Even though I didn't read the book I am still not happy John.

I am the Citizens Electoral Council candidate for Robertson (Gosford) area.

An investment in Margo's book is an investment in your future, it is essential reading for every Australian citizen, avoid any complacency on this, make no mistake, a vote for Howard is a vote for Bush, Blair and Howard Inc. I don't need to say anything further, this book speaks for itself.

Regards,
Nicholas Tomlin.

G'day. Sorry to be so long out of action on NHJ, and thanks to Harry, Antony, Jack and Hamish for keeping the site going (Polly Bush will join the team soon). They've done a great job - according to The Australian's Christine Jackman in Tuesday's paper: 'In Queensland last week, nothappyjohn.com.au (run by journalist Margo Kingston) hit No. 1 on the Top 10 political websites charts compiled by Hitwise.' Thanks!! I've got a new, limited supply of NHJ stickers, so if you'd like some email me at mkingston@smh.com.au with your postal address and the number you can usefully use. MAINTAIN THE HOPE!

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

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 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 'Support Humane Policies Campaign Inc', branch: Fairfie

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.

Dear Margo and others, I was really struck by this morning's poll.

26 percent said they DID NOT trust Howard. But he was still the prefered prime minister. What does this tell you about the australian people?

WHY WOULD YOU HAVE A PREFERED PRIME MINISTER YOU COULD NOT TRUST?

Makes no sense. What a contradiction!

My desire to see Prime Minister Howard driven from office has more to do with an instinctive gut reaction than any high-powered analysis.

What I cannot stomach about the man is he kidnaps women and children and uses their pain for political gain.

As the Senate enquiry into institutionalised child abuse reveals, there's a nasty streak in some Australians that access to power makes ten times worse.

An enoromous amount of money will be spent on this election by all parties on advertising and promotion, and sick though it is, it will make a difference.

The Greens have just launched an extremely informative website, www.democracy4sale.org, using AEC information collected since 1999, detailing where the parties are getting their big donations. Thank God for some disclosure rules. It doesn't make corporate donations any less a perversion of democracy, but at least we can see who's doing the perverting. Thanks to Emily in the seat of Page for this link.

Some of our correspondents have generously offered us money - no big corporations unfortunately. We don't want any money and have no way to receive it.

But there is plenty that concerned citizens can do with their extra drachmas, and private donations are the single biggest source of funding for small parties and independents. They need you, so put some thought

The mainstream media continue mentioning NHJ under their breath, while never actually understanding the passion underlying the campaign.

Today, again, Gerard Henderson continues his positive rants against a political system which rarely looks outside inner Melbourne or Sydney.

Henderson is kind enough to mention MK and NHJ, though fundamentally ignores the serious disaffection in Western democracies with truth, lies and honesty in government. For the Henderson's of this world, our system is fine, pollies rarely if ever lie and the people should be happy with what they're given. Bring on accountability, I say.

When was the last time you listened to people outside inner Sydney, Gerard?

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:

Its my party and I'll lie if I want to!' (The Rodent)

Robert Manne has written an excellent article at:

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/22/1093113050895.html?from=storylhs

A very articulate and thoughtful piece on critical problems that face us as a nation when the players do not play by the rules and where Howard and co clearly believe they are above the rules. The lack of balances in powers is woefully apparent under the Howard government with its routine abuses of truth, power, and privilege. Instead of humility we get ever growing arrogance, cynical government in the extreme and utter disdain for the voting public of all ages.

Today brings further insults to the intelligence of anyone over 50

Election day is looming and NHJ was greeted last weekend with the re-emergence of our book on the Top 10 Non-Fiction best-seller list. In bookshops in Melbourne and Sydney, NHJ is still kicking goals.

AUGUST RESULTS

Number 5 @ Readings in Melbourne

Number 1 @ Gleebooks in Sydney

Number 3, Non-fiction @ Abbey's in Sydney

Number 7 (all books) @ Better Read than Dead in Sydney

I'll be running an election blog for the Sydney Morning Herald and Age newspapers for the duration of the election campaign. It's called Counterspin.

The aim is to get behind the news, analyse media coverage and debunk the inherent biases in reporting.

Get on board.