A lot is ringing true here...

http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/mirandadevine/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/sorry_david_but_its_the_wrong_fight/#.Vqfhvn1nNhw.facebook

Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief.

Quote:

THE Australian of the Year award has ­officially become a politically correct joke with the selection of former chief of Army David Morrison, the diminutive gender ­equity maven who believes military force achieves nothing. The award, which ought to ­reflect and unite this great ­nation, has evolved into a mere plaything of social engineers and reflects all of the unhealthy preoccupations of the Left. The lucky recipients announced on Australia Day then spend a year lecturing the rest of us about how backward and awful we all are compared to their enlightened selves. From Adam Goodes to Rosie Batty and now Morrison, you would think we are an irredeemably racist, sexist nation in which every man is an incipient wife basher. (Search engine leviathan Google yesterday confirmed that black-armband view by transforming its homepage into a ­lament about stolen generations in a special “up yours” message to its Antipodean customers on Australia Day.) But Morrison’s selection is the final nail in the coffin of irrelevance for the Australian of the Year award. It is a travesty that he has been rewarded for exposing our military to the warped ideology of Anne Summers, Elizabeth Broderick, Jane Caro (the “eminent Australian” as he described her yesterday) and the rest of Australia’s left-feminist clique. This is a man who, after having been chief of Army for four years, told Leigh Sales on the ABC’s 730 program last year: “I don’t think that there’s a military solution to anything.” This is a man who has derided the Anzac legend as being too male and “Anglo-Saxon”. You’d be hard pressed finding a Digger with much good to say about him, judging by my straw poll of friends and acquaintances. While Australian soldiers were dying in Afghanistan, Morrison was talking about social ­engineering concerns such as gender equity. Fourteen soldiers died between July 2011 and July 2014 in that dangerous and confusing war, when Morrison was chief of Army. But instead of the leadership that ?soldiers at the frontline may have ?craved, they got flowery speeches decrying masculinity and patriarchy to mark International Women’s Day at the United Nations. Then, of course, there was his celebrated 2013 video lambasting as sexists the male soldiers who were risking their lives in service of our country. The video catapulted him into the pantheon of politically correct saints. “The standard you walk past, is the standard you accept,” he thundered in an address that went viral, mainly because it was written so expertly by his then-speechwriter, transgender Group Captain Cate McGregor. Winning wars has nothing to do with gender equity, but sadly our society now rewards this kind of sanctimonious posturing. Morrison has also declared that he will use his new position this year to champion another divisive pet issue of the progressive elites, the republic debate. “It is time, I think, to at least revisit the question so that we can stand both free and fully ­independent among the community of nations,” he said in his acceptance speech on Monday. This prompted a delighted Australian Republican Movement chairman Peter FitzSimons to propose Morrison as President of an Australian republic, a sure-fire kiss of death to the cause if ever there was one. The bottom line is that a former chief of army honoured with the title of Australian of the Year in 2016 should be advocating for wounded returned soldiers and those suffering post-traumatic stress rather than treading the overtilled ground of gender complaint and a republic. God knows our Diggers could do with a high-profile champion.

The other issue is is that somehow its wrong to have a military person who doesn't like war?

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:03pm:

Quote: THE Australian of the Year award has ­officially become a politically correct joke with the selection of former chief of Army David Morrison, the diminutive gender ­equity maven who believes military force achieves nothing. The award, which ought to ­reflect and unite this great ­nation, has evolved into a mere plaything of social engineers and reflects all of the unhealthy preoccupations of the Left. The lucky recipients announced on Australia Day then spend a year lecturing the rest of us about how backward and awful we all are compared to their enlightened selves. From Adam Goodes to Rosie Batty and now Morrison, you would think we are an irredeemably racist, sexist nation in which every man is an incipient wife basher. (Search engine leviathan Google yesterday confirmed that black-armband view by transforming its homepage into a ­lament about stolen generations in a special “up yours” message to its Antipodean customers on Australia Day.) But Morrison’s selection is the final nail in the coffin of irrelevance for the Australian of the Year award. It is a travesty that he has been rewarded for exposing our military to the warped ideology of Anne Summers, Elizabeth Broderick, Jane Caro (the “eminent Australian” as he described her yesterday) and the rest of Australia’s left-feminist clique. This is a man who, after having been chief of Army for four years, told Leigh Sales on the ABC’s 730 program last year: “I don’t think that there’s a military solution to anything.” This is a man who has derided the Anzac legend as being too male and “Anglo-Saxon”. You’d be hard pressed finding a Digger with much good to say about him, judging by my straw poll of friends and acquaintances. While Australian soldiers were dying in Afghanistan, Morrison was talking about social ­engineering concerns such as gender equity. Fourteen soldiers died between July 2011 and July 2014 in that dangerous and confusing war, when Morrison was chief of Army. But instead of the leadership that ?soldiers at the frontline may have ?craved, they got flowery speeches decrying masculinity and patriarchy to mark International Women’s Day at the United Nations. Then, of course, there was his celebrated 2013 video lambasting as sexists the male soldiers who were risking their lives in service of our country. The video catapulted him into the pantheon of politically correct saints. “The standard you walk past, is the standard you accept,” he thundered in an address that went viral, mainly because it was written so expertly by his then-speechwriter, transgender Group Captain Cate McGregor. Winning wars has nothing to do with gender equity, but sadly our society now rewards this kind of sanctimonious posturing. Morrison has also declared that he will use his new position this year to champion another divisive pet issue of the progressive elites, the republic debate. “It is time, I think, to at least revisit the question so that we can stand both free and fully ­independent among the community of nations,” he said in his acceptance speech on Monday. This prompted a delighted Australian Republican Movement chairman Peter FitzSimons to propose Morrison as President of an Australian republic, a sure-fire kiss of death to the cause if ever there was one. The bottom line is that a former chief of army honoured with the title of Australian of the Year in 2016 should be advocating for wounded returned soldiers and those suffering post-traumatic stress rather than treading the overtilled ground of gender complaint and a republic. God knows our Diggers could do with a high-profile champion.

having been chief of Army for four years, told Leigh Sales on the ABC’s 730 program last year: “I don’t think that there’s a military solution to anything.”

As usual, out of context quote.

No. I don't think that there's a military solution to anything. I think that the use of military force is appropriate where a government decides that that is, you know, the tool of statecraft that they'll use, but throughout recorded time, there's been - there's never been a military solution to anything. People have got to create the society that they want to live in it and then it's got to have all of the aspects to it that make life worth living.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:01pm:

Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief.

I don't really know him, I was defence/Navy and we have had/have  two awful Chief's of Navy of late.  I was more interested in her thoughts on how Military Leaders seem to care more about popularist issues rather than the troops on the ground.

Vic wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:06pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:01pm: Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief. I don't really know him, I was defence/Navy and we have had/have  two awful Chief's of Navy of late.  I was more interested in her thoughts on how Military Leaders seem to care more about popularist issues rather than the troops on the ground.

Well I'd argue for her to actually show something that proves that to be the case.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:01pm:

Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief.

What is the background of these people who supposedly think he was a "great chief"?

The good thing is we got the social do gooder out of the way this year so next year it will return to its rightful place - an x sports star.

Your thoughts on Miss Devine's writings?

Same old, didn't go to a Lib poli so it had to be wrong.

... wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:14pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:01pm: Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief. What is the background of these people who supposedly think he was a "great chief"?

You mean apart from being in the Army?

Ya think?

It's strange that the Aust of the year went to a noted army person for his non-military ideals.

It'ld be better going to Steve Smith for his batting.
You know, a cricketer for his cricketing.

... wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:22pm:

Ya think?

I don't know you tell me what your intent of asking the background of the people I know in the Army is.


BTW, its all white anglo-saxon people, mostly male, some female.

You said "the defence AND army" now its only the army.

Its also been my experience that very, very few people in large organisations speak of their big boss as "great".  "Cumt" seems to be the most common term.
The rate might grow a bit if they are in direct contact with that big boss, but that relationship calls into question their motivation and their connection with the "grassroots" of that organisation.

... wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:34pm:

You said "the defence AND army" now its only the army. Its also been my experience that very, very few people in large organisations speak of their big boss as "great".  "Cumt" seems to be the most common term. The rate might grow a bit if they are in direct contact with that big boss, but that relationship calls into question their motivation and their connection with the "grassroots" of that organisation.

I just mentioned the Army, being Canberran I also know a lot of people who work in the defence departments.

Your thoughts on Miss Devine's writings?

If she isn't paid by the word she sure wastes a lot of them.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:22pm:

It's strange that the Aust of the year went to a noted army person for his non-military ideals. It'ld be better going to Steve Smith for his batting. You know, a cricketer for his cricketing.

The point is: it was for military ideals!

:D :D :D

Ben Roberts-Smith did military ideal actions to earn the Australian of the Year.

I don't see that quashing a sexist culture is a military goal.
It is the right think to do.
But in itself, not the aim of the army.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 2:26pm:

Ben Roberts-Smith did military ideal actions to earn the Australian of the Year. I don't see that quashing a sexist culture is a military goal. It is the right think to do. But in itself, not the aim of the army.

I may be wrong, but the impression I get is that its almost about demographics and recruiting of tomorrows soldiers. Australia is becoming more diverse, but the nature of the army and ANZAC isn't. At least thats what I get from Morrison.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 2:26pm:

Ben Roberts-Smith did military ideal actions to earn the Australian of the Year. I don't see that quashing a sexist culture is a military goal. It is the right think to do. But in itself, not the aim of the army.

What is the aim of the army?

BatteriesNotIncluded wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 2:35pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 2:26pm: Ben Roberts-Smith did military ideal actions to earn the Australian of the Year. I don't see that quashing a sexist culture is a military goal. It is the right think to do. But in itself, not the aim of the army. What is the aim of the army?

Kill the opposition.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:37pm:

... wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:34pm: You said "the defence AND army" now its only the army. Its also been my experience that very, very few people in large organisations speak of their big boss as "great".  "Cumt" seems to be the most common term. The rate might grow a bit if they are in direct contact with that big boss, but that relationship calls into question their motivation and their connection with the "grassroots" of that organisation. I just mentioned the Army, being Canberran I also know a lot of people who work in the defence departments.

Sent elder brother and retired Brigadier this text:

"Was Morrison well liked/respected?"

Really expansive answer was:

"No."

Anecdotes equally as valid.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 28^th, 2016 at 9:06pm:

Anecdotes equally as valid.

Sure, but when you hear it from one of his military 'general' peers, you can either reject as ill informed or not.  I don't care.  I'll take elder brother's word.  He was there.  I can't take that any further.  However, I have to confess one thing................he supports McGregor's comments (for which she/he has apologised) and I do not.

Aussie wrote on Jan 28^th, 2016 at 10:16pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 28th, 2016 at 9:06pm: Anecdotes equally as valid. Sure, but when you hear it from one of his military 'general' peers, you can either reject as ill informed or not.  I don't care.  I'll take elder brother's word.  He was there.  I can't take that any further.  However, I have to confess one thing................he supports McGregor's comments (for which she/he has apologised) and I do not.

I could also take it as professional jealousy about not being promoted. AS I said anecdotes, equally as valid.

Your thoughts on Miss Devine's writings?

I dont do the divine Miss Devine's writings as it comes from a dubious source.

She like all Murdoch's journos has a large thumbprint on her forehead!

This is Miranda Devine? The divine Miranda?

I like her stuff. Haven't looked at it for some time but I don't think I've ever seen anything that I disagreed with.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 29^th, 2016 at 8:46am:

Aussie wrote on Jan 28th, 2016 at 10:16pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 28th, 2016 at 9:06pm: Anecdotes equally as valid. Sure, but when you hear it from one of his military 'general' peers, you can either reject as ill informed or not.  I don't care.  I'll take elder brother's word.  He was there.  I can't take that any further.  However, I have to confess one thing................he supports McGregor's comments (for which she/he has apologised) and I do not. I could also take it as professional jealousy about not being promoted. AS I said anecdotes, equally as valid.

Nah.  He is disliked.

Link.

Sour grapes

An army chief should focus on the army's functions (defeating the enemy), not the functions of the Social Engineering Department's.

We have a position o Sex Discrimination Commissioner already, we do not need an Army Chief to act in the position.



This is Turbull's bizarre.  An army chief pussy-whipping an entire country in impeccably PC terms. Australia beats the world once again.


Lanky, rugged and individualistic Aussies ?  Gedoutahere!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXkApy0gkjM

I'm not supporting this attack on Morrison, but I readily understand it.  He is not liked and polarises groups.  No sour grapes....it is obvious from the public military reaction.

Link.

Vic wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:06pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:01pm: Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief. I don't really know him, I was defence/Navy and we have had/have  two awful Chief's of Navy of late.  I was more interested in her thoughts on how Military Leaders seem to care more about popularist issues rather than the troops on the ground.

I had a few of them during my time as well.more concerned with their political standing within canberra rather than the welfare of their troops. Must be just canberra, turns everyone with power into a self serving cvnnt.  >:(

Aussie wrote on Jan 30^th, 2016 at 4:47pm:

I'm not supporting this attack on Morrison, but I readily understand it.  He is not liked and polarises groups.  No sour grapes....it is obvious from the public military reaction. Link.

Soldier support group backs Morrison

Not-for-profit group Walking Wounded, which supports the psychological recovery of Australian soldiers and assists them in transitioning back into the community, said Mr Morrison was unfairly targeted.

Founder and chief executive Brian Freeman said Mr Morrison had overseen some of the worst years in defence history.

"I can appreciate why some veterans would like to have seen the cause for returned soldiers highlighted in his Australia Day speech, however I believe he has been harshly criticised, and actions speak louder than words," Mr Freeman said.

"I have no doubt that David will continue to shine a spotlight on veterans over the coming 12 months in his newly appointed role, as he has done in the years leading up to this recognition.

"Following a 40-year career serving for our country, David is a well-deserving recipient of the Australian of the Year title."




Some vets like him, some dislike him.

This guy is sure getting the stick from all and sundry!

---

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:01pm:

Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief.

When we are forced to rely on administrators in a time of crisis.... let's just hope they are in the Rear Echelons...


Meanwhile... back at the front..............

BigOl64 wrote on Jan 30^th, 2016 at 5:36pm:

Vic wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:06pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:01pm: Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief. I don't really know him, I was defence/Navy and we have had/have  two awful Chief's of Navy of late.  I was more interested in her thoughts on how Military Leaders seem to care more about popularist issues rather than the troops on the ground. I had a few of them during my time as well.more concerned with their political standing within canberra rather than the welfare of their troops. Must be just canberra, turns everyone with power into a self serving cvnnt.  >:(

If you want to get past Major, you need to be a politician.  Friend of mine - Major in the Irish Guards - once said to me that I had no chance.... since I cared too much about my people....

So Be It.......

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 2:43pm:

BatteriesNotIncluded wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 2:35pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 2:26pm: Ben Roberts-Smith did military ideal actions to earn the Australian of the Year. I don't see that quashing a sexist culture is a military goal. It is the right think to do. But in itself, not the aim of the army. What is the aim of the army? Kill the opposition.

If we are immoral then what are we fighting for?

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 2:27pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 2:26pm: Ben Roberts-Smith did military ideal actions to earn the Australian of the Year. I don't see that quashing a sexist culture is a military goal. It is the right think to do. But in itself, not the aim of the army. I may be wrong, but the impression I get is that its almost about demographics and recruiting of tomorrows soldiers. Australia is becoming more diverse, but the nature of the army and ANZAC isn't. At least thats what I get from Morrison.

Think of the global context: we are fighting a big moral war!

These guys aren't stupid!!

"The MORAL LAW causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger."

source: http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/132/pg132.html, chapter 1

Vic wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:06pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:01pm: Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief. I don't really know him, I was defence/Navy and we have had/have  two awful Chief's of Navy of late.  I was more interested in her thoughts on how Military Leaders seem to care more about popularist issues rather than the troops on the ground.

A good friend of mine has an uncle that was Chief of Australian Navy.
Not sure if he's in your two? I am thinking he retired circa 2006/7?

Cracking bloke he is. Solid military record and sound judgement throughout a long career.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 15^th, 2016 at 5:15am:

Vic wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:06pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 1:01pm: Not overly, the people in the defence and Army I know actually think he was a great Chief. I don't really know him, I was defence/Navy and we have had/have  two awful Chief's of Navy of late.  I was more interested in her thoughts on how Military Leaders seem to care more about popularist issues rather than the troops on the ground. A good friend of mine has an uncle that was Chief of Australian Navy. Not sure if he's in your two? I am thinking he retired circa 2006/7? Cracking bloke he is. Solid military record and sound judgement throughout a long career.

I know of whom you are speaking.  No it wasn't him.    I agree with your Uncle - he was a terrific leader and highly respected throughout Navy.  The ones in question are the current CN and his predecessor.

Your thoughts on Miss Devine's writings?

A)  thoughts :

B) Miss Devine's writings :

People with A don't do B.

BatteriesNotIncluded wrote on Feb 15^th, 2016 at 1:28am:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 2:43pm: BatteriesNotIncluded wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 2:35pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 27th, 2016 at 2:26pm: Ben Roberts-Smith did military ideal actions to earn the Australian of the Year. I don't see that quashing a sexist culture is a military goal. It is the right think to do. But in itself, not the aim of the army. What is the aim of the army? Kill the opposition. If we are immoral then what are we fighting for?

The right to define morality as the winner?

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 1:03pm:

The other issue is is that somehow its wrong to have a military person who doesn't like war?

There are no warmongers in shell scrapes..... we are all pacifists.... doesn't mean the job won't be done.... but it's a calling and not a job.....