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SAY GOOD-BYE

Since entering office, Kevin Rudd has been having problems running the country, and we can now add another problem to his list. The latest problem involves having trouble keeping his staff, with frequent resignations leading to a ridiculously high staff turnover rate.

Recent journalist investigations have revealed that 23 of the original 39 Prime Ministerial staff members have left Rudd’s office in the two years since he won Australia’s top job, with rumours of more to come. The number of staff which required replacements stands at close to 60%, which is an astounding figure for any industry, let alone one in government.

The revelation that people just don’t want to work for Rudd is in stark contrast to the situations involving former Prime Ministers. John Howard, Paul Keating and Bob Hawke all experienced low levels of staff turnover, with employees generally enjoying their work and remaining loyal to their employers.

KEVIN RUDE

Rudd made headlines earlier this year following his foul-mouthed outburst to a flight attendant for serving him the wrong meal. He berated her so badly that she burst out crying. For this inglorious incident he was awarded the fitting title: Kevin Rude.

It was noted that he has developed a ‘God like’ complex and this can be used to explain his often disgusting treatment of other human beings. Unfortunately, his rude outbursts have not been limited to out of office trips, and his own staff seem to be copping his vile attitude as well.

It is interesting to note the political spin intended to manipulate the truth surrounding what it is like to work for Kevin Rudd. Someone has developed a name for him – Kevin 24/7 – to describe his round-the-clock work ethic. But in reality, he is excessively demanding and works his staff like they are slaves. It turns out Hitler isn’t dead, but rather running an office in Canberra.

Rudd even tried himself to put some spin on the flight attendant incident, saying “As I recall it … I had a discussion with, I think, one of the attendants on the provision of food. It didn’t last very long and if anyone was offended by that, including the attendant concerned, of course, I apologise.” The master of political spin has epically failed on this one.

HE IS MANIC

Kevin Rudd suffers from mania; which is a condition characterised by extremely elevated mood, energy, unusual thought patterns and sometimes psychosis. He is also demanding and a bit all over the place. Constructive feedback is almost non-existent and he never listens to anybody. Are these things true? Maybe – After all, they the opinions of former staff members.

One thing is for certain – he is a man with a forked tongue and a furious temper. The workplace bully didn’t hold back when discussing printing allowances with his fellow politicians, using expletives a number of times. Rudd once again failed with his political spin, attempting to describe the conversations as “robust”.

If we search the dictionary, we will not find any definitions that can clearly match the word robust to “I don’t care what you fu–ers think”, “You can get fu–ed” or “Don’t you fu–ing understand?” Rudd must have been watching a bit too much of Gordon Ramsay, but doesn’t realise that type of language isn’t appropriate for a head of state.

The printing expenses outburst has provided solid proof of Kevin Rudd being a major hypocrite. He clearly has one set of rules for himself and another for the rest of Australia. Rudd ordered fellow politician Belinda Neal into anger management counselling following her outburst in a NSW restaurant and nightclub, and also kicked Dean Mighell out of the ALP for his swearing tirade.

NOT THE ONLY MOUTH SWEARING

Kevin Rudd is not the only politician to experience a mass staff exodus, with other ALP members in office also having problems. It seems a foul mouth may be a requirement for a role as an Australian politician, since staff are fleeing like animals heading for high ground before a tsunami hits.

Besides Rudd, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has had the highest staff turnover, with at least thirteen walking through the exit door. By her own admission, she is also guilty of “robust” language and swears just as much as Rudd. Verbally abusing staff members is generally not allowed in the workplace, but our politicians seem to have an exemption from the rules. With no alternatives to escape the abuse, staff are quitting in droves.

Treasurer Wayne Swan and Sports Minister Kate Ellis have both had seven staff members leave their offices; while Climate Change Minister Penny Wong has seen ten go. It’s a wonder Penny Wong even has any staff members, since her role is to make up facts to support a non-existent and imaginary problem. Surely she can manage to do this herself.

PUBLIC OPINION

The internet is a great tool for the public to express their opinions on Kevin Rudd and his staff dumping him for better jobs. Looking through the various websites gives a great insight into the respect held for Kevin Rudd, which sadly for him is almost none.

More than half of his staff have deserted him and it seems a similar number of voters will do the same. One person commented that the sooner we hold a federal election the better, so we can get rid of this no-hoper. Others mimicked Rudd with their colourful language with a statement reading “no-one wants to work for a tos–r” and another describing him as Australia’s biggest wan–r.

One unhappy Australian calls him Dudd, a name just as appropriate as his criticism. He went on to say that people are realising he is a pretender, they don’t want to work with him and be abused for the privilege, as well as being sick and tired of him not implementing his election promises. In addition to calling Rudd “full of it”, the writer also told Rudd that if he actually spent some time in Australia, he would see the damage he has done to the country since he took over with his lies and spin.

Rudd’s foul mouth is costing Australian taxpayers a lot of money. Replacing Rudd’s staff hasn’t been cheap, with costs for incidentals such as advertising and security clearances for new staff and relocating the old staff already exceeding $100,000. Any normal business manager who turned over the same percentage of staff in two years would be sacked, yet Rudd has immunity from facing the axe.

Maybe his behaviour is a tactic to drum up business for his wife’s employment agency. One thing is for certain – If his language is anything to go by, he is a classic example of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

THE RECESSION ARRIVES

The international economic crisis has created a lot of fear throughout Australia, with job security under threat as the ‘recession’ word is floating around. As a result, many people have cut back spending to the bare minimum incase they find themselves joining the dole queues in the near future. But are these measures essential, or are they simply a reaction fuelled by negative media coverage?

The first step in analysing the correct response to the above question is to determine the extent of the economic downturn. After months of denial, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has finally admitted Australia is in a recession. Although he has been quick to add that it has not been caused by his own economic mismanagement, but rather due to international economic pressures.

The word ‘recession’ is misunderstood by the majority of the public, as they associate a recession with the end of the world. When asked to define the word, the average Australian’s response would be ‘When things are really, really bad’. There is actually no commonly agreed definition of a recession; although many economists define it is a contraction in GDP for two consecutive quarters.

BUT SHOULD THERE BE A PROBLEM?

Generally, the bare essentials compose around 50% of a typical Australians income expenditure. The other 50% is used to satisfy their non-essential desires, such as entertainment, high priced electronics and fashion accessories. If they suffer a drop in income, they shouldn’t experience problems in meeting their basic living requirements.

The real problem lies with the fact that most Australians can’t stop their outrageous spending habits. They are crying foul and shedding tears because they can no longer afford their 50 inch plasma TV’s or $2,000 designer shoes. If they could overcome their pride, they would realise that selling the Prado and buying a Yaris might provide them with enough money to cover a years worth of living expenses.

Another factor is that Australians are averse to saving for tougher times. If they hadn’t been wasting their money on items such as $300 tickets for a Pink concert, just to watch someone named after a colour spew out junk for a couple of hours, they might have had savings to cover a drop in income.

QUICK TO FORGET

When a recession arrives, people are always quick to forget about the boom times that usually precede it. Prior to the current recession, Australia was the beneficiary of a massive economic boom. It seemed nothing could go wrong in those days.

In the two years preceding the start of the economic downturn, Australia’s economy may have grown by the same amount it has now contracted over the last year, effectively meaning the economy now sits at the same level as in 1996. People seem to forget that 2006 was still a good period, so it is clear that all that has changed is public perception.

LIMITED EFFECTS

Much of the blame for the negative public perception can be placed on the shoulders of the media. Every second news report mentions the word recession or highlights another round of job cuts The job cut reports are definitely factual, but the key point is not what is shown, but rather what is not shown by the media. For every round of job cuts, there are also companies undergoing workforce expansion to balance the ledger.

The world economic crisis is limited to specific industries. Many industries are suffering at the present time, while on the other hand; many industries are seeing a boom in business. Unessential luxury items such as jewellery, jet-skis and jacuzzis are no longer being purchased, and their manufacturers are doing it tough.

Conversely, food companies are not seeing a downturn in business. Woolworths massive job hirings went largely unreported in the media. Tea companies are reporting an increase in sales as more people are staying home, rather then going out for entertainment. Even education firms are seeing an increase in course attendees, as people are looking to gain skills in their spare time, rather than having an expensive night at the movies.

WHAT UNEMPLOYMENT?

In addition, the unemployment rate is not at alarming levels, especially considering that the government has a history of fudging figures to suit their agenda. The statistical definition of unemployment is constantly being changed to raise or lower the figures as they see fit. So in all reality, there is no unemployment crisis presently in Australia.

The defining factor in proving that the unemployment crisis is simply a media inspired fear campaign is the release of the latest unemployment figures. Defying predictions by economists and Treasurer Wayne Swan of a continued rise in unemployment, the jobless rate fell in the month of April according to ABS statistics, largely due to an increase of almost 50,000 full-time employees.

As the figures did not match the expected rises, we may once again see the government changing the unemployment definition to ensure that the figures increase according to their agenda. They have targeted an unemployment rate of 7-8% by the end of the year and base their predictions upon falls in the number of job advertisements, including the latest fall of 7.5% in April. However, it is not reasonable to conclude that this equates to a fall in the number of available jobs.

It is common knowledge that most job positions are filled through headhunting or word of mouth. To fall in line with cost cutting measures, businesses may simply be embracing cheaper methods of hiring, rather than spending money on expensive job advertisements. Additionally, jobseekers are more proactive in their efforts, preferring to visit their employers of choice and ask for jobs, further reducing the need for employers to advertise.

REFRAIN AND SUSTAIN

The media bias is certainly fuelling the public employment panic and creating a reduction in consumer spending. This unhealthy reduction is inflicting additional pressure on the economy. Consumers should still refrain from wasting their money on overpriced junk, but a total spending cut down to the bare essentials is over the top.

A marginal reduction is spending is more beneficial for the economy and will allow businesses producing more reasonable forms on non-essential items to stay clear of the economic downturn. At present, the fear induced public spending holdback is only ensuing a worsening economy and consumers need to strike a balance between over the top spending and total abstinence.

GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK

It hasn’t taken him long: After carelessly throwing money away in a pathetic effort to save Australia’s economy from recession, Kevin Rudd has been quick to ask for it back. His first targets are drinkers and smokers, with plans to increase taxation on both of their consumable products in a bid to plug his $200 billion revenue leak.

After ignoring key economists warnings about the futility of his cash handouts plan, Mr. Rudd has created a gigantic hole in Australia’s budget. The economists were also correct in predicting that increased taxation would follow soon after the cash handouts were distributed, but I don’t think even they expected him to come sniveling for the money so soon.

Drinkers and smokers have been chosen as the first groups to seek extra taxation revenue simply because they are easy prey. There will be little resistance to this move, and quite possibly a lot of public support. The tax grab will then slowly progress to other easy targets, working its way up to the big fish.

There are many factors contributing to the lack of resistance to the tax proposal. After years of rotting their brains on these drugs, the drinkers and smokers are generally of a lower intelligence and unable to figure out how to raise their voices collectively in opposition.

DOWN ON DRUGS

While many might argue that these items are not drugs, it is only due to a lack of knowledge. Technically, both alcohol and cigarettes are drugs, with almost all users being addicted to their consumption. So the classification of drug addicts is correct for the majority of drinkers and smokers. Indeed many in society also think this way, which explains the lack of concern for the tax proposal from non-drinkers and non-smokers.

Just as has occurred in all of the previous tax hikes on cigarettes and alcohol, the users always express their displeasure at the increases, but in the wrong forum. For a few weeks, the conversation going around in the pub is always about how the tax hikes are unfair. But this is where the fury ends, with the users unwilling to express their thoughts to anybody but their drinking and smoking buddies.

Apart from the fact that they can not follow up the pub conversations the next day by contacting someone who cares because they are all still in bed with a bad hangover, it is hard to envision a group of protesters wreaking of alcohol outside of parliament house, with a protest sign in one hand and a fag in the other. Most individuals are too embarrassed to be associated with a protest for these causes.

The majority of the unaffected population has no sympathy for the targets of the proposed tax increases. There may be the once in a blue moon drinker or smoker who is disappointed that they will have to spend more on these items next time they do the deeds, but the abstaining public often treat the users with contempt and have genuine disgust for their habits.

Drinking is generally condoned by the public, but with a high level of disgust reserved for drink-drivers who place their pleasure ahead of other people’s lives. Smokers however, are abhorred by many for their filthy disgusting habit and their revolting emanating stench. With opinions like these, it is easy to see why the government is finding good levels of support being thrown behind their proposal.

FINANCIAL BURDEN

Casting the personal views of the public aside, is it financially fair for the government to continually target the drinkers and smokers first every time they intend to raise taxes? Apart from the social effects that drinkers and smokers have on their family, friends and strangers, they also place a great financial burden on the Australian public. Considering this fact, surely it must be reasonable to recover these costs.

The cost of smoking to the general public is well documented, with the health care system placed under tremendous financial strain from sick smokers. It has been proven that smoking can cause a number of diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema, as well as a wide range of cancers including lung and throat cancer.

Medical treatment for the extensive list of bodily damage caused by smoking, costs millions of dollars each year. These costs are then passed on to the non-smokers in the form of higher taxation. It is certainly not fair that an individual should pay for the medical treatment of another individual who deliberately injures themselves.

PUBLIC SUFFERING

The public are also made to suffer with longer surgery waiting lists, as a result of spots being filled by smokers needing surgery. The waiting list is also extended by drinkers. Liver disease is a common problem for frequent drinkers and often requires surgery to repair damage caused by their alcohol consumption.

The financial burden imposed by drinkers on the general public is not limited to medical treatment. Drunken individuals are also responsible for many criminal incidents. Whether it be damage to public property or harm caused to another person, there is a financial cost to the public for their actions.

Damage to public property needs to be repaired, with the ratepayers or taxpayers effectively footing the bill. A large number of criminal compensation claims result from alcohol fuelled incidents, with the public once again expected to cover these claims through their taxation liabilities.

Alcohol and cigarettes have such a detrimental effect on society that they would be banned if it wasn’t for the incredible taxation earnings the government generates from their sale. With the chance of these items ever providing a positive effect on society firmly fixed at NIL, they will continue to be used as the government’s first means of increasing taxation in the future.

THE UNWANTED DOLLAR

After the Australian Dollar almost became equal in value to the US Dollar, it suffered an alarming drop in value. It reached 98c to 1 US Dollar on 15^th July 2008, yet just 4 months later it had plummeted to 60c. A major currency has never before seen a drop in value of this magnitude.

The Australian Dollar, in all reality, is a basket case of a currency. But it has always had a perceived strength due to Australia’s strong economy and backing of mineral wealth. It is also the 6^th most traded currency in Forex Markets behind the US Dollar, Euro, Yen, Pound Sterling and Swiss Franc.

Forex traders were one of the main forces behind the value propping of the Australian Dollar, being attracted to the relatively high interest rates in comparison to other main currencies. But as the Global Financial Crisis appeared, the Australian Dollar was deserted in favour of seemingly more secure options such as US Bonds.

Although the currency has partially recovered in value over the last few months, the future price direction remains unclear and many traders are hesitant to re-include the Australian Dollar into their trading portfolio. Much of the uncertainty can be attributed to the debate’s surrounding other major world currencies; most notably the US Dollar.

WAITING FOR THE AMERO

Speculation has raged for a number of years regarding the future of the US Dollar, as the US Governments spending is out of control and the national debt is now at unmanageable levels. In fact, all of the tax payments collected by the US Government are now less than what is required to service the interest payments on the national debt. Technically the USA is insolvent.

A solution to the insolvency was raised a few years ago involving the creation of a new currency called the Amero. Drawing lessons from the Euro’s convergence throughout Europe, the Amero was intended to be the building block towards establishing an American Union between the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The un-opinionated American public did not even raise an eyebrow to the proposal, however stiff resistance was met when the idea of the Amero was floated to Canadian and Mexican citizens. They did not need to adopt a new currency to solve the financial dilemmas of another nation. Although, there have been reports that the Amero deal was approved by all three governments back in 2005.

There has been much speculation that the World Financial Crisis was a deliberately engineered event, designed to create the foundations for a public move onto the Amero currency platform. If the financial crisis is a long-term event with ongoing public suffering, the Amero would be offered as a solution and be readily accepted by people desperately seeking a return to better times.

UNION OF ASIA

Unions are also in the pipeline for Asia and Africa, with the next move to be the introduction of the Unified Asian Currency. The name Asio has been floated by some, but the fact that it clashes with the Australian Government agency ASIO may lead to the adoption of a different name for the currency.

The Asia-Pacific Union was the mainstay of a plan outlined in June 2008 by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. China was just one of a number of countries to express its support for the introduction of the Union. Rudd has already appointed veteran diplomat Richard Woolcott as a special envoy to lobby regional leaders over the body, so it appears the move towards the “Asio” is already underway.

THE EURO DESTRUCTION

The introduction of an Asia-Pacific Union will almost certainly have a detrimental effect on the value of the Australian Dollar in the years preceding its formation, if the data from the European countries prior to the adoption of the Euro is anything to go by.

On 1^st January 1999, eleven European countries officially replaced their separate currencies with the Euro. In the following year, all eleven countries experienced an increase in the value of their currency versus the US Dollar. But the most surprising statistic was that all of the countries value growth was almost identical, averaging almost a 7% increase.

However, the positive growth was short lived. On 1^st January 2002, the official date had arrived for the physical replacement of the old currencies notes and coins with the new Euro versions. By that date the values of the currencies had fallen dramatically, at an average value reduction of 24%.

ONE WORLD CURRENCY

Looking further into the future, it is clear that we are being groomed for a switch to a single world currency and in addition: a single world government. At the recent G20 summit, the world leaders agreed to support a Special Drawing Rights allocation of funds into the world economy.

Special Drawing Rights (SDR) are a synthetic paper currency issued by the IMF. By allowing this fund allocation, the G20 leaders have effectively given the IMF the power to create a de-facto world currency. Only time will tell whether this evolves into the official single world currency that has been mooted for years.

If we consider these recent world events, the Australian Dollar faces a very grim future. Not only is a potential plummet in value on the cards, but its entire existence seems to be under threat. Let’s hope that it can overcome the obstacles set by Kevin Rudd and Co.