Unfortunately, Haneef's case is not a single example of proceeding with criminal charges without sufficient evidence. In Queensland, Vincent Berg's and some other cases are not less alarming. It seems that the rule of law and respect to legal evidence and individual human rights are in danger of being replaced by "witch hunt" practices.

This is the sort of tedious, worn out drivel that I have come to expect from the cool britannia left.

I hope Howard loses but also hope that a Rudd victory doesn't mean that we will have an influx of the chattering classes from overseas looking for Arts Council grants ?

Another hate filled bit of drivel that contradicts a lot of the other hate filled drivel regarding Mr Howard. It was only a few weeks ago that Howard haters accused him of being under the thumb of Mrs Howard. This is the latest attempt to discredit his character by calling him 'the authoritarian father'. NO doubt Mr Howard's detractors will support both views as long as He is not re elected. No mention of course that Mr Rudd does not even allow any of his potential ministers to even say anything without his prior approval. This could not be an 'authoritarian father' approach could it?

Perhaps Im a bit thick Runner but I couldnt find any hate in this essay.
To me it was a well argued assessment of the state of the Oz body politic.
Just as valid an opinion as anything that those on the "right" might have.
The right being well known for their use of measured language and factual evidence---or is that public relations generated factoids?

Has anyone ever noticed how those on the right freely use the work hate?
In my opinion they are just describing themselves.
And of course Runner is well known for the well reasoned clarity and lucidity of his postings.

I couldn't help but notice that Runner's last post used the capitalised "He" when referring to John Howard.

Is this a formal acknowledgement of Howard's God-like status among his supporters?

Can't help but wonder if Julianne Shultz went through boxes of tissues will writing this nonsense. While there are some home truths, attacking Howard for being anti-multicultural is a weak arguement when Howard has made it easier to hire and fire an imported Asian than an Australian citizen.

Yes, Howard has effectively used the politics of paranioa and the ALP has jumped up down like an inattentive Bart Simpson screaming, "ME TOO! ME TOO!". When both sides look the same, why would you bother. That would be like upgrading from a 1996 Commodore over to a 1996 Commodore. Only the panel colour is different yet drives the same.

As for the leftist groups, all they have done is demonise the white Australian as evil doers while doing all they can to protect any Islamist that is found to be involved with terrorism. Not to forget other misdeeds of selling us out.

As of yet, the best option I see for my QLD Senate ticket is a vote for Pauline Hanson which just shows how much of a poor showing there is for any credible candidates that actually want to put Australia first.