That's a definite "cut out and keep" article, Kim.

John Howard. Nailed. Skewered. Spotlit.

Great work.

Dr Kim Huynh (Associate Lecturer)

Thank you for your article, even though it is probably the most irritating article that I have read since I first came to OLO around a year or so ago.

I find it apalling that an academic with your qualifications (presumably a doctorate)has written such an apalling article, which in no way reflects academic argument. Indeed, it shows little respect for the English language or your students. A skilled university teacher does not have to stoop to almost 30 uses of the terms cool, uncool and the like, to reach a young audience - let alone to make your point, which is still not clear to this reader.

You failed to state the subject of your article, let alone your conceptual framework and related philosophy. I guess you are teaching influential young Australians and overseas students in the same or similar vernacular? How pathetic. I further assume that you will allow students to submit written work which is as apalling as yours, and which contains no balanced or substantive argument.

So will your students be able to write: "I think that X theory is cool, Y theory is ultra cool, and Z theory is sooo uncool"? I guess you will pass students who write in the vernacular?

Until 10 years ago, I was a Labor voter all of my life. Labor has not been able to deliver the goods for me.

You have not argued in a politically academic sense. You have attacked a man. That says a lot about how you probably operate in your classrooms. Little wonder that you have only reached the rank of Associate Lecturer - the role of which is equivalent to the title of Tutor- prior to around 1995.

Good post Jo Karachi
Cheers
Kay

PS: Dr - your definition of "cool" please, and "uncool". Are you aware of the notions of synonyms and antonyms?

John Howard will be remembered for his weakness. if you said boo to him he would jump out of his thick skin, he is like a school bully he picks on those who cant defend themselves , he speaks with a forked tongue, if we had anyone to stand up against him, he would not be able to say "I cant recall of ever saying that" maybe some one should tell him, you need to have a good memory to be good liar,

It was the hard work,courage and ethos of WW2 generations and their post war efforts that set Australia up for the prosperity that all enjoy today Kim Huynh.John Howard is the link between that honest past and the decay of our present generations we see today.

All politicians have to be dishonest since the electorate are either too ignorant or dishonest themselves.Politicians merely reflect your dishonesty Kim Huynh.You cannot remain in power by wearing your heart on your sleeve.To remain in power you have to pander to the ignorance of the electorate.

If being cool is the greatest is his greatest sin,then you have a lot to learn Kim Huynh.Being cool means that we can be defined by our peers since we don't have the courage to forge our own image and belief systems.If John Howard is uncool,then I applaud him.

There are no ultimate truths in this world,we just do the best to survive and if there is enough time for introspection,that is a bonus.

It is easy to be the Paul Keating hero full of bravado and hot air,but it takes tenacity,insight and intelligence to remain on power for such a long time with such pathetic,whinging and self indulgent electorate.

The real challenge for John Howard is to bring back the moral fibre and work ethic that gave us this prosperity we enjoy now.

I fear it will take a real calamity to bring us to our senses and then it may be too late.

I must say that I agree with comments re attacking the ball (i.e. Issue) and not the individual... However, John Howard's government has been established on such a strong leadership basis both publicly and internally that we have little choice but to discuss the man rather than the party and policies. I was interested in the discusions of Mr Howard as a liar and only one comment cited examples and another referred to memory lapses. I remember even further back. Anyone remember voting Keating out of office for attempting to impose a GST tax?? Or the vigourous opposition leader that took his place on the basis of a GST never happening. Why is it that so many people can discuss issues intellegently but as a voting public we have a memory term as far back as our last meal? I don't care about cool or being called uncool. I wish I had viable voting alternatives. I believe the GST a fantastic example of the similarity of our major parties blindly opposing identical aims proposed from across the floor. I also really really have a problem with my representatives lying to me. At least have the courage to say 'I made a decision...' or, 'I changed my mind...'

I wonder if people will analyse the foreign policy and it's domestic affects. Short term memory again... What was the last time America declared an unwinnable war and we supported them wholly? Something about a blank cheque?

My greatest fear for this wonderful country is a lack of political spectrum and, unfortunately, John howard is not the only representative who embodies this rot. Give me somebody who wants to achieve something of benefit for their constituants to vote for. Please.

Nickname ,you falsely presume that Govt must do something of benefit for the the electorate.The best thing that Govt can do,is be less intrusive in all our lives.If we rely on Govt to do anything for us ,it will cost three times as much.

The Howard Govt has been more socialist than any Labor Govt since they have kept economic growth going and collected more taxes than any Labor Govt could ever have dreamt of.What really irks me is that they have fostered the "Nanny State" more than Labor's inherant capacity for a socialist utopia.

Presently the Labor Party are in self destructive mode,electing their no talent union hacks in backroom brawls,and the the rest of us could't give a rats .... because no matter how many AWB scandals there are,Labor are a bunch of no talent losers.