Dear Henry,

I think most of what you say is well-reasoned. However climate change is more important than economic management. You can't drink money. Water is just the most obvious manifestation of the problem. And Howard has well and truly painted himself into a corner on this issue since he won't sign Kyoto. This is a debate where symbolism counts. You can tell that Malcolm Turnbull isn't convinced that not signing Kyoto is good policy. Indeed, it is bad policy. Indeed, a backflip on that issue could clinch it for Howard.

The bottom line is that this election campaign pits a seasoned fabricator who is reknowned for it against a cleanskin who looks the goods. I think you were right when Howard said he was being sincere about the election being difficult, but your prediction is wrong. A 1% swing across the board will unseat Howard: this time he's going down.

Why change the government? Because economic prosperity is not the only issue, and in my view not even the most important issue. Matters like declining personal integrity, inhumane treatment of individuals (David Hicks, Cornelia Rau, boat people, etc.), neglect of education, and slow response to environmental issues are all characteristic of this government.

And anyway, our only chance to keep the bastards at least moderately honest is to throw them (whatever party) out of office every so often and remind them they are not born to rule.

Labor may not do as well at managing the economy, but they might do a few things that make me feel proud to be an Aussie.

Let's return to the Westminster system with one side of politics alternating with the other to provide a result thaet goes towards satisfying all. If Kevin Rudd can keep his team of people standing for election under some form of universal control than I think that John Howard will lose the next election - people are getting tired of him and his synthetic morality.

Henry's makes a couple of presumptions with this piece. These may be 'economically prosperous' times, but the real measure is how people feel. The sense, in Australia and elsewhere, is the inequities wrought by market economics have swung too far.

The federal government's ideologically-driven IR legislation has provided yet more proof that the Liberals under Howard are a party of "punishers and straighteners" (to use Keating's language).

Excessive executive pay, long working hours, the growing encroachment of work on family life, a lack of accountability in public life and a sense that morality comes second in everything to making money all make a nonsense of the claim that Howard has improved Australia. (not to mention his scapegoating of minorities and ugly dog whistle politics that panders to the most base prejuidices of the community)

In any case, the economy has performed well DESPITE his governance, not because of it. A monkey could have run Australia these past 10 years and the economy would have boomed.

Indeed, where Howard has intervened, it has generally been disastrous - the halving of the capital gains tax on investment property fuelling an unsustainable housing boom and a frittering away of the proceeds of a once-in-a-lifetime commodities boom on middle class welfare, to name just two examples.

A change of government cannot come soon enough.

Economics is the very reason we should not vote this government back in. For they have made economics god. Anything is justified - war, torture, removal of rights, mass deception - if it helps the financial powers improve their position.

This policy has produced great economic statistics (actually many experts would say "moderate", compared to earlier decades), but at the same time introduced injustice (goodbye "fair go") and a certain meanness into the Australian psyche.

Yes, perhaps Mr Thornton, in his typically uncritical homage to Howard's policies of "prosperity", might like to reflect on the observations made in the SMH recently by the always astute Ross Gittins about how "prosperity" equates to an outsourcing of risk from the corporate to the household sector.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/ross-gittins/risky-business-but-not-for-the-boss/2007/01/30/1169919337040.html

Prosperity is relative, and has not been fairly distributed by this Government.

Behind the "bottom line" is the REAL health of a society - rates of homelessness, suicide, bankruptcies, youth unemployment, crime, underemployment, house repossessions and poverty - all increasing in proportion to the social inequalities this Government has created.

Telling somebody that their rising level of personal debt has been offset by the rising value of their assets has risen only works if that person actually has assets to begin with.

When the resources boom inevitably comes to an end, then we will see how economically vulnerable we have become, with manufacturing moved off-shore and local jobs being farmed out to 457 Visa applicants.
Admitting foreign workers to push shopping trolleys around is hardly a skills shortage.

The Politics of Greed works, but not forever.

I am hoping that the Christians have a great influence over the election. It is great that after decades in the wilderness we are at least having some influence. For decades now the humanist have hijacked the education system, promoted abortion, promoted unhealthy lifestyles and taken away parents rights. The systematic destruction of the family unit has created a fatherless generation lost of all hope. The fallacy of evolution and the scaremongering high priest climate changers have fooled many in the name of science.

I know that thousands of Christians will be praying for God to have His rightful place in this nation and the values that made this nation great will be restored. Go Family First, the Christian Democrats and the true Christians in the major parties.

Runner: for all your criticisms of Islam being too closely tied to the State and politics, I can't help but feel to urge christians to be politically partisan is somewhat hypocritical.
Heck, I dare say if Jesus had gone in for politics, he'd probably be a socialist.

Here is an OLO article that rebuts this piece, as well as a general discussion which highlighted some key points that the Howard Brigade don't seem to appreciate.

http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=5424

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=397

The key point that some don't seem to note during the general discussion, is that while we are indeed in blessed economic times due to the resource boom, we are squandering this windfall - little investment in infrastructure and spiralling private debt.

TurnRightThenLeft,

I have no recollection of saying that Islam and State are to closely linked. I have made my views clear that Islam is a false religion. Under the democracy we live in, a person whether a humanist, buddhist or muslim has a right to have their voice heard. It seems to me that many on the left are tolerant of all voices except that of the Christians.

I don't think it would be a good idea for the church to run the country (unlike Islam) but they have a right like anyone else to speak and lobby. George Washington in his farewell speach wrote 'Reason and experience forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.’

The murder of the unborn, the promotion of immoral lifestyles and the fatherless generation has proven Mr Washington right.

While Green groups lobby on their hobby horses so Christians need to be salt and light as Jesus declared. I don't hear anyone else speaking up for the most vulnerable in society (unborn). I don't hear anyone else speaking up against the lies taught to our children in schools and the destruction of family life by social engineers.

runner, "for God to have His rightful place in this nation " amen to that but I suspect that my idea of "his rightful place" and yours may differ somewhat.

R0bert

People need to realise this economic management arguement is a furphy - our government has about as much control over the economy as it does the weather -

We have had 15 years of unprecedented growth not ten - and neither of the governments had too much to do with it - it remains commodity based and reliant on real growth over seas - we remain a farm a forest and a quarry

These folk writing for a dead guy crack me up.

I have a few predictions from the perspective of a real live Aussie Battler.

Prediction 1,
IR is a big issue.
Today one of my daughter's friends went to work and was told she was fired and escorted off the premises. She was told that they did not have to tell her why she was sacked. Jobs that pay enough to live on aren't that easy especially for women with family responsibilities.
The fat cats can't convince workers that they should lose benifits etc so that the bosses wallets can get fatter.

Prediction 2.
Water.
Howard didn't believe in global warming until the last few months, now he has become a fervernt convert. Yeah right. The commonwealth grab for water, if successful will see it sold off faster than hot doughnuts. The buyers are already staking their territory, lurking in the background.

Prediction 3
Race
Racial division and hatred, stirred by the Howard drum, will fester until more civil and just policies are in place. Locked in ivory towers (sorry keyed estates) the feudal overlords must giggle at the tension they stir.

Prediction 4.
If Howard gets back in we will all be more worried about our jobs. We will be meaner, leaner and thirstier

1. I agree with much of whats been said, however if WE dont get involved and make changing govt look BETTER than keeping the current one, then Howard will roll back in on the votes of those afraid of change...which is the timid majority.
2. Howard is, without doubt, going to privatise water. Hey, most of the ground underfoot is already sold. Whats next....air?
3. We need to get the idea out there that we DO NOT live in an economy. We live in a SOCIETY that is merely facilitated by good economic management of either political colour. The economy is meant to be a servant, not a master. Its a tool, not a god.
4. Apropos of which....why are there god botherers on this message board? Of course you're welcome to your opinions, but.... a tad off topic, n'est pas?

Yes it will be a very interesting year and as i have said over and over again you do have a choice but that choice is up to you.
It really is time to step up and start Tapping and stop wingeing about it.

You need to take the step

email:swulrich@bigpond.net.au

The Australian Peoples Party

TAPP

Bobby Dazzler “Because economic prosperity is not the only issue, and in my view not even the most important issue.”

It is the important issue which we can only require of government. When we rely on government to determine more important issues, we are lost as individuals.

Matters like “declining personal integrity,”
“inhumane treatment of individuals”
“neglect of education,”
“slow response to environmental issues”

and a thousand other “Matters”

Are all things which we can, as individuals make personal stands and statements on, rather than leave them to government to make on our behalf.

Balancing the national debt, acting as national regulator and maintaining an honest monetary policy is something no individual can control and why we have government.

I will always vote for the government who will leave me to make my own mistakes because experience has shown, when government makes mistakes on my behalf, the consequences are far more catastrophic.

"Howard has embraced the fact of global warming"?

Where did you get this impression? Howard himself was at pains to say the opposite yesterday. Words such aspossible. No hugging going on, just using words to appear to be a hugger of trees, no more.

You should have noticed though Howard's want to make the economy again the fear factor. Won't work this time. But that's where he wants to stand and fight.

You also state levels of insecurity in employment are static. Spoken to anyone outside recently? Those with real jobs? Ask mate. insecurity is booming in the manual/admin/unqualified markets as they have nothing to bargain with. Except obedience. As to confidence, it's euphoria really, resource boom determining the length of our hiatus. No more than that.

We could go into Stats but they are lies. One though. All those jobs Howard has created. He claims to have created more jobs than there were people to fill them, even today. BS evident. What he has done is divide the number of jobs so that more part time jobs, under the poverty level, exist and can be claimed as jobs. Odour very high.

Clearly the odds on Labor winning are still outstanding. 100% return and we know those odds won't drop until the end of the year as everyone will "wait". Get on now.

Honest monetary policy? Dear cattle dog, open your eyes.

Must we have religion on every thread? Imaginary friends can wait you know.

Instead of Westminster, why don't we give democracy a try? Hasn't been used here before, should be ready to go. TAPP. TAPP.

Our economy despite intense neglect is still resource based. The expansion of China and India is the reason for the elevated resource prices. Unless Howard claims credit for this our booming economy is happenstance. The question is what steps have been taken to diversify or economy whilst there is cash about. Little I fear even in this sunny country the Germans leave us for dead in the use of Solar. In 1989 we were equal now they supercede us by far. They get the modern industry and we get the crumbs.
In addition a Prime minister that claims that refugees throw their children overboard just to keep his arse on the seat makes one ashamed to be Australian. It is like the Nazis saying Jews eat their children.
The time for change is well nigh due.

I really object to articles being put on OLO unless the authors are identified. If they aren't prepared to use their own names, why are they given space here?

What kind of question is that?? The author seems to think money is everything, poor sod.

Going by all the above comment's so far, looks like Kevin Rudd will not need to lift another finger nor even make a whisper to walk in.

Better watch out, though, as well as the demand from China and India for pitstocks -iron ore and such - John Howard has proven a winner at jumping in on the grouter - or rather an ace at stealing the agenda.

In the last election he even beat the Greenies in the forestry argument in Tasmania, by having employed staff in the timber mills and town office blocks, not only just on his side, but spruiking for him.

As a retired cockie, possibly should be voting conservative, but here in WA, the Libs have done us bad, especially the cow cockies who are being done in by middle Biz, and fruitgrowers over bi-lateral imports, and worst of all, bi-lateralism ruining our bio-security meat export reputation by allowing into NSW a cargo of Brazilian beef suspected of being infected with foot and mouth.

It proves how powerful Howard has been in evading or everting serious penalisation over such security problems, when the only word that came back to farmer's groups from government security, was that the Federal Government gave notice that the problem was fixed and therefore best forgotten.

My God, if John Howard really has such executive power or charisma to be able to convince even angry farmers that a very serious bio-security blunder should be forgotten, leaves one with a hopeless feeling, and a lack of faith in the community

Candide writes: "I really object to articles being put on OLO unless the authors are identified. If they aren't prepared to use their own names, why are they given space here?"

Well, here's a dilemma: I always thought that "Candide" was a fictional character invented by Voltaire, but apparently he really exists, since he's writing to OLO and clearly using his real name.

I have to plead guilty to using a pseudonym, but for Candide's benefit, I'm now revealling that my real name is Fred Nurk.

Runner: "Under the democracy we live in, a person whether a humanist, buddhist or muslim has a right to have their voice heard. It seems to me that many on the left are tolerant of all voices except that of the Christians."

A few points here Runner:

1) - When people such as Tony Abbott are in such positions of power - indeed, Kevin Rudd and John Howard have pointed out they are Christians, I don't really see how anyone can complain that Christians are somehow being 'hard done by'.

The fact of the matter is, I don't want any religion influencing politics. Name just one successful religious government as opposed to secular.
The blatant religiosity of the current American system only proves how important the separation of the church and state truly is.

2) The fact that a humanist, buddhist or muslim has a right to have their voice heard is because we do have a separation of church and state.

3) Any religion attempting to get involved in government, whether it is CTF or Hizb ut tahrir, causes concerned. It isn't just christians - the reason why it seems that way sometimes is due to three things.
a) more christians in Australia than other denominations
b) christians have more power and thus more chance of success at influencing politics
c) a number of far left fringe leftists who don't purport the majority.

Kevin Rudd represents our so called 'left' party and is a christian. There's your ultimate rebuttal.

As far as "The murder of the unborn, the promotion of immoral lifestyles and the fatherless generation has proven Mr Washington right"

Plenty of kids are left fatherless by wars which christians support. Here men are shot and bombed. Christians don't have a monopoly on morality - and there are very different views on the unborn.

If Howard had strayed into anti-abortion territory I think Australia would discover that the extreme christian right isn't nearly as large as many seem to think it is. I'm just glad he hasn't gone that far.

Amen to that.

TRTL
you make some good points. But scratch beneath and we see more.

Rudd and Howard, and even Peter Garret, (who I saw singing along with or amen-ing what was said), were at a Church service which is traditional for the opening of Parliament. I cannot vouch for it, but I'd guess Tony Abbot was also present along with most of the rest of the varied flock. I would also guess that the service was structured to be 'pan' or 'non' denominational, to cater for the spread of Catholics and Protestants. Abbot Catholic, Rudd (former RC) and Howard Anglican, Costello Baptist.

Clearly, Christian tradition is VERY much a part of our socio/cultural/political landscape and the dangers you point out are indeed possible IF.... one demonination acquires supreme power in a political sense. I have a sneaky feeling Tony Abbots condemnation of Rudd is more about "You slacker.. you were once one of the TRUE Church (RC) but now look what you have done (turned Anglican)"

I worry about Anglicanism, RCism as much as I worry about Islam-ism.
Because all of the above are linked closely to 'structured state related religion'.

I'm happy with the present denominational mix at the big end of political town, as it symbolizes and guarantees social harmony by showing representation of all traditions.

But given how embedded our Christian heritage is, I find it virtually seditious that the Quran can 'curse' Christians for believing Christ is the Son of God. "May Allah destroy them" (Chapter 9:30)
Destroy who ? Oh nothing much, just ALL our political leaders in that Church and who share the belief that Christ is the Son of God!

I'd love to be a fly on the wall of that Church where our politicians gathered when Abu Izzadeen rushed in and chanted "You are all cursed by Allah and Islam will reign in Australia just like UK"
Yep..that would be a sight to behold.
The scary thing about that scenario..is.. its REALITY (for UK) not fantasy. http://antidhimmi321.blogspot.com/2006_09_01_archive.html
Note the Location ?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/24/nterr24.xml
Please ensure you actually look at these mate.

Hmm... it's a complex issue there DB

I'm glad we can agree that religion shouldn't be institutionalised in government.

In relation to Mr Izzadeen, I note your point, but we're entering a grey territory where things aren't necessarily as black and white as at first glance. As you say, 'scratch the surface' and see what is revealed beneath.

This man appears to be inciting violence, and to praise these bombings is disgusting.

To the first, I say, something needs to be done. To the second, I say, it disgusts me, but he should be allowed to do it if he wants.

We need to ensure that we don't act too hastily, merely because we find it offensive - that opens the way for partisan views to wield altogether too much power.

For actual incitements to violence, yes, I warrant there is a need for control.

We do need to ensure we don't go too far however. Were he just preaching the Tony Blair was the real terrorist and a general hatred of the west, well, I can be disgusted by it, but if we take the strongarm approach to anyone who professes a dislike for government, where do we stop? People chanting they hate the government? Or just those wearing turbans chanting they hate the government?

Of course its not about the money. How could anyone be so silly. Its a about the love and the feeeeeeewings.

Just keep having kids and hand them the bills. They'll understand.

Well Henry, or whatever your name is, crank up your little polling machine and get out and do some more, real and relevant research.Start with the marginal seats,give a bit of time to the western suburbs,note the size of the private debt,look at the lending habits of major financial institutions and take note of how 'wealth' in Australia is being created. Look at water and the decaying state of infrustructure.Apart from the members of the comfortable middle class with whom you appear to consort many other members,following kids over-board,Hicks,water and other multiple lies, see Rudd as better than Howard.
Events will conspire to cause Howard to loose his nerve ( note his recent backflips ), couple that with the fact that he is taking advice from fewer and fewer people ( incredably he increasingly believes in his own judgement and intellect ) and we have grounds for optimism.China will stuff money down our throat no matter who is in power.Only you, Dixon and Mansfield believe in the'good manger of the economy'crap.And how can Howard,on the one hand, be a good manager of the economy and,on the other,a bad manager of the environment, defence and foreign affairs? Yep,Howard is like Menzies,disliked by the majority.Will the swingers vote for him?Do your darndest Henry.
Bruce Haigh

It appears to me that this Henry is a person lacking any backbone and more is of the type to sell even his grandmother's bones as long as it gives him another cent.

Here we have all this about the strategy of John Howard, and how he could possibly use Hicks to get out, but where is the relevance to John Howard’s criminal conduct?
It is simply that if we purportedly can have a more financial secure income then the destruction of democracy is not relevant?

Howard and his cohorts invaded another sovereign nation Iraq, despite that Howard had no prerogative powers to lawfully do so, but it appears to me that Henry is not concerned about this.
Neither so it appears to me that constitutionally no person can be detained/deported but by a JUDICIAL DECISION of a State Court, which the Framers of the constitution labeled “DUE PROCESS OF LAW”.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS WE HAVE IS BECAUSE SO MANY BEFORE US SACRIFICES MUCH TO ENSURE WE COULD ENJOY THIS. If they had been more concerned about their own financial future they may never have done so.

We must keep in mind that any Government that places itself above the law must not only be kicked out of office but its members be charged, and placed before the Courts.

The moment we accept for financial comfort the constitutional abuses now persisted with by John Howard then we have lost any credibility and we are no better then any other law breaker, as we have an obligation and duty to ensure that anyone who abuse /misuse powers is held accountable before a Court of law.

See also my website www.schorel-hlavka.com

I rather have a secure future for my children and grandchildren then be concerned with some temporary financial security, which often in any event turn out to be another lie by a politician to promise something they do not intent to do anyhow.

I take Col Rouge's well made point as individuals we can make mistakes on a smaller scale than a government, however governments set fiscal policy for the collective population, which determines whether or not homelessness increases or decreases etc. Runner, even though I am a strong Catholic, I see no place for the Churches in government, see: separation of powers.

Against Howard, been there too long, without making a positive difference to our lives, for Howard he has $10.8 billion in the bank to buy our votes...again. Against Rudd, he has so far lacked policy description, for Rudd, he is genuine opposition for the first time in Howard's 11 years, he has the polls going his way, it will be an interesting year. Australia badly needs urgent action on climate change, and more infrastructure to store water, added with hydro electricity, it was fine with the Snowy River scheme, we need more of the same, without water we die.

It is outrageous that Howard hasn't built water storage capacity during the drought, with his surpluses, now when the drought does break, we will fill the water storage capacity we had in 1996, although our population has increased, a scandal in itself.