Our current PM is a moral idiot for creating war in Iraq; he's becoming the dictator he disposed of (actually was it ever about that) and is highly disrespectful to Australians. Kim Beazley, unfortunately, is a bigger idiot; lacking the punch and intelligence to go in for the kill on Howards blatant (2nd) moral error of 450 troops. It's a repeat of Menzies' Vietnam (I really like Menzies, except for his war-mongering [Howard repeat]) ; the conservatives initiate war (they have always failed in this regard) and Labor pulls Australia out. If Beazley can play his cards right, he should do what Whitlam did, and then he will be Australia's next Prime Minister. Who wants to wager me? I'm also going to be brazen, like Menzies, and wager that I will be the first female Prime Minister of Australia!

Teresa van Lieshout
Author, Teacher, Political candidate

Teresa,before you become PM,you'd better do some research.John Howard did not create any war in the Iraq.We have to be there because of our alliance with the US.The US might own much of our industry but they will still let us keep what we have struggled for.China with it's huge pop would be unstoppable if they decided to expand.A huge land mass with a small pop would be easy pickings.If you were lucky to be alive after invasion, you would have no personal assets.The major language would be Mandarin and we would not be a viable society.Remember Tiernamin Square?
Iraq and the Middle East is about security of oil supply not only for the US but the rest of the World.The Middle East has 65% of the world's oil.They have a responsibility to be fairer to their people and keep peace in their region.No one is stealing their oil.We just want reasonable market prices.Countries Like Japan will not be starved of fuel without taking drastic action such as war.
Forget about moralising,world politics is about power plays,things can change quickly,and we need to be ready.

Arjay,

The US started the war in Iraq, Howard assisted that. That's starting a war, or at the very least contributing to it. We don't have to be there because of our alliance with the US. Australia has the capacity to make her own decisions, and Howard has neither the moral courage, integrity, or vision to be independent and make and develop Australia into a powerful independent nation. He is a weak leader because he fails to serve the interests of Australia by, for example, failing to promote, develop and support Australian business and companies, thus creating a 30 year high, $13.7 billion current account trade deficit. He's pathetic, and I can't wait to see the back of him.
Teresa van Lieshout
http://onenationwa.tripod.com/

Dear Teresa,
your comment gives me hope that there are a few free-thinking, perceptive, altruistic individuals left in this country. The rest are too busy pushing their noses deep into the trough or trying to survive the Howard regime.

Teresa & Sinni,I hate to be too pesimistic but we sold out along time ago to maintain our security and standard of living.90% of our business is foreign owned.PAYE tax payers contribute $100 million pa and corporates pay $40 million pa.Australians pay 80 times the tax of that contributed by foreign companies.
The policy of reducing tarrifs and achieving was begun by the Hawke Govt.in the early 80's.The level playing field is dischevelled logic.
I never wanted to invade Iraq since I almost went to Vietnam and have two sons near the age of conscription.I can't stand George Bush but can understand the reasons for the mess the US find themselves in at the moment.Economically John Howard has improved this country immensely.He has spent more on social security than Labor could have achieved in their wildest dreams.This is indisputable.
Put your hate aside and analyse the cold hard reality.If Kim Beasley was in power,we would still be there.We cannot afford anarchy.The Middle East is far more important than Vietnam because of the oil.

I may be wrong but didn't the USA take away the World in 1945. Remember their EVIL occupation of Berlin & Tokyo & the sinister way in which the re-built Europe through the Marshall Plan, All a big -l Right Winged Zionist Conspiracy according to the Morally inept Left.

Who could do a better job then America?
France, China, India, The UN [See Rwanda].
Critics of the USA GET REAL, PUT UP OR SHUT UP.