Just an opinion from an old fella.

It can be proven that history has been changed much more by philosophers and writers than the unintellectual go-getters, who keep on making the same mistakes of history, and which has been proven more so, unfortunately more so in the beginning of our 21st century.

It seems the go-getters are at it once again, more like the 19th century when Mother Britannia ruled the roost, hundreds of thousands of colonial troops shaping a world based on the right of the Promised Lands, which Cecil Rhodes believed was out there with God's Will for the white man's taking.

We now have Pax Americana, and her Angligipholic partners pretty well at the same game, but underhandedly calling captured and financially controlled countries, simply a bid to give real freedom to these peoples by teaching them the American way.

If only we could truly believe this was not to be, but going by old imperialistic records, especially concerning control of especially important contraband like spices, tea and oil, it could be a safe bet, sadly, that what will be will be.

Bushbred,

Thanks for that! I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to hear the opinion of an “old fella” that doesn’t lean so far to the right.

I love hearing the opinions of the more moderate, open-minded people of the older generations. I think many people of the younger generations (such as me) can learn a lot from your experience.

I myself have struggled to maintain hope in the ultra-conservative revolution this county is going through at the moment. But many “old fellas” like yourself have reminded me of something that I think a lot of the younger generation need to remember: The pendulum will eventually swing the other way. It always does. Only these days, it seems to swing a lot quicker than it used to.

Howard and his supporters grin from ear-to-ear with changes like IR “reform”, seemingly oblivious to the fact that it will only take another Gough Whitlam – with control of the senate – to undo it all and give back some rights to the defenceless who need them the most. While reducing the rights of the corporate bullies who beat-up on those who can't defend themselves.

"It can be proven that history has been changed much more by philosophers and writers than the unintellectual go-getters, who keep on making the same mistakes of history, and which has been proven more so, unfortunately more so in the beginning of our 21st century."

Bush is a classic example if these idiot go-getters repeating the mistakes of history. I think Redneck could take a leaf from you book. It's these intellectual, academic, "trendy lefties" that he despises so much - completely unaware that if it wasn't for them, he could be living in a world with no freedom; a world where the richest 1% rule with an iron-fist in an Orwellian society.

Senator, as Kevin and Sniggid pointed out, the Hawke reforms benefitted from Coalition support. Over the last nine years, the Senate opposition has consistently blocked or damaged legislation from a government which has now been elected four times with a generally consistent platform. You yourself say that "The Howard Government was forced to compromise on the GST and Native Title, while it was rebuffed on Telstra and industrial relations." All long term Coalition policies on which Senate opposition led to poorer outcomes. If Telstra is sold now, it might be for $12-15bn less than when its full sale was blocked - thanks a lot, Chris!

Howard had to wait for eight years as Prime Minister before he could proceed with long-proposed policies without a wrecking Senate. It's time! But he's also cautious, he reads the runes and he knows there's an election in 2007. To say that he is unfettered because of the Senate majority is nonsense.

I'm a former ALP supporter who was fortunate enough to work with an excellent Prime Minister and Ministers - Hawke, Button, Kerin, Dawkins, Willis (and with Keating and Evans, who had some merit, many flaws), and talked to one of the best, Walsh. Where are their like today? Where are the good policies which made Canberra in the Hawke years such a good place to work? Senator, if you want to put pressure on and constrain Howard, I suggest you look to making the ALP electable

Voltx,

I agree with you. But the point of my first post is that complacent Australians need to be aware that what we are seeing is what the “Liberal” party has stood for a long time. They completely contradict their party’s name and should actually be called The Conservative Party – a bunch of “oxymorons” if you ask me.

I’m just amazed though, at how surprised some Australians are at the Liberal party’s actions and abuse of power. When I for one, have always known what they were all about.

Whether or not they supported them, people would laugh at me in a patronising manner whenever I spoke out against the “Liberal” party; accusing me of being an alarmist or propagandist.

…They’re not laughing now.

Everything I said would happen is happening.

Had the ALP been different things would not have worked out as they have.
If the ALP discards the unelectable clods that they laughingly call 'polititians' and get some one who is not from 'Acadame'[which is another planet] or a 'Unionist'[second rock from Academe] but who has some real intelligence and a desire to better Australia then maybe they will get a chance next time.
Australians know a crock when they see one, we want a strong opposition,not a bunch of would be's.
It is up to the ALP.

I wonder whether the liberals would hold the majority of the senate if Asutralians could simply vote on that issue alone...