Morris Iemma hasn't done anything wrong has he? I always liked him. I don't think much of the others, but we've always had gangsters here of one nationality or the other, although Obeid and Co. have been the most corrupt we've seen in decades.

I don't think we've moved on from being a penal colony.

mantra wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 12:35pm:


You like them 'cute-and-cuddly' don't you? He was always a little bit on the shy side, and that's what appealed to your motherly instincts. 

mantra wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 12:35pm:


To be fair, it remains to be seen how they all fare in the final wash-up.

We had a lot of crooked police exposed by the Royal Commission, but these weren't politicians in leading roles in our society who had been elected by people who had faith in their honesty and integrity.

This is the second major scandal in recent years involving not only NSW politicians but also suburban mayors, councillors, etc ... distinguishing themselves as the Usual Suspects with Mediterranean names.

I think it might be something to do with the diet. Cheese, olives, pasta, and tomatoes day in and day out is liable to upset the brain chemistry. It's a volatile mix.

mantra wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 12:35pm:


We're talking politicians here ... not your common plebeian.

This is an introduced culture from the Old Countries.

mantra wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 12:35pm:


Years ago when I first came across the name of Eddie Obeid as a member of the NSW parliament ~ and saw the looks of the fellow ~ my first thought was .. "I wonder what he's up to?"

He and his brood have played us for suckers.

mantra wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 12:35pm:

John Smith wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 4:13pm:


Don't take me or others here for a fool. Greek-Australian, Italian-Australian, Lebanese-Australian. They still have the Old Country in their Australian homes until at least the 7th generation.

Suck it up, John. If I could smile for 30 years while being the target of untiring ethnic insults for being an English immigrant ~ then so can you now smile for me.



John Smith wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 4:13pm:


Next time you're down at the Fish Markets, or the Vegetable Markets, or the Marconi Club, or visiting Griffith  ~ tella the boys to take it easy ona the crime, okay? (I'm gently slapping your face now, in the Italian way like de Nero and many others have done in gangster movies).

*SLAP!* Capisce? Huh? *SLAP* Huh? *SLAP*

You listen to your Uncle Herberto and you gonna be all right ~ okay? *SLAP* Huh? Okay? *SLAP* *SLAP**SLAP* ... 

mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 4:44am:




Wear a crash helmet at the computer for the next few hours. You might be getting some rockets coming your way! 

I think we British types are just as venal and open to corruption as anyone else ... BUT! ~ our society has systems in place that regularly audits the wealth and dealings of our politicians in a quiet and unobtrusive way.

This has made our own politicians a little more reluctant to step out of line for fear of the faceless Corruption Police who do a regular sweep.

Our ethnic pollies are still working under the Old Country culture of "No worry! Give whoever enough money and they willa SHUDDUPPA THEIR FACE! ~ and if money doesn't stop the rat from snitching to the police, then send Bruno-the-Blunt-Force-Trauma specialist to see him ... "

mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 4:44am:


The natives suffered a culture shock upon contact with the British imperialists, but that was only to be expected. These very same Aborigines in various parts of the former British Empire are today slowly adopting Western civilisation's political and social structures and institutions as 'best practice'.

***
Quote:


***

That brought back memories. My grandparents had a farm in Griffith and as a kid on one of my many stays we went into town for supplies. My aunt pointed out some Italians who had begun to establish themselves there and instructed me never to look at them because they all carried knives and would kill you if you looked suspicious because they grew drugs. It took years before I was brave enough to look them in the eyes. [/quote]



I can hear the theme from The Godfather playing in the background ...

Being a child at the time they would have made a big fuss over you, and stuffed you full of Italian home-cooking, and swamped you with plenty of generosity and goodwill.

Being an immigrant factory worker, I knew many Italians. They can be a little over-powering if they like you. 'Smothering'. 

mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 4:44am:


I can't count the number of dinki di Australian women I've known over the years who are married to Italians.

mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 8:30am:


To be honest, if I'd had Italian 'good-looks' as a young fella I would never have needed to sleep at home ...   

"Oh, Herberto! Come up and see my etchings ... "

"Si, si, my leetle spaghetti ball!"



mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 8:30am:


The criminal over-sight that the authorities were guilty of was that they didn't put in place an impartial inspection system to oversee and monitor the orphanages and other types of children's homes.

The idea behind these homes had merit ~ but, as always, it was people of cruel character who were attracted to staffing these places who turned what could have been a good experience for the children, into a private hell.

It so often comes down to the individual in a position of power who makes things hell for others.

mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 8:30am:


That's a new one on me. I know in Victorian London they had child brothels for the gentry, but it was still all very hush-hush and illegal. Same with the gay brothels.

mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 8:30am:


Sickening.

mantra wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 8:30am:


It's often said that smart people going into politics is self-defeating from the point of view of receiving a much lower salary than if they had gone into business.

I believe our federal politicians get much less than their American counterparts.

Lord Herbert wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 4:59pm:


Is there any other way to take you?

Lord Herbert wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 4:59pm:


what a load of balony ... every time you open your mouth you prove just what a delluded racist you are 

Lord Herbert wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2014 at 4:59pm:


I don't have to do anything for you ... sounds like the most likely reason you might have been insulted for 30yrs is because of your attitude more than anything else.  I've known lots of poms and none of them have ever whinged about copping ethnic insults.

John Smith wrote on Apr 4^th, 2014 at 6:18pm:


******* 

Just one long ad hominem. I really don't know why you worry about me so much. It's the same with Karnel and Laugh. Hanging on my every word.

Just relax, hombre.

*********

Arthur Sinodinos got a hiding at ICAC yesterday. Apparently he sweated so much he drank around 20 glasses of water while saying he 'couldn't remember' at least 50 times.

Not looking good for him at all.

I'm especially looking forward to Joe Tripodi getting crucified at the inquiry.

My respect for former NSW premier Kristina Kenneally has rocketed. It was she alone who had been frustrating this Mediterranean Mafia by refusing their requests for this, that, and the other. If it hadn't been for her standing up to these Mediterranean gangsters things would be a whole lot worse.