Midnight Oil

[Powderworks] PG latest

Kate Parker Adams kate at dnki.net
Tue Jun 8 18:38:58 MDT 2004


I was thinking something very much along these lines.  They are flying PG up
a flagpole and looking for reactions and trying to flush out the other
party's hand.  Unfortunately, it makes PG out to be a bit of a pawn when he
hasn't said much of nothing.

Reading through this, I am reminded of how a friend of mine bemoans that a
friend of his has ceased to be an activist and has found being an academic
far too cushy (said friend of his having served with PG on the international
board of Greenpeace). If PG goes to Labor instead of the Greens, will that
be a sign that he has ceased being an activist and has become a politician?

-----Original Message-----
From: powderworks-bounces at cs-lists.cs.colorado.edu
[mailto:powderworks-bounces at cs-lists.cs.colorado.edu]On Behalf Of
ribman at manthey.com.au
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 7:43 PM
To: powderworks at cs-lists.cs.colorado.edu
Subject: Re: [Powderworks] PG latest


I suspect this is a candid camera moment.  Labour stands to lose nothing
whatsoever by mooting PG as "someone we would like to have stand for
us".  And that's all that's happened in my reading of the press.  Labour
invites, PG says nothing, Labour says we're waiting to see what PG thinks,
Labour gets lots of free and very positive publicity.  "Look how credible we
are, we want PG to stand for us".  The Liberals are stuck for a response,
because they can't bag PG too much as he appeals strongly to a specific
demographic.
I am confident that Labour numbers men know that PG is a 1% chance to
say yes, so they have only gains to make by going on and on about this.
My call is that this is Labour making easy press time and nothing else.
Riding on PG's coat-tails FOC.  Cheap.  PG's best bet (if he wants to be in
the political grinder) would be a Greens senate ticket.  Surely he would get
a seat in the shade that way, and not have to cow-tow (sinc?) to the
"politicians party line - don't cross that floor!"
As I said before, perhaps his "new project" has nothing to do with
prominent public life.  Maybe he's taking care of his wife and kids.  Good
on him if so - he's done more for the planet and society than thousands of
greedy politicians.
Maybe the future will prove me wrong.  I will applaud and support whatever
he does, but I hope he continues to choose his course himself.
manthey

On 7 Jun 2004 at 18:54, Tari, Vince wrote:
>
> The PG situation continues to cause somewhat of a shit storm amongst
> the local Labour Party members.
>
> It seems everyone has had a say on the situation except for the big
> guy himself. Reports here are that he has cancelled all public
> appearances until the dust settles. Hope he pipes up soon & tells us
> what his plans are.
>
> Pity John Howard is overseas right now....would be interesting to hear
> what he has to say about the current situation.
>
> http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/07/1086460239547.html?oneclick=
> true
>
> ALP clears runway for Garrett's next gig
> By Anne Davies, Aban Contractor and Stephanie Peatling
> June 8, 2004
>


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