, in theory, the Officer has the authority to demand more food be provided for his men, and by being last, he’s in the ideal position to judge the shortfall accurately and remedy the problem. Secondly, and more importantly, it is so that he shares, and is seen to share, the discomfort of his most deprived subordinates. The ‘most deprived’, in this instance, being the last man in line.
Far from being limited to the meal line, Officers are expected to be the first out of the plane when parachuting, use the same sub-standard equipment and share the same sleep deprivations. The list of expectations of an Officer is extensive and varied, but the intent is singular and obvious. If an Officer must do what he asks of his men, self-interest has a moderating effect on his decisions and encourages a more thoughtful approach to any activity or mission. The old adage of ‘Leading from the Front’ has a similar effect. Officers don’t like getting shot, stabbed or blown up, any more than the next bloke. Being all in it together is a healthy state of affairs, for everyone.
I write this today, on ANZAC day, because of the stark difference between the leaders of those whom we traditionally gather to remember, and today’s leaders who, quite unjustifiably, like to take the prime seating and centre stage at said ceremonies. I have seen myself, a state politician take umbrage (and express it verbally) at being relegated to the second row of seating, in favour of actual veterans who had a talking part in the ANZAC service. I’ll add that many attendees (and veterans) stand at the back, unable to see the proceedings, and barely able to hear it. Do the politicians up the front know this? I doubt it. It seems that the sharing of deprivation will remain in the military leadership realm. Forgive me if I am cynical about our current political leadership and their understanding of the needs, problems and dilemmas of all sections of our community. Our civilian leaders seem extremely comfortable to roll around in their privilege, adulation and favoured status (like pigs in the proverbial) without suffering the sacrifice that traditionally comes with leadership. Lining up behind the plebs, and sharing their suffering, seems not to be to their tastes. As a start, if I were to have my way, I would commence any ANZAC service with the call: “All politicians to the rear!” (in my finest RSM voice).
Perhaps a little more sharing of the misery, caused by their decisions, would be a good thing for both our politicians and us as a country. After all, is there any aspect that they share with those whom they ostensibly lead? Thinks Pensions, Superannuation Schemes, Wage cases, etc. The COVID-19 world has bought this to the fore, like never before. Moderation, balance, proportion and nuance, have been sadly lacking. They are the Gamemasters, but they have no real skin in the game itself. “They can get voted out”, I hear you say. Ok, then what? A fat, non-means-tested pension and residual benefits (regardless of age), a seat on a couple of boards, a place on the talking circuit and some paid lobbying. Can’t others lose their jobs, too? The last three weeks seems an apt example. Disconnected is the kindest word I can muster, and it shows.
Many ‘officiate’ at ANZAC services, without the slightest idea of what it really means (or should mean) to people in positions of responsibility. They really should be ashamed, but that would require self-awareness. Student politics doesn’t seem to teach that.
President Trump out campaigning
Thank you, Mater.
“The first shall be last and the last first” – a principle that has shaped the thinking of a society now dying on its knees.
I doubt many would even know who said it.
Bother.
You make excellent points. Politicians and their partners have been well insulated from the disruptions, loss of work, loss of income, loss of freedom of movement, sure they might have experienced a pinprick here or there, but all in all, clueless.
I’ve spent 5 minutes trying to formulate a comment .. the best I could do is the shortest …….
…………….10/10 ……………
Thank you Mater……superb. My fury and anger has been growing over the last eighteen months to the point now where it is monumental and so reading Vikki’s tripe yesterday saw my fury and anger reach stratospheric levels.
Oh but….”we’re all in this together”! Where’s the bucket.
Thanks Mater, for saying what I feel so strongly about our slide away from good leadership, both politically and more broadly.
As our direct connections to those who have fought for our freedom diminishes, so does the understanding of what freedom requires to flourish. And what we, as citizens, are required to do.
I salute you.
Link forwarded, Mater.
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? = thumbs up emoji
The term Prime Minister literally means first servant.
First servant of the Crown, to be sure, but by extension also first servant of the people the Crown represents in a corporate aspect in a constitutional monarchy.
Both Churchill and King George v1 wanted to be ‘at the front’ on D-Day. rarin’ to go.
These were men who led by example. Churchill went and George v1 was bitterly disappointed he couldn’t lead from the front too ‘as a king should’. He wrote this letter to Churchill about just that.
Sadly, his grandson is a poor inheritor to such a man. He follows the ‘woke’ climateers who would destroy his country rather than lead as he should in the protection of Britain and its Christian faith (not faiths).
Just like they were when the troops were fighting and dying in blood-soaked mud.
It really is weird that they do not realise how how nauseating their commandeering of every event for their self-promotion is.
Mater thank you for pointing out so pointedly why were are not all in this together .
I would like to sent it to Josh Frydenberg as I have a connection with him and would be able to get past the sentries at the gate . Apart from isolation , my family and I have not suffered the devastation that others have , many losing jobs at an age , over 50 , that if and when the economy picks up , will not find it easy to get a job .
All laws should be applied 24/7 to pollies and their families.
Seeing young Tarquin Morrisson-Albanese given the maximum penalty for youthful stupidity (because those who are in charge of laws must feel the full force of them) may bring home the law is a blunt instrument.
To give another example that still rankles with me.
Justice Kirby was an openly gay chap most of his life, yet he was appointed successively to higher and higher courts despite that being illegal at the time.
Hundreds of gay blokes were sent to jail/fined etc, yet because Kirby was “in the club” nothing happened.
Why should there be respect for courts when they do shit like this?
Here’s a leader and a leader’s stellar wife…
“In September 1939, Britain entered the Second World War. Lord Hailsham suggested that Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret should be evacuated to Canada to avoid the frequent aerial bombings of London by the Luftwaffe. This was rejected by their mother, who declared, “The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave without the King. And the King will never leave.” The princesses stayed at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, until Christmas 1939, when they moved to Sandringham House, Norfolk. From February to May 1940, they lived at Royal Lodge, Windsor, until moving to Windsor Castle, where they lived for most of the next five years.
“George VI and his wife stayed in London, despite German bombing raids. They officially stayed in Buckingham Palace throughout the war, although they usually spent nights at Windsor Castle. The first night of the Blitz on London, on 7 September 1940, killed about one thousand civilians, mostly in the East End. On 13 September, the King and Queen narrowly avoided death when two German bombs* exploded in a courtyard at Buckingham Palace while they were there. In defiance, the Queen declared: “I am glad we have been bombed. It makes me feel we can look the East End in the face.”
This is what I expect from the cretin in Canberra called Scummo……to have told Australia that…
“I’ll see my family when all of Australia can see their families”
* Som trivia…apparently one of the German bombers that took direct aim at Buck Palace was one of George’s Saxe-Coburg German cousins.
“* Som”
* Some
George VI -when he was Prince Albert – served at the Battle of Jutland.
A German shell bounced off the turret from which he was observing the action.
Had it exploded our history might have been quite different.
The Illuminatus Trilogy
First published in 1975.
Please feel free to do so, min.
Bill Gates – Newspaper article from 2011
Does rather speak for itself.
Mother Lodesays:
September 12, 2021 at 8:36 am
if I were to have my way, I would commence any ANZAC service with the call: “All politicians to the rear!”
Just like they were when the troops were fighting and dying in blood-soaked mud.
Recall Paul Hogan’s line about the tub thumping politician giving a recruitment speech in 1914 (from the TV series ANZACS, which strangely was not re-broadcast during the period 2014 to 2018):
“He’ll be in B Company. Be here when you go, and be here when you come back.”
The problem is worse than that.
In the olden days the nobs would understand the wisdom of not coming across as self entitled brats. Even if they were self entitled brats with zero intention of sharing any of the hardships and dangers of the lower orders.
They had advisors and protocols that told them it was dangerous for them to in any way look as if they didn’t get it, and if in doubt, keep your big trap hole shut.
Something has changed in the culture.
I think, I THINK, it’s the fawning and hagiography employed by screen writers for many years towards their Democrat heroes. So that now a generation of obsequious political groupies surround these people, brought up to think of them as all powerful and a source of their own influence.
Something like that.
Also the gen X cynicism. It was probably always OK to lie to the electorate IF you could get away with it.
Both the retail pollies and the public service seem to now be operating in an environment where people don’t punish the buggers for lying, and further, they actually expect it of them to the point of anyone who tells the truth is seen as being “rude”.
One of the best shows to come out of Australia.
If I attend another remembrance ceremony, including but not exclusive to Remembrance and ANZAC Day, readers on here will know.
I’ll be the one spitting on and taking my stick to any politician or police hypocrite enough to try and partake..
Filthy fascist grubs. Totalitarian bullying bastards. Utter inhumane sub human garbage. Self delusion taxhoovering swine..
Lucky for them I’m a laid back sort of person..
Outstanding piece Mater !
I vividly recall the article back in 2020 – it was extremely relevant then, even more so now.
Excellent points.
Is this a failure of democracy? Kings and Queens are born to rule, and mostly understand their position on threat of revolution.
Do the elected think they have been somehow anointed by the people as their superior?
You would hope at least Peter Cosgrove has a grasp of Mater’s argument.
ave a go ya pussy.
Politicians and their partners have been well insulated from the disruptions, loss of work, loss of income, loss of freedom of movement, sure they might have experienced a pinprick here or there, but all in all, clueless.
Lt Gen JJ Frewen is the Military shiny @rse behind the inhumane lockdown campaign forcing the vax rollout.
Get off your high horse.
The Military are just part of the State regime.
The current mob don’t deserve another cent. Confiscation of assets for a start.
Thank you, Mater.
Agree with shatterzzz; 10 out of 10.
Addled deigns to comment at catholaxy and what?
I didn’t say anything about the military you nong.
Arky
I think, I THINK, it’s the fawning and hagiography employed by screen writers for many years towards their Democrat heroes. So that now a generation of obsequious political groupies surround these people, brought up to think of them as all powerful and a source of their own influence.
The West Wing syndrome?
Martin Sheen, who played the president, was reported to have been approached by the DemonRats to be a political candidate. His alleged reply demonstrated that there are some actors who are self-aware (having Charlie as a son might have helped): “I think that you are confusing celebrity with credibility”.
What an outstanding post.
All politicians, all media should have to disclose what travel, work, quarantine exemptions they have been granted.
All politicians have to disclose their vaccine status too.
Until Vikki discloses what exemptions she has been granted, she can jam it.
“Actors are generally stupid people.”
Anthony Hopkins explaining why he doesn’t comment on politics.
The West Wing syndrome?
All Democrats are cool & have a full head of hair.
All Republics are squares man & are balding.
That plus all problems are solved within 44mins & decisions today have zero unintended consequences.
All it would take is one sitting politician currently in a state, territory or federal parliament to voluntarily release all the exemptions they have been granted over the past 18 months.
Just one.
And make it easy, one that isn’t running their next election whenever that will be.
And for all the chumps saying Pauline Hanson is the saviour, why has she run dead on the exemptions at every opportunity she’s had.
Why has Malcolm Roberts not mentioned it.
All the suckers thinking these rent seekers have their best interests at heart deserve to be fucked over.
Just like the rusted on Lib voters.
Just like the rusted on Labor voters.
What’s the thread you’re posting om, retard?
Who’s causing the hardship that the locked down are experiencing?
None other than the military tard in charge of the vax rollout – it’s credited a his strategy.
Capet bombing his own civilians in the name of a fake “Emergency” – suicide deaths, etc. just collateral damage, ‘course.
What sayteth the Bruce Ruxtons of the RSL?
I say you’ve missed the point.
Was LTGEN Frewin elected as our leader?
Excellent, Mater.
“For this is what it means to be a king: to be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there’s hunger in the land (as must be now and then in bad years) to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man in your land.”
(King Lune of Archenland to Prince Cor, in CS Lewis’ “The Horse and His Boy”.)
None, ftb; not one.
So post BJ travelling around & getting home, she’s stayed at home in the bubble for 14 days?
In another example of the UniParty covering for each other, HapHazzard waffles an answer about KK’s 40km travel to campaign in Fairfield.
Earlier in the day, during the state’s second last daily public Covid-19 ministerial update, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard was pressed with concern from reporters over Senator Keneally travelling more than 5km as part of her campaign.
Mr Hazzard said he did not know whether Senator Keneally was in Fairfield on Saturday but understood exemptions were in place.
“Generally (for) politicians, I think there are some exceptions available under the rules, obviously, for essential work but I would have to come back to you on the details of that,” he said. “I would need legal advice.”
Rogersays:
September 12, 2021 at 11:21 am
“I think that you are confusing celebrity with credibility”.
“Actors are generally stupid people.”
Anthony Hopkins explaining why he doesn’t comment on politics
It seems that Martin Sheen might be almost as smart as Anthony Hopkins?
Mr Hazzard said he did not know whether Senator Keneally was in Fairfield on Saturday but understood exemptions were in place.
Keep in mind, during December 2020, while Hazzard was dumping on hosties spreading COVID on Sydney’s northern beaches, he knew that patient zero of that cluster was an Australian diplomat & their partner who had just from in from the US.
And at the time, not only were diplomats exempt from hotel quarantine, they were exempt from quarantine full stop.
This is why I have already contributed to a group who will be running a fake independent against Hazzard at the next state election.
I don’t care that it will be a green in an independents clothing.
Hazzard will most likely see the writing on the wall & retire.
His ego won’t allow him to run & lose.
Regardless of anything else, the one that gets me is JobKeeper. Barnaby is a key member of a Government that FORCED people onto JobKeeper. In doing so, regardless of that persons living expenses or earning capacity, they told them that they should be able to survive on it.
Did any of the politicians (including Barnaby) revoke their entitlements and try to exist on these payments?
No, I’d wager none did.
This isn’t the same as Dole payments. The Dole is a safety measure for people who hit hard times, predominantly as a result of circumstances beyond politicians influence (yes, yes, I know!)
In this instance, however, the politicians were absolutely and directly responsible for people not being able to earn a living in accordance with their skills, abilities and trade. Any politician, with any conscience, would have similarly gone on JobKeeper.
Any other exemptions they might receive, are just gravy on top of this glaring hypocrisy.
To be clear, the exemptions that politicians of all parties and their partners and their families have all benefited from is sickening.
You know you have them on the run when they all hide behind the semantics.
They all turn into Thomas More.
?
For several weeks now, ftb.
Not even allowed to the nearest town where her kids have childcare because it’s in a different LGA.
Hence the eggs on carpets when she tries to concentrate on work.
She’s very conscious of the optics should she be papped “breaking the rules” like Tony Abbott was recently.
Worryingly, she’s starting to enjoy life locked down.
I told her she has Stockholm Syndrome.
I’ll believe that Cardi when Barnaby releases all the exemptions he has benefited from.
The fact that you only respond to the exemptions story when you & yours are under the spot light is very telling.
Last year when you were a candidate, you’d respond to a range of posters at Sinc Cat regarding election issues.
Almost every time you checked in, I’d raise the exemptions issue.
You never engaged once on it.
So when you have a candidate engaging with all & sundry regarding a range of issues, but not once engaging on the key issue of exemptions, you can deduce why they are not.
Let me be clear.
No weasel words.
I do not believe you.
And until all exemptions are made public, I still won’t believe you.
But as Paul Murray found out last week when he was dumped on head defending the exemptions, it’s a red hot issue & will not go away.
A red hot issue that can be addressed immediately.
So the question is, why not ?
But we all know the answer.
Correlation doesn’t always indicate causation, ‘bern.
Ok, ask BJ to lead the charge in making all his exemptions for the past 18 months public.
And for him to call on his Liberal National brothers & sisters to do the same.
I missed this the first time, and am very pleased you repeated it, Mater.
I’d like to demand that no politician, of any persuasion, be permitted to be present in an official capacity at any commemorative military history event from now onwards. There is no room for such displays of status and disrespect. If they wish to pay their respects as ordinary citizens like the rest of us, that’s fine. But there should be no deference paid to them in any manner that raises them above those being commemorated, and among those they (the politicians) are paid to serve.
Indolent, I remember the Illuminatus Trilogy from long ago.
“Immanentize the Eschaton!”
Well said, Mater. I am currently watching the Juliar docco on ABC and the protests against the Carbon Tax and I wondered where all those people had gone, with their righteous indignation and refusal to lay down.
There was Aussie spirit there, laconic ANZAC spirit and now we are a cowed and beaten people, locked up and in some cases, loving it.
I wish it was a nightmare and we would wake up and have a good if nervous laugh about it but it is our reality.
I am enraged by what is happening here with our acquiescence we are the laughing stock of the world compared to France who are out protesting vs us who have helicopters hunting down maskless citizens.
So few years ago, was that our last spurt of courage, ever, or did the greens and Goldman Sachs eventual win over fecking global warming wear us down to the futility of future actions?
Now big pharma has beaten us with three boosters a year for an extinct virus.
What we are now vaccinating with was designed for a virus several mutations ago and we are bending over and bearing our bums for it.
I just don’t understand where our courage and willingness to engage has gone, all it took was an invisibility cloak of covid to smother it.
Dan Andrews voted himself a pay rise during the pandemic. What more need be said about him?