A devastatingly accurate essay. I can’t believe how consistently you nail it. And aside from the tragedy of what you say, you write beautifully. An added bonus.
With this PM and Foreign Minister in particular, their ‘progressive patriotism’ is code for ‘wait for other nations to do something, lest we be seen as leaders’.
Don’t look to these weaklings in the ALP for moral leadership on anything. They are fine to wag their finger at the ‘Greens Political Party’ and those pesky journalists who dare ask a fair question.
Our youngest Senator from SA, Charlotte Walker of 21 years of age, showed herself just another politician of the kind that disgusts the public. She voted with the majority to punish a Senator Faruqi for holding a sign before doing anything to hold the apartheid state accountable for assassinating Zomi Frankom.
No doubt this young “newbie “ has been thoroughly instructed to vote as ordered . Humanity and any sign of a conscience are to be ignored if she values her preselection. How else is it possible that Albanese , Wong and Marles have the positions they somehow hold ? This is definitely not in the public interest , nor that of the future of what was once known as the Labor Party . Albanese should note the record-breaking numbers of Brits who have signed up to Jeremy Corbyn’s new party, because of their disgust with Labour .
The sanctions need to be - 1. stop all weapons to Israel. 2. Blockade all ships and planes from Israeli air and sea space. 3. Ban all Israelis from leaving Israel. And 4. Israel pays for the rebuilding of Gaza, even if it has to use the materials used for settler housing. 5. Maybe should be #1 kick them out of the UN and sanction the US if it tries to block that one.
Just a thought. Sanction A Albanese for his not sanctioning Israel like the US sanctioned Francesca Albanese - the PM could learn so much from her if he took the time to listen.
I keep wondering if his wife to be is Jewish or Zionist or both.
Francesca Albanese is a thousand times the human being ( and leader ) that the PM could ever dream of being . Her courage alone is breathtaking. This is another character fail in the PM .
So, are you saying that you wish Australia to become an isolationist, heavily militarised version of armed neutrality? Wouldn't this result in a huge shift, requiring massive investment in independent defence, given Australia's geographic exposure?
My understanding is that Australia doesn't give much direct military aid—unlike the U.S.—but it does cooperate militarily (e.g., training, arms contracts, logistics). Cutting all aid may seem "neutral," but could undermine regional security partnerships, especially in the Pacific.
If Australia were to withdraw from all existing entangling alliances, that would mean exiting ANZUS, AUKUS, Five Eyes, the Quad, and others. Wouldn't that leave Australia vulnerable and reduce its strategic deterrence? Refocusing the ADF on missile defence of the homeland might be wise as part of a balanced strategy, but doing it without allies would be extremely expensive. Australia would still need intelligence and early-warning systems—which come from alliances like Five Eyes. Establishing a credible nuclear triad is interesting, but wouldn't that risk provoking a major regional arms race and likely violate Australia's international treaty obligations?
Wouldn't these solutions:
• Cut Australia off diplomatically
• Weaken trade, security, and global influence
• Destabilise the region
I read this article because I'm trying to understand the broader situation and what meaningful responses Australia could take in relation to Gaza. The article raises serious questions about the government's current stance, and I'm genuinely curious how these ideas might work in practice—if you or others have insights on this, I'd welcome your thoughts.
I don't have extensive background in these issues, so I'm asking these questions in good faith to better understand how these alternatives might work in practice.
"So, are you saying that you wish Australia to become an isolationist, heavily militarised version of armed neutrality?"
No, I'm not an "isolationist" at all. I support peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.
Nor do I support militarism beyond that required by a policy of armed neutrality. An armed populace which is jealous of its rights and freedoms is indispensable in my view.
"but could undermine regional security partnerships, especially in the Pacific."
Good, I don't want membership in regional security partnerships. They are entangling alliances. Withdraw from them all today.
"If Australia were to withdraw from all existing entangling alliances, that would mean exiting ANZUS, AUKUS, Five Eyes, the Quad, and others. Wouldn't that leave Australia vulnerable and reduce its strategic deterrence?"
No, because we would eliminate the number one cause of the imagined threat of war against us: our entangling alliances with militaristic, warlike countries such as the US and UK, while building a domestic defense capability rather than one designed to fight our allies' conflicts.
"Establishing a credible nuclear triad is interesting, but wouldn't that risk provoking a major regional arms race and likely violate Australia's international treaty obligations?"
No, you can withdraw from the NPT with 6 months notice. Moreover, we are a sovereign nation and so can withdraw from any agreement we have entered into, and this is doubly so if we follow the mechanisms established in the treaty.
The only power in the region that some allege would attack us is China, and they already have nuclear weapons. It's immaterial if they get a few more in response.
"Wouldn't these solutions:
• Cut Australia off diplomatically
• Weaken trade, security, and global influence
• Destabilise the region"
If you think the nuclear weapons acquisition would be the trigger for war rather then a hedge against it then we clearly don't need them and can just go without. That's why I listed that one as optional. It's based on your perception of the threat against us.
I am unconcerned if it cuts us off diplomatically. Any country that does not want to be on good terms with a peaceful, non-interventionist, free country is not worth our time anyway. If the Five Eyes allies marginalize us as a result that's a pretty ironclad demonstration of why we should leave that alliance.
Thank you for expressing my pent up anger. After trying to watch/listen to Albo's interview by Sarah Ferguson on Thursday night I have been struggling to find the words to justify my outrage. So thank you
Thank you for this magnificent demolition of the “leadership” of PM Albanese , who continues to demonstrate that he is incapable of measuring up to the toenails of either John Curtin or Gough Whitlam . His electoral “landslide win “ had given him only about a third of the national vote . This is similar to the vote for Starmer in the UK . Jeremy Corbyn’s
description of it as “a loveless landslide “ is exquisite .
Has ever an Australian Labor PM been so contemptuously dismissive of public opinion, and the public interest ?
Is another meaningful action awarding the contract for digital ID verification to an Israeli company?
.
The new online safety act proposed as a way to protect kids. Is being facilitated by a company run by former members of a military known to use tech for egregious purposes. At a time when online criticism of said military is widespread. Because they're starving people and bombing them. Kids. Mostly.
I know this makes me a nutjob. But it seems like a really short priced bet that this is not a coincidence. They also happen to be the same company responsible for verifying paid subscriptions to the Leon Skum app.
Now that I've finished reading I will add this ... Great writing as always Joel. Really appreciate what you're doing.
I really believe all this talk of state recognition is a distraction and a slick effort at buying time that let's starving people die. They have bombed Gaza to oblivion and are currently ripping the entire west bank up with caterpillar earth moving equipment. What state is their to acknowledge?
I have spoken directly to German friends and their news shows are claiming the pics of starving kids our of Gaza are propaganda pics. Manipulated images of kids with "pre existing conditions" ... The only pre existing condition is occupation.
So whatever the state of Germany is presenting as it's commitment for the future it is still very much hand in glove with the occupation. They still have contracts in place for the replacement of previously supplied Russian energy to come from the new sources just off Gaza.
Perhaps he is waiting for permission from Israel and/or the US to proceed with recognition so that he does not imperil the warm and friendly relations Australia has with Israel and its supporters in the country.
Time to go mate, you’ve become an overstayer. You are so disconnected from the real world and real people it beggar’s belief. So much for your being raised in a state house schtick. You’ve crossed over mate. You are now ‘Anthony’, Albo has left the room. I don’t know ‘Anthony’, but I already really dislike him.
Devastating prose again Joel. Thank you for expressing our rage, frustration and continuing disappointment in the current Labor government.
I wonder what Albanese's comments on the Sydney and Melbourne protests will be?
He is becoming more and more like John Howard and Wong is becoming more and more like Michaela Cash. Just watch both Wong and Cash on sanctioning Faruqi. Not much difference really, just that Wong puts a better sentence together and has a "measured" voice.
A devastatingly accurate essay. I can’t believe how consistently you nail it. And aside from the tragedy of what you say, you write beautifully. An added bonus.
❤️ thank you very much.
Your words are powerful
Well said 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Agree Michele, Joel says it all so eloquently and with devastating metaphor.
Thank you Joel.
With this PM and Foreign Minister in particular, their ‘progressive patriotism’ is code for ‘wait for other nations to do something, lest we be seen as leaders’.
Don’t look to these weaklings in the ALP for moral leadership on anything. They are fine to wag their finger at the ‘Greens Political Party’ and those pesky journalists who dare ask a fair question.
Our youngest Senator from SA, Charlotte Walker of 21 years of age, showed herself just another politician of the kind that disgusts the public. She voted with the majority to punish a Senator Faruqi for holding a sign before doing anything to hold the apartheid state accountable for assassinating Zomi Frankom.
No doubt this young “newbie “ has been thoroughly instructed to vote as ordered . Humanity and any sign of a conscience are to be ignored if she values her preselection. How else is it possible that Albanese , Wong and Marles have the positions they somehow hold ? This is definitely not in the public interest , nor that of the future of what was once known as the Labor Party . Albanese should note the record-breaking numbers of Brits who have signed up to Jeremy Corbyn’s new party, because of their disgust with Labour .
Great essay on our gutless wonders. Typical elitist schoolyard bullies who punish someone for holding a sign, and give support to war criminals.
The sanctions need to be - 1. stop all weapons to Israel. 2. Blockade all ships and planes from Israeli air and sea space. 3. Ban all Israelis from leaving Israel. And 4. Israel pays for the rebuilding of Gaza, even if it has to use the materials used for settler housing. 5. Maybe should be #1 kick them out of the UN and sanction the US if it tries to block that one.
Just a thought. Sanction A Albanese for his not sanctioning Israel like the US sanctioned Francesca Albanese - the PM could learn so much from her if he took the time to listen.
I keep wondering if his wife to be is Jewish or Zionist or both.
Francesca Albanese is a thousand times the human being ( and leader ) that the PM could ever dream of being . Her courage alone is breathtaking. This is another character fail in the PM .
1. Declare a policy of armed neutrality
2. Refuse to recognize ANY nations except our own
3. End all military aid to any foreign countries (as per #1)
4. Withdraw from all existing entangling alliances (as per #1)
5. Arm the people with select fire rifles and make sure they know how to use them
6. Focus the ADF on missile defense of the homeland instead of foreign adventurism
7. [OPTIONAL] Consider establishing a credible nuclear triad
I knew a simple soldier boy
Who grinned at life in empty joy,
Slept soundly through the lonesome dark,
And whistled early with the lark.
In winter trenches, cowed and glum,
With crumps and lice and lack of rum,
He put a bullet through his brain.
No one spoke of him again.
You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye
Who cheer when soldier lads march by,
Sneak home and pray you'll never know
The hell where youth and laughter go.
~ Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
Safe to assume that neither Albanese nor Marles would ever be seen anywhere near a war front . They prefer to send others 🤮
Great little poem. Thanks!
So, are you saying that you wish Australia to become an isolationist, heavily militarised version of armed neutrality? Wouldn't this result in a huge shift, requiring massive investment in independent defence, given Australia's geographic exposure?
My understanding is that Australia doesn't give much direct military aid—unlike the U.S.—but it does cooperate militarily (e.g., training, arms contracts, logistics). Cutting all aid may seem "neutral," but could undermine regional security partnerships, especially in the Pacific.
If Australia were to withdraw from all existing entangling alliances, that would mean exiting ANZUS, AUKUS, Five Eyes, the Quad, and others. Wouldn't that leave Australia vulnerable and reduce its strategic deterrence? Refocusing the ADF on missile defence of the homeland might be wise as part of a balanced strategy, but doing it without allies would be extremely expensive. Australia would still need intelligence and early-warning systems—which come from alliances like Five Eyes. Establishing a credible nuclear triad is interesting, but wouldn't that risk provoking a major regional arms race and likely violate Australia's international treaty obligations?
Wouldn't these solutions:
• Cut Australia off diplomatically
• Weaken trade, security, and global influence
• Destabilise the region
I read this article because I'm trying to understand the broader situation and what meaningful responses Australia could take in relation to Gaza. The article raises serious questions about the government's current stance, and I'm genuinely curious how these ideas might work in practice—if you or others have insights on this, I'd welcome your thoughts.
I don't have extensive background in these issues, so I'm asking these questions in good faith to better understand how these alternatives might work in practice.
Thank you for your considered response.
"So, are you saying that you wish Australia to become an isolationist, heavily militarised version of armed neutrality?"
No, I'm not an "isolationist" at all. I support peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.
Nor do I support militarism beyond that required by a policy of armed neutrality. An armed populace which is jealous of its rights and freedoms is indispensable in my view.
"but could undermine regional security partnerships, especially in the Pacific."
Good, I don't want membership in regional security partnerships. They are entangling alliances. Withdraw from them all today.
"If Australia were to withdraw from all existing entangling alliances, that would mean exiting ANZUS, AUKUS, Five Eyes, the Quad, and others. Wouldn't that leave Australia vulnerable and reduce its strategic deterrence?"
No, because we would eliminate the number one cause of the imagined threat of war against us: our entangling alliances with militaristic, warlike countries such as the US and UK, while building a domestic defense capability rather than one designed to fight our allies' conflicts.
"Establishing a credible nuclear triad is interesting, but wouldn't that risk provoking a major regional arms race and likely violate Australia's international treaty obligations?"
No, you can withdraw from the NPT with 6 months notice. Moreover, we are a sovereign nation and so can withdraw from any agreement we have entered into, and this is doubly so if we follow the mechanisms established in the treaty.
The only power in the region that some allege would attack us is China, and they already have nuclear weapons. It's immaterial if they get a few more in response.
"Wouldn't these solutions:
• Cut Australia off diplomatically
• Weaken trade, security, and global influence
• Destabilise the region"
If you think the nuclear weapons acquisition would be the trigger for war rather then a hedge against it then we clearly don't need them and can just go without. That's why I listed that one as optional. It's based on your perception of the threat against us.
I am unconcerned if it cuts us off diplomatically. Any country that does not want to be on good terms with a peaceful, non-interventionist, free country is not worth our time anyway. If the Five Eyes allies marginalize us as a result that's a pretty ironclad demonstration of why we should leave that alliance.
Embarassingly true words about our pathetic politicians - of both colours.
Definitely correct 💯 of both major parties
Thank you for expressing my pent up anger. After trying to watch/listen to Albo's interview by Sarah Ferguson on Thursday night I have been struggling to find the words to justify my outrage. So thank you
Thank you for this magnificent demolition of the “leadership” of PM Albanese , who continues to demonstrate that he is incapable of measuring up to the toenails of either John Curtin or Gough Whitlam . His electoral “landslide win “ had given him only about a third of the national vote . This is similar to the vote for Starmer in the UK . Jeremy Corbyn’s
description of it as “a loveless landslide “ is exquisite .
Has ever an Australian Labor PM been so contemptuously dismissive of public opinion, and the public interest ?
It's not correct that Germany has recognised Palestine. This error detracts from an otherwise cognet analysis
Is another meaningful action awarding the contract for digital ID verification to an Israeli company?
.
The new online safety act proposed as a way to protect kids. Is being facilitated by a company run by former members of a military known to use tech for egregious purposes. At a time when online criticism of said military is widespread. Because they're starving people and bombing them. Kids. Mostly.
I know this makes me a nutjob. But it seems like a really short priced bet that this is not a coincidence. They also happen to be the same company responsible for verifying paid subscriptions to the Leon Skum app.
Like what the actual fuckity fuck?
Now that I've finished reading I will add this ... Great writing as always Joel. Really appreciate what you're doing.
I really believe all this talk of state recognition is a distraction and a slick effort at buying time that let's starving people die. They have bombed Gaza to oblivion and are currently ripping the entire west bank up with caterpillar earth moving equipment. What state is their to acknowledge?
I have spoken directly to German friends and their news shows are claiming the pics of starving kids our of Gaza are propaganda pics. Manipulated images of kids with "pre existing conditions" ... The only pre existing condition is occupation.
So whatever the state of Germany is presenting as it's commitment for the future it is still very much hand in glove with the occupation. They still have contracts in place for the replacement of previously supplied Russian energy to come from the new sources just off Gaza.
Perhaps he is waiting for permission from Israel and/or the US to proceed with recognition so that he does not imperil the warm and friendly relations Australia has with Israel and its supporters in the country.
I suspect there is no “perhaps” about it . 😡😡
Time to go mate, you’ve become an overstayer. You are so disconnected from the real world and real people it beggar’s belief. So much for your being raised in a state house schtick. You’ve crossed over mate. You are now ‘Anthony’, Albo has left the room. I don’t know ‘Anthony’, but I already really dislike him.
The map is interesting. Almost all the countries that don’t recognise Palestine are either former colonisers or former colonies (the US being both).
Devastating prose again Joel. Thank you for expressing our rage, frustration and continuing disappointment in the current Labor government.
I wonder what Albanese's comments on the Sydney and Melbourne protests will be?
He is becoming more and more like John Howard and Wong is becoming more and more like Michaela Cash. Just watch both Wong and Cash on sanctioning Faruqi. Not much difference really, just that Wong puts a better sentence together and has a "measured" voice.
Agree !