Media Release - Pandering to Stupidity

[the_gelf]

Originally Posted by FSM

Technically we don't know what she is going to say at the conference, she could be a trojan horse. But of course that's highly unlikley

This would be so awesome, except she's talking to dumbass cultists who will likely misinterpret it.
It would be pleasantly surprising if she made a statement to the point "religious freedom means all religions, which means no tax cuts or special privileges for any of them, including those who dodge the taxman to run political parties".
That's truly the only way something positive can possibly be salvaged.

[Lord Blackadder]

I'm wondering if it's worth requesting an FOI to find out exactly what transpired in the process of Gillard being invited to ACL2012...


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[Blue Lightning]

Originally Posted by Loki

If we take a step back and have another look at this;

The PM of the country (you know, the one leading a secular government supposedly in place to ensure the good management of the country for the good of all) has preferentially and consistently chosen to associate with a group which actively advocates for the privilege of a small elite and actively advocates against equality for other citizens on the basis of ideology and doctrine.

This is the issue...

The purpose and function of government in a secular democracy is what is being abused here.

A democratically elected leader actively supporting an undemocratic group while actively snubbing groups with reasonable concerns is not a good look.

+1 Loki - I couldn't agree more

Originally Posted by Mentally Saturated

... Is this conference open to the public ?? If so, are any of our folks going ?? The situation seems ripe for a protest.

@MS - You will be pleased to know, with links omitted:

Online registrations for the conference are now open. Rates are:

Friday dinner $100 / student: $80
Saturday conference $150 / student $120

Originally Posted by rayne

Sorry Dan, I'm not quite getting what you're referring to. There's no other picture besides the poster on your post.

@rayne - I think Dan has made a similar observation to me:

Originally Posted by Blue Lightning

A picture is worth a thousand words. Look to the left of the prime guest of honour:

The front facade of the Parliament of the Commonwealth, with the national flag small and limp in the background. Subjugated under a vast cross and a cathedral, with believers trampling all over it ...

And the PM wants to be associated with that??


It is a disgrace!

Originally Posted by Blue Lightning

I'll upload it separately here:

Loki has said it better than me, but I'll say it again -It is a disgrace!

[Bruce Long]

Originally Posted by Loki

If we take a step back and have another look at this;

...

Her personal views or that of those who are pulling the strings is irrelevant. The purpose and function of government in a secular democracy is what is being abused here.

A democratically elected leader actively supporting an undemocratic group while actively snubbing groups with reasonable concerns is not a good look.

Yes - I agree and as I said it's unacceptable. My conciliatory statements and musings were supposed to accentuate the critique tongue in cheek, somewhat.

And, of course, as has been pointed out - it isn't just 'not a good look'. As you say it's a serious abuse of and failure to carry out the mandate of a secular government.

So -point taken. The PM and labor caucus have been given plenty to work with, and they're not doing the job right or at all.

I have the flu at the moment and have been able to do much that requires serious hard thinking today, however, I noticed the ASL and Atheist Aliance international have re-posted Gillard's 2010 pledge to to keep prayers in parliament. I find the PM (whoever they are) snubbing atheists to satisfy theists to be puerile and both anti-secular and anti-democratic.


Just in case my perspective appears to be waning into hand waving and pandering, I offer the following (which I have no idea about for a post location except ABC Religion or opinion or something). Sorry if its all been said - I'm sure it has ...

[Bruce Long]

It's coming - I'm just fudging with the cut and paste. It is a proper rave and should be enjoyed, although it's all a bit old news for you guys.

[4lan]

Thought this would be an appropriate addition to this thread (Mods please move if needed or duplicated).

Gillard pulls out of Christian Lobby speech in gay marriage row

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has pulled out of a speech at the Australian Christian Lobby's national conference, after its head compared the health effects of smoking to homosexuality.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-0...speech/4246382

4lan

[David Stasey]

Do you reckon Wallace could be an antitheist plant??
I'd been wondering where Ms Gillard's limits on this were. Now we know that she at least has some.

[Lord Blackadder]

Patterson's Curse?


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