parties and factions

The most intense hatreds are not between political parties but within them – Phillip Adams, journalist

Don’t mistake losing *an argument* with losing your *right to argue*

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We see it too often online, and more than we’d like to offline too: this idea that “I’m entitled to my opinion” means something more than merely being entitled to express an opinion one holds – that somehow all opinions are equally entitled to respect from other people, or that all opinions are equally entitled to be treated seriously.

Patrick’s post lays out why this frequently whimpered whine is nonsense.

Party works distribute how-to-vote materials outside an election polling booth

Federal Election minus 5 days: party policies on anti-discrimination

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I am committed to the idea that if I want election coverage to talk about policy more in the lead-up to elections, it can’t hurt to be someone who is aware of and considers policy in the lead-up to elections. There’s five days before the Federal election; what do various parties have to say about anti-discrimination?

a red/white/blue poster done in the style of the Barack Obama "Audacity of Hope" posters. The image is of Tony Abbott, and in block letters underneath, it says "NOPE"

Abbott Watch: they’re coming thick and fast

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In the interests of sound record-keeping, here is a collation of some of the awful, awful things Tony Abbott has been saying since the federal election date was set. Get ready to be set reeling by the way he is capable of being offensive in so many directions at once, but also remind yourself that this is just in the past week.