Day to Day Politics: Bolt and Nova Peris.
Monday 30 May 2016
1 I’m old fashioned enough to believe that if you don’t like the job you are in, or you have a better offer, or there were circumstances that necessitate moving on, then you are free to do so. It is nobody’s business but your own.
However, it seems that if you happen to be a female Senator, a former champion sportsperson of Aboriginal decent then it’s Andrew Bolt’s business.
Last week he was on Sky News discussing Senator Nova Peris’s announcement on Tuesday night, that she would not re contest her seat in the upcoming 2016 election.
As is his manner when it comes to matters of race, Bolt labeled Nova Peris a ‘disgrace’ for not re contesting.
“For her now to bail, three years later in the middle of an election campaign, sort of raising stereotypes of ‘not sticking to it, going walkabout,’ all that kind of thing, is a disgrace, is an absolute disgrace on her part,” Mr Bolt said.
He added Ms Peris represented “race politics” and asked if “race politics” had become “a new kind of racism”.
Mr Bolt again raised the issue of Ms Peris leaving in a live interview on ‘The Bolt Report’ with Warren Mundine, the chairman of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advisory Council.
“Doesn’t this actually feed a negative stereotype, you know that ancient one, that Aboriginals not really sticking to it? When you know that’s false, and she’s let the team down?” he asked.
An Australian Senator makes a decision that she wants to take a different course in her life and all of a sudden it’s a race problem that requires a racist response from Bolt.
I doubt very much if anyone would take much interest if Bolt decided he no longer wanted to write for the newspaper where the truth goes to die, and instead decided to critique European opera because he thinks ours isn’t good enough.
Anyway my opinion of Andrew Bolt is well known on this blog. As if to corroborate my view on this subject in particular I happened to be reading The Conservation and came across an article titled ‘Andrew Bolt, Nova Peris, And The Politics Of ‘Walkabout’’ by Dr Liz Conor.
In it she sagaciously compares Bolt’s fallacious use or the term ‘walkabout’ by comparing it with the wanderings of his forbearers.
“We could call the migration of his forebears any of those things but these characterisations aren’t exactly ready-to-hand because Bolt is white. Instead we tend to describe settler’s movements as pioneering, as leading the way, breaking new ground, laying down tracks, forging and initiating.”
“We reserve the less adulatory terms for mobility for refugees and Aborigines – you know, displaced people.”
“We most certainly won’t call Bolt’s forebears’ rather unsettled pattern of settling walkabout. Because this is a racialised colloquialism that properly describes the semi-nomadic movement of Aboriginal people.”
It is a luminous, slap in the face critique of Bolt’s view. One that is probably outside of Bolt’s sphere of apprehension. He writes to the intelligence of a 13 year old and is paid well to do so. Then there are those like Dr Liz Conor who just comprehend.
2 I have often written about the disconnect, the way Australian’s are so disengaged from politics. Our lack of interest in the subject frustrates me no end.
An observation.
“We exercise our involvement in our democracy every three years by voting. After that the vast majority takes very little interest. Why is it so?”
Then I was thinking about the polls and how they are analysed.
Why is it, I asked myself; “If people show such little interest in politics why do the polls, generally speaking, seem to be a fairely accurate reflection of how people are thinking?”
After all there are many of them who poll a vast cross section of the community.
It is fair to say that at the moment Labor is experiencing a swing toward it and some even show it is in a winning position. Against this, polling in the marginal seats where Labor has to win, the picture isn’t so bright. Having said that I have always felt that the seat by seat samples are too small to be totality accurate.
So in regards to polls and what they reflect I wonder if people are as disengaged as we think. Turnbulls popularity has continuously fallen. We only know this because ordinary Australians are frequently asked their opinion.
3 The criticism of Bill Shorten’s remarks by Malcolm Turnbull are shortsighted in so much as the whole world is saying them.
For what it’s worth this is what I think of the fool: Only in America.
From down under we see a sick deluded man of no redeeming features, full of racial hatred, bile and misogyny. A deluded pathetic liar unsuitable for the highest office in the land, if not the world. He sees complex problems and impregnates them with popularism and implausible black and white solutions.
He is a person of limited intellect and understanding only capable of seeing the world through the prism of his own wealth. The far edges of knowledge seem to have passed him by. Matters requiring deep philosophical consideration seem beyond him.
His opinions on subjects of internal and international importance are so shallow that one would think he spent the entirety of his youth in the wading pool at the local swimming pool, or 6 years in grade six and never academically advanced.
He is a crash through politician with a ubiquitous mouth, Trump remains an incoherent mess who bounces back after each disaster thinking he has been impressive while those around him are laughing their heads off. Entertaining in a uniquely American way he might be to the hillbillies but leadership requires worldly character.
Is America to have, an ignoramus of first world order, as President.
It might be said that my description of Trump has descended into what Americans call ‘hyperbole’.
If I have I make no apologies.
My thought for the day.
“An enlightened society is one in which the suggestion that we need to legislate ones right to hate another person is considered intellectually barren“.
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Return to home pageIf you want something utterly obnoxious, offensive, incorrect and derisive… cue Bolt!
The man is a moron and neanderthal, although I suspect neanderthals were of more value than Bolt.
I try not to give him much thought but when I do lately it’s to be grateful that his reach appears to be shrinking.
It is absolutely no one’s business what anyone chooses to do with their life and career. In fact, I think if we had more politicians that sat for a few years then moved on I think we’d have a much better system. Certainly couldn’t be worse than these career politician idiots we are currently saddled with.
Thanks John. Always a great read.
I expect that Bolt would not acknowledge the connection between the political act of calling a double dissolution and the decision of those whose term has been cut in half not to seek re-election: No, it is THEIR decision not to stand again which is wrong, not the PM’s. Why does this person get reported at all? How many ‘D’s in Bolt?
As I understand it, Senator Peris was elected for a six year term [section 7 of our Constitution , states : ‘The senators shall be chosen for a term of six years’].
I have no doubt that without the political manipulation of our Constitution by the coalition she would have served out her six year term.
As it is a Double Dissolution has been contrived by an arrogant government trying to gain control of both Houses of our parliament.
I fully support Senator Peris’ right to opt out when her appointment by the people of the NT was cut short as a direct result of the game playing by the coalition.
Of dutch descent.Doesn’t say much for the dutch.does it.mark
Bolt has a right to bark his bigoted bullshit (up to the point of fraud or legal defamation/vilification), and murdochs dark empire has a right to broadcast his crap. Such is the nature of the noble art of manufacturing opinion and counterfeiting consent.
Where I lose my gruntle is when elected representatives give oxygen to his social arson and legitimise his prejudice and deception by lining up to prostitutionally prostrate at the feet of someone proven to perpetrate falsehood for the sake of racial vilification.
There are some really sick puppies wandering around Australia
https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/31717606/racism-stops-with-me-nova-peris-epic-take-down-of-racist-commenter/
Sick puppy is too nice a name for that bloke, Kaye.
I just read the link you posted, Kaye Lee. There are some really vile people in this country. And Andrew Bolt is one of them. He incites the type of sick scum like Chris Nelson, and helps them justify their revolting rantings.
There is no justification for the bile he threw at Nova Peris.
I stand with Nova.
“we see a sick deluded man of no redeeming features, full of racial hatred, bile and misogyny”….. and it is equally applicable to that despicable bigot Bolt.
“Of dutch descent.Doesn’t say much for the dutch.does it.mark”
mark, do Alan Jones et all the other numerous shock jocks originate from Holland? I never listen to any , so I can’t even name them, so sorry…
I remember that Bolt sometimes appeared on the Insiders on ABC, but not for long…
Yes Michael, and it gives dogs a bad name.
I like dogs. They are faithful, loyal and generally happy creatures to spend time with. This bloke has no redeeming qualities.
It escapes me why no one frames Bolt’s racial characteristics as being stubborn, block headed, set in his ways as I have heard many of Dutch descent described, even of themselves.
What commentary did Bolt make of Hockey’s expensive, Armenian decision to jump ship?
“We exercise our involvement in our democracy every three years by voting. After that the vast majority takes very little interest. Why is it so?”
I prefer to think of our voting rights in this manner,
“We spend 15 minutes every three years to consign our rights and responsibilities to people who will control and dictate our lives for the next three+ years. Why do we show so little interest in that decision to abrogate such an important decision affecting every aspect of our lives”
As for Trump.
Hubby commented the other day that Trump is incapable of speaking publicly without praising himself.
I worry more that this unhinged, ego maniacal, quarter wit will have control of the world’s largest arsenal of nuclear weapons!
And as for Bill’s comments, which Mal tried to frame as ” undiplomatic” (read unPrime Ministerial)
At least Bill was accurate and honest!!!
Mal would prefer to keep “The Donald” as a frenemy because that’s what you do in high society!
Ah – Bolty McRaceFace
I just saw that the NSW Police are investigating that ‘sick puppy’ over racial vilification. He’ll blame Aborogines, of course.
I don’t have Foxtel so don’t see him but did this week. I was appalled as always. He would do well in the US on Fox News. We would be well rid of him.
Thankfully I do not listen or read a word the convicted racist criminal Bolt utters, unless on sane media outlets thankfully, such as AIM and its contributors.
John to ‘steal’ some of your words ‘I doubt very much if anyone would take much interest if Bolt’ ….and add mine..’
name appeared on a 10 tonne truck, preferably moving toward him’.
I am a peaceful man and that if quick, would be a peaceful end to a disgusting blight on humanity. An undeserving one, but as I say I am a peaceful man.
Aboriginal women don’t go “walkabout”. It’s a male right of passage, traditionally, at least. The modern use of it to suggest temporal mobility is beyond insulting.
Bolt is a disgrace, a scum bag on the media,it is an embarrassment. The sooner this bigot disappear the better
Perhaps Nova Peris was only intending to work for a 6 year term and now with the DD she faces 9 years in the Senate. If that’s the case, isn’t it preferable that she ends now, rather than go through the expense of an election campaign and then resign mid term if she is successful? One only has to look at Peris’ sporting achievements to see that the accusation of not being able to stick at anything is just a load of Bolt’s racist hogwash. She was a valuable member for several years of the Australian women’s hockey team, which was ranked #1 in the world during that time. Anyone who doesn’t perform in that environment gets booted quickly.
Peris’ reasons for quitting politics are a matter for her and her alone. I have to say, though, I’m not sure who the bigger cockhead is – Bolt or Warren Mundine. Ok, Bolt is, but Mundine seems to be trying hard to emulate that sort of dimwittery.
Why, oh why does anyone listen to the mindless ravings of the miserable example of Earthly existence called andrew blot?
As one of the guys I work with puts it, how the hell did he manage to crawl out of the abortion bucket ? Rule 303. No question.
Nova plays my sport. I just wish…..
Sounds like the Bolt has lost it’s nut.
John …. ( you said ) ” I have often written about the disconnect, the way Australian’s are so disengaged from politics. Our lack of interest in the subject frustrates me no end.”
Have often wondered the same, and then a thought has occurred … sharing with you. …. I have seen just recently the subject of politics given an airing at a family function ( but not by me ). One or two tentatively replied, one stomped off in anger ( at what I don’t know ), and the few remaining shut their mouths very tightly. The subject died quickly. …. My own sister is a blue ribboned Liberal – on committees, involved with the LNP. … We do NOT discuss politics. She throws snide spanners occasionally, I pointedly ignore them.
Old teachings from generations ago, do have a way of having a life beyond the decades – and it was often said – – and still is today by many ” never discuss politics or religion “. I think it began in the Victorian era, to ensure ultra-polite and light conversation around dinner tables.
But by heck, I think it resonates just as loudly today – which is perhaps why we ( who do follow and speak our minds about politics ) might believe that a vast majority of Australian people are disinterested in political games.
I believe a great many Australians, quietly consider their own reactions – or in the privacy of their homes, let their other half ‘have it’ over either of the parties spokespersons. Outside of the home however, – it is zipped lips.
This all gives the wrong impression …. that of disinterest, lack of feeling, a don’t care attitude by many Aussies, who actually, simply don’t want to end up in heated argument, which would have no resolution.
Your comments about polls, and their often being close to the mark, underscores this. A polled person is free to answer, as they remain anonymous, and it is not personal.
Just a thought …….
Thank you, John, for your observations on Nova Peris and Bolt – her treatment echoes that of the treatment of Julia Gillard.
In “Bolt-World” if you are a prominent female you will never do anything right (even if you’re of The Right – you betta tread carefully, Bolt is watching) finally, if you have the temerity to be non-white, then it’s an extra serve of shellacking for you.
Anni B. I recall as a twenty year old into my first selling job. My boss told me never to discuss the three religions. Religion itself, politics and Aussie rules football. I never took his advise.
…and “Blot-on-the-Landscape” Bolt was suitably backed up on “The Drum” by Greg “Toady” Sheridan who was just as vilely superficial in his comment, particularly so when criticized for his nascent racism he answered, arrogantly, “I treat everyone the same.” A rancid rabble this lot!
Bolt is the disgrace. Attempting to legitimise racism by feigning ‘knowledge’ of the targeted race is a classic right wing strategy.
Great piece, John. Thank you.
I believe Andrew Bolt claims to have some indigenous American genealogy; I think maybe Cherokee.
Considering his total dismissal of Australian Indigenous Peoples for the recognition to state their own cases without interference, I wonder about his massive inferiority complex that would rather abuse the abused than the abuser.
He may be paid good dollars now by ghoulish Uncle Rupe, but I see this idiot as having a brain seizure because he has too many hangups happening all the time contemporaneously.
Bolt’s recent comments regarding the disproportionate rate of Aboriginal children being taken into Out-of-Home Care are outrageous and ignorant. He is nothing but a glorified patriarchal concern troll.
“NSW Police have charged a Central Coast man over allegedly posting racist comments on the Facebook page of outgoing Northern Territory Labor senator Nova Peris.
Woy Woy-based chiropractor and osteopath Chris Nelson, 64, was arrested at his business this afternoon.
He has been charged with using a carriage service to cause offence.
Nelson has denied he is responsible, saying his account was hacked.
At the time the comments were posted, Nelson was a member of the Liberal Party’s NSW division.”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-30/nova-peris-online-racist-abuse-nsw-chiropractor-charged/7460374
Ms Peris did cite ‘family reasons’ for her decision to leave Parliament. I am somewhat gobsmacked that a male can do this and the only reaction is sympathy BUT when it’s a female (and our first Aboriginal woman) the condemnation has been loud – she can’t hack the pace. How many women, in how many circumstances have been denigrated in this way..and excuse in many walks of life for keeping women 2nd class citizens. Bolt’s reaction is the same as always – an excuse to make his vehement hatred of skin of a darker hue appear legitimate and ‘mainstream’. Bolt represents none other than the Chris Nelson types.
John – – re ( May 30, 2016 at 3:13 pm )
Good onya. …. You didn’t take the bosses advice … thought for yourself. ….. As I do ( 99% of the time ).
There are occasions however, when it is far more prudent to keep ones’ mouth shut – and … just listen.
However, I do hope you understood the thrust of my argument there …. !!
Cheers …….
Why Bolt is ever given any ‘oxygen’ to contribute to his vile racism, and evil hatred of anything that is not pleasing to him, personally. …. or of his own colouring. ???
I would not give him a title “Mr” Bolt, nor would I even acknowledge his first given name. He is Bolt, without a nut ( or two ) …. and should be treated with the disdain he shows to others. A shock jock ( joke ) with a sizeable pay packet, is Bolt the dolt.
Give him the sizeable miss, and dismiss, that he deserves. …. A disgrace to humanity is the blot, Bolt.
A newspaper troll.
ByB @ 11:15am. You’re spot-on. I’m impressed.
Any chance the good people of The AIMN could just ignore the prick for once (and forever)? I feel violated living in the same hemisphere as him, but surely if we ignore him, he will eventually go away.
Unlikely. After all, Michael Taylor owns the ‘site’.
Just jokin …
But could you ne referring to the Bolta?
The problem with ‘pronouns’ without antecedent nouns and all that. LOL.
Part-owner, MN.
Btw, did you notice your rare typo?
Andrew Bolt; Murdoch’s television answer to Alan Jones, Ray Hadley and others of their nasty radio ilk.
I’ve been ignoring him since I was born and he hasn’t gone anywhere.
ByB @ 11:15am. You’re spot-on. I’m impressed.
Sorry Michael, I actually meant to reply to this but forgot. I grew up in a small Brisbane coastal community that had a number of Aboriginal families (and originally, like so many spots around Brisbane, its own Turrbal clan). Some of them are now spread around Brisbane working for various Indigenous advocacy organisations. Or at least, the ones that still have funding.
Terry2, 30/5, that was my understanding too. It is, apparently, not the case. There was a Nick Harmsen article (ABC) with a curious line in it.
“First – some background. Australia has 76 senators, 12 from each state and two from both the Northern Territory and the ACT. State senators are usually elected to staggered six-year terms, with half of each state’s senators facing the electorate every three years.
The election of Territory senators is tied to elections in the House of Representatives, so they usually serve terms of about three years.”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-24/which-senators-will-get-a-six-year-term-and-which-will-get-three/7438598
With a view to confirming this ‘territory’ anomaly, it seemed appropriate to seek the wisdom of Antony Green, one of the few credible ‘experts’ still at the ABC. Sure enough;
“If Northern Territory Senate terms became fixed and staggered, as other state Senate terms are, ……”
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj29J2c1Y_NAhWIopQKHYRpDcUQFggnMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.abc.net.au%2Fantonygreen%2F2015%2F08%2Fthe-impact-of-nt-statehood-on-the-size-of-the-house-of-representatives.html&usg=AFQjCNGDL7x6uSRAA8I9xcQY76a-fUDWLg
The fact that a doltish git (and I’m using ‘doltish’ in the sense of;
“(of a person) stupid; idiotic.
“a doltish character”
synonyms: stupid, idiotic, moronic, imbecilic, foolish, ignorant, simple, simple-minded, dense, brainless, mindless, dull-witted, dull, slow-witted, witless, half-witted, dunce-like, slow, cretinous, empty-headed, vacuous, vapid;”)
attempted to belittle or besmirch the character of a senator is little other than testimony to his bigoted ignorance.
As many have stated on this site, over a long period of time, ignorance is best challenged by fact and evidence.
If it is the case that territory senators only generally serve three year terms, why didn’t someone from Labor simply point it out? It’s not like we would expect ‘journalists’ to print the facts.
Grateful as always, Mr Lord. For what it’s worth, Nick Harmsen’s “Curious Campaign” writings have been excellent. Take care