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 Executive Editor / Founder Chris Uzal
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Howard Claims Rights To 'S' Word Australian Prime Minister John Howard has somehow found a way to steal some of the glory of his British counterpart, Tony Blair. Cyberista has never had to write a 'Dear John' letter before but it's high time we did. The Age reports today that John Howard reckons that the British report clearing the Blair Government of claims it "sexed up" its intelligence on Saddam Hussein's weapons also exonerated him. "Those who have accused us of taking Australia to war on a lie owe me as much an apology as those who made equal accusations against Tony Blair owe him an apology," the Prime Minister said. Asked if he was concerned that intelligence warnings that Iraq had stockpiled weapons of mass destruction appeared to have been incorrect, Mr Howard said: "It's still too early to make a final judgment. If you wait for proof beyond all reasonable doubt, as I said more than a year ago, you face a potential Pearl Harbour situation." Firstly, the terms of reference for the British inquiry was in respect to the Blair government, not the Howard government. Secondly, and not that we want to sound glib and trivial; but Mr Howard is yet to become Australia's foremost expert on giving advice about making apologies. To be frank, there's about as much chance of that happening as Mr Howard organizing and leading a National 'Sorry' Day march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to shake hands, kiss and makeup with Australia's indigenous population. The world no longer faces a 'potential Pearl Harbour situation'. We respectfully point out the reality is we have (and always did have) an Iraq situation. It has been exacerbated in no small part thanks to wonky evidence presented so earnestly by US Secretary of State Colin Powell to the United Nations. Who is going to apologise, let alone take responsibility, for that? Whether the question is tabled, let alone answered, amongst the flurry of political and diplomatic finger-pointing that lies ahead is a moot point. NEWS LINK: Iraq critics owe me apology: Howard, The Age 30 January 2004
Australia: You're Standing In It Today is a national day of celebration and reflection. As with most public holidays, many will sleep in to make the most of their extra day of rest before rising - only to fall asleep again in front of the telly or the BBQ. Shrimps will be thrown on the latter of course. A few tinnies of beer may well be thrown at the former. That outcome is dependant on how Australia's national cricket team fares this weekend in the one-day match against that powerhouse of world cricket, Zimbabwe. America has July 4th. Australia has January 26th - Australia Day. And damn - aren't the Australian media becoming experts at whipping up that parochial whimsy! In truth though we do have much to reflect this year on a personal and a national level. For your trusty editors waves of nostalgia sweep us back to the 26th January 1996 - well one of us anyway - to a half-star hotel room in Luxhor, Egypt with thin, musty walls. Inside two Aussie backpackers faithfully belt out the chorus to 'Land Downunder', whilst outside on the street below a butcher hacks the head off a rather large bull for his Ramadan-observant clientele. His sense of musical beat quite admirable to say the least. Meanwhile Australian feminist author Germaine Greer was at it again this week. For one of Australia's tallest poppies, Australia Day seemingly was an opportunity to deride her country of birth from a long distance safely behind walls laden with degrees from Oxford. Greer is prone to making infrequently bitter observations on the home country. Maybe she's just homesick from lack of attention? Or was it that she was merely caught off guard by a whimsical Australian journalist looking for a cheap, comment driven headline? Finally the Australia Day holiday long weekend usually means cricket at its finest at the Adelaide Oval. This year is no exception however today the venue will make a temporary transition from sporting oval to national shrine to celebrate the life and career of former Test cricketer David Hookes. Before the start of play at yesterday's match players, officials and crowd observed a minute's silence to remember a man immensely respected by his cricketing peers and the public. 'Hooksey' died last week well before his time. Australia will miss you 'Hooksey'. Vale David Hookes 1955 - 2004. Fox Sports: Australian Test cricketer David Hookes |
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