Stuart's recent articles

Prince Harrys outrage, spare a thought

Prince Harrys outrage, spare a thought

Amidst the despair unfolding in the world, buying Prince Harrys Spare means youve been fooled into taking something seriously instead of discarding it at first sight.

Best of 2022: Russia-Ukraine: For humanitys sake, turn down the heat

Best of 2022: Russia-Ukraine: For humanitys sake, turn down the heat

Its time we recognise the carnage of this war in Ukraine, and turn to dialogue with Russia.

Nobel recipients humanity is in stark contrast to Putins bestiality

Nobel recipients humanity is in stark contrast to Putins bestiality

During days preceding a festive period, the world watches the contrast between the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize recipients hopes for humanity and the bestiality of a Russian Presidents war in Ukraine. Representing their respective civil society organisations in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, three brave individuals have been rewarded for their human rights-based opposition to the dictators Putin and Lukashenko.

Thinking differently about peace and security, lessons from Costa Rica

Thinking differently about peace and security, lessons from Costa Rica

World-wide threats to life on earth imply a desperate need to think differently about peace and security. Costa Rica teaches how.

Labor's Chris Minns fails tests of principle and courage on Violet Coco and Shaoquett Moselmane

Labor's Chris Minns fails tests of principle and courage on Violet Coco and Shaoquett Moselmane

The treatment of Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane, a staunch supporter of the Chinese community and of Palestinians, and the sentencing of environmental protester Deanna Violet Coco to fifteen months in jail and refusal of bail have been tests of principle and of courage in public life. NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has failed the test.

The Voice of an obstructionist, willfully ignorant National Party

The Voice of an obstructionist, willfully ignorant National Party

The National Partys decision to campaign against a voice to parliament is destructive and wilfullyignorant. Contributors to this decision ignore a history of Indigenous punishment and powerlessness. They criticise a referendum process which has not been published but which they pretend to know. They attribute to the Uluru Statement goals which it does not have.

The costs of cruelty: Egypt profits, Israel colludes, Gazans pay

The costs of cruelty: Egypt profits, Israel colludes, Gazans pay

To enter the large open prison known as the Gaza Strip, hundreds of Palestinians travel daily from Cairo to Rafah on the Egyptian Gaza border. A car journey of 450 kms through the Sinai desert, in summer temperatures hovering around 40C, takes at best seven hours and must negotiate numerous Egyptian military checkpoints.

Principled conduct? Shaoquett Moselmane and the NSW ALP

Principled conduct? Shaoquett Moselmane and the NSW ALP

On October 19, before a crowded public gallery and in a packed Upper House of the NSW parliament, Labor MP Shaoquett Moslemane gave his valedictory speech. He did so with dignity, with no bitterness and with gratitude to his many supporters. His standards in public life have been impressive. His treatment by powerful operatives has been disgraceful.

Russia-Ukraine: For humanitys sake, turn down the heat

Russia-Ukraine: For humanitys sake, turn down the heat

Its time we recognise the carnage of this war in Ukraine, and turn to dialogue with Russia.

Ethiopian, Eritrean atrocities in Tigray: who cares, its an African war

Ethiopian, Eritrean atrocities in Tigray: who cares, its an African war

Fighting and famine in Tigray is described by the London Observer as the most lethal anywhere in the world.

Due process in law a deceitful farce: ask Julian Assange

Due process in law a deceitful farce: ask Julian Assange

Due process in the administration of justice requires respect for a defendants right to a fair trial, acknowledges a role for public scrutiny of court practices and insists that judges should be recused if they have a conflict of interest which would amount to bias. In the prosecution of Australian citizen Julian Assange, such principles have been trashed.

Crafting a Republic: "Aprs Moi Le Deluge" an Elizabeth II legacy?

Crafting a Republic: "Aprs Moi Le Deluge" an Elizabeth II legacy?

King Louis XV of France and Madame de Pompadour are reputed to have warned that across France after their deaths there would be life destroying floods of various kinds. By implication, these distant on-a pedestal characters were predicting that life after them could be far worse than when they reigned, so look back a little and be grateful.

Pakistan floods -The wealthy pollute the world and the poor suffer

Pakistan floods -The wealthy pollute the world and the poor suffer

Global capitalism is a giant poverty producing machine, masterful in its methods of pitting the poor against the very poor or flinging crumbs to the wretched so that they dissipate their energy fighting one another.

Terrorist-preoccupied Israel issues latest license for thuggery

Terrorist-preoccupied Israel issues latest license for thuggery

While the world was distracted by brutalities in Ukraine, Yemen, Myanmar, Somalia and by a threatening US, China conflict, Israeli forces raided the offices of six Palestinian human rights organisations, and after stealing equipment and documents, soldiers welded doors shut.

Peace with Justice: Lessons from the Anthropocene and for Ukraine

Peace with Justice: Lessons from the Anthropocene and for Ukraine

Imagining the arrival of peace with justice in Ukraine needs two caveats. In any peace negotiations, Ukrainian citizens judgements about the future should be a priority.

Uluru Statement and Makaratta message redefine sovereignty

Uluru Statement and Makaratta message redefine sovereignty

There is a huge contrast between the notion sovereignty depicted in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and political leaders perception of this concept as a weapon. Ulurus message forecasts hope through reciprocity and healing.

A Significant Peoples Forum on Peace, not just in Ukraine

A Significant Peoples Forum on Peace, not just in Ukraine

Citizens in Australia speak of peace and show how to reach that goal. They do not trust politicians stifled into thinking that security means militarism, or think tanks funded to promote the idea that national defence and arms industry interests are the same.

Menace from George Brandis: how to represent state interests not Julian Assange

Menace from George Brandis: how to represent state interests not Julian Assange

Appearing on last Thursdays ABC Q&A programme, George Brandis, former Attorney General and former Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, behaved as though Australian citizens should always be grateful for the way he would protect their interests.

The human catastrophe in Yemen. What a contrast to our media focus on Ukraine

The human catastrophe in Yemen. What a contrast to our media focus on Ukraine

In the last five years, an estimated 377,000 people have died in Yemen mostly from hunger, lack of health care and unsafe water. In Ukraine?

Superiority born from class: Lowy Institutes Michael Fullilove on Julian Assange

Superiority born from class: Lowy Institutes Michael Fullilove on Julian Assange

Beware privileged people who have learned to speak with confidence yet appear blind to the benefits of social class. Beware powerful people who claim that democratic governments, in the US, UK, Australia, administer justice always according to some time-honoured principle about rules of law.

Preparations for war stifle advocacy for peace

Preparations for war stifle advocacy for peace

When reporting on Russian atrocities, mainstream media have also been preoccupied with the supply of arms to Ukraine, with news of Finland and Sweden joining NATO and with fingers crossed forecasts of the defeat of Russia. In media minds and in academic circles, advocacy of peace finds little or no space.

Floods, mental health & love in Lismore

Floods, mental health & love in Lismore

A principle known for centuries by Indigenous peoples, teaches that the health of the land affects the wellbeing of people, a principle familiar to citizens of Lismore in northern NSW. After catastrophic floods submerged homes and commercial properties, one thousand citizens still live in emergency accommodation and thousands more survive in homes where walls, ceilings and windows need repair. Faced with powerlessness and uncertainty, peoples mental health is more difficult to restore than walls and windows, yet signs of love in Lismore display potential benefits for a whole country.

Opportunity for Albanese intervention to free Julian Assange. Its time.

Opportunity for Albanese intervention to free Julian Assange. Its time.

Across Australia, a hopeful Australian public are praising the Albanese government for showing a sense of justice in permitting the persecuted yet dignified Murugappan family to return to Biloela albeit only on bridging visas. It is rumoured that deliberations are underway to end the mind-boggling prosecution of Bernard Collaery. If thats the case, Prime Minister Albanese could achieve a moral trifecta by asking his British counterpart to cease the incarceration of Julian Assange and allow this worthy, significant Australian citizen to walk free. Its time.

Scared to mention Palestinians lives and Israel brutalities: A challenge for new MPs

Scared to mention Palestinians lives and Israel brutalities: A challenge for new MPs

In six weeks of electioneering, and despite the election result, Australian politicians did not dare and appear unlikely to dare to condemn the Israeli governments continued abuse of Palestinians. An Israeli sniper murdered the distinguished Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israeli police attacked mourners at her funeral, but such brutalities make little impression on the Australian establishment. Regarding Palestine, their indifference and cowardice still runs deep.

Peace scenarios for Ukraine via peoples tribunals

Peace scenarios for Ukraine via peoples tribunals

In November 1966, regarding the conduct of the Vietnam war, the philosopher, anti-war activist Bertrand Russell founded a Peoples Tribunal to inform public opinion and arouse opposition to war.

Election absentee: Who dares to mention socialism?

Election absentee: Who dares to mention socialism?

An election campaign in an apparently democratic society is affected by fear to mention the goals and benefits of socialism. Commentators censor themselves. The agenda offered to voters is controlled by a media obsessed with the image of two leaders. In addition, derision by a right wing press, bullying by shock jocks, basic ignorance of socialisms principles makes Labor feel that if they mention the s word, theyll ruin their election chances.

Colonisation stifles Indigenous leaders: now Victor Yeimo in West Papua

Colonisation stifles Indigenous leaders: now Victor Yeimo in West Papua

Victor Yeimo, leader of the West Papuans struggles for freedom has been in prison since May 2021. The world needs to know. To argue for his interests, Australia needs to summon a touch of courage. Without persistent pressure on the Indonesian government to provide urgently needed medical treatment for Victor, he is likely to die in prison, another casualty in the histories of colonial administration.

Reporting about Ukraine: peace difficult, war easy

Reporting about Ukraine: peace difficult, war easy

In the grinding weeks of an Australian Federal election, something needs to happen to change the language, to prompt debate, to craft vision, and even generate excitement. That something could be the goal of peace with justice.

A sociology of Q&A: what is addressed, what is missed?

A sociology of Q&A: what is addressed, what is missed?

Branded as the occasion when the public asks questions and a panel of experts give answers, ABC televisions Q&A misses an opportunity to inform let alone inspire their audience.

To end war, a language of peace, for Ukraine and for Russia

To end war, a language of peace, for Ukraine and for Russia

Despite hatreds generated by aggression and slaughter, a ceasefire in Ukraine depends on respect for the dignity of all parties and on their potential to recognise a common humanity.

Truths lost in the lying pandemic

Truths lost in the lying pandemic

Cooperation to achieve peace depends on trust created by parties believing what is said, relying on assurances given and on promises made. Instead of trust bolstered by a search for truth, lying has become a political art, and conned citizens become become enthusiastic imitators.

Julian Assange v. Legal - political cruelty and cowardice

Julian Assange v. Legal - political cruelty and cowardice

The UK High Courts decision to not allow Julian Assanges appeal against his extradition to the US is the latest chapter in years of powerful governments fascination with cruelty, each act contrived through legal antics labelled justice.

Searching for peace in Ukraine

Searching for peace in Ukraine

Instead of searching for peace in Ukraine, western leaders and western news media have promoted US/European solidarity in opposition to Russian violence, a trend nurtured by enthusiasm for ways to arm Ukraine and punish Putin.

To challenge Putin avoid Australian aggression

To challenge Putin avoid Australian aggression

Scott Morrison frothing about Putin can be replaced by some acknowledgement of our part in a world order gone wrong.

Dogmatists shouting freedom: significant lessons from John Stuart Mill

Dogmatists shouting freedom: significant lessons from John Stuart Mill

Democracy is eroded by selfish, untruthful, often violent individualism.

Election predictions:  Mismatch between polls and pundits

Election predictions: Mismatch between polls and pundits

Before voting in a May election, the public must expect commentator confusion, as in the contrast between predictions from polls and and the judgements of pundits.

Forget warfare obsession, give peace a chance in Ukraine

Forget warfare obsession, give peace a chance in Ukraine

Australian election candidates should remind themselves that preparations for war contribute nothing to people's mental or physical health.

Australia's structural cruelty goes beyond refugee policy

Australia's structural cruelty goes beyond refugee policy

Australia's reprehensible treatment of refugees now goes beyond cruelty, and instead could be described as evil.

Sydney Festival boycott justified, despite repetitive protests of Israel lobby

Sydney Festival boycott justified, despite repetitive protests of Israel lobby

Opposition to such a boycott depends on lies about a movement that rejects racism and violence and is based on principles of international law.

Bully boy tactics-Refugees, Christine Holgate and now Novak Djokovic.

Bully boy tactics-Refugees, Christine Holgate and now Novak Djokovic.

Outsiders might think the accounts of long-term detainees refer to policies and conditions in Kazakhstan and Belarus not in alleged fair-go Australia.

Lessons on policy from a visionary public servant, and a thoughtful MP

Lessons on policy from a visionary public servant, and a thoughtful MP

The beginning of 2022 sees an urgent need for long-term thoughtfulness which diagnoses current threats to existence and creative ways to respond.

A man of substance, and joyful to the last: the Desmond Tutu I knew

A man of substance, and joyful to the last: the Desmond Tutu I knew

Armed with inclusive views of humanity, the Arch'' crossed borders, challenged nationalism and advocated justice, not least for the Palestinians.

Christmas spirit missing in Israeli variants of cruelty

Christmas spirit missing in Israeli variants of cruelty

In the spirit of Christmas and with a touch of courage, the Israel lobby should be shunned and the malicious treatment of Palestinians condemned.

No justice for Julian Assange, but plenty of cruelty

No justice for Julian Assange, but plenty of cruelty

Julian Assange's pending extradition to the US allowed the Australian government a chance to show some ticker by demanding his freedom.

'Can do capitalism': An outdated, selfish narrative

'Can do capitalism': An outdated, selfish narrative

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been promoting 'can do capitalism', when what Australia needs is policies that treat all citizens equally.

Scott Morrison's cruel indifference to pleas for climate action

Scott Morrison's cruel indifference to pleas for climate action

Too much is at stake to be timid in critiques of the Morrison government's outrageous 'Australian Way' of addressing climate change.

Selfishness emerges as the planet's greatest existential threat

Selfishness emerges as the planet's greatest existential threat

Global policymakers' selfishness could prove terminal, driving the relentless exploitation of the planet's natural resources.

The moral morass behind Australia's arms exports to Africa

The moral morass behind Australia's arms exports to Africa

The Defence Department and Australian arms manufacturers appear to have no qualms about selling weapons to countries where conflict and human rights abuses are prevalent.

The sneaky deal to have NSW Labor adopt controversial anti-Semitism definition

The sneaky deal to have NSW Labor adopt controversial anti-Semitism definition

In a surprise move, the NSW Labor Party recently adopted a controversial definition of anti-Semitism without open debate after some last-minute changes to the agenda.

<