(no subject)

The subject of Winston Churchill inspired Bush's self-reflection. The president confided to [screaming mad fuckface Andrew] Roberts that he believes he has an advantage over Churchill, a reliable source with access to the conversation told me. He has faith in God, Bush explained, but Churchill, an agnostic, did not. Because he believes in God, it is easier for him to make decisions and stick to them than it was for Churchill. Bush said he doesn't worry, or feel alone, or care if he is unpopular. He has God.

live by the bullshit beatup, die by the bullshit beatup

PRIME Minister John Howard attended an intimate fundraising lunch with a violent Brisbane pornographer, who was facing charges of torture and grievous bodily harm at the time, in the lead-up to the 2004 federal election.

I should point out that this story is pretty much exactly as consequential, in real terms, as the Brian Burke/Kevin Rudd story - which is, fuck-all. But in political terms, I think it's safe to say "violent Brisbane pornographer, who was facing charges of torture and grievous bodily harm at the time" trumps "dodgy ex-WA Premier and lobbyist". Any day of the week.

Once again, well done to Costello (and the assistants Downer and Abbott) for launching this whole "ethics" thing in an attempt to smear the other side. You must feel very very happy.

Idiots.

wow.

Shorter Abbott: No, no, he was a porn entrepeneur, not a porn mogul.

He also defends Senator Santo's amazing share dealings. For those not following this - Santo helps out right-wing fundy lobby group. Director of lobby group tips him off to some shares. Santo forgets that those shares conflict with his role for Minister for Aging. When called on it, sells shares, donates profits (100% profit!) back to the same fundy lobby group. And claims it was "charity". Wow. What a complete clown.

This, from the same complete asshole who pens a column in the SMH attacking Rudd's memory of events after his father died, when he was 11 years old. The SMH's letter writers are not impressed (link will probably only be good for one day, sorry). My favourite is:

Surely Kevin Rudd should be allowed to keep his memories of his father's death and his family circumstances without the vitriolic attacks by Tony Abbott. No doubt the circumstances were traumatic for an 11-year-old, and perhaps memories can be distorted.
Memories can and do play strange games; for example, I was at law school with Mr Abbott 30 years ago and remember him as a decent chap.
Peter Allan Lowing Nadi (Fiji)