What I am worried about is that a non-jetlagged Abbott made the initial comments in the first place. I wonder what he would say to foreign leaders or dignitaries if he is ever PM and jetlagged.

Also, the choices of Gillard's words in this whole issue make it clear that she is out there scoring political points - shame on her. Especially if she, as PM, was aware that Abbott had a trip already scheduled (I'm of course assuming the PM is kept informed of matters like these). Security and the logistical planning and work that goes with these kinds of visits to combat areas should not be taken lightly. I wonder if the visits by Gillard and Abbott spread out are easier to plan and manage than having both of them there at the same time.

http://currentglobalperceptions.blogspot.com/

"AND I'M NOT GOING TO COP IT!"

Sounding like a pub brawler, the potential Prime Minister thrust out his jaw and puny chest and repeated his childish insults about the current Prime Minister who is in a class a million miles above the ex-pugilist.

Put Phoney in a cage and let him join a circus wearing a leopard skin and budgie smugglers. He'd be in his element!

http://www.dangerouscreation.com

Too much is being made of this issue on both sides. Get on with the business of governing and stop the schoolyard antics. Abbott certainly seems hellbent on perpetuating the nonsense over the whole debacle.

Isn't this trite exactly what the hung parliament reflected - an electorate sick of the PR bullshite and adversarial, nonsensical distractions to LCD politics.

We are supposed to learn from history not repeat it.

Abbott's biggest blunder is his apparent support for military force to achieve an outright victory over the diplomatic path with military support.

The contrast between political leaders who are peacemakers and warmongers was dramatically shown in a documentary last night on SBS, analysing the steadfast persistance for peaceful, diplomatic resolution of several serious international conflicts displayed by JF Kennedy. His advisers wanted war but he denied them at every turn.

Had Kennedy not been assassinated, then there is a high probability based on his track record that the Vietnam war would have been over with a peace deal before it escallated into a humiliating defeat for the United States. LBJ took the predictable choice for overwhelming force to achieve an outright military victory in Vietnam. This was against the excellent political advice at the time of his Vice-President, Hubert Humpfry.

In Presidents Karzai and Obama we have seen some tentative steps to form a national unity, powersharing government with the Afgahistani Taliban. Military losses to the Taliban are making this an attractive option for the the first time. The Taliban will learn that poliics is about compromise in the national interest. The foreign Al Quaida will be left isolated and expelled from the country if the deal comes off.

In looking at leadership of Gillard and Abbott in military matters, does either have the nuanced approaches neccessary to help end the war in Afganistan? Gillard seems to be on the same page as Obama and Kazai. We need peace focessed leadership like JFK but the war talk from Abbott sounds almost identical to the rehtoric of LBJ. Tony's petition on military justice is a case in point. Therein lies the greatest danger of an Abbott Prime Ministership.

Quite a long winded opinion article for something you have been duped on. The labour bias is showing quite badly.

Is Julia doing a carbon tax when she said if she was elected, there would not be a carbon tax. Yes she is and at a time that the global warming theory is falling apart.

Has anyone ever said a carbon tax has got to do with global warming.
A tax on carbon is a deterant for blowing black smoke, and affecting peoples health, like cigaretts.
Deisel cars are the worst, at least trucks put it upwards.
You must have global warming on the brain..
Global warming has got to do with weather patterns.
You won't have to worry after next May anyway.