It's a great disappointment that Rudd is proving to be such a disappointment, because even those of us who never voted for him hoped he would be an improvement on that little Johnny Howard that we were so utterly sick and tired of.

Unfortunately, Rudd is drawn and driven by the same forces as those that influenced Howard. Why else would Rudd appear on a TV interview only a few months ago, pledging again Australia's great support for and friendship with Israel? Ordinary Australians such as me could tell even at that time that the rogue state of Israel did not merit our support or friendship, a fact illustrated by Israel's brutal military actions of recent days. If Rudd was any kind of leader worthy of the name he would have been leading us in opposition to Israel, not support.

And now, while the true nature of Israel is at the forefront of our minds, Rudd appears incapable of expressing Australians' feelings about it. On a TV interview recently his delicate criticism of Israel's actions was delivered in such carefully crafted words that it had less power than a wave of a feather. He's too much of a diplomat to even call a spade a spade!

runner you wrote:
"I would like to think the protest from the Israel haters would be peaceful but I doubt it. As more facts come to light those so quick to condemn Israel defending itself against terrorism again have egg over their faces."

There are no Israel haters that I can see on OLO runner, only peace lovers and those looking for a fair resolution for Israelis and Palestinians. No-one denies that Israel has experienced terrorism for many years but you are good at ignoring the historical context.

For someone that believes strongly in man's inherent evil and need for religion, I find it a paradox that you so strongly believe in Israel's perfection - that it can do no wrong. If you think the behaviour of some of the militant settlers is honourable or the forging of passports from those you purport as friends, then so be it.

I'm sure Krudd must thank his God every night for Abbott. He's the only thing that will get Krudd over the line, next election.

He's the only thing that will get Krudd over the line,
Grim,
If you scrutinize more closely you'll find it won't be Abbott, it'll be the same irresponsible mutts that got him in last time.

If you scrutinise more closely, you may realise irresponsible mutts donkey vote.
The reason preferential voting is so vital in this country is because most of us in the past few decades have been more inclined to vote against a party/politician, than for one.
I maintain Abbott is Krudd's greatest strength; just as the LNP have always done such a wonderful job of keeping Bligh in power in QLD.
I just don't believe your average dinky-di is inclined to put pollies up on a pedestal. We always look for the lesser of two evils.
Compared to Howard, Krudd was a breath of fresh air. It's just a shame the air turned out to be hot.

You're quite right Grim. The only reason that I'll preference the ALP over the Tories is because, disappointing as the Rudd government is, an Abbott government would be even worse.