in the democrat debate in las vegas, all candidates but dennis kucinich agreed they would use military force in pursuit of policy objectives. "pre-emptive war" is acceptable, it turns out, as long as a democrat is president. and 'national security' is more important than human rights, except for governor richardson. he was applauded on site, ridiculed in the media. sometimes the master class is too obtrusive to miss.

let me make a prediction: surveillance and detention without judicial oversight will be acceptable too, just as it is here.

i submit that hanging around with this mob is not only immoral, it's going to get us in ever more trouble, at home and abroad. kindly join me in inviting the next pm to sever ties. the kiwis can do it, why can't we?

So long as Pine Gap remains here we will be part of all pre-emptive strikes & such. So long as there is oil in Timor-Leste we will remain entwined with US big business, no matter who is in power. There is very little difference between the Dems & the Repubs: they are both beholden to the military-industrial-congressional complex.
Are you suggesting that Rudd could have the power to demand the removal of Pine Gap?
I don't think so.