Let me start by saying that I am in no way a racist, I have many friends from various backgrounds, some are Aboriginal, some are not. I treat everyone of my friends and family the same and vice versa. I love the Australian multi-cultural lifestyle that we have largely embraced for the past 50-60 years or more and it continues to grow. Life would be bloody boring if we were all the same.
Now, lets get onto the topic of booing at the football or sport in general and the antics of Mr Adam Goodes from the Sydney Swans FC. I have attended football matches for as long as I can remember and have been an avid Norwood FC supporter and in recent times a supporter of Adelaide Crows FC and pretty much anyone playing against Collingwood or Port Adelaide.
There would not be a game that I have attended where booing of someone, more often than not the Umpires has not taken place. It is part of our game, it is part of our release to vent and let off steam. We do this in Australia rather than get involved in violence or lighting flares, such is the case in overseas Soccer matches. Over the years the crowds have (myself included) booed legends of our great game such as: Michael Aish, Russell Ebert, Wayne Carey, Mathew Lloyd, Tony Lockett, Garry McIntosh, Michael Graham, Gavin Wanganeen, Wilbur Wilson, Paul Bagshaw, John Wynne the list is endless.
We booed them not because we thought they were idiots or a different colour but quite simply because they were good. They were in fact greats, who often would tear up the opposition because of their talents and they were often booed in a vain attempt to perhaps put them off their game. On the other side of the ledger the entire crowd from both supporter bases would often applaud as one when someone like Roger Luders, Tony Modra, Stephen Silvagni, Michael O'Loughlin or Eddie Betts took a screamer.
Football is just one arena where booing often takes place but I have heard it at the cricket, aimed at Shane Warne or Steve Waugh from the English Barmy Army. I have heard it at the Soccer and even baseball and basketball. Sometimes the booing by the crowd is aimed at a particular player because of a recent indiscretion and then the crowd moves on.
However, in the case of Adam Goodes it has been allowed to fester on and on for weeks by the media and his own actions. He has largely brought this on himself. When you put yourself out there for a cause you then become the focal point of that cause. The issue with Adam Goodes came to ahead at the Carlton game because they were booing him. They were booing him because he is good not because he is Aboriginal.
Mr Adam Goodes has made this issue a racial one not the crowds who have booed him. He has turned our game into a political statement. Like I have said people boo opposition players to try and put them off their game and in this case Adam Goodes has let them win. I am sure the Adelaide Crows appreciate the fact he wont be playing against them this weekend as he usually performs very well.
I don't think the booing is the issue, as a student studying human behaviour at the moment for my diploma in Counselling I suspect Mr Adam Goodes has some serious underlying mental issues that need resolving and the booing has just highlighted his plight and brought it all to the surface. If his issues were simply just the booing alone, then hell we would not have one umpire left standing, they would be all out on stress as these poor dudes get booed by everyone and constantly. Think about that one.
That's my opinion.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
BEING CALLED A RACIST
Last Saturday my wife and I attended a rally in the City of Adelaide called 'Reclaim Australia'. It was held on the steps of Parliament House and it attracted hundreds of people to voice their concerns and listen to some respected speakers.
There was a large police presence who seemed to be only focussed on the socialist movement that were hurling their abuse towards us. I was disgusted at their foul language and the pure hate they were peddling.
It was frightening as 98% of them appeared to be University student age and they form an important part of this great countries future. It is horrific to think that so many young people walk our streets filled with so much hate to others they disapprove of.
Living in this wonderful country with its associated freedoms and of course freedom of speech enables us all to speak out loud about things that concern us. However, it is wrong to hurl abuse or assault others, simply because they have a different viewpoint. I was taught many years ago, that when having a debate or argument the quickest way to loose your argument is to resort to using foul language and / or violence. The moment you delve into such things your argument is lost. At that is exactly what these youngsters did on the weekend.
Little did they realise that the police officers holding them back often looked at one another or the organisers of Reclaim Australia and shook their heads. One officer near by us, looked in our direction and said "Do you believe these people"? They, like us have the right to voice their opinion, but they lost that right the moment they started hurling abuse, giving the bird and calling all of us Nazi's.
I for one am highly offended by these uneducated people calling myself and my wife Nazi's. Do these people actually know who the real Nazi's were and the atrocities they were responsible for across Europe 70 years ago? Do they also know what policies the Nazi's stood for? No, would be the answer.
They called us racists! Yet, in our group we had Muslims, Aboriginals, Greek, African and Italian people who love to call Australia their home, just as we do. If we were racists, then these other cultural groups wouldn't have been welcome, but they were. The only Nazi symbols (Swastika) I saw, were in the crowd of the foul mouthed Socialists. Furthermore, they obviously do not approve of our wonderful Australian way of life as not one Aussie flag was amongst them. Many of the cowards hid their pathetic faces, probably in fear of their parents or family knowing that their children had become such bigoted fools and obviously an embarrassment.
Like I said earlier, EVERYONE in this great country is entitled to their opinion and they are more than welcome to voice that opinion in public, in the media or on social media. But DO NOT abuse those who may disagree with you. In closing I would like to point out that being against radical Islamic idealogy does not make me or anyone racist. I am just as against the church of scientology and their bizarre views on society. I am sick to death of people apologising on other people's behalves.
That is my opinion.
There was a large police presence who seemed to be only focussed on the socialist movement that were hurling their abuse towards us. I was disgusted at their foul language and the pure hate they were peddling.
It was frightening as 98% of them appeared to be University student age and they form an important part of this great countries future. It is horrific to think that so many young people walk our streets filled with so much hate to others they disapprove of.
Living in this wonderful country with its associated freedoms and of course freedom of speech enables us all to speak out loud about things that concern us. However, it is wrong to hurl abuse or assault others, simply because they have a different viewpoint. I was taught many years ago, that when having a debate or argument the quickest way to loose your argument is to resort to using foul language and / or violence. The moment you delve into such things your argument is lost. At that is exactly what these youngsters did on the weekend.
Little did they realise that the police officers holding them back often looked at one another or the organisers of Reclaim Australia and shook their heads. One officer near by us, looked in our direction and said "Do you believe these people"? They, like us have the right to voice their opinion, but they lost that right the moment they started hurling abuse, giving the bird and calling all of us Nazi's.
I for one am highly offended by these uneducated people calling myself and my wife Nazi's. Do these people actually know who the real Nazi's were and the atrocities they were responsible for across Europe 70 years ago? Do they also know what policies the Nazi's stood for? No, would be the answer.
They called us racists! Yet, in our group we had Muslims, Aboriginals, Greek, African and Italian people who love to call Australia their home, just as we do. If we were racists, then these other cultural groups wouldn't have been welcome, but they were. The only Nazi symbols (Swastika) I saw, were in the crowd of the foul mouthed Socialists. Furthermore, they obviously do not approve of our wonderful Australian way of life as not one Aussie flag was amongst them. Many of the cowards hid their pathetic faces, probably in fear of their parents or family knowing that their children had become such bigoted fools and obviously an embarrassment.
Like I said earlier, EVERYONE in this great country is entitled to their opinion and they are more than welcome to voice that opinion in public, in the media or on social media. But DO NOT abuse those who may disagree with you. In closing I would like to point out that being against radical Islamic idealogy does not make me or anyone racist. I am just as against the church of scientology and their bizarre views on society. I am sick to death of people apologising on other people's behalves.
That is my opinion.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
CENTRELINK DRAMA
Back in September last year, I made the bold decision to return to some study and head off on a different career path. After much deliberation I chose to study a double diploma in Counselling and Community Service, whilst still working full time as a bus driver.
In the early stages of 2015 as I progressed through the units of my double diploma I was discovering that full time work was not allowing me to focus enough time on my study. I also had to consider that as part of the study I have to undertake 250 hours (6 weeks) worth of in the field placement, something that would conflict majorly with my work.
On the 1st May 2015 I made a trip to the Modbury office of Centrelink to enquire what options were available to me to enable me to study more effectively. Following, a discussion with a Centrelink employee, I was informed that I am eligible for Ausstudy. I understood that the Ausstudy payment would be no where near my wage as a bus driver, my wife and I could wear that impost temporarily as my studies are due to finish in April 2016. I was signed up and given a Centrelink account and ID and given the appropriate forms to fill out and the ball was set in motion. I was given the understanding that Ausstudy would start following all Centrelink processes in about 6 weeks or so.
With this information and huge amount of enthusiasm for my new career I was aiming for, I drafted my resignation letter and with an element of sadness presented it to my employer, with my employment to cease on 15th May. I envisaged that once I ceased work I would spend a month or so catching up on my study as I had fallen a little behind, then seek a casual 2-3 day a week job to keep me in the workforce.
Since I finished work in mid May, I have been given the run around by Centrelink. I need this form, or that form, then another form. All this was taking time and then after being told my claim would not be finalised at least until the end of June, I contacted Leon Byner at radio station 5AA. He forwarded my information onto his contact at Centrelink and within 48 hours I had my Ausstudy processed and payments were forthcoming.
I received my first part payment of $59.95 and I thought "cool" I am on my way. I received notification that I had to report on the 8th July for payment on the 9th July. I did this and as I had not worked I reported the income of my wife. The 9th came and went with no payment or notifications, then on the 10th with still no payment or notification I rang Centrelink. After sitting on hold for 70 minutes I was told that Centrelink were not satisfied who I was and that I had to prove that I was an Australian Citizen!! True. I was born here at the Lyell McEwen Hospital 45 years ago and have lived in Adelaide ever since. What an insult.
I duly went to the Salisbury office of Centrelink armed with my Birth Certificate and sat down with a gentleman named Paul. After he found a glitch on my file then spoke to a colleague on the phone for about 20 minutes he informed me that my payment has now been released, however as it was Friday afternoon it wouldn't hit my account until Monday morning. After much frustration, I left the Salisbury office thinking finally they are happy and lets get on with it.
Now, in amongst all of this my wife had been assaulted at her workplace and was placed on WorkCover, in late March. As a result of her turmoil, combined with my frustration and the resultant financial strain her mental state deteriorated rapidly coming to a point where she had a significant breakdown on Friday afternoon. The stress had taken it's toll and the Centrelink issues did not help.
Imagine my surprise on Monday morning when still no money from Centrelink was in my account. I checked my notifications and nothing. Hmm, I thought ok, I will give them the benefit of the doubt and wait until Tuesday morning. Well, Tuesday arrived and still no money nor any notifications from Centrelink. I rang at exactly 8.00am when their lines opened and waited on hold for 40 minutes!! I was then informed by a rather rude lady named Meredith, that my Ausstudy was not approved because my wife receives compensation. I explained that her compensation has not been finalised and she only receives provisional payments. Meredith says, we have been told she is receiving compensation payments and under legislation I do not get Ausstudy! So because some feral passenger on a train, assaults my wife, I lose my Ausstudy. Go figure. Does not seem very fair to me.
Oh my God, I lost it over the phone. Where to now?
Last ditch effort, I contact Leon Byner again at 5AA and see what happens.
In the early stages of 2015 as I progressed through the units of my double diploma I was discovering that full time work was not allowing me to focus enough time on my study. I also had to consider that as part of the study I have to undertake 250 hours (6 weeks) worth of in the field placement, something that would conflict majorly with my work.
On the 1st May 2015 I made a trip to the Modbury office of Centrelink to enquire what options were available to me to enable me to study more effectively. Following, a discussion with a Centrelink employee, I was informed that I am eligible for Ausstudy. I understood that the Ausstudy payment would be no where near my wage as a bus driver, my wife and I could wear that impost temporarily as my studies are due to finish in April 2016. I was signed up and given a Centrelink account and ID and given the appropriate forms to fill out and the ball was set in motion. I was given the understanding that Ausstudy would start following all Centrelink processes in about 6 weeks or so.
With this information and huge amount of enthusiasm for my new career I was aiming for, I drafted my resignation letter and with an element of sadness presented it to my employer, with my employment to cease on 15th May. I envisaged that once I ceased work I would spend a month or so catching up on my study as I had fallen a little behind, then seek a casual 2-3 day a week job to keep me in the workforce.
Since I finished work in mid May, I have been given the run around by Centrelink. I need this form, or that form, then another form. All this was taking time and then after being told my claim would not be finalised at least until the end of June, I contacted Leon Byner at radio station 5AA. He forwarded my information onto his contact at Centrelink and within 48 hours I had my Ausstudy processed and payments were forthcoming.
I received my first part payment of $59.95 and I thought "cool" I am on my way. I received notification that I had to report on the 8th July for payment on the 9th July. I did this and as I had not worked I reported the income of my wife. The 9th came and went with no payment or notifications, then on the 10th with still no payment or notification I rang Centrelink. After sitting on hold for 70 minutes I was told that Centrelink were not satisfied who I was and that I had to prove that I was an Australian Citizen!! True. I was born here at the Lyell McEwen Hospital 45 years ago and have lived in Adelaide ever since. What an insult.
I duly went to the Salisbury office of Centrelink armed with my Birth Certificate and sat down with a gentleman named Paul. After he found a glitch on my file then spoke to a colleague on the phone for about 20 minutes he informed me that my payment has now been released, however as it was Friday afternoon it wouldn't hit my account until Monday morning. After much frustration, I left the Salisbury office thinking finally they are happy and lets get on with it.
Now, in amongst all of this my wife had been assaulted at her workplace and was placed on WorkCover, in late March. As a result of her turmoil, combined with my frustration and the resultant financial strain her mental state deteriorated rapidly coming to a point where she had a significant breakdown on Friday afternoon. The stress had taken it's toll and the Centrelink issues did not help.
Imagine my surprise on Monday morning when still no money from Centrelink was in my account. I checked my notifications and nothing. Hmm, I thought ok, I will give them the benefit of the doubt and wait until Tuesday morning. Well, Tuesday arrived and still no money nor any notifications from Centrelink. I rang at exactly 8.00am when their lines opened and waited on hold for 40 minutes!! I was then informed by a rather rude lady named Meredith, that my Ausstudy was not approved because my wife receives compensation. I explained that her compensation has not been finalised and she only receives provisional payments. Meredith says, we have been told she is receiving compensation payments and under legislation I do not get Ausstudy! So because some feral passenger on a train, assaults my wife, I lose my Ausstudy. Go figure. Does not seem very fair to me.
Oh my God, I lost it over the phone. Where to now?
Last ditch effort, I contact Leon Byner again at 5AA and see what happens.
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