Category: Green Politics

The Governator has a heart

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has filed a legal motion to allow same-sex marriages to return in California.

And in news closer to home, Im now almost 25 weeks, baby is still going strong, Im still (relatively) sane, and I am expecting visitors this afternoon. I am going to enjoy my last week of freedom!

And yesterday was magical. Dad spent the afternoon at my place with Inigo, and we had a lovely time together. I dont get to see him much at the moment, but I was reminded yesterday just how gorgeous he is. I have some pictures, but they are still on the camera. I might be able to get Mark to transfer them for me on the weekend so I can print some pics to take to hospital with me.

We’re on the grid!

Almost a year ago, we were assessed for a green loan. Eventually, we got approval – about a week before the scheme was canceled. We just snuck in, and then signed up for solar panels. Month, and months later, the panels were installed. Now, about two weeks after the installation, today another electrician came to actually hook us up to the grid, so that the electricity we generate will start to offset what we are paying for it.

Stuff

1. Why didn’t Courtney get a welcome home party after her elimination? Everyone else is shown going home, and then there is a little recap about what they have been doing since they left the competition. Thanks Dad for pointing that out.

2. Yesterday I went with a friend for her 12 week scan, and apart from 10 minutes of violent purging as soon as I woke up, I was pretty much ok all day, just on one Zofran,and one Restavit. So I thought things were looking up.

3. Until this morning. And that is all I’ll say about that.

4. Today, dad gave Inigo a branch with four pine cones on it. Inigo is into counting things at the moment and he counted each pinecone, and came up with four as the total. It’s happened before, but he seems to be getting more consistent with his counting. Clever chicken.

5. Tomorrow is my 12 week scan. Not enormously stressed about it, but a little bit worried. I’m still bleeding, and have had some cramping. It’s a good thing I feel so sick, it keeps me feeling pregnant!

6. As some canny readers have noticed, I was on the tele on Tuesday night. Channel 10 have this clever idea about interviewing the residents of Abbot St, Sydney (a Labor seat) and Gillard St in Melbourne (a Liberal seat). So they knocked on my door last week, and I dragged myself away from the vomitarium for long enough to give them a few pithy comments about my socialist ideals. It’s an ongoing series they are doing, so you might catch me again. And I promise to make an effort to look less scraggy next time.

Protest!

Fe and I went to the protest yesterday, armed with our cameras. Fe was determined to stay impartial and professional, I thought I would try for as long as I could. But when one lone woman was surrounded with bile spewing rednecks, I had to take a stand and join her. Sarah, whoever you are, I thought you were very brave. Sarah said, “I wasn’t worried, the racists are most likely sexist too, and would never hit a woman”.

I was disgusted that the police had been close by when the refugee supporters found an APP supporter in their midst, but stayed away when the APP turned on Susan. I wondered if the police were truly as impartial as they are supposed to be, and I was still wondering when I snapped this picture.

Impartial?

Notice anything? The butt of his weapon?

The rest of my pictures are here.

Edited to add a link to Fe’s amazing pics.

And “John”, a Today Tonight poll is only going to reflect the ideas and aspirations of a not very educated group that get their opinions from “Today Tonight” and the Telegraph, etc. I won’t enter into an argument about the facts of immigration, but I would be happy to listen to your views once you have spent a month on a leaky boat, trying to save the lives of your children. Then we can talk about disadvantage, selfishness, and racism.

Sydney Morning Herald coverage here.

Anyone wanna fight racism with me tomorrow?

I got this in my inbox yesterday – and though I have serious reservations about taking Inigo to a protest that has the possibility of getting violent (not that I think this will, but I need to protect him), I really think it’s important to stand up for people who have no voice of their own.

Unfortunately Mark has to work tomorrow, so does anyone want to join me? Will be at Pearl Beach overnight with limited phone signal, so text me if you’re interested 🙂

—————————————————————————
Please forward this rally to ALL people who would be concerned about the
far-right taunting asylum seekers, many of whom have fled war and persecution,
while they are locked behind the razor wire

UNITE AGAINST RACISM
Refugees are welcome – racism is not!

The Australian Protectionist Party have called a rally attacking refugee rights for this Sunday, April 11, at 3pm outside Villawood Detention Centre.

The APP are anti-refugee, anti-immigrant & racist. They letterbox leaflets that scapegoat Africans, Muslims & immigrants for crime, unemployment & other social problems. However, the major parties are also to blame – they have given a green light to racism, by also demonising refugees & using migrants as scapegoats.

Racism kills. Refugees are still being deported to their deaths. Attacks on international students and immigrants are increasing.

We need a peaceful show of support for refugee rights, for equality and justice – and to let all racists know that their hatred is not welcome.
Rally Sun April 11, 2pm
At Villawood Detention Centre
15 Birmingham Ave, Villawood (nr Leightonfield Stn)

Please forward this message, organise your friends, bring placards and banners in support of refugees and against racism.

Supported by: Refugee Action Coalition, Latin American Social Forum, Sudanese Human Rights Assoc, Social Justice Group, Socialist Alliance, Solidarity, Socialist Alternative, Resistance.

For information, to add your support, or if you have ideas for the rally, please phone Paul 0410 629 088 or James 0438 718 348
———— —-
The racist APP’s rally call:

http://www.protectionist.net/ 2010/04/02/ join-the- protectionist- party-in- celebrating-rudds-first- century/