A bit ad hominem, Pete :)

I'm hoping that Australia will become MORE involved in fighting ISIL, and perhaps for years to come, until they and similar reactionary forces are defeated.

It's going to a long war, and a very long ideological struggle against backward and fascist ideas :(

Joe

Hi Joe

Politicians embody policies - ripe for ad hominem commentary. Being tough and manly is the way Abbott acts and walks - in case you haven't noticed. The manly approach also typifies his manly Cabinet selection.

I don't think ideology in the usual sense is a factor - but if religion - blissful afterlife following suicide tactics - is an ideology - I'd agree with you.

Regards

Pete

The following should be for compulsory reading and study for everybody, as some people surely already know.
I wonder if it's printed in Arabic.

http://www.cs.columbia.edu/~gongsu/desiderata_textonly.html

It's sad the way that these important debates begin with enthusiasm and usually end in trivia and infantile insults.

This thread is no exception.

Oh, I don't know, David, yours was not the last word: it hasn't ended yet.

Topic: does standing up to a bully encourage him ? Does it provoke further attacks ? Should we roll over on our belies and open our legs for him ?

I say no. You may say yes. Discuss.

Joe

Well Brother Joe

Agree its not the last word.

Depends what you call "bully". If its a small target in some aircraft cross-hairs it may be just a major irritant.

It may not provoke further attacks if its busy defending its little home.

Targeting from a great height may preclude the requirement for leg opening.

If one's leader claims its a threat, but its only an on-balance fib, what should one do - if anything?

Pete