farmdoc's blog post number 466

The Tasmanian Flag is a modified British Blue Ensign. The Union Jack occupies the upper left 25%, and a passant and fimbriated red lion faces the flagpole on a white disc centred in the right half of the flag. Since 1869 it’s been the Tasmanian Governor’s flag; in 1876 the then Governor proclaimed it the State’s flag; but it wasn’t officially so recognised until 3 December 1975. We Mole Creek firies, being a perverse and parochial crew, decided we’d rather have a Tasmanian flag flying over our fire station, than an Australian flag. We didn’t have a Tasmanian flag. So I volunteered to get us one. The office of our Federal MP Dick Adams told me Federal MPs supply Australian flags, and State MPs supply State flags. The staff of Heather Butler MLA was really helpful. They said we deserve a State flag, and it was Ms Butler’s privilege to get us one. On Monday 13 July Ms Butler and a member of her staff came and made the presentation. I was the only brigade member available; so she presented the flag to me. She was most personable. We chatted before and after she handed the flag over, we toured the fire station, and I showed her our two fire appliances. She was surprisingly knowledgeable about fire fighting matters. After I thanked her, we went our separate ways. We intend to fly the Tasmanian flag on our fire station flagpole 365 days per year. For this is one way to show that we’re proud Tasmanians. Thank you, Ms Butler.

farmdoc's blog post number 247

The word irony. I find it difficult to define. My dictionary says it’s ‘Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs’. I reckon that’s close but, ironically, not spot on. I’ve previously written of Dick Adams, who’s my MP in the federal electorate of Lyons. Also how last year he sent details of how to best cook each potato variety. That was on the back of his 2008 calendar. Last week I received his 2009 calendar, and on its back was a blurb about Healthy Eating. Its paragraph titles include ‘Five core food groups’, ‘Can I just take a multi-vitamin?’, ‘Caffeine’ and ‘Tips to cut down on fat’. That Mr Adams would promote Health Eating is as ironic as it gets. Why? Because he’s grossly obese. Probably the most obese person in the federal parliament. Too many potatoes, Dick. And if he can’t practise healthy eating himself, how has he the gall to promote it. I’m reminded, again, of Rabbi Rodney’s adage that you never see a signpost walking in the direction it points. But wait. There’s more. When I googled ‘Dick Adams healthy eating’ up came this juicy piece that a few months ago, he underwent lap band surgery to treat his obesity. I quiver in excited anticipation of what’ll be on the back of his 2010 calendar.

farmdoc's blog post number 110

Mole Creek is in the Federal electorate of Lyons, so it’s my privilege to be a constituent of Dick Adams MP. In last Monday’s mail was the latest issue of his newsletter: Lyons Leader. Behold, on page 3 is a climate change article titled ‘Don’t Wait For Government – We Can Do It!’ and a list of ‘Fuel Saving Tips’. The content is okay. But Adams is an ex union hack who doesn’t exude above average intellect or insight; and as a fervent supporter of loggers, he’s yesterday’s man. So I resent his advice on how to run my life. I’ve previously written about ‘What can one person do?’ And the answer is: much. But parliamentarians are there to legislate big decisions. And the biggest climate change decision is to stop burning coal. Adams should focus on that. He won’t; but George Monbiot has, and in his excellent blog entry he writes of the UK: ‘Every man and woman with backbone was purged from this government years ago, leaving those who know how to appease the interests that might threaten them. These people won’t stand up to business, even when the future prospects of mankind are at stake’. It’s the same in Australia. The moment our government has killed the coal industry, I’ll consider heeding its patronising advice. Until then, Dick Adams will remain yesterday’s man.