Loose cannons

Issue 

Struth!

"On the GST question, the [public] doubts are again growing as to whether a new tax is really a reform at all." — Pollster Rod Cameron, complaining that the Howard government is doing enough to "educate" us in economic orthodoxy.

Something in common

"... the two men learned how to deal with each other. Each understood that the other had a deep respect for force." — New York Times reporter Roger Cohen on negotiations over four years between Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic and US diplomat Richard Holbrooke.

If it worked for Menzies ...

"The party is still dominated by a lot of the values and attitudes and processes and procedures of the middle 1940s." — Former federal leader John Hewson on the Liberals' NSW branch.

Or 50

"They have been out to lunch for three years." — Prime Menzies John Howard on the NSW Coalition.

All ours

"Our white supremacists in Canberra." — Barry O'Farrell, the new deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party, describing the federal Liberals to a state party room meeting, according to the notes of a Liberal MLA who was present.

There are standards

"I'd have some difficulty believing that he would accept a personal gratuity of such a trivial amount of money." — A US scientist, discounting reports that Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov had received US$800,000 from Iraq in return for strategic weapons technology.

We can't argue

"It is easy for people to take potshots at the costs of parliamentary travel." — Prime Menzies John Howard.

Speaks as required

"Want me to say any more?" — Film director Elia Kazan at the Academy Awards ceremony that presented him with an honorary Oscar. The award was controversial because of Kazan's informing against other Hollywood figures in 1952 to the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.