Open letters are the hissy fits of our times, petulant and tedious expressions of collective outrage. It is also by some considerable measure the laziest form of protest.
In other words, the terminally aggrieved could take to the barricades but that would mean having to walk all the way to the barricades, standing around, feeling uncomfortable and what if it rained? It’s much easier to simply put names to a letter someone else had written in strident agreement with its contents.
There is one particularly egregious example of the open letter that caught my eye last night. It comes from the Columbia Journalism Review and is allegedly an open letter from the American press corps to President-elect Donald Trump.
As if journalists weren’t despised enough by the community, along comes this haughty expression of well … a journalist’s basic job description albeit dripping in sanctimony and self-importance. It even includes the grammatical venal sin of writing ‘you’re’ as ‘your’. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Full column here.
We are in POTUS Trumps thoughts Mr Insider as US President Donald Trump has sent an Australia Day message, declaring America has no better friend than Australia. Well that is good news and am sure as soon a our PM Turnbull extracts his digit from his date and negotiates a new individual Trade Agreement between our 2 countries relations will be even rosier. This Trump may turn out ok after all Mr Insider, he certainly does what he says he is going to do – take note Malcolm!
http://tinyurl.com/juv85j7
Here is a suggestion that makes mortgage payments tax deductible. Consenting couples with good relations and honorable intentions buy a home each. They then swap homes and rent them off each other for $1 a week or an agreed amount. When the homes are paid off, they resettle in their own homes. All of the mortgage payments and improvements will be tax deductible. These couples would enjoy the same benefits investors do who negative gear. I heard ‘money man’ Paul Clitheroe advise this one night on ABC radio. He said it is quite legal. His emphasis was on the words ‘good relations’.
I might be wrong but I thought rents had to be at market rate.
That is why I said at an agreed rate.
No you said $1 a week.
Whoa nearly fell of my chair Wade actually managed to perform a stumping.
Gee that’s amazing coming from you Dismayed, you actually saw what was really happening. Maybe both eyes got stuck open momentarily.
Now here’s some unconfirmed news. Smith is injured and Wade is likely to captain Australia in the NZ ODI series. You will no doubt be apoplectic at the announcement tonight. You sure can pick em mate.
They are giving the captaincy away. The position has been devalued with this decision.
I’ve pondered the probability for some Americans of an irresistible temptation to vote for Trump just to find out how barking mad and pig ignorant he really could be. Even Mike Pence is beginning to smile! “He must be the stupidest son of a bitch alive, but he sure is fast!” (Coach, Forrest Gump.)
http://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/australia-is-investing-billions-in-madman-donald-trump-20170126-gtzgvw.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WPkwQbUWpU
JB says: ” I’ve pondered the probability for some Americans of an irresistible temptation to vote for Trump just to find out how barking mad and pig ignorant he really could be.”
It is widely accepted that thinking (read pondering) exists as the top mental activity demonstrated by man and that all human accomplishments and advancement come from the results of thought.
But based on your 9.37pm pondering pearler, we’d have to make an exception in your case me old mate as it obviously doesn’t apply.
With respect Mr Baptiste I do feel you need to revisit your thoughts on POTUS Trump, after all he did sends us a lovely Australia Day message and we aren’t on his “bad boys radar” like the errant China and Mexico. Am staring to think he’s a sound chap and would encourage you to be more positive in your future Trump posts..
Jack the Insider.
What a brilliant Dave Warner innings taking his total to 179 today.Best I have seen him looking a continual champion having a career with the bat in unbelievable form . I was starting to get worried one of those 6s was going to come through my lounge room window.
Well supported by young Trav getting his first hundred for Australia. I had to mention it.
yes good to see young Travis kick on to a ton. I think the responsibility of opening is good for him.
Of course 🙂
POTUS Donald Trump a simple man with simple pleasures we read Mr Insider. Likes to rise at 6am and take in TV for a while before meetings begin and loves Lay Chips whatever they are? The world seems anxious for a glimpse into his life and I wonder how the Presidential “fishbowl” life will suit Trump down the track?
http://tinyurl.com/jrwxwx9
BASSMAN
January 25, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Says: ” This mob’s economic mismanagement is putting Labor’s hard-won AAA credit rating at risk. ”
Labor’s “hard-won AAA credit rating”!? Which one? You been on the turps again BASSMAN?
Everyone knows that Moody’s has rated Australia AAA since October 2002 and S&P since since February 2003.
Fitch finally hopped on board in late 2011, probably in anticipation of the looming conservative landslide over Labor.
The Toaster. You are wrong. Labor is the only government to secure a triple AAA credit rating from ALL THREE CREDIT RATING AGENCIES. Your mate Costello never did that OR get World’s Best Treasurer.
And by the way, The Looters got their ratings in good times when money was pouring in. Labor got theirs when the rest of the world was in recession. Labor maintained a AAA rating throughout the GFC and was one of only three countries not to go into recession. Debt is $195billion MORE now than it was when Labor left office. You are on dangerous ground talking about debt with this incompetent lot son.
Do you think the Libs if they look like losing should push all their spending past the forward estimates. Should they also introduce a massively expensive new scheme like the NDIS and not plan for its ongoing funding. You could also add that in planning the scheme you count some things on the positive side of the ledger twice.
NDIS was fully funded until hillsong and apprentice porter starting shifting fund.
Bassy, you are distorting the facts again and you are confused.
You say: “Labor is the only government to secure a triple AAA credit rating from ALL THREE CREDIT RATING AGENCIES.” An then you say: “And by the way, The Looters got their ratings in good times ….”
As unpalatable as it may be to you Bassy, the facts are the Conservatives secured two AAA credit ratings in their terms in office under Howard, while Labor scored one toward the end of their term in office. Maths appears not to be one of your strong suites mate, as one out of three is not a pass mark.
Now we’ll have no more funny business from you on the matter, and get yourself a new scrapbook for pity’s sake!
…no you are confuse. nobody had rivers of money pouring in like the looters. labor had a world recession to deal with and a 160billion shortfall in revenue because of it…as usual u are not comparing apples with apples. no punctuation because i am nursing my boy with one arm…cant hit the shift key…
Uncle Reggie said there was friggin in the riggin on the 1st fleet Mr Jack. What was that about?
Buggery on the high seas
Orwell’s 1984 is here, now. trump stopping agencies from sharing information with the public and distorting facts on energy wages and more. alternative facts apparently. Big brother has Winston smith working overtime in the ministry of truth (alternative facts). It is clear trump intends on misusing his new found power.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/climate-tweets-deleted-trump-bans-agencies-communicating-public-95201/
http://reneweconomy.com.au/trump-white-house-distorts-energy-impacts-wages-first-day-47823/
Steady on Dismayed, you will have the conservatives here wetting their pants with excitement.
darren
January 25, 2017 at 8:27 pm
says: “I think its because “Toaster” kind of rhymes with “Coaster”, Carl. You may be overthinking this a little”.
Yes, I was aware of that darren and thanks for your interest, however these sort of nickname capers are usually the product of one attempting to convey either affection or ridicule. Its generally left to the receiver to work out which one it is. Its no big deal for me personally, one way or the other.
On the matter of ridicule (or is it affection?), I’ve noticed a number of posters on here refer to you as “Dazza”.
According to “Seven reflections” (S r), you may be interested to know their assessment of the nickname “Dazza” means:
“You are strong in material matters, determined and stubborn. You have good business ability. You are a good worker, steady and practical, a builder who takes responsibility well. These qualities may bring you a position of authority and power. You are a doer, down-to-earth, serious-minded, reliable, and self-disciplined; have good power of concentration.You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it. Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of. Your prime desire is to build protected and secure environment at home and at work. You can be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives. You can be very detailed and well-organized and possess great organizational skills. At times you may appear too stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical approach to life and productivity makes you one of the most beneficent members of community.”
I must say I am unable to vouch for the authenticity of ‘S r’ so I’ll leave it to your modest goodself darren (Dazza) to decide whether their assessment is apt or otherwise.
Nah, Carl, those things are all inaccurate when it comes to me. I’m lazy, unthoughtful, and generally dont get anything done (although I am currently working on getting to level 1,205 in dark souls 3).