A fair enough analysis except for one thing; the criticism of Rudd for inaction to date on our refugee / border-protection policy.

If there is one thing that Rudd should be upholding from the Howard era, it is the policy of strong border protection and unequivocal strong deterrence to those who would try to come to Australia outside of our formal immigration program.

What you like Rudd to do in this regard Bruce?

shees! the 'would' excaped!! \:>|

What would you like Rudd to do in this regard Bruce?

Rudd is sadly giving the impression that his election to Prime Minister was just a stepping stone to being Foreign Affairs Minister - not to mention Ambassador to Beijing.

Rudd needs to realise that Australia's budgetary decline and broader domestic economic problems may darken Labor's (short?) term in office.

Even if new economic problems are not of Rudd's making his chatting about UN Security Council membership is an expensive luxury better addressed (as Bruce implies) once Australia establishes independent credentials.

Pete
http://spyingbadthings.blogspot.com/

Ludwig, read my lips dear. Refugees are allowed to move across borders without papers, they are allowed to enter Australia without papers, we decided way back in 1951 and then 54 under Bob Menzies that they could.

Kapeesh so far? Turning away refugees to Indonesia is not border protection you cretin, it is turning away innocent people to a nation where they have been known to disappear, be locked up and tortured and returned to be killed because Indonesia is not and will never be part of the refugee protection system of the world.

After 6.5 years of being told that Howard and Ruddock lied about the situation why are you still bleating like a nonsensical child?
There is no such thing as an illegal immigrant in Australia and has not been since the law changed in 1992 removing all offences for being without a visa.

Howard simply spent $3 billion of taxpayers money to try and uphold a stupid lie before letting almost all of the people into Australia anyway.

It is not possible to apply for a protection visa in Australia unless you are in Australia, that is written into our own damn law books.

Now Bruce, Japan said over and over that they were the ones reluctant for a meeting, it has been reported over and over again so why are you doing Nelson's delusional work for him?

"The Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has done well in the United States. He has come across as friendly, open, balanced, intelligent and articulate; the antithesis of his predecessor, who gave a very creditable impression of fawning every time he set foot in the US ..."

Yes, I agree, though personally I would have liked to have seen a little less warmth between Rudd and Bush. Today’s salute in particular makes Rudd look as though he’s buddying up to George Bush every bit as sickeningly as Howard used to. There may be an extenuating story behind it but it certainly looked a little too eager for my liking.

“Rudd might look to practical measures to begin the process of international confidence building.”

I didn’t hear the details but the announcements today of increased Aids funding and also the call to redirect the Afghani poppy crop to use in pharmaceuticals for third world countries were both good moves in the right direction I thought.

Yes, I agree with his position on Japan. In light of the continued whale slaughter I think it would have been inappropriate for Rudd to be seen shaking hands with Japan’s leader so soon after the hunt. I think he was wrong to bow to media pressure and announce a visit as he has.

I agree there have been some sensible decisions made regarding refugees under the Rudd government, though the refusal to grant a protection visa to Iraqi, Mr A was disappointing. Unfortunately, the island excisions, the Christmas Island detention centre and the turning of boats back to Indonesia are all likely to continue. Refugee issues are not high priority for Kevin Rudd.

Thanks Bruce for another well written article.

Well think of this. It only takes 12 warheads to wipe us out,( Australia) and in knowing this, I would be kissing ass too.

As for the reality check, do you think you can do any better?