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:

This may or may not be related to the Free Trade Agreement between the USA and Australia, but here are some figures relevant to age pensioners:

At the end of 2003, prescriptions under the PBS scheme were $3.70 per prescription. In January 2004 each prescription went up to $3.80, an increase of about 2.7%

In August 2004, somewhat unexpectedly, and in another of the Howard blows to pensioners, the prescription charge went up to $4.40, an increase this time of 15.8%.

Who has noticed, and who has commented on this?

Not stupid, John!

Hi, I've made some Anti-Howard t-shirts for the election out of this image, Howard in the Guise of Che. If anyone would like some mailed to them, I would be more than happy to do so. You can contact me at: [email protected]. Thanks:

-niall campbell

Margo,

This book is a blistering and searing account of politics in Australia today, and how democracy is very quickly deteriorating.

I guess I'm sick and tired of hearing Liberals banging on about how they're spreading democracy for everyone to enjoy and embrace.

THIS IS NOT THE CASE.

And I guess I'm also tired of hearing Liberals whinge and sook about why they're always portrayed as mean and nasty and uncaring. We're living in a country where Howard and his cronies have clearly taken us to the dogs with their arrogant, mean-spirited and self-serving policies.

HE DOES NOT GOVERN FOR ALL OF US.

People need to quickly start understanding this.

OUR DEMOCRACY IS UNRAVELLING.

This book is an alternative form of opposition to the government in such a crucial juncture of our political lifecourse. It is books like this one, and others such as Bob Ellis' Night Thoughts and David Marr's Dark Victory that inform the public about the goings on of such a cowardly

Our site has been flooded with emails since the election was called. Many of them are from people empassioned by Margo's book asking, 'what can we do', or 'is there a NHJ group in my area?' One of the most succinct was, 'Could you please tell me the best method of joining politics?'

So I embarked on a wierd journey. I sent out a post to our mailing list suggesting that people email me their electorates and contact details they would be willing to share with others in their area. The response has been great, and since then I have been corresponding with and talking on the phone with many varied people who just want to know what to do.

Our email is [email protected] . Email me with your name, electorate and contact details you would be willing to share with NHJ!ers in your area. Do so if either, a) you want to find a way to help / start a group, or b) you have an ideal way for NHJ!ers to help in a particular electorate.

We do need all hands on deck, the

After the successful inaugral Liars for Howard storming of Martin Place last week, the campaign moves to support the wonderful Malcolm Turnbull in his beleagured mission to enter Parliament.

Additional Liars would be very welcome in our urgent task of supporting Mr Howard's right to lie to the Australian public.

We are meeting at in Bondi Junction Mall (Oxford Mall) near the station entrance. Contact Ruth Overboard on 0423 820370 or Frau Du Lent on 0419 290788 for more details. Also see the website - www.liarsforhoward.org.

I bought the book (Not Happy John) yesterday and I have had confirmed in detail what I have felt for years about Howard.

Add that to Moore's film and I think we're done like a bloody dinner.

I am beginning to wonder if the balance of power might fall into the hands of the Greens and Dems etc. That way at least we will have some argument. It won't be comfortable, but the alternative is worse.

B

Dear Margo,

I bought your book 'Not Happy John' yesterday after hearing about the NHJ launch - and started to read with earnest.

I am a New Australian ( not that new though I spent 20 years of my life in Australia - almost 50% ). During this time, I learnt that New Australians must contribute in the political life of their adopted home - it's true - we get the government we deserve. In Asia, many people have long given up and become indifferent in their because of the oppressive political regimes they lived in. Failing to act, they therefore inherit the consequences of their inaction.

This must not happen in Australia. A country's greatness is due to its people and Australia is a great country because Australians are honest, warm in their friendships, charitable and compassionate to the needy and always honorable in their words and conduct. But this is changing owing to the poor leadership we have. And we must stop it.

Recently I wrote Tony Abbott saying that the Howar

NHJ!er Alexander Strang sent us this link to a distinctly NHJ! article from the Guardian.

Here's the link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia/story/0,12070,1297548,00.html

Margo,

Thank you so much for being outraged enough to pen your book. I found it intensely interesting and very readable - I'm going to be buying copies to send to Aussie relatives and friends living as expats, as well as those at home, to ensure that people can consider themselves 'educated' about the machinations of Canberra, career politicians and the 'big' media.

I thought that you and others (Latham included) would be interested to know that apparently when Howard (finally) goes it won't be Costello assuming the Liberal Party leadership. I have been told that a senior Liberal Party member was heard to say that Abbott - not Costello - has sufficient Caucus support to be Howard's successor. (I know this sounds all a bit vague, but the retelling of the comment - made at the Tourism policy relaunch a few months ago - is completely reliable).

I don't know about you, but I can imagine few more disturbing scenarios than Tony Abbott as an Opposition Leader, let alone Prime

Below is a good example of what many NHJ!ers at a loose end may wish to put some weight behind in the coming weeks. The letter, sent out to groups from the 'End the Lies - Howard Out' campaign, was forwarded to me by NHJ!erIsabella. Thanks for that.

-----------------------------------------

31 August 2004

To: Trade Unions, Community organisations, etc

I have just finished the chapter 'A day in the Life of Our House Under Siege' and had to stop and check my Blood Pressure. I have only once recorded a higher level and that was half time in last years World Cup Final. Fortunately my BP returned to normal shortly after the game. I was able to accept the Poms victory as fair and square. I am sure the venting of some my energy in this comment will allow me to contain my BP continue my reading.

The anger for which I had for JH prior to reading the NHJ had obviously been noted by my son in recent times, consequently the fathers day gift was well chosen and enormously appreciated. I have not been able to put in down all day until the above mentioned chapter, my rage become so intense it became a positive health risk to continue.

I was captive reader from the first sentence of the introduction,'I voted for JHW in 1996'.It is the same admission I feel I have to make in any discussion with friends or family regarding the state of the po

Terrific election conversation on Nine's Sunday, featuring MK, the Bully's Garry Linnell and crikey's Christian Kerr, all shotgunned by the ever-elegant Jana Wendt. Wonderful to see new voices and faces cutting through into the broadcast punditry mainstream (3 x great big spunks, at that.)

The agenda-setting money quote for this week's campaigning came from MK, I reckon:

MARGO KINGSTON: I'm just saying there's lots of passion. You only had to see George Brandis brutalise Mike Scrafton in the Senate inquiry this week to know there is passion. It's just both leaders are tightly controlled but the passion is breaking out all over. We're actually seeing after a very disciplined Liberal Party, where the moderates have ac

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:

It is often commented that John Howard is taking us back to the 50