Practically hysterical and immensely irrational. Pages and pages of biased opinion without facts to support them. And when the facts do appear, not in context, no analysis, no balance, just more one-sided assertions. Counter agruments are never considered - no bigger view or perspective.

This book gives an immense boost to the right because it shows a left incapable of engaging in debate, but obsessing on details. Take 'the party'. 12 pages of rant before the party list. 6 out of approx 70 donated to the Liberals: irrational conclusion - you have to donate to attend. The problem - no 'novelist, painter actor dancer' present - no carpenter, plumber, electrician, haridresser, butcher or funeral director either - but they apparently don't need representation, just the left elite.

If this is the best that can be done in criticism, then John Howard is safe for another 50 years.

John McDonald of Bindaree Beef is backing challengers in National Party electorates. Bindaree Beef has already held meetings with local people in Roma, Taree and Gympie.

Check out this article in the AFR on July 29, 2004 titled

Thank you Margo for your stimulating book.

I read it on my plane trips from Queensland to visit and care for my ailing 90 year old Dad on the Blue mts NSW. He served in the Middle East and on the Kokoda Trail and understands the futility of war. He is not impressed with Howard's Australia or our involvement in Iraq, a war that will never be won.

I grew up running free on the Blue Mts and later spent 7 years working in Tasmania, climbing mountains and joining with thousands of others to attempt to save Lake Pedder.

Having now lived and worked as a Land Surveyor in Queensland for 30 years my vote has gone to John's team a few times. No more! I just hope that Australians will think long and hard about the big and honest picture and not be swayed this time by a few extra dollars from John.

My vote will be 1 The Greens for our fragile environment, compassion, community and anti war.

I've had a couple of people very generously offer money. The fact is, we have none and don't really want any just now. We don't have a bank account.

But money is important, and for those with the itch to put some dough into beating Howard, there's plenty of options. John Valder is taking donations for his unique campaign to unseat Howard in Bennalong. All candidates need money so if you think your local is a good'n and has a chance of making an impact, send 'em a cheque.

Robin Rothfield, convenor of http://www.defeathoward.com has given us details of another philanthropic option. They are raising money to buy newspaper advertising in marginal seats with a view to toppling the Howard candidates.

Cheques to:-
Support Humane Policies Campaign Inc
Attention: Robin Rothfield
PO Box 35
FAIRFIELD VIC 3078

Or pay Commonwealth Bank account 063130 10237850, named 'Supp

This may or may not be related to the Free Trade Agreement between the USA and Australia, but here are some figures relevant to age pensioners:

At the end of 2003, prescriptions under the PBS scheme were $3.70 per prescription. In January 2004 each prescription went up to $3.80, an increase of about 2.7%

In August 2004, somewhat unexpectedly, and in another of the Howard blows to pensioners, the prescription charge went up to $4.40, an increase this time of 15.8%.

Who has noticed, and who has commented on this?

Not stupid, John!

Dear Margo,

I bought your book 'Not Happy John' yesterday after hearing about the NHJ launch - and started to read with earnest.

I am a New Australian ( not that new though I spent 20 years of my life in Australia - almost 50% ). During this time, I learnt that New Australians must contribute in the political life of their adopted home - it's true - we get the government we deserve. In Asia, many people have long given up and become indifferent in their because of the oppressive political regimes they lived in. Failing to act, they therefore inherit the consequences of their inaction.

This must not happen in Australia. A country's greatness is due to its people and Australia is a great country because Australians are honest, warm in their friendships, charitable and compassionate to the needy and always honorable in their words and conduct. But this is changing owing to the poor leadership we have. And we must stop it.

Recently I wrote Tony Abbott saying that the Howar

Margo,

Thank you so much for being outraged enough to pen your book. I found it intensely interesting and very readable - I'm going to be buying copies to send to Aussie relatives and friends living as expats, as well as those at home, to ensure that people can consider themselves 'educated' about the machinations of Canberra, career politicians and the 'big' media.

I thought that you and others (Latham included) would be interested to know that apparently when Howard (finally) goes it won't be Costello assuming the Liberal Party leadership. I have been told that a senior Liberal Party member was heard to say that Abbott - not Costello - has sufficient Caucus support to be Howard's successor. (I know this sounds all a bit vague, but the retelling of the comment - made at the Tourism policy relaunch a few months ago - is completely reliable).

I don't know about you, but I can imagine few more disturbing scenarios than Tony Abbott as an Opposition Leader, let alone Prime

As we all know, a major focus of this election campaign is economic performance & interest rates, & so far we've seen plenty of attempts to scare people about interest rates.

I've been looking for some information that summarises both the Fraser Government's economic record (in which Howard was treasurer) in terms of interest rates, inflation etc as well as something on housing affordability to put the arguments of the benefits of low interest rates in perspective.

Here's an article that raises a few interesting points in a very simple & understandable way I think the parties opposed to the Government need to raise to properly inform voters:

Below is a good example of what many NHJ!ers at a loose end may wish to put some weight behind in the coming weeks. The letter, sent out to groups from the 'End the Lies - Howard Out' campaign, was forwarded to me by NHJ!erIsabella. Thanks for that.

-----------------------------------------

31 August 2004

To: Trade Unions, Community organisations, etc

NHJ!er Alexander Strang sent us this link to a distinctly NHJ! article from the Guardian.

Here's the link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia/story/0,12070,1297548,00.html

Margo,

This book is a blistering and searing account of politics in Australia today, and how democracy is very quickly deteriorating.

I guess I'm sick and tired of hearing Liberals banging on about how they're spreading democracy for everyone to enjoy and embrace.

THIS IS NOT THE CASE.

And I guess I'm also tired of hearing Liberals whinge and sook about why they're always portrayed as mean and nasty and uncaring. We're living in a country where Howard and his cronies have clearly taken us to the dogs with their arrogant, mean-spirited and self-serving policies.

HE DOES NOT GOVERN FOR ALL OF US.

People need to quickly start understanding this.

OUR DEMOCRACY IS UNRAVELLING.

This book is an alternative form of opposition to the government in such a crucial juncture of our political lifecourse. It is books like this one, and others such as Bob Ellis' Night Thoughts and David Marr's Dark Victory that inform the public about the goings on of such a cowardly

Following Margot Kingston's lead, we can ask candidates to address the fundamentals of good government/ governance. Here's a possible formulation:

There are many of us who want radical (in the correct sense) alternatives to the

I bought the book (Not Happy John) yesterday and I have had confirmed in detail what I have felt for years about Howard.

Add that to Moore's film and I think we're done like a bloody dinner.

I am beginning to wonder if the balance of power might fall into the hands of the Greens and Dems etc. That way at least we will have some argument. It won't be comfortable, but the alternative is worse.

B

Hi, I've made some Anti-Howard t-shirts for the election out of this image, Howard in the Guise of Che. If anyone would like some mailed to them, I would be more than happy to do so. You can contact me at: bentleykf@hotmail.com. Thanks:

-niall campbell

After the successful inaugral Liars for Howard storming of Martin Place last week, the campaign moves to support the wonderful Malcolm Turnbull in his beleagured mission to enter Parliament.

Additional Liars would be very welcome in our urgent task of supporting Mr Howard's right to lie to the Australian public.

We are meeting at in Bondi Junction Mall (Oxford Mall) near the station entrance. Contact Ruth Overboard on 0423 820370 or Frau Du Lent on 0419 290788 for more details. Also see the website - www.liarsforhoward.org.