Loose cannons

War is peace

"I know all the war rhetoric, but it's all aimed at achieving peace." — George "The Crusader" Bush, August 7.

Having a bet each way

"The death tax is punitive on small business owners. It is very tough on farmers and ranchers. It's hard to be able to keep your farm and your family if you've got a big appraisal value when a loved one dies. I firmly believe the death tax is good for people from all walks of life all throughout our society." — George the Crusader again.

Travelling companion

"Casey Reginald Williams." — Reply to Wayne Martin QC by HIH insurance company boss Ray Williams at HIH royal commission hearing. Martin had asked Williams if, on his frequent company-paid, first-class trips to London, he had sought to gain extra frequent flier points from Qantas by booking the seat next to him for his briefcase under the name Casey Williams.

Gravy train

"In the final year of the [HIH] insurance company, three months before it disappeared into a $5.3 billion black hole, [CEO Ray Williams] spent $2.4m on lavish corporate entertainment, $86,000 on gold Swiss watches, and $4.6 million on executive bonuses... In one three-week period, Mr Williams spent $9000, including $2000 in tips, on three dinners at The Nautilus at Port Douglas, The Pier Restaurant at Rose Bay and Buon Ricordo in Paddington." — Sydney Morning Herald, August 8.

From Green Left Weekly, August 21, 2002.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 505