Loose cannons

November 19, 1997
Issue 

Bon appétit

"It will not work. There is too much greed on the part of manufacturers and others." — Bob Beale, former chief executive of Edgell, on self-regulation in the food industry.

Cross our hearts

"I don't give [Chinese leaders] high scores for the realism of their analysis of the United States or Taiwan. They believe we are trying to contain and dismember them, which isn't true." — US scholar Dr Michael Pillsbury.

Interesting

"Problems in Thailand and Indonesia could be the straw that breaks the back of a Korean bank, and a couple of Korean banks going under could be the straw that breaks the back of a japanese bank, and then it starts to get really interesting." — William Overholt, managing director in Hong Kong for Bankers Trust.

Moral majority

"If every member of parliament was expelled for making untrue claims, assertions or allegations, we would have very few members left in parliament." — NSW MLC the Reverend Fred Nile.

Can't get no satisfaction

"People are not satisfied with the conduct of our party and government. Corruption still exists, and there are serious problems, including bureaucracy, formalism and use of deception." — Front-page editorial in the Chinese People's Daily.

Brother hood

"Bank Jakarta did not have enough pocket money to maintain a relationship with the Central Bank." — Probosutedjo, Indonesian President Suharto's half brother, complaining that his bank was one of 16 closed by the Central Bank for insolvency.

And other times?

"Mr Alec Marr, a senior Wilderness Society spokesman ... said he regretted that Mr Howard did not mean the words he used when he launched his environment policy [in 1996]. He said the main lesson he had learnt was that politicians cannot be believed during election campaigns." — Sydney Morning Herald, November 13.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.