The Invasion of Europe.

Some Questions for those who think the great majority of the Muslims pouring into Europe are genuine refugees.
1 Why do young men outnumber others 10 to 1
2 Why do they attack, both physically and verbally those trying to stop them or to find out who they are. Many hide their faces, refuse to be finger printed and refuse to be put into ordered camps.
3 Scenes of young Muslim 'refugees' shouting out Allah Akbar and fuck you in Arabic dispel any notion that these are real people fleeing persecution.
4 Why if our Western civilisation is so abhorrent to true Muslims is it the first place the run to.
5 Where are their mothers, sisters and wives. Are they just left behind???
6 Do you really think these people are going to settle quietly in places like Germany; learn the language, obey western laws and assimilate into the culture.

Wake up people please before it is to late.

REFUGEE CRISIS IN EUROPE

Some questions that need answers.
1. Why do young men outnumber others 9 to 1
2. Why does the media always just show scenes of the very few mothers and children in the crowd.
3. Why don't these people  stay in places like Turkey where they are safe and amongst fellow       Muslims.
4. How many refugees have Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other rich oil states taken. The answer is 0. WHY?
5. Why when asked do they invariable say they want 'a better life'. If refugees why don't they say, 'to be safe'.
6. Where are all the mothers, sisters, daughters and other female family members? If they have left them behind to face 'danger and persecution' are they not cowards in fleeing themselves or have no regard for females?
7. How can the Europeans be sure that amongst all these thousands of unscreened so called refugees there are not many radicals who have arrived to do them harm.

I am sure that any person truly looking at these events and ignoring the media hype will also have many questions.

THE RADICALISATION OF MUSLIM YOUTH IN AUSTRALIA

The Australian Government has set aside many millions of dollars for programmes to stop the radicalisation of young Muslims.
A few days ago it was reported in the media that Muslim organisations were complaining that it was not enough money and was being spent too slowly. There was no report as to what they, the so-called moderate Muslims, were doing about this cancer in their ranks.
Just last night on the television news there was footage of a Muslim Imam here in Australia calling for a Muslim Army to be formed and for the downfall of our Government, the installation of Sharia law and a Muslim Caliphate to take its place. The meeting was attended in Sydney by over 200 people.
If the Muslims in this country are truly trying to eradicate radicalisation WHY is this man not censured by them and why is it the Australian tax payers responsibility to try to do so.
If you are true moderate Muslims and your faith is one of peace then please show the rest of Australia that this is so by your deeds.

THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

Currently to join the Australian Labor Party one must first be a member of a union.
This, unfortunately, has one major outcome. The Labor Party is controlled by the unions.
Their policies are dictated by the unions. Their candidates are chosen by the unions and mostly decisions made by Labor politicians are influenced by their union affiliations.
It is my opinion that if the Australian Labor Party wants to remain a strong force in Australian Politics it must change.
Scrap union membership as a requirement to join. Candidates chosen by members in the electorate and do away with union factions among their elected members.

THE UKRAINE SITUATION

The situation that Ukraine and Russia find themselves in today is typical of many such problems that have occurred around the world in the past 100 years or so.
I will explain.
Many times the borders of countries and even countries themselves are arbitrarily decided on political grounds or even to satisfy external pressures. Too often this does not take into account the ethnicity or political leanings of the people affected. Sometimes even large populations that consider themselves to be a national group are left stateless. The Kurds in the Middle East are a perfect example of this.
Another example of this is Hungary where now more Hungarians live outside of Hungary than within. This occurred because of the arbitrary changing of their borders after wars.
i do not know what the future holds for the Ukraine but i just wish that the powers that be would let the people decide.

RUGBY LEAGUE

I know that many people follow rugby league in Australia. However it is only a SPORT.
I do not know why certain commercial TV stations in Australia spend at least 40 to 50% of their evening news broadcast on the subject.
We do not need to know that some overpaid player has a groin strain or that another did not turn up to training or that some player might transfer from one club to another.
Such items as these are reported at length to the exclusion of news that might affect every Australian.
I. E. The visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia was not reported on the channel 9 news but 15 minutes of rugby non news was. Get real people.

AUSTRALIA THE LUCKY COUNTRY

I have recently returned from a road trip that took my wife and myself from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney Australia to Brisbane. a round trip of well over 2,000 ks. That is probably less than one third of the way along the east coast of Australia. My point. Australia; The largest island and smallest continent and we (Australians) own it all. We can travel freely the length and breadth of our nation.
We have a stable government, health care for all, free education and a wonderful care free life style.
Also there are not to many countries where in one day you can go snow skiing in the morning and diving on a world heritage  coral reef in the afternoon.
We have unique wild life. Fantastic beaches. A great climate. And, unlike the USA not everyone thinks they have to own a gun for protection, in fact we have possibly the lowest deaths per 1,000 head of population from gun crime of any nation in the world.
So, to my fellow Australians, stop complaining and just enjoy the fact that you live in the Best, Fairest, Safest and Most Free country in the world.

QANTAS AND THE UNIONS

Qantas the Australian airline is suffering severe financial difficulties and today I heard the head of the Transport Workers Union give his opinion about what should be done.
The airline has stated that it will have to shed up to 5,000 jobs over the next three years to stay viable.
The only offer from the TWU was reduce that number drastically or we will take industrial action (strikes).
Industrial action would only have the effect of worsening Qantas's position and increasing its losses. If that occurred the airline would either fold or have to reduce costs further.
Surely common sense would dictate that the union should work with Qantas management in a cooperative way to ensure the future viability of the airline and therefore the security of the jobs of employees covered by the TWU.

QANTAS

There has been much media speculation that Qantas, the Australian International Airline, will be allowed to increase its foreign ownership to over 50%.
I believe that Qantas is an iconic AUSTRALIAN company and how could we call it OUR airline if it is owned by foreigners.
The help that Qantas needs is the reduction of the many freedoms granted to its competitors and the unions involved in the airline to take a realistic look at the future of some of the extraordinary wages and conditions that their member now enjoy.
The last time I looked Qantas clerical staff on shift work get 5 weeks leave every 8 months and 3 months long service leave after 10 years. This compares with airline staff in America that get just 2 weeks a year and most receive no such thing as long service leave.
Unless common sense prevails we will see many many Qantas jobs disappearing overseas like Ford, Holden and Toyota. Those companies are just the latest in a ling list who just cannot afford to remain in Australia.

CHANNEL SEVEN SUNDAY NIGHT REPORT

Last night Australian TV Channel 7 showed video of the raid conducted on their premises by Australian Police forces. Whilst they played the video they dubbed it with the sound of NAZI boots marching and martial music.
I find this a disgrace as the raid was legitimate and based on information gathered and some that was available in the public domain.
To liken our Police services to Nazi storm troopers was most offensive to many Australians.
Channel 7 you have over stepped the mark this time. I think you doth protest too much!

MANUS ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE

Today i read about candle lit vigils being held for the "refugee" who died during the recent Manus Island riot.
I make the following points.
These people were calling him a poor refugee who came here seeking our help. Nobody knows the history of this man. For all we know he could have been a criminal fleeing the law in his own country. People should not make claims that cannot be substantiated.
This man could have also been an instigator of the riot and been killed whilst attacking others.
If you wish to hold candle lit vigils please do so for those who we know the facts about.

THE MEETING OF TWO POPES

On the TV tonight we have the ridiculous spectacle of the meeting of two popes during the inauguration of the latest cardinals.
We were entranced by this meeting of an exclusive men's only club. Elderly men paraded around dressed in funny hats and wearing dresses overlaid with lace. The whole scene was resplendent in gold and precious gems. This display of wealth and power was occurring at the same time as many of the people in Catholic Countries live in abject poverty.
WHAT does this have to do with Christianity. Jesus taught humility, inclusiveness and the rejection of the trappings of absolute wealth. His early followers met in the homes of believers and partook of simple ceremonies. There were no gold crosses, embroidered dresses, silly hats. the waving of smoke, just fellowship and a simple meal together as equals.
This ridiculous facade, empty of true Christianity and empathy has to change. There needs to be another reformation.

MANUFACTURING IN AUSTRALIA

The recent announcement that Toyota are ceasing car making in Australia in 2017 further highlights a problem that we have in this country.
Much has been said about the exchange rate of the Australian dollar and the small market that is Australia. There is however one fact that is overlooked or not given due importance. That is productivity.
For Instance. Japanese car workers are paid roughly the equivalent of Australian workers but for every two cars produced by a worker here the Japanese workers produce three.
We appear to have this feeling of entitlement here in Australia. We may have better wages, better conditions, more holidays, shorter working hours etc....BUT in the global markets that exist today are these entitlements sustainable????

SCHAPELLE CORBY

Schapelle Corby, a convicted drug courier is released from jail and the Australian media go into a frenzy. Even the channel 9 morning show sent over their top man. It is headlines on all the news reports.
At the same time Toyota looks like closing manufacturing in Australia in 2017 with the loss of at least 2000 jobs. Lets get our priorities right here. Corby is just a criminal being released after spending her time in jail. Nothing less nothing more. Enough is enough!!
What she has done or might do has absolutely no impact on me or for that matter 99.99% of Australians. Now go away and report something that REALLY matters.

RUGBY LEAGUE IN AUSTRALIA

Today is a sad day.
The last international cricket match of the season in Australia was played last night.
So for approximately 8 or 9 months we wont see true sportsman at the height of their powers playing a game where no one gets punched, eye gouged, elbowed or smashed into the ground.
Now starts the season of over paid, overweight, under employed 'football heroes'.
Already we have the sorry stories of assaults, drink driving and drugs.
It is beyond time that this sport was cleaned up.
How can a rugby league player claim to be an elite sports hero when they spend most of their off time up till the morning hours in clubs and pubs.
There should be much stricter penalties for such behaviour before they can claim to be 'role models' for our children and youth.
There is much in the news these days about alcohol fuelled violence.....well our footballers have a great chance to set an example for good in this area.

TONY ABBOTT

Tony Abbott and the new Liberal National coalition government should now begin to have clear water ahead to start to implement some of their policies. They have now identified most of the mess left to them by the previous Labor Government. When the new Senate is sworn in in the middle of the year this should give them an opportunity to push through new legislation.
The later part of this year 2014 will be the time that we should be starting to judge Tony and his team on their performance.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Well the silly holiday season is over again for another year.
Now that raises the question, sorry to digress, should we wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as the US President did just Happy Holidays. Me, I am for Merry Christmas. I would not be offended if someone from another religion wished me a happy or merry day on a date that was significant to them.
Now to new year resolutions. Why do we bother; we never keep them. To lose weight for instance takes more that just a wish on one day as does giving up smoking. So my policy is to just relax over the holidays, enjoy the food, the company and all that goes with Christmas.
A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Well it is good to be back home again and back in front of my laptop.
Four weeks ago I had a total knee replacement operation on both knees! Yes both at the same time.
I spent a week in a regular hospital after the operation and then two weeks in a rehab hospital. The physio and hydro therapy were great. I am now walking with just one walking stick. It is still quite painful, especially at night in bed but regular doses of endone and panadol osteo look after this.
If anyone is considering getting a knee replacement operation I would recommend going ahead with it. If both knees need replacement then I would, and my doctor and two friends, recommend getting both done at once.
Possible the worse aspect now is trying to sleep at night as it is very difficult to get comfortable.
I have exercises that I do religiously twice a day and am seeing progress.
I should be back doing regular blog entries soon.

INDONESIA and REFUGEE BOAT PEOPLE

Many asylum seeker boats coming to Australia originate in Indonesia. The boat is Indonesian, the crew are Indonesian and the refugees on board have spent time free in Indonesia. What I cannot understand is why when Australian Military or Customs officials try to turn these boats back when they illegally try to enter Australian waters the Indonesian Government objects.
Most of these boats start calling Australia for assistance even before they leave Indonesian waters. Surely these people are the responsibility of Indonesia and not Australia.

THE END Today i share a poem i wrote recently

THE END?

John Ross ©

I am the last.          

The culmination of mankind’s genius.

The perfect human being.

I see all. I know all. I never grow old.

Millenniums, ages, eons stretch out behind me.

I look down on the city from my lofty tower.

I see order, beauty, industry.

Created, maintained, by cold lifeless machines.

 

 I am the last.

We came from star dust.

We fought, learned, loved, hated.

We grew, prospered, imagined great things.

We dared to believe we would live forever.

For a brief second we thought perfection was achieved.

 

I am the last.

We cast aside so much.

The joy of new life, youth, discovery.

The challenges of failure, hardship, striving to achieve.

No need for compassion, forgiveness, repentance.

We knew all but had nothing.

                                              

I am the last.

I have seen the stars slowly dim and die.

Burnt out, exhausted.

We reached for them; they eluded us.

Now they and us, me, I, will end.

The universe is ready to die.

 

I am the last.

Loneliness is a constant cloak.

They are all gone, we may not age but we still die.

Love, friendship, a look, a touch. No more. Never.

I feel the weight of untold billions of people.

Their lives, their very being instilled in me.

 

I am the last.

Millenniums drift by.

The sun. The giver of life dims.

Time now to wonder. Why Who What. Meaning.

Soon it will end. This journey of Mankind.

Will there ever be another story.

Perhaps another beginning.

I am the last.