Jason Blankfield

@sirswampthing Dees won centre clearance 18-9. +9 seems like a fairly dominant differential. How often has a team been +9 or better?

@davematthewsbnd When are you coming back?

In March 2005, Dave Matthews Band played their first-ever shows in Australia — a seven-show run that also introduced fans to the debut of “American Baby.”

@7AFL AMOTY

📸 Quinn Rooney (Getty) #AFLDeesSaints

The AFL doesn’t just have a Jew problem, it has a SIGNIFICANT Jew problem. It was bad enough that the Jewish community wasn’t mentioned once during last week’s SCG pre-game Bondi attack tribute, but the phrase was actually CUT from the tribute after originally being included! That is 100 times worse. Utterly reprehensible and disgusting conduct from the AFL. I can’t think of a bigger kick in the teeth to a group of people in their darkest hour. The Bondi terror attack was a racist slaughter by Islamic extremists which targeted Jews at a Hanukkah party. That’s like cutting the phrase “American victims” from a 9/11 tribute or “Australian victims” from a Bali Bombings tribute. It would be comical if it wasn’t so disturbing because it illustrates just how deep the rot is at the AFL when it comes to attitudes towards Jews. And it raises a whole raft of dark, sinister questions. Who exactly is the AFL placating by removing references of Jews from a tribute to victims of a terrorist attack targeting Jews? What kind of sick people do you want to please that get offended by the mere use of the word “Jews”? Radical Muslims? Woke antisemites? Nazis? Is this who the AFL want to appease at the expense of the innocent Jewish community who have contributed so much to the great game for more than a century? On 3AW, CEO Andrew Dillon said the feedback to the pre-game SCG tribute was overwhelmingly positive. Did any of that ‘feedback’ come from the community that matters the most? The Jewish community? What a delusional statement! Sadly, this contempt and disdain for Jews isn’t localised to the AFL. It’s a phenomenon that can be seen all over the western world. No matter how many Jewish names are on hospital wings, educational institutions, museums and public places, at the end of the day, all of that goodwill and philanthropy counts for nothing and societies ultimately turns on their Jews. The AFL is no different in this respect. Jews such as Richard Pratt (Carlton), David Smorgon (Bulldogs), Joseph Gutnick (Melbourne), Reuben Pelerman (Brisbane), Reuben Sackville (St Kilda) and David Mandie (Richmond) have played instrumental roles in keeping multiple clubs alive. Quite simply, without their contribution, the AFL would not be the thriving 18-team competition that it currently is and might not actually exist in its current form at all. It certainly wouldn't be benefiting from a multi-billion-dollar broadcast deal right now, that's for sure! And despite that, look at how the community that produced those saviours has been treated by the league. Let’s not forget, either, that the AFL sent out a press release about the Bondi terror attack at the time, but chose not to post it, or any messages of support for/solidarity with the Jewish community, on any of their social media channels. As if to say, they acknowledge it, but don’t want to acknowledge it too much. Sickening. It would’ve been better if they said nothing at all. This all gets back to the fake, cynical version of "Diversity and Inclusion" that the AFL has adopted. They claim to be a community leader in multiculturalism and social issues and pretty much speak up about everything and anything to do with racism, but have remarkably been completely silent about the worst explosion of antisemitism, both here and abroad, in history. The AFL has done the calculations and is content with abandoning the Australian Jewish community in its darkest hour. In all of the "Diversity and Inclusion" content on its own websites, there is no mention of Jews and not a single visibly Jewish person in any imagery or video. Because in the disingenuous version of "Diversity and Inclusion" that the AFL adheres to, only select “approved” minorities are championed and celebrated while Jews don't count and are permanently excluded / discriminated against, ironically completely undermining the notion of “Diversity and Inclusion”. Legitimate, genuine and sincere “Diversity and Inclusion” would dictate that one of the smallest minorities in the country (120,000 people at 0.4% of the population) that has experienced a 400-500% increase in racist attacks/incidents in the last 2.5 years would get all the focus and support imaginable. But the AFL simply has not done that because of the warped version of “Diversity and Inclusion” they hold dear. It’s been a heartbreaking betrayal of the AFL's passionate, loyal Jewish footy fans and it’s one that may never fully be forgiven.

@ChrisFitzMelb @___Big_Mike___ @1116sen Yes. You cannot have a ceremony commemorating an attack on a specific community without mentioning that community. Whether they needed to have the ceremony is separate. But once they decided to have it, they needed to mention the Jewish community

🗣️ “They changed the script’ Gerard Healy reveals that any reference to the Jewish community was taken out of the pre-game tribute at the SCG last Thursday. #AFL

@Markm106 And Jamarra

Pretty handy when you can add 4 first rounders and Petracca in the one off season.

Sydney Morning Herald issued an 'apology' for how people felt about Cathy Wilcox's Nazi-esque cartoon. Let's break the 'apology' down. 1. The paper apologises for the hurt people felt, not for publishing the cartoon 2. It is not a bad-faith apology, but it is an incomplete and strategically constrained one. 3. It is designed to calm outrage without conceding editorial fault. 4. There is no admission that the cartoon crossed a line, relied on antisemitic tropes, or failed editorial judgement. 5. SMH's editorial team purports to have a hard line when condemning antisemitism generally, but is reluctant to confront its own practices. 6. No commitment to review editorial cartoon standards 7. No reference about whether the cartoonist, or decision-makers in publishing were counselled on why the cartoon was deeply offensive and damaging. 8. The offence felt by people is framed as subjective reception, not as a failure of ethical discernment. The 'apology' manages reputational risk (perhaps the looming Royal Commission played a part) but does not demonstrate accountability, understanding, or corrective intent. No names attached, no individuals putting their hand up to say we'll strive to improve, no apology from an executive or board member...nothing. Do better Sydney Morning Herald & Nine

@rtralphy @YouTube Make it make sense, Ralphy

Update Walk and talk. Why did The Age & SMH allow the Cathy Wilcox cartoon to b... youtu.be/_noQz5kMG1E?si… via @YouTube

I signed — because accountability and safety matter. Read the open letter: 👉 bondiresponse.com #BondiResponse

Another day, another incredible group of eminent Australians calling on the Prime Minister to do the ‘right thing’ and call a Commonwealth Royal Commission. This time it’s more 30 security and intelligence experts among them former Chiefs of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Special Operations and Signal Intelligence. This is unprecedented. Their message, blunt and clear. “Antisemitism and Islamist extremism pose serious national security challenges for Australia. They fracture social cohesion, fuel violence, and weaken our national resilience. At a time of growing risk of international conflict, antisemitism has already exposed Australia to foreign interference from hostile states and extremist groups. After the Bondi atrocity we call on the Albanese government to immediately establish a Federal Royal Commission into antisemitism and Islamist extremism. The Royal Commission must have the authority to inquire into all aspects of the rise of antisemitism in Australia following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. A Federal Royal Commission will help unify the country around seeking solutions, moving beyond recrimination and find a better way forward. The Australian Jewish community produced one of our greatest military and national leaders, Sir John Monash. Sadly, Monash experienced antisemitism during much of his life. In his spirit, we say this is a time for courage, clear sighted leadership and action. As former senior leaders in defence and security, we urge Prime Minister Albanese to take decisive action, strengthen national security and bring Australians together. Establishing a Federal Royal Commission into antisemitism and Islamist extremism is a vital step to help Australia overcome these serious challenges. The Prime Minister should act immediately.” Prime Minister, you claim to be listening to the ‘actual experts’, well here they are. Telling you plainly, simply and publicly, call a Commonwealth Royal Commission now! Just do it. There is no time to waste.

@TweetNotTwit @cheryl_kernot Thank you for making the case for a Royal Commission

@cheryl_kernot We don't want a royal commission. Why not have an expensive referendum on whether we want an RC. It will save us spending even more on a wasteful politically motivated royal commission. The LNP should go back to the basement and Israel and Jewish lobby should fuck off.

“Franking Credits” Geoff & Tim Wilson relative, is now an expert on Royal Commissions.

BREAKING: Today we learn “An Australian Federal Police ‘national surveillance team’ set up under the Commonwealth High Risk Terrorist Offender regime was quietly disbanded because of funding shortfalls just weeks before the deadly Bondi attack.’ This from a Federal Government who has lifted spending as a share of the economy to its highest level in 40 years outside of a pandemic and this after we learnt that the Islamic State inspired attackers at Bondi were able to access licenced firearms here in Australia while being radicalised here at home. Government spending is about priorities and there is no higher priority than national security. C’mon Prime Minister call a Commonwealth Royal Commission now. Australians deserve answers after the deadliest terrorist attack in our history and Australia needs solutions to end the hate and make all Australians more safe.

All of Australia must stand together. A Commonwealth Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and events leading up to the the Bondi Massacre is required.

On 14 December, every Australian’s life changed. The terror attack at Bondi Beach — a senseless act of hate that claimed 15 innocent lives and injured many more both physically and psychologically was a result of the fraying of social cohesion and the growth in antisemitism over recent years. It was a moment that shocked the nation and demands more than expressions of sympathy. In response, a grassroots initiative has been launched Bondi Response (bondiresponse.com) — bringing together Australians from across the community to call for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the events leading up to the terrorist attack and the broader rise of antisemitism and violent extremism. Why this matters: •⁠ ⁠This was not random violence — it was an act of hate directed at a community celebrating Chanukah by the sea. •⁠ ⁠Words of condolence are important, unfortunately they are not enough. Action must follow. •⁠ ⁠A Commonwealth Royal Commission provides the most credible, transparent and unifying pathway to understand what went wrong, learn from it, and help prevent future tragedies. We are raising awareness to ensure this message reaches policymakers, opinion leaders and the broader public through coordinated national advertising. If you believe Australia deserves stronger leadership and a safer future: 👉 Add your name to the open letter and help support a national media campaign calling for a Federal Royal Commission 👉 Sharing with your network will maximise the impact Let’s ensure this moment leads to meaningful change — together anything is possible.

The entire world’s media fell silent when the Islamic Republic attacked the hospital in Ilam and targeted defenceless, wounded civilians. Yet when Hamas terrorists targeted a Al Shifa hospital itself, within seconds it became headline news everywhere, condemning Israel. It is truly shameful and disgraceful that you refuse to support the defenceless people of Iran simply because we have risen up against Islamism and leftism. But credit where it is due, THANK YOU TO @elonmusk for giving us the means to show the real news to the world. 👇🏻 Iman hospital-Ilam

For two years, the world blessed a terrorist organization’s kidnap of a ten-month-old Israeli baby as justified resistance. Now, they tell us that the overthrow of a mass murdering Venezuelan dictator is a highly illegal act of kidnap. You cannot make this moral inversion up.

Today Australia’s sporting champions showed they don’t just represent the nation they speak for the nation. In an incredibly powerful and unprecedented statement 70 champions including Dawn Fraser, Jess Fox, Pat Rafter, Ian Thorpe, Nova Peris and Grant Hackett have called for a Royal Commission into antisemitism and the events leading up to the Bondi massacre. Its now up the Prime Minister to act on their words: “Today, we cannot remain silent. This is not who we are. This is not the Australia we represented. As sporting leaders, we understand that leadership matters, especially when values are tested. We call on the Prime Minister and the Australian Government to show decisive national leadership by confronting extremism and terrorism in all its forms, without fear or hesitation. We must also put an end to the unprecedented harassment, intimidation and violence that has been directed at the Australian Jewish community since October 7, 2023. This is a national crisis, and it demands a national response. This is bigger than politics. It is about the character of our country and the Australia we want future generations to inherit. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games approaching, the eyes of the world will soon be upon Australia. The safety of our citizens, the integrity of our public spaces, and the values we project as a nation have never mattered more. We call on the Australian Government to immediately establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism, radicalisation and the events leading up to the Bondi massacre as well as take other immediate action to protect the public. A Royal Commission is the most credible and unifying pathway to understanding what went wrong, ensuring accountability, restoring social harmony and taking Australia forward with a meaningful, practical plan of action. As Australians who have long championed unity and national pride - on the field and beyond it - we implore our leaders to act with urgency and moral clarity. The safety of Australians, and the future cohesion of our nation, depends on it.” Full statement 👇

I don’t know if I’m delusional or hopelessly optimistic, but I feel like it’s happening. The regime is falling. The people of Iran are taking their country back. That wouldn’t just mean freedom for Iranians, it would mean the collapse of the regimes proxies, freedom for the Middle East, the end of Israel wars, the end of the nuclear threat to the west. Liberation for Iran would become a ripple effect of undoing global terror. Does everybody understand the gravity of what is unfolding right now?

Imagine Iran without Islam. It would be Paradise. Just like how Iran was, before Islam and Communism took over in 1979 and turned our country into a 7th century Islamic hell hole governed by Sharia Law. Bring back the Shah. Make Iran Great Again.

BREAKING: The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has issued an extremely significant and powerful statement tonight about the Bondi massacre. They say a ‘wider, national inquiry with sufficient authority and resourcing which can probe into the deeper issues which lie at the heart of antisemitism is needed.’ ‘It is only by shining a light into the dark corners of our society – including its political, business, academic, media, religious, and cultural institutions – that we can hope to unmask the antisemitism which might otherwise go unseen, unacknowledged and unaddressed.’ ‘A society that protects its Jewish community is a society that protects everyone. To fight antisemitism is to commit to a shared humanity in our country that seeks to ‘advance Australia fair’. This important and timely statement by the Bishops adds to the growing chorus of voices calling on the Federal Government to take stronger action to stamp out the virulent hate and antisemitism that so tragically has become normalised in our country. Read here: mediablog.catholic.org.au/statement-from…