= Loose cannons

September 13, 2000
Issue 

Here, too

“Anywhere else in the world this would be seen as a first-class opportunity for the leaders of the country.” — International Olympic Committee vice-president Kevan Gosper, on corporations providing Olympic handouts to politicians.

Non-abrasive

“I don't think they [business people] will find me abrasive.” — Carmen Lawrence, federal Labor's new industry spokesperson.

Unconstrained

“You need a framework where business and industry can operate with a minimum of constraint.” — Carmen Lawrence.

Otherwise

“Mr Laws already serves the community, both as a benefactor and otherwise.” — Justice Woods explaining why radio shock jock John Laws should not be sentenced to community service for breaking juror confidentiality laws.

Democracy

“The need for intellectual involvement by members is limited.” — From the constitution of the No GST Party recently established by One Nation party Fuhrers David Oldfield and David Ettridge.

Who's the government then?

“The Carr Labor government will ensure these services remain in public ownership.” — NSW transport minister Carl Scully on FreightCorp during the 1999 state election campaign. The government has just announced plans to sell the rail freight carrier.

Mass murder not allowed

“Fire must be controlled and directed only at specific individuals.” — From the Manual for Land Warfare constraining the military's capacity to make war on the citizenry.

Equality rules

“The rule of law allows the little guy to win against the big guy; the law is the equaliser — that is why it advances the sovereignty of small nations.” — Mike Moore, director-general of the World Trade Organisation, on the benefits of the WTO's “free trade” rules.

... not

“It allows a little country like Costa Rica to win against the United States on underwear exports, of all things. Is it perfect? No. But the absence of the WTO would not make the system any cleaner.” — Mike Moore again.

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