5000 years ago on the banks of the Nile, the Egyptians (and to a lesser extent, Nubians) began to bury their dead in large tombs called mastabas, later the Egyptian High Priest Imhotep would design the first pyramid. What is the point of this history lecture? These pyramids were designed to protect the belongings of the pharoah. From time immemorial mankind has struggled to find a way to take their possessions with them wherever they went - including death. In almost every case, the tombs were robbed.

Bob Dylan sang the song "The times they are a changing". He was wrong. The times are no different now. Indeed, if anything the moral standard of man continues to decay at an alarming rate, and soon we shall be on par with the animals, fighting for our rights like prehistoric neanderthals - squabbling over shiny pieces of bone, and crap jewellery. Its the ability to make good choices that puts us above the animals, but sadly, some amongst us have chosen poorly.

As this past weekend has shown, we are no longer safe. The very fabric of our social existence has been threatened by a wave of anarchy. While theses words may appear strong, the damage to our most illustrious Company may - in the long run - be even greater should this plague be allowed a foothold in our workplace environ. Surely even the most optimistic of persons must concede the barefaced reality that has been thrust upon us. What has our world come to when good, christian men are unable to trust their fellow Man. The hallowed halls of Telstra House have become a den of iniquity, an inhabitation of the depraved, and morally deficient, where might is right, and the rules have gone out the window. The Great Lady - Justice - weeps, as the rule of law and order is swept aside by the rising tide of chaos. Who can stand in the face of such adversity? WHO??? As Winston Churchill wrote: "for evil to prevail, good men must do nothing". As a contractor, I find that I stand in a position of weakness when dealing with the these trials and persecutions, however I appeal to you, O Vastly Magnificent and Benevolent team leader to use your powers for good and end this besmirchment of character on our great Company. You MUST prevent this curse, this smudge on the reputation of Telstra..

Admittedly, I would feel less wrath if my optical mouse hadnt been stolen and replaced with a ball mouse. Its kind of like losing your house in a fire, and having the insurance company buy you a small caravan in return. I sense collusion between team leader and the offending staff member, perhaps the theft was committed on orders from someone higher in the chain. I believe this to be a part of a larger conspiracy. What next? My keyboard? Where does this end? More importantly, when will the powers that be apprehend the thief? I've seen him walking around breazthing the free air with some measure of impunity, and this arouses my anger to levels previously unmatched since the Great Nut debacle of 2003.

Jason M. Lassey
Tester, Residential, Key & Corporate Testing
Service Specialist, Commercial & Consumer Testing
Telstra Service Advantage Adelaide