State funerals.

 But Michael Gudinski? And Peter Brock? 

 

 

 

For whatever reason cynicism and lack of credit or appreciation more than occasionally appears to suit you like a glove JJ.

Single handedly built the live music scene which Melbourne is renowned for.

Raised millions for Bushfire/flood victims after several major disasters, raised millions for the charity he started Support Act just to name a few

However I would like to ask, why Governor Generals, and ex Prime Ministers get state funerals?

Lets take John Howard for instance. When the one with the bushy eyebrows finally falls off the perch, I am wondering what criteria is used for him to receive a state funeral? Is it the fact he wasted four straight years of a $20 billion dollar ($80 billion dollar all up) surplus. Is it his lack of infrastructure building? Is it his Industrial Relations reform (Workchoices)? Is it is aliugning with crooks and thieves to invade a sovereign nation for no reason? Is it the fact he has lied consytantly to the Australian public from No GST ever, through children overboard, through workchoices and then commiting an international crime by invading a sovereign country with no evidence of weapons of mass destrcution, which were then not found?

Yes he oversaw a good job done in East Timor (finally), he did a good job with the gun control issue and a couple of other domestic policies, but is that worthy of a state funeral?

Bob Hawke will get one, but I am still not sure what he did that deserves, it, oh wait he can scull a beer, and he can take credit for his ministers decisions. Have I missed anything there, oh yes, he will tell you he got rid of apartheid in South Africa, all by himself, the old CIA, we defeated the Soviet Union complex, totally forgetting the hundreds of thousands of protestors in cities like Prague, Warsaw, Tallin, Budapest and others, who risked their lives to seek change.

As has been mentioned Micheal Gudinski was a huge kog in the live show scene and the national tour promotional scene from the mid seventies. These concerts and tours created jobs, supplied contractors and suppliers with business, and created needs for visiting attendees such as accommodation and other associated expenditure.

Personally I think the criteria should be what someone has done for the community. It should not be because you are famous and you occupied a specific role such as Prime Minister, as to me that is signs of monarchy behaviour. Just because you were Prime Minister you get a state funeral, even if you were bad at your job. 

I think there should be state funerals in all local communities. So for instance if you are a volunteer and have made a huge contribution (a real contribution, not because you were a mayor or council member), you should have your funeral paid for by the state, and the local state member should have to attend. This does not cheapen state funerals, it shows the state are appreciative of the individuals community influence.

     

Agree , JJ.  

Fashion.  Pop.  Music.   Sport.   And dont forget the pollies

 A state funeral is diminished in stature by handing them out to every pop manager, dress designer or celebrity.