05/03/2007
The Horse Has Bolted.
I COMMITTED a capital offence over at the Andrew Bolt Forum. I offered the hand of friendship to a couple of Moslems who responded by offering theirs and as an indirect result I was decapitated by either AB or his moderators. Rather hypocritical when you consider that one of the main complaints against Islamists is their fondness for head lopping.
Anyway, I offered these two blokes, Sammer and Hakan, who are pretty much Aussie (Sammer is a mad keen Hawks supporter) the chance to bring a few kids up to our place for a horse ride and to experience some Australian heritage and culture. They jumped at the chance, responded very graciously, and I knew then that I was dealing with genuine blokes.
But the abuse I got from some alleged fellow Aussies was unbelievable. There were even threats to which I responded in kind and for which I've apparently been lopped. Not that I mind. They have a saying there that the lunatics have taken over the asylum and based on recent occurrences that's right on the knocker. I'd reckon there will be a continuing exodus of rational posters because sooner or later they'll get fed up with having to deal with mad leftists, lunatic greens and blatant racists.
Sammer, Hakan and a few kids are coming up here on Sunday. We'll have a great time and I might try to organise an annual camp for these kids to give them a sense of bush life and culture which it's impossible to get in the city.
UPDATE: I appear to have been mistaken by assuming that a barring out had taken place at Andrew's Blog.
This morning he posted the following:
Sorry - I’ve just noticed that there’s a snafu that’s stopped people from being able to comment. I’ll try to get it fixed.
I don't know what went wrong there but we thought it must have been a blocking out yesterday when I was unable to post but Lou was from the same computer. Apologies to Andrew for thinking he might have been engaging in censorship.
11:40 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (79) | Email this
Comments
Heh he, I read it all. That Winstone Robinson is a bullying moronic idiot but mentioning that you'd rather give him a "bunch of fives" was bound to upset the "hippo crit" set.
Good point about those Moslem guys, Phil. They do seem pretty Aussie and when no one is getting into them they talk about plenty of stuff apart from religion. Have a great day on Sunday and good on you for introducing them to some good old fashioned bush culture.
Posted by: You know | 05/03/2007
Ha, thanks I Think I know Who.
I'd rather be doing something worthwhile than arguing with ratbags anyway. LOL
Posted by: Phil | 05/03/2007
I agree with some of Bolt's opinions but the ego of the man is out of proportion. He's only a columnist and much too divisive. Personally I don't like the man so I wouldn't ever contribute to his blog.
Have you thought of expanding this blog into more general commentating?
Posted by: Melanie Morris | 05/03/2007
Phil,
You and I both know that I wholeheartedly agree with you as to Sammer and Hakan. And I even agree with you on Haris... which isn't quite so kind. Sammer and Hakan are never the ones to try to be divisive. It's always someone else who starts the argument.
Sammer and Hakan are two men (*Note: Assumption being made) that I can respect. They have their faith, they recognise their right to their faith, they don't hold others to their faith, and they allow for other faiths. That is so important these days.
The abuse you got for being a man and having the guts to find out about something you may not have been sure of was completely ridiculous. Winstone Robinson made me feel a tiny bit ashamed to be Australian. If it wasn't for people like you Phil, who make others feel welcome in an English speaking society, I wouldn't be welcome either. I moved here at 11 years old, speaking only Italian.
I wouldn't have ever met Jesse, and I'd hate to picture life without him.
Posted by: Ash | 05/03/2007
Phil,
I think your gesture was extremely kind hearted and exactly the kind of bridge building that needs to go on for any real solution.
I have noted ABs site is having real problems at the moment with adding posts, maybe it is not them censoring you? Dunno, I surely hope not as you are one of the people that makes it worth visiting.
One more bonus to come out of the offer is we get to know conclusively if Sammer & Haris are different people. :-)
Posted by: scooter | 05/03/2007
Hi Scooter,
Have to agree with all of that. Unfortunately it takes people like Phil who have a very thick skin and won't back down to win battles such as this. But there is only so much anyone can take. Phil must be congratulated on the stands he has taken for common decency and rationality. His imput will be sorely missed.
As to ABs site, we have all now be blocked whether this is a technical glitch or a decision made by the moderators is yet to be seen. I emailed ab last night and he said if we are not abusive, to the point and short, there should not be a problem for anyone. In that case I am amazed that I have never been snipped.
Posted by: farmers daughter | 05/03/2007
Posted by: Melanie Morris | 05/03/2007
Reply. Hi Melanie, I'm not blaming Andrew for the debacle caused by a number of idiots who only go to his blog to stir. A healthy ego isn't a real problem if a person stays rational and capable of reasonable debate.
I haven't thought of expanding this blog because there's more than enough to write about on bush issues.
Posted by: Phil | 05/03/2007
Ash, Scooter and farmers Daughter. You know your comments are appreciated and if I have been given the boot at AB's you can always catch up over here.
The reason I made friends with Hakan and Sammer is because I could see they'd been Australianised to a fair extent already and I considered that proof that Moslems can fit in here if Aussies make the effort to engage with them. If we keep treating them like aliens they'll behave that way.
In any event they're here and I'd rather be mates than be at each other's throats.
At some stage let's arrange another get together, either here or at Mitta and have a party and a ride.
Posted by: Phil | 05/03/2007
Phil, as soon as my schedule permits Jesse and I to settle down and see each other for more than three hours at a time, I plan on inviting you all up.
I'm just amazed that everyone has been blocked from posting on Andrew Bolt's forum. If it's intentional (which I doubt) it's a ridiculous decision. If it's accidental but because of the coding, they may have to look at hiring someone who knows what they're doing.
Posted by: Ash | 05/03/2007
Have you and scooter been blocked too, Ash?
If that's the case it has to be accidental. Neither of you have done anything to warrant blocking.
It'd be terrific to get together. Let's work on it.
Posted by: Phil | 05/03/2007
Yes, everybody was. AB has acknowledged a tech glitch on his site.
I was feeling I had been barred too, until Ash and Jayne told me they had the same issues.
Posted by: scooter | 05/04/2007
Thanks scooter. I just did an update half an hour ago acknowledging my mistake and apologising for thinking Andrew was on a barring exercise. What fooled us was that yesterday I couldn't post from this computer but Lou could. So, it looked selective. I was going to remove the post but thought it would be better to say sorry.
Posted by: Phil | 05/04/2007
Phil,
I noticed yesterday the problem started on one thread then cascaded through the others. Possibly Lou was attempting to post to a thread that had not yet been zonked.
I was feeling the same way as you. Gladly it is not the case as I can't think of anything too offensive -except for one SNIP that the moderators backed away from. And the was just a light hearted jibe a Mighel and his issues with linen and the care Rudd must take while climbing into bed with such characters.
Anyway, how's the wrist going?
Posted by: scooter | 05/04/2007
Maybe it is a glitch,
Coincidentally yesterday I had a significant invasion of virus's for the first time in a long time, after I sorted that out and went to log on again it was all blocked. So I sent AB a note.
Posted by: farmers daughter | 05/04/2007
One thing, I don't think Rudd will be jumping in with Julia anyway.
The wrist is mending but the sort of knuckle thing on the ulnar bone is down the side of the wrist these days instead of on top. lol The wrist itself has a good old bend in it but it's functional.
Posted by: Phil | 05/04/2007
Nothing worse than a virus invasion. Last year Lou opened some junk mail that contained a trojan and it colonised this computer and had it sending out spam everywhere. I had to zero all data to get rid of it and then reinstall everything.
Posted by: Phil | 05/04/2007
OUCH, Sounds unpleasant.
I was lucky I think as I caught it pretty much in time but it took a few hours to fix.. Husband suggested it may have something to do with AB site but I don't know. I haven't had any junk mail. Could have been divine intervention! Anyway got to go, things to do, may see you guys later, when I try to fix up a little problem!
Posted by: farmers daughter | 05/04/2007
Tried to post this on ABs blog last night but it disappeared.
Hope Phil,Lou, Hakan,Sammer and families have a ball this weekend,no matter which footy team wins ;)
Posted by: Jayne | 05/04/2007
Thanks Jayne. It's a bit of introductory day and we're going take things from there and see if we can organise an annual camp or something. I also want to arrange a get together for the rest of us, too. Life's too serious not to have some fun! :)
Posted by: Phil | 05/04/2007
That sounds kind of painful. Hope you get/keep full use of it.
farmers daughter - That may explain the problems. I may run my virus scanner now. Can't hurt anyway.
Posted by: scooter | 05/04/2007
Job's right, mate. Could have been a lot worse.
Posted by: Phil | 05/04/2007
Phil I think it is a fantastic Idea. The Camp that is..
Good Luck and let us know how the weekend went.
Posted by: pender | 05/07/2007
Phil, I'm really glad you had a fantastic day. I always expected you would.
If you're in the mood, could you forward my email on to Sammer and Hakan? I think it'd be great to talk to them without some people immediately assuming that there's insult intended.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Will do, Ash. They're genuinely nice blokes - no threat to anyone. A pleasure to spend time with!
Posted by: Phil | 05/08/2007
Thanks Phil!
They never seemed that worrying to me, but it's far from me to judge. Until I become perfect, of course, and we'll be waiting a looooooooooong time for that to happen!
I am sincerely glad that you had a fantastic time with them. I bet they'd have great things to say about a great guy like you as well.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
LOL...Lou reckons my head's swollen enough already. But you're right. They weren't worrying. As for you, Jesse already thinks you're perfect but I s'pose he's biased.
Posted by: Phil | 05/08/2007
Ash, I gotta tell you mate. Angie is one person I can't cop. I called her a malicious donkey today and that's a lot less critical than my private assessment. Next time she goes to the dentist I hope the anaesthetic fails to wear off.
Posted by: Phil | 05/08/2007
I must say, Hakan may have had doubts about having his 5 year old daughter near you, but because he didn't know you, I can understand the doubts. For all I know, his daughter could be incredibly shy and need constant attention around new people, or could be incredibly outgoing and inquisitive, and thus need constant attention to make sure she got into no trouble. It was Park, not Angie, who was driving me crazy.
Park seemed to think that it was ok for Hakan to take his daughter up to your place, even if he wasn't sure of the situation. I expect that a fair amount of men would never take a five year old girl into a situation where neither he nor the girl know the men in the situation. I know that Jesse wouldn't.
Angie is normally highly bearable, but she seems rather critical of you choosing to open your life to other people, especially when she wouldn't know too much about your life. I know that you would have never invited Sammer and Hakan up if you were uncertain about how it'd turn out.
Jesse sent me roses today! I think he knows I miss him while I'm up here in Brissy. I'd much rather be home, doing the laundry, cleaning his sweat off everything, cooking for him... doing all the things Park would say are "Italian woman being stereotyped" things.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Hi Ash. Re Angie, there's one you need to watch.
She is a divider. Watch her enter a group of people who are friendly and think alike, befriend the group and then single one out for attack.
It's called divide and conquer. She will have people fighting one another soon enough. It's a tried and true tactic. I'm sorry to be so cynical but I have seen people like Angie at work on many occasions.
Phil had her worked out instantly and he has good instincts. He was spot on with Sammer and Hakan.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Oh, I just noticed what Phil wrote about Angie. Well, that sums up his feelings, doesn't it. :))
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Angie's a Machiavellian type is she Lou? I trust Phil's instincts, it's my own I'm a little shaky of.
Sometimes I have trouble with text inflects in text, since English isn't my first language. But you and Phil haven't seemed wrong in the entire time I've known of you.
I can't believe Park's attitude sometimes. Seriously "I'm Italian so take me seriously because I know more than you and I've been in Australia for 30 years or so". What utter crap that is. I bet I've learned more in my 10 years than she has in her 30 years.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Ash, you could have fooled us. You sound like you've been here your entire life.
I feel sorry for Park, actually. There seems to be something more behind her posts and I'd love to know what it.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Nope, Lou. I moved here when I was 11 and met Jesse when I was 13. Australia's awesome!
When I found out I was moving here, with no choice, I decided to make an especial effort to fit in, and I suspect it's worked.
Park's been like this for longer than her posts about you guys meeting up with Hakan and Sammer. Especially on (ahem) Friday and Saturday nights. It seems cruel to say it, but it's not only me that's noticed.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
That's interesting about the Friday and Saturday nights.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
I'm trying not to be cruel, but it's a theory that has been thoroughly discussed, and she seems to prove it every week.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
I'll kick Phil off on Friday night and watch.
It might take a while for this reply to register because I'm uploading some of his songs to a place where people can actually listen to them.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
His songs are pretty good Lou... I trust he didn't tell you of my experience with "Down the Track"?
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Ash, no. He didn't say anything.... you have to tell me, though! Is it a long story? lol
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Nope. Very short. We were in Hawaii visiting Jesse's family in January, and Jesse decided that "Down the Track" was just the song to cure his hangover. I liked it until the 50th time Jesse played it, but after that I got over it in a hurry. It wasn't the song to help with my own hangover, I assure you.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
LOL. Well in that case I won't give you the URL to these songs. I'm impressed that Jesse liked it so much, though.
I agree with you though, Ash. It's definitely not a hangover cure.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
I liked it too Lou. The 50th time (in a row) just got a little tedious and painful.
But it wasn't me who required my nurse sister to give me an IV, so perhaps the song wasn't the best of cures.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
I just read Park's latest comments on Andrew's blog. All I have to say is... what?!
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Oh, I know. I just replied to her. Is she for real? All Phil did was answer her criticisms and he'd already said he wouldn't waste any more time or effort on her. Madness reigns!
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
I'm not sure if she's for real. Apparently you and Phil should have checked Hakan's birth certificate, called his parents, called his parents, called anyone who may know him, and verify his identity with ASIO, as if his identity makes any difference to her life. If you and Phil think he's genuine, that's enough for me.
If I was going to pretend to be someone else, I have no doubt that my mates would do their best to make me look like a fool in a second. Just for kicks.
Any chance you understood the feminist remark? I need someone to explain that one to me, considering I'm happy to put my self side by side with any man and prove myself. I bet Park can't say she ran the Obs Course with 20 men and beat them all.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Did you really beat all those men, Ash? Truly? Superwoman! lol
And no, I didn't understand the feminist remark unless she meant you wouldn't be treated as an equal if it wasn't for feminism which is fallacious anyway.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
I did. But I'm also at least 30 kilos lighter and I had Jesse chasing me. We had a deal that if he caught me I had to make good on his wishes, and I wasn't in the mood!
Most men are decent, and most men would treat women better than they'd treat their counterpart males anyway. That's the bit I don't get about feminists.
At least Park hasn't told me I'm racist yet. She'd be served on her own platter.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Could you have had a better reason to run fast? :)
Of course I agree that most men are decent. Chivalry isn't dead yet, it's just in hiding waiting for the right women to come along.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Well, at that particular base, there was a Dan Murphy's about 50 feet from the finishing line! Could that be right?
Jesse's never been rude, no matter how much I've tried to push his buttons. He's a gentleman, despite all his talk.
A good man will treat a good lady well.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
If there was a Dan Murphy's that close by it was a superhuman effort by you Ash. Those boys would have been straining at the leash.
Jesse sounds like a catch and a half. Obviously you were made for each other.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Cold beer? Jesse would have been putting in a great effort, providing he wasn't just making sure that he wasn't going to get cut off from, well, you know.
Jesse's fantastic. But I'm as biased as he is.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
If they make us happy, Ash, we're all biased, don't you think?
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
I'm incredibly biased! I'm happily biased! In fact, I'm happy to do anything he likes!
I happily clean for him. I happy cook for him, I happily wash his car. I happily do anything he needs for him.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
I do all that, too, but after 12 years not quite so happily. LOL
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Only 4 here, but I'm still stoked to do it for him. He always seems to really appreciate it and make me feel special for doing it though, so I suppose that helps.
Not to mention that I'm pedantic and it must be clean. And I cook pasta sauces and freeze them. And if I'm going out, I'll take out his steak to defrost, and being a gentleman, he can manage that much on his own!
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
After three babies and non-stop work to help save the farms after fires, droughts and court cases I think I'm ready to be pampered again. Hopefully when we get to Mitta Mitta I'll be able to relax again....
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Sounds like you need a good pampering Lou!
Jesse tells me I work too much. I'm trying to figure out how I do that considering I sit down all day and work from my laptop, apart from the cleaning.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
And I should mention, the odds of court cases are minimal, but the odds of droughts or fires are not, courtesy of Mr. Bracks.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Honestly Ash, I tell you if Phil wrote a book about the past 15 years as I keep nagging him to do, no one would believe it.
I love adventure but I'm just about adventured out. But he just keeps on going...."I wonder what would happen if I did this... or "I wonder what's down in that gully" and before you know it there's more excitement to deal with.
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
If you or Jesse (the BiG strong army man) will babysit, I'll be glad to investigate! I love adventure. A mate has a property that backs on to 6 acres of empty gully, I have so much fun going and playing there.
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Ash, I have to get to bed now. Catch you tomorrow later in the day. Early mornings here as you can imagine. Love to you and Jesse. You're a special pair!
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Imagine 60,000 acres to play in - that's only the start of our backyard, really. See you tomorrow! :)
Posted by: Lou | 05/08/2007
Lou, have a great sleep! I have an early sleep, but I never get more than a couple of hours anyway.
60,000 acres? That's just teasing!
Posted by: Ash | 05/08/2007
Lou, Phil, I hope you weren't serious over at Bolt's site about calling it even at posting?!
But if you were, best of luck to you. I'm sure you'll both have a great time.
Posted by: Ash | 05/11/2007
Looks that way, Ash. But we'll see you here if you want to keep dropping in. Let's organise a get together for the friendly people at AB's.
Posted by: Phil | 05/11/2007
Ash, wanna do us a favour and ask that dickhead, Scott, how we collect the $100? We'll use it to buy some stuff for the party. :)
Posted by: Phil | 05/11/2007
Sure thing Phil. I was going to before you asked, but I'm still trying to think of a way to say it that would get through the moderators. Jesse never posts over there because he has a little bit of a penchant for words of four letters. He wrote a great one in response to some guy on ANZAC Day saying that diggers deserve no respect. It was so good I made him save it.
I'll keep dropping in. I bet Scooter and Jayne will too.
Posted by: Ash | 05/12/2007
My post to Scott made it on page 2 of today's forum Phil.
By the way, there was an excellent post from PeterD of Wellington that relates to you.
Posted by: Ash | 05/12/2007
You're a champion, Ash. Thanks mate. I'll go have a read now. Peter D's a good bloke, too. Always enjoy his posts.
Posted by: Phil | 05/12/2007
No problem Phil. It was something I was going to answer once I figured out how anyway.
Peter D is a very sensible bloke, whether I agree or not. That's always great. I appreciate people that I can disagree with most of the time but that I can disagree with too.
Posted by: Ash | 05/12/2007
Folks,
Hope you give in to the urge to stay away from AB's. Very much enjoy reading what you have to say and it does let many of us know there are still sane people out there with something decent to add.
Cheers guys. And happy Mothers Day to you Lou.
Posted by: scooter | 05/13/2007
Thanks mate. We both enjoyed your posts, too. Always considered, measured and logical. I'd like to see a blog where the most constructive minds on the AB Forum could go and talk things over without having to waste time on nut cases.
Posted by: Phil | 05/13/2007
I agree Phil. It seems like the lunatics have taken over the asylum over at Andrew's forum.
Posted by: Ash | 05/13/2007
Well Ash, I might head over to blogger when I get back from today's ride and try and set something up.
Posted by: Phil | 05/13/2007
That's a great idea Phil. You'll have to let me know.
My legs hurt. I caught up with a friend I haven't seen in ages today and we went riding along the Warburton Trail. Nice trail, great horse.
Posted by: Ash | 05/13/2007
Count me in if I am welcome. Sounds like a good idea Phil.
Registration may be an idea to keep the Ruperts, Fords, Garys and Barrys of the world out.
Posted by: scooter | 05/13/2007
Now I'm conflicted Phil! On one hand, I'd love to see you guys posting again, on the other I'm rather attached to my money!
Posted by Scott on Sun 13 May 07 at 07:15pm
Thanks ash for taking me up on the bet !!
I suppose its just a waiting game now??
Best of luck on the bet mate.
Thanks again.
I will be on contact when pay day comes.
Cheers
And thanks again.
Scott
Posted by: Ash | 05/13/2007
If I'm welcome please count me in too.
Getting tired of the free-for-all on ABs blog.
Posted by: Jayne | 05/13/2007
Jayne, you're welcome. I assure you, you're welcome.
Posted by: Ash | 05/13/2007
Ash, Jayne and Scooter. You'll find the site here at
http://mittamitta.blogspot.com
I called it The Great Divde. Better suggestions welcome.
I've left it open for you all to discuss whatever you like. Any ideas you have let me know. Maybe we should work it so that everyone can post main topics as well as comment.
We're going up to Mitta Mitta today but we'll be back tonight.
Posted by: Phil | 05/13/2007
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