runner, I agree with you and good for you for taking the trouble to raise a special thread.

What a pleasure it is to encounter a thread where discussion can be had without the personal attacks.

Regardng Rudd, I think that team play could have gone a long way towards balancing his weaknesses, but that doesn't seem to be the fashion any more.

Foxy, You might remember I criticised Mr Fraser in another thread a little while ago, however I am coming to realise that my assessment of him was severe and the positive changes he has made personally are deep, not superficial as I wrongly supposed. You were right of course.

Good thread runner.

Yes Jessica was impressive. And she's very spunky as well! ( :>)

Dear runner,

I agree with you, it doesn't look too
good at present for what's around the
corner politically. Still, fingers-crossed
that we'll end up with something decent.
I only hope that whoever gets in - the
others won't block things but will work
for the good of the country not their party.

Dear Cornflower,

Thanks for your kind words.
Because as you well know I don't
always get it right. I've learned a great
deal from you, and I now try to give more
thought to what I post because in the past
it sometimes has come out the wrong way,
and what I said was misunderstood.
Anyway, I enjoy reading your posts, and
you're right - it is great having a thread
where there's no personal attacks in sight!

What the hell has Jessica Rudd got to do with anything? Who decided to put her on Q&A, and what was the motive. I do not give a tinkers cuss for Jessica, or give kudos to her "loving good parents".

It is a continuation of the Labor show, where the politicians do not kiss babies; instead they offer theirs up to us to kiss. Crass, undignified, relationship abuse for power, remember it is all about power not lovely Jessy Rudd, simpletons.

On the other hand it is great to see youth coming forward, especially where they can express themselves politely and succinctly and with both eyes wide open.

Jessica didn't do as many do, assume that all of the right is on one side and try to howl down perceived opposition - who are often just ordinary people trying to express their view too. That was refreshing.

Cornflower and Foxy, I apologize for bringing opposition to the thread. I read the subject matter and immediately responded, only to read your comments about finally having a thread free of abuse after I posted. Simpleton is not a personal attack I use it as a descriptive, sorry girls.