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General Discussion >> Federal Politics >> Dick Smith
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Message started by Gordon on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:19pm

Title: Dick Smith
Post by Gordon on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:19pm
For PM

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Black Orchid on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:26pm
He would get my vote!

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm

Never has a man been so aptly named.


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Unforgiven on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:34pm

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:19pm:
For PM


Mr. Smith gets a rise out of Gordon.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Gordon on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Swagman on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:34pm

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Willy Dick Shorten is a rival.....

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Bam on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:55pm

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:19pm:
For PM

Do you have a link or two? It would help you to explain why.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by mothra on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.



http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Gordon on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:56pm

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.



http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/


I wouldn't say that he's being silenced and knowing Dick, he's probably embellishing for effect but one thing is for certain. Whenever immigration levels are discussed particularly on the ABC, (radio) listeners are very quick to call in and connect it with xenophobia 

Back in the day when I used to knock about with Greenies, small population in Australia was the thing,  how that's changed.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 6th, 2017 at 9:36pm

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.



http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/


Dick.

Such an apt name for this fellow.


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Gordon on Sep 6th, 2017 at 9:39pm

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 9:36pm:

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.



http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/


Dick.

Such an apt name for this fellow.


Say what,  Pecker?

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 6th, 2017 at 9:40pm

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 9:39pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 9:36pm:

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.



http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/


Dick.

Such an apt name for this fellow.


Say what,  Pecker?


Dick Smith is a dick.

He's always been a dick, and always will be.

Why do you like dicks so much, Gordy?


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Bam on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:09pm

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/

Just so everyone knows, this is posted on The Shovel, a satirical website, so don't take this too seriously.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:15pm

Bam wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:09pm:

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/

Just so everyone knows, this is posted on The Shovel, a satirical website, so don't take this too seriously.


Yes, but he's still a dick.


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Gordon on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:15pm

Bam wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:09pm:

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/

Just so everyone knows, this is posted on The Shovel, a satirical website, so don't take this too seriously.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/dick-smith-to-campaign-against-alleged-abc-bias-20170905-gybejm.html

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:17pm

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:15pm:

Bam wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:09pm:

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/

Just so everyone knows, this is posted on The Shovel, a satirical website, so don't take this too seriously.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/dick-smith-to-campaign-against-alleged-abc-bias-20170905-gybejm.html


What is it about dick that appeals to you so much, Gordy?


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Gordon on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:18pm

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:17pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:15pm:

Bam wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:09pm:

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/

Just so everyone knows, this is posted on The Shovel, a satirical website, so don't take this too seriously.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/dick-smith-to-campaign-against-alleged-abc-bias-20170905-gybejm.html


What is it about dick that appeals to you so much, Gordy?



His politics.  You seem fixated on his name. How long have you been fixated on Dicks?


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:19pm

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:18pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:17pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:15pm:

Bam wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:09pm:

mothra wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 7:26pm:
“I Am Being Silenced” Dick Smith Says In Interview With National Media Network


Dick Smith’s voice isn’t being heard, millions of Australians were told today.

The entrepreneur told Fairfax – publisher of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald – that it was getting harder and harder for ordinary millionaires with retail chains named after them to get any kind of traction in the media.

He singled out the ABC, saying it was the national broadcaster’s role to step in to tell the stories of marginalised Australian business people who, unlike others, rarely have their voices heard on mainstream media.

“I’ve got an opinion and yet the ABC won’t report it. It’s basically treason,” Mr Smith said.

Smith said his only option now was to follow the lead of other voiceless, marginalised Australians and run a multi million dollar advertising campaign to outline his opinions.

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2017/09/06/i-am-being-silenced-dick-smith-says-in-interview-with-national-media-network/

Just so everyone knows, this is posted on The Shovel, a satirical website, so don't take this too seriously.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/dick-smith-to-campaign-against-alleged-abc-bias-20170905-gybejm.html


What is it about dick that appeals to you so much, Gordy?



His politics. 


;D

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by philperth2010 on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....I agree with Dick Smith!!!

:) :) :)


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:22pm

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....


Why - because he's a millionaire with a helicopter?

Are you serious?

Why should he be given any more consideration than anyone else?

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by philperth2010 on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:33pm

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:22pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....


Why - because he's a millionaire with a helicopter?

Are you serious?

Why should he be given any more consideration than anyone else?


No....Because he has an opinion and is entitled to it....If you have a different opinion I am happy to hear it???

:-? :-? :-?

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Captain Caveman on Sep 7th, 2017 at 8:35am
Go Dick.
Need more Australians fighting for Australians. The sooner the better.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 7th, 2017 at 9:40am

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:33pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:22pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....


Why - because he's a millionaire with a helicopter?

Are you serious?

Why should he be given any more consideration than anyone else?


No....Because he has an opinion and is entitled to it....If you have a different opinion I am happy to hear it???

:-? :-? :-?


Opinions are like arseholes.

Why is this particular arsehole worthy of consideration for PM?

Seriously!

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by JaSinner on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:04am

Dick Smith is a great Australian
But he would be more suited to a Premier - where 'domestic' issues are more the go.
PM's need to have a more 'International' interest and support for the International.
PM's serve the USA anyway.
GG's serve the UK.

So as a Premier - he would be pretty awesome.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Gordon on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:07am

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 9:40am:

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:33pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:22pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....


Why - because he's a millionaire with a helicopter?

Are you serious?

Why should he be given any more consideration than anyone else?


No....Because he has an opinion and is entitled to it....If you have a different opinion I am happy to hear it???

:-? :-? :-?


Opinions are like arseholes.

Why is this particular arsehole worthy of consideration for PM?

Seriously!


Come on Greg, you of all people should be supporting him.  He's probably going to run as an Indi in the next election in Warringah, and he's got a good chance of winning

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by juliar on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:33am
Is Dick Smith the male version of Pauline ?

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:33am

Gordon wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:07am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 9:40am:

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:33pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:22pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....


Why - because he's a millionaire with a helicopter?

Are you serious?

Why should he be given any more consideration than anyone else?


No....Because he has an opinion and is entitled to it....If you have a different opinion I am happy to hear it???

:-? :-? :-?


Opinions are like arseholes.

Why is this particular arsehole worthy of consideration for PM?

Seriously!


Come on Greg, you of all people should be supporting him. 


Why is that?

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:35am

Gordon wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:07am:
  He's probably going to run as an Indi in the next election ...


He's joined the Sustainable Australia Party.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:50am

I'm checking out his party now.

Seems okay, so far ... http://www.sustainableaustralia.org.au/

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Bam on Sep 7th, 2017 at 11:13am

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....I agree with Dick Smith!!!

:) :) :)

Everyone's ideas should be looked at on their merit, even from people one normally disagrees with.

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by Bam on Sep 7th, 2017 at 11:25am

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:35am:

Gordon wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:07am:
  He's probably going to run as an Indi in the next election ...


He's joined the Sustainable Australia Party.


greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 10:50am:
I'm checking out his party now.

Seems okay, so far ... http://www.sustainableaustralia.org.au/


Freediver will be pleased. The party already has a section on the forum.

Sustainability Party of Australia

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by philperth2010 on Sep 7th, 2017 at 11:44am

Bam wrote on Sep 7th, 2017 at 11:13am:

philperth2010 wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 10:20pm:

Gordon wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 6:07pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Sep 6th, 2017 at 5:29pm:
Never has a man been so aptly named.


Wants to increase tax on richest 1%
Reduce unsustainable immigration levels
Pro Australian made

Which of those do you disagree with?


None....I think his ideas should be looked at and judged on their merit....I agree with Dick Smith!!!

:) :) :)

Everyone's ideas should be looked at on their merit, even from people one normally disagrees with.


I agree Bam....It is partisan ideology from both the left and right that prevents any progress or bi partisanship....The factional polls are drifting further apart and those in the middle are being deserted by all Parties!!!

>:( >:( >:(

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by mothra on Sep 8th, 2017 at 10:13am
Dick Smith is an exemplary candidate for Arsehat of the Year

Dick Smith is to be congratulated on his nomination yesterday for the Crikey Arsehat of The Year Award. I’m sure we all hope he goes on to win. It would be difficult to imagine a more worthy recipient.

But seriously, when will the mainstream media start treating Smith for what he really is: a hypocritical huckster with a serious ego problem?

For more than 40 years the tabloids and the commercial radio and TV networks have all fallen over each other to report his every new venture, thought-bubble brainwave or shameless publicity stunt. From flogging electric toilet seats to towing a fake iceberg into Sydney Harbour, Smith is easy, breezy copy. Editors and producers assume that his cheeky bespectacled boy-scout enthusiasms go down well, so they keep giving him generous free exposure.

They buy anything Smith is selling because they know he’s a recognisable character sure to deliver them the kind of upbeat pap that feeds the prejudices of their audience. We’re asked to forget he’s a multi-millionaire. Instead, Smith is portrayed as a plucky, idealistic little underdog fighting the next righteous battle on our behalf.

It’s all a con. Rolled-gold baloney. But perhaps his current paranoid campaign against the ABC will finally provide the trigger for a more realistic appraisal of this self-proclaimed patriot.

There is, of course, nothing wrong with being a successful entrepreneur, or a good salesman. Smith is both. The problem is the credibility gap between what he says, and what he actually does.

Crikey has already mentioned the hypocrisy of his “Buy Australian” posturing after making his first fortune selling cheap imported electronics. But there’s much more.

While painting himself as a concerned environmentalist, he flew his large helicopter around the world as a self-promoting stunt, polluting the atmosphere on a long and utterly unnecessary trip, and burning plenty of fossil fuel along the way.

After selling the Dick Smith stores to Woolworths he established another business built around his Australian Geographic magazine. While presenting “Buy Australian” TV ads, Smith was printing his magazine at the Dai Nippon works in Japan. He’d also assured readers in an early editorial that he would never sell the AG subscriber list. A few years later, he sold the Australian Geographic business to Fairfax — complete with its subscriber list.

Never bashful about exploiting his name and media-fuelled image as the game little Aussie fighting the greedy multi-nationals, Smith’s next major venture was Dick Smith Foods. It is a case study in the hypocrisies of his modus operandi.

DSF was purely a licensing and marketing business. Despite all his guff about supporting “our farmers”, he didn’t grow, manufacture or even package the supermarket lines that carried his moniker and grinning dial. He just owned all the product names, label images and marketing apparatus, and then licensed them to anyone prepared to pay.

Then, in 2002, Smith licensed the entire brand management rights of Dick Smith Foods to Sanitarium for five years. The Sanitarium Health Food Company is owned by the US-based Seventh Day Adventist Church and pays no tax here because it is the offshoot of a registered religion. So much for “all the profits staying in Australia”.

Not surprisingly, Sanitarium may not have over-exerted themselves pushing the Dick Smith brand because they have their own competitive supermarket lines. Next, the brand was licensed to Green Bros. But by the time that deal expired and the rights reverted to Smith, turnover had plummeted.

So what did he do? Re-launch the brand with the fawning help of A Current Affair. They filmed him — in the obligatory silly “OzEmite” hat — going from door to door clutching a fistful of bank notes and promising $500 to anyone who had one of his products in their fridge or pantry. Classy stuff.

Indeed, a defining characteristic of Smith’s campaigns has been their constant references to money. Every time he wants to push a new cause, he tells the media how much cash he’s going to spend doing it. The man apparently believes that his honesty can be measured by the amounts he promises to give away. These totals are always quoted in neat millions. Gosh, isn’t he generous! That wonderful Dick Smith bloke really puts his money where his mouth is.

Or does he? Do the media ever check whether all those millions, so breathlessly reported at first, were actually paid out as promised? We’re still waiting.

Smith’s egocentricity is now blossoming into the realms of delusional behaviour. All the advertising material in his current Malthusian population-control campaign features Smith, front and centre. His appetite for media exposure is insatiable. The message is secondary to the cult of personality. He imagines that anyone who doesn’t accept and promote his arguments is conspiring against him, and should be punished.

Which is why there’s now to be a $1 million Dick Smith campaign of TV ads against the ABC because, he claims, they haven’t given his anti-growth propaganda a fair run.


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by mothra on Sep 8th, 2017 at 10:14am
And there’s another $2 million for any marginal seat candidates who’ll publicly drink the latest Smith anti-immigration Kool-Aid. It seems that our champion of the battling classes (and enemy of the multi-nationals) is untroubled by the ethics of buying votes.

This from the man (Australian of the Year, 1986) who accuses the ABC of “warping our democratic process”.


https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/09/07/dick-smith-is-a-fine-candidate-for-arsehat-of-the-year/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=070917-locked

Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by greggerypeccary on Sep 8th, 2017 at 10:32am

mothra wrote on Sep 8th, 2017 at 10:13am:
Dick Smith is an exemplary candidate for Arsehat of the Year


He gets my vote.


Title: Re: Dick Smith
Post by minarchist on Sep 8th, 2017 at 8:19pm
Dick Smith still thinks Australia lives in a world where if we sew enough shirts and pack enough cans we can bring ourselves towards economic prosperity.

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