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The burka is "un-Australian" claims Aussie senator...



An Australian senator reportedly called the burka "un-Australian" and claims it should be banned - causing intense anger among the country's Muslim community.



Senator Bernardi from Soth Australia claims the full veil is repressive domination of women by men, and established different sets and expectations within Australian society.



His comments were posted on his blog, after an armed robbery by a man in a burka and sunglasses.



Opposition Liberal leader, Tony Abbot, who stopped short of supporting such a ban, said most Australians find the garment confronting.



Prime Minister Rudd accused the Liberals of a cynical political stunt. Australian Muslims have condemned talk of such a ban.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT- ELECT BARACK OBAMA AND AMERICA - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT...

Congratulations to President- Barack Obama and America - can you believe it?

To an outsider and foreigner like myself President-elect Obama appears to be a highly intelligent, pragmatic and ambitious centrist with the ability and charisma to not only lead his people but to restrain any out of control idealogues within his own party. He may well be an unknown quantity and an untested politician in the wider sense. But he has the potential to be an inclusive messenger of hope with great leadership potential. His was a great acceptance speech.

What an admirable, elegant,and gracious concession speech from defeated republican presidential candidate, John McCain. I have gained some real respect for this politician and man in recent weeks. America was indeed fortunate to have two great candidates.

Perhaps John McCain realised even earlier in this campaign that he was part of something greater, something historical and that he was actually part of Barack Obama's destiny. Hopefully Barack Obama will not be cut short in the middle of his career like a notable predecessor, John F Kennedy. It is not only America that seeks leadership but the free world as well.

It is now extremely important for America itself that President Obama is allowed to realise his apparent destiny. As the first African American president of immigrant descent, American birth and education, he is talented, self made and charismatic.

Only the future will tell!

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THE NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ON NOV 8 2008 SHOULD BE A PHOTO FINISH...


The New Zealand parliamentary elections on Nov 8 2008 should be a photo finish.

The social democratic Labour Party are seeking their fourth 3 year term. They will be supported by another left of centre party, the Greens, and one or two other minor parties. The right of centre National Party opposition doesn't have too many options on the right of the spectrum. The ethnic Maori Party could be the kingmakers depending on how many Maori seats they hold; they have four of seven at present with the Labour Party holding three.

NZ has an MMP proportional electoral system - mixed member proportional. Half of the 120 seats are electorate and the other half party based on the percentage of votes the party has won. If a party wins more than their percentage dictates, that becomes an overhang and extra seats added to parliament.

The Labour Party has been a minority government supported by other parties whenever necessary.

There is about ten days to the election day; the polls are erratic and falsely representative. The National Party could win the most seats but not enough to form a government. The Labour Party could have less seats but form a government with the support of the Greens and other minor parties. That is the European style of proportional representatiion; something New Zealand voters have to accept, whether they like the results or not.

SARAH PALIN RECKONS IT'S THE TIME TO TAKE OFF THE GLOVES - A "MOOSEHEAD" IN MY HUMBLE OPINION...


Republican VP nominee, Sarah Palin reckons now is the time to take off the gloves. Loose cannon? Maybe!

As a foreigner looking in, I reckon her claims that Barack Obama was palling up to terrorists are inane and counterproductive to the Republican cause.

It is a sign that the campaign was turning nasty and may well see support for the Republicans falling even further. The Democrats dismiss the claims as just gutter politics!

Palin reckons its time to take off the gloves - just days after both presidential candidates called for a halt to partisan politics in the interests of ensuring the financial package can be passed.

I reckon she is a bit of a "moosehead" who could never be capable of stepping in as an alternative president if McCain was elected.

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