There is a big difference between talk and act as we know. Whatever failings tony has, he had the courage, and must have had fear to go against the women of Australia, to stand up to act against the grosssly abnormal abortion rates in Australia. That takes a good soul, and we all know that we can trust our combined future to people with such souls.

To politics and religion. I think its become a complex dynamics of factors but the end act will determine the true make of the person/s making the proclamations. I agree on one side that rudd should clearly explain his faith and how it will influence his actions in politics particularly after making a public statement on it... we need to know...

On the other hand using religion to attract 'religious' votes is manipulation for victory and which then should raise alarm bells in all. Its hard to assess further until rudd does say what he exactly means and, eg by writing for olo, then we can assess and watch what he/them do if the power is given in trust to them...

Sam

Seeing that we're in request mode Susan how 'bout a few more articles on Islam and muslims? One per day would seem fair.

I don't know to much about Tony Abbot and I am not Roman Catholic but I do appreciate that he is one of the few who are not too gutless to try to do something about murderering the thousands of unborn each year. This is a far greater crime than the mess in Iraq.

"Since becoming Health Minister, I have described our abortion rate as a tragedy and wondered what can be done to bring it down."

Well, Tony, you could have a look at what has been working very well in Holland for years:

http://www.unesco.org/courier/2000_07/uk/apprend2.htm

"With the highest use of contraception among young people worldwide, the Netherlands has attracted international attention

How would you react if your boyfriend refused to use a condom? How do your friends feel about condoms? Write down what you think they will answer and ask them if you were right.
This open talk is how some teachers in the Netherlands approach sexuality with students between 12 and 15 years old. Subsidised by the Dutch government, the “Lang leve de liefde” (“Long Live Love”) package was developed in the late 1980s, when Aids became recognised as a threatening health problem. “Aids was an impetus for sex education in schools,” says Jo Reinders of Soa-bestrijding, the Dutch foundation for STD (sexually transmitted diseases) control, which developed the package in consultation with churches, health officials and family planning organizations. “It forced teachers to become more explicit and to discuss norms and values using a participatory approach.”"

But you can't support this proven concept, can you, because your Papal master does not approve of condoms.

In view of the amazing revelations regarding Brian Burke et al which have emerged in Western Australia since a few phones have been bugged, maybe Tony's phone calls should be secretly recorded to see if his policies are in line with what we would expect from him getting personal instructions from the Pope.

"Is it sectarian to ask Kevin Rudd questions about his real convictions?" Of course not, but lets not be sectarian about it, lets examine yours too. Not that there will be much of a difference in POLICY or politics between the two of you.
First conviction, in reality you should be called the minister AGAINST health because of the wrecking ball you are wielding in running the public hospital system and Medicare into the ground. So that you can hand them over to your cronies. The Labor party started closing down the hospitals from 1986 and the Liberal Party have carried it on.
Second conviction, neither of you speak for the mass of people, nor do you ever intend too. So in reality you are the ministers AGAINST the people. Whereas for Mr. Murdoch or Mr. Packer or big business, nothing is too much trouble, nor any act too deplorable.
Third conviction, means being honest, that you are both right wing agents of capitalism.
Fourth conviction, both of you support to the hilt the exploitive attack on workers and youth through the new workplace relations laws.
Whilst filling up your own pockets into overflow mode.
Fifth conviction, both of you support this criminal war in Iraq and both of you have been given orders off Cheney for a new war in Iran. Rudd is being sly about it playing peek-a-boo because of the elections coming up.

No party and no leader can be all things to all people.
I am constantly amused by single issue party's or party's that think of only a part of the voters.
However given that the two party preferred system mostly gets us back to reality Rudd appears to have it over the government team.
He is fully aware he must govern for most Australians and it seems most want him to.
Given the increasing lack of accountability in federal politics Under John Howard's leadership we should be both disturbed but not surprised at the increasing number who are being found wanting on both sides.
Kevin Rudd has from his first day in his roll forced accountability on his party and his self, it will take more than this thug like abuse to stop his passage to the top job.