Morgan Stanley’s analysis unintentionally reveals rise of parasitic capitalism
By Joe Montero
Morgan Stanley, one of the biggest American multinational investment banks and financial services company, revealed that at the end of 2024, reported that United States corporate profits were on a high. Predictions so far this year are almost as rosy. How can such a well-resourced institution like this see a different reality to just about everyone else? This is an important question. Continue reading Morgan Stanley’s analysis unintentionally reveals rise of parasitic capitalism
It is up to us to stop Trump’s tariffs from hurting Australia
By Joe Montero
Donald Trump entered to the applause of his inner circle of supporters on 1 April, to announce his Liberation Day. This is where he announced a new wall of tariffs against impots from the rest of the world. Choosing April Fool’s Day will prove to be ironic. Trump and his backers have chosen to inflict serious wounds on their own nation and hurt most of the rest of the world as well. Continue reading It is up to us to stop Trump’s tariffs from hurting Australia
Ukraine peace talks must recognise the reality on the ground to succeed
Contributed
Cutting through the bombastic claims of Donald Trump, the reality of Ukraine is cutting though. It can no longer be denied that that the proxy war is lost. There has been plenty of denial up to now. Washinton under Trump seemed to believe that it could impose defeat on Russia at the negotiating table. Britain, France, and Germany pretend that they can flex enough muscle to change the reality. Continue reading Ukraine peace talks must recognise the reality on the ground to succeed
Home Government Neither Coalition nor Labor offer much to answer Australia’s main concerns in 2025
By Joe Montero
The 2035 election campaign is in full swing now that Anthony Albanese has called it for 3 May. Neither Labor nor the Coalition have taken on the key challenges of today. Australia faces an ongoing cost of living crisis and a deepening disillusionment with the major political parties, within the context of ab underperforming economy and the social dislocation that this is causing. Climate has been silenced for this election, despite most of Australia being deeply concerned about it. Continue reading Home Government Neither Coalition nor Labor offer much to answer Australia’s main concerns in 2025
Peter Dutton’s budget speech was marked by dishonest evasion
By Jim Hayes
Peter Dutton’s own budget alternatives released last night (27 February 22025) was marked by one overwhelming fact. There was almost nothing in it. H does not want to announce what would happen if his party became the government. This is ominous. Continue reading Peter Dutton’s budget speech was marked by dishonest evasion
The 2025 budget will do little to fix the big problems facing Australia
By Joe Montero
The federal budget has been delivered and whatever the election campaigners might insist, it hasn’t delivered much. Business as usual is the best term to use. There are a few small give ways. After all, this is a pre-election budget. Maybe just enough to blunt Peter Dutton’ ambition to be Prime Minister. But overall, it will leave most voters underwhelmed. Continue reading The 2025 budget will do little to fix the big problems facing Australia
If Trump can deport Mahmoud Khalil, freedom of speech Is dead
As the United Sates leads its closest allies, including Australia, into a new era of denial of freedom of speech, we should be very worried, support its victims, and make our own stand for justice. One of the covers is the misuse of the accusation of antisemitism to target critics of Israeli policy and the state’s committing genocide against the Palestinians. One case denial of the freedom of speech is that involving Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil because he spoke out for his people. Mahmoud, a legal US resident, was arrested last weekend, and now faces deportation. Khallil has not faced any charges or court proceedings. Is this sort of action against those who speak out the intended shape of the future? Natasha Lennard tells this story (The Intercept 10 March 2025).
Continue reading If Trump can deport Mahmoud Khalil, freedom of speech Is dead
Dissatisfaction with the state of Australia will characterise the coming federal election
By Joe Montero
Despite the absence of an official election date, campaign activities are currently underway. The West Australia Ballot is over Labor lost 18 percent of the primary vote, but the Liberals failed to convert this to change their position as a non-event. The federal election will now be in May. The Albanese government has run out of time to do otherwise. Continue reading Dissatisfaction with the state of Australia will characterise the coming federal election
Washington’s imposition of tariffs on Australia must be fought against
Contributed
Anthony Albanese is right to stand up against the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Australian exports to the United States. This is not the act of a friend. It will hit the Australian economy, although luckily, Australia is not highly reliant on exports to that country. But it will still hurt the steel and aluminium exports, will the increase in the price of these metals will add to the domestic costs of what is left of Australian manufacturing, This, in turn, will flow through the whole economy. Continue reading Washington’s imposition of tariffs on Australia must be fought against