Even food for thought simmering deserves a good stir every so often.
"I must thank you for it all. I might not have gone but for you, and so have missed the finest study I ever came across: a study in scarlet, eh?" (ACD/SH).
The 'public face' of this SoE may appear to be a bland confection; and, given the track record of previous iterations, a fair dollop of reasonable doubt is most acceptable. However, even though I've not yet digested and organised my notes on the BRB indaba, I thought I might share a few of the 'side bar' elements which (IMO) merit some attention. Warning - potted history follows.
We must step back to before the Tamworth rally, one of the senior fellahin was in conversation with Joyce "what about the CASA imbroglio?" he asked. The answer " I don't want to have to deal with the CASA problem; but, if I have to then I will". (Roughly paraphrased).
Forward to Tamworth - Joyce turned up, Chester was not in attendance - so Joyce opened the batting; it was the beginning of a fine innings, cut short by the arrival of Chester and the almost instant change in mood that produced. To put a hat on a lacklustre 'closed' session Chester took a photograph of Joyce in the loo and put it about. Joyce was caught between a rock and a hard place; Chester was the minister and despite a good innings, although Joyce gained some popularity and respect, credibility and trust went downhill at a fast clip.
Forward to the Wagga gab-fest; the unspeakable McCormack arrived late, stayed but a short while before waltzing off to more important matters than a bunch of scruffy aviation types who were not impressed by the odour of pony-pooh. The less said about McCormack the better - I'll leave it there.
Now then, the well known performance of McCormack throughout his abysmal tenure is the stuff of aviation legend. After he was defrocked he signed off on the previous SoE, a last gift to his mates (legal questions; anyone?). Had Joyce been of a similar mindset to the two previous clowns; he could have saved a lot (huge) of time, money and effort and simply let the SoE stand. But he did not, did he. What he did do was both astute and honourable. He brought in a very bright, plugged in senior adviser, who knew the ropes, was a 'do-er' and; importantly, had the respect and trust of some pretty heavy duty, qualified folk. Those are the voices clearly heard and heeded in the new SoE.
Not too shabby an effort, considering an election is looming. The timing immaculate, politically astute and an intelligent document which, if fully enacted, will be applauded for a long while to come. IF.
Doubt and scepticism fully backed short odds favourites; history demands that. But the 'vibe' is playing merry Hell with the odds in my book. On the bright side of my ledger the odds may be firmed up quickly for the 'tells' will either come soon, or, not at all. Courage and shuffle the cards - we shall see soon enough who holds the trumps.
Toot - toot.
P2 edit/addition - KC (AMROBA) take on SoE
"I must thank you for it all. I might not have gone but for you, and so have missed the finest study I ever came across: a study in scarlet, eh?" (ACD/SH).
The 'public face' of this SoE may appear to be a bland confection; and, given the track record of previous iterations, a fair dollop of reasonable doubt is most acceptable. However, even though I've not yet digested and organised my notes on the BRB indaba, I thought I might share a few of the 'side bar' elements which (IMO) merit some attention. Warning - potted history follows.
We must step back to before the Tamworth rally, one of the senior fellahin was in conversation with Joyce "what about the CASA imbroglio?" he asked. The answer " I don't want to have to deal with the CASA problem; but, if I have to then I will". (Roughly paraphrased).
Forward to Tamworth - Joyce turned up, Chester was not in attendance - so Joyce opened the batting; it was the beginning of a fine innings, cut short by the arrival of Chester and the almost instant change in mood that produced. To put a hat on a lacklustre 'closed' session Chester took a photograph of Joyce in the loo and put it about. Joyce was caught between a rock and a hard place; Chester was the minister and despite a good innings, although Joyce gained some popularity and respect, credibility and trust went downhill at a fast clip.
Forward to the Wagga gab-fest; the unspeakable McCormack arrived late, stayed but a short while before waltzing off to more important matters than a bunch of scruffy aviation types who were not impressed by the odour of pony-pooh. The less said about McCormack the better - I'll leave it there.
Now then, the well known performance of McCormack throughout his abysmal tenure is the stuff of aviation legend. After he was defrocked he signed off on the previous SoE, a last gift to his mates (legal questions; anyone?). Had Joyce been of a similar mindset to the two previous clowns; he could have saved a lot (huge) of time, money and effort and simply let the SoE stand. But he did not, did he. What he did do was both astute and honourable. He brought in a very bright, plugged in senior adviser, who knew the ropes, was a 'do-er' and; importantly, had the respect and trust of some pretty heavy duty, qualified folk. Those are the voices clearly heard and heeded in the new SoE.
Not too shabby an effort, considering an election is looming. The timing immaculate, politically astute and an intelligent document which, if fully enacted, will be applauded for a long while to come. IF.
Doubt and scepticism fully backed short odds favourites; history demands that. But the 'vibe' is playing merry Hell with the odds in my book. On the bright side of my ledger the odds may be firmed up quickly for the 'tells' will either come soon, or, not at all. Courage and shuffle the cards - we shall see soon enough who holds the trumps.
Toot - toot.
P2 edit/addition - KC (AMROBA) take on SoE