Man of the people
US President Bill Clinton's first cabinet includes eight millionaires. George Bush's had six and Ronald Reagan's seven.
Spin
“146,000 miss out on offers for university” -- headline in January 29 Australian. “They're in: 24,000 kids prove smart enough for uni” -- Sydney Morning Herald headline on the NSW portion of the same news.
Gunboats ready
“When our vital interests are challenged, or the will and conscience of the international community are defied, we will act -- with peaceful diplomacy whenever possible, with force when necessary.” -- US President Bill Clinton in his inaugural speech.
Sirens' swan song
“It was going to cost 38 million pounds to refurbish them ... There is also the improvement in relations between East and West to consider.” -- A British Home Office spokesperson announcing a decision to do away with 7000 electric and 9000 hand-operated early warning sirens in villages and hamlets across the country.
Free market
IBM, once the blue-chip giant of the US computer industry, has announced the biggest loss in US corporate history: US$9 billion. Chairman John Akers blames the crash on “the accelerating changes sweeping our industry [and] weakened business conditions throughout the world”.
Economic miracle
New Zealand, free market miracle centre of the South Pacific, is about to become a world leader. In a survey of industrialised countries conducted by the Dutch Justice Ministry, the shaky isles had the highest crime rate, with assault and burglary leading the way. Australia wasn't far behind, with Australians and New Zealanders expressing most caution about going out in the evening.
This article was posted on the
Green Left Weekly Home
Page.
For further details regarding subscriptions and
correspondence please contact glw@greenleft.org.au
