My guest today is Virginia Balmain who is the President of the United Nations Association of Australia (QLD) and the Vice-President of the UNAA in Australia. We chat about Australia’s role in the UN, our obligations as a Member Nation, and some of the contentious issues surrounding the UN – the veto power of the permanent members of the Security Council, the rise of the “Islamic Bloc”, how it is funded and whether or not it is a “toothless tiger”.
I have plenty of concerns about the Bin Laden assassination this week, both in terms of what actually happened and how it is being reported. How could the US President make so many mistakes in his explanation of events? Is it legal to assassinate someone who hasn’t had a trial to determine guilt? Does questioning a government’s version of events automatically make you a crazy conspiracy theorist?
These are some of the questions I explore in today’s show. Would love to know your thoughts.
T-shirt image from $6 Shirts.
Nine Afghan Boys Killed by NATO Helicopters – NYTimes.com
The Greens up two to 15 per cent
Rudd condemns air strike on Afghan boys
UFOs over Sydney – the intergalactic neighbours drop by
Bank of England governor blames spending cuts on bank bailouts
Four time bombs that will blow up Wall Street
Manning faces new charges, possible death penalty
My guest today is Australian author, journalist, blogger and Middle East specialist, Antony Loewenstein.
Links for today’s show:
“What has Wikileaks ever taught us?”
American Being Held for Shootings in Pakistan Worked as Blackwater CIA Contractor
Britain suddenly discovers that democracy is a jolly good idea?
Hamas calls US veto on anti-settlement vote ‘immoral’
This podcast is sponsored by Suave Outdoor Living, contact them for Brisbane Pergolas
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to express my disgust at your government’s treatment of an honourable Australian citizen, namely, Julian Assange.
Here is a man who represents the embodiment of what we consider the Australian ethos – a “fair go” for everyone. By exposing the lies, deceit and hypocrisy of United States’ diplomats and elected officials, he is helping bring about a more honest and transparent geo-political landscape.
Your lack of political, legal and moral support for Assange and your Howardesque pandering to the United States will be the downfall of your political career and your historical legacy. It’s such a shame to see Australia’s first female Prime Minister, an atheist no less, turn out to be as reprehensible and reprobate as the former Howard government.
It further reduces my trust in Australian politicians.
Yours sincerely,
Cameron Reilly
Everton Park, QLD.
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You can email the PM here.