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What a treasure Michael Leunig is. Kindly note that I do not say 'national
treasure' because that's the kind of mealy-mouthed rubbish that emerges
from Canberra these days.
We have reached the stage where the scary, scary state of our planet
is ranked in second-place behind the national interest. Coal mines continue
to supply the world with clouds of smoke to add to global warming while
the sun rains down its free energy, and in places like Moree it it is
stored it could service the needs of millions of people.
Our cities are taking on the aspects of drunken brothels or gambling
houses. Individualism cunningly promoted by those in power has steadily
eroded any notion of a common good. It's everybody for themselves.
Organized labour is very much on the ropes, and unless the churches wake
up to themselves they'll be hitting the canvas soon enough too.
Our civil liberties are going down the gurgler as we swallow the chimera
of the 'war on terror'.
Consumerism, credit card mania and irresponsible and greedy lending by
banks have created a nightmare for many Australian homes.
We need a prophet.
Well, we have it in Michael Leunig, the poet, cartoonist and Aussie mystic.
He wants our leaders to start speaking up in rich, colourful language,
even being offensive rather than the killing sameness of the Canberra
Cliche.
Leunig has put away his brush and picked up his pen. Enjoy!
To read Michael Leunig's column, The message of the mufti,
please go to www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/11/09/1162661830238.html
Cliff
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Cliff
Baxter is a highly awarded journalist with a lifetime experience
gained on the principal Australian secular newspapers, the Australian
Broadcasting Corporation and The Catholic Weekly.
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We welcome your thoughts in response to this commentary in our forum.
Cliff Baxter can be contacted at: Cliff Baxter <cliffbaxter@catholica.com.au>
©2007
Clifford Baxter
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