I am deeply moved by this TV series on SBS on demand. 1973 – Salvador Allende, socialist leader of Chile is removed by a CIA-aided military coup. This I knew and of course I have read Pablo Neruda ! But I knew nothing about the unsung and invisible heroes from Sweden, Finland and East-Germany. Thousands of political prisoners were saved from sure death by the Junta thanks to a handful of fearless European diplomat individuals.

https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/invisible-heroes

“New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has become ensnared this week in the sensational ICAC hearings into alleged corruption by former MP Daryl Maguire — and suddenly finds her future very much in doubt.

In yesterday’s hearing, Maguire admitted to using his parliamentary office and resources to conduct private business dealings, including receiving thousands of dollars in cash as part of a visa scam.”

https://theconversation.com/the-long-history-of-political-corruption-in-nsw-and-the-downfall-of-mps-ministers-and-premiers-147994

If NSW Premier Gladys B. now says: if she knew, that her close friend Daryl Maguire was pursuing illegal business practices, she would have reported it immediately, what does that tell us ? Clearly, if she is so naive to not see what Maguire – with whom she was in a close relationship – was doing, she clearly is unfit for the office of the premier of NSW. Of course, she must have known, but chose not to report it, because it would implicate her. Does this lady think, the public is stupid ?

OK, this story about Biden’s son’s computer is not only bizarre, it also does not make any sense. If Biden’s son has indeed provided access to his father for other people, would he then go and bring his computer with all the critical e-mails on it to a repair shop ? Of course not. This is a stunt and three guesses from where it came…

He is trying hard to produce valid criticism but it’s just not happening. Michael O’Brien – LNP Victoria opposition “leader” is doing a disservice to our nation at a time when we are struggling with the Corona Virus pandemic. All he can see is an opportunity to play party politics – instead of serving the country by making useful contributions. O’Brien’s grotesque stereotypical tirades are a mere spectacle unworthy of a democratic politician.

The reality is, that Daniel Andrews has taken the right decisions when a second Corona Virus wave hit Victoria and thereby he protected us from larger and more widespread harm. The statistic is clear proof of this. We stand behind Daniel Andrews as thankful and understanding citizens.

Is this the world we live in ? The Liberal Party Leader and Premier of NSW continues a relationship with a corrupt ex-politician and when it comes to light, she then just says: “Oh – I stuffed up.” How dangerously close is that to Donald Trump’s world ? Is that what we want for our country ?

“ICAC, which is investigating whether Maguire sought to monetise his position as an MP between 2012 and 2018, heard damaging tapped phones conversations between him and Berejiklian in which he spoke extensively of his lobbying on behalf of developers. He also talked about his concerns over his huge debts, which he said amounted to $1.5 million.”

https://theconversation.com/gladys-berejiklian-determined-to-tough-out-scandal-of-secret-relationship-with-disgraced-former-mp-147917

If an idea enters a hollow head, it fills it completely, because there is no other that could dispute its rank.

Montesquieu (1689 – 1755)

Have you seen the old man in the closed down market
Picking up the papers with his worn out shoes
In his eyes you see no pride and hanging loosely at his side
Yesterdays paper, telling yesterdays news
So how can you tell me you’re lonely
And say for you that the sun don’t shine
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I’ll show you something to make you change your mind

This 1974 song by Ralph McTell is always relevant but especially now as some of us find it so hard to cope with a lockdown. We may feel lonely at times but real loneliness is something very different.