The Politics of Fear

Tied in with politics of fear is the “politics of pride”. A typical historical event was the capture - possible rightful capture - of the Falklands by the Argentine. Whether it was rightful for the British people to get so upset over it, seeing it was just a tiny remnant left from a possibly somewhat inglorious colonial past, it did stir up the public, and in so doing arousing them to back Maggie Thatcher in her preparation for war with the Argentine, also in so doing saved the Thatcher government from being booted out in the next election.

Some say the Tampa incident, and the public anger over being invaded by migrants, especially Muslim migrants, also helped John Howard return to power. Added to the Tampa incident was 9/11, Howard’s rallying to the side of the world’s strongest power as well as Mother Britannia in the somewhat controversial attack on Iraq no doubt impressing the ordinary Aussie, especially those with young families, when it is better to be on the side of a sure winner.

Certainly since that time, Howard has played his cards well, possibly not morally, considering the way both Britain and America had interfered so much in the Middle-East when the end of WW2 had been regarded as the finish of colonialism and economic imperialism in the area.

Howard has also adroitly changed his image from a somewhat shy but humble personage to one more like a19th century British statesman - possibly the Menzies image - of steady and serene gaze - stiff upper-lip and all. There is an interesting book on political philosophy, called the “Ruler’s Imperative”, almost as if a ruler needs to put on an act like the clever political salesman that Howard has become.

Regards - Bushbred

A distraction such as the London bombing was used as a smoke screen to pass an approval on the 150 troops that were being sent to Afghanistan for the lead up to the next political election.

Our Priminister thinks we are idiots. The Terrorist within days of the act, were announced as London born. And we are sending 150 of our SAS over to Afghanistan?

We must question his reasoning when he says to the public of Australia as its leader, "we may have the same problem as London does with home grown terrorism and a terrorist act could happen on our soil in the near future. And that is why I am sending 150 SAS to Afghanistan"?

I say if there is going to be an act of terrorism on Australian soil in the near future, I would want the SAS to stay here and do some missions and surveilance.

This article is a straight-out whinge about Australia's BEST Prime Minister. Typical of the left - trying to topple Howard anyway they can - even if it resorts to plain Jane whingeing.

Best at what? Drip feeding us with just enough to maintain this relentless state of anxiety and taking any opportunity to enhance public perceptions of vulnerability. People are waking up to the fact that they should make up their own minds about threats of one sort or another and that if the information is coming from Howard and his wordsmiths then it needs to be assessed a lot more critically. The article is spot on.

Perhaps, Dinhaan, you can give us some reasons as to why you think he's Australia's best prime minister?

Howard, the ever vigilant is once again using a situation to his political advantage. I don't believe he would desire aussie victims of terrorism, but he is not above using that situation to his advantage. He did it with Tampa, now if we are attacked he can claim that he did his best to protect us.

Truly a polly for the truly gullible.