Al, as well as dissecting the acts of the man I also consider the "character" of the individual particularly if their tenure is long and eventful. That indicates that they are an enabler and a survivor, at which point you consider the man behind the deeds. His interpersonal strategies, his reaction to adversity and particularly his ability to reason and then react at a time more prudent to victory rather than a time chosen by his opposition.

From childhood Fabius was quiet and not quick to comment, he considered his responses. As he matured he developed a pragmatic streak that helped him identify fact over perception and these traits gained him the respect of his peers in the cut throat senate. He was a sage like figure and the extrapolation I make in regard to today’s political scenario is that there is no Fabius Maximus on Australia’s political horizon as far as I can see.

But if your reference is to him blaming the woes of the people on their losing faith in their gods, that is the pragmatic politician. He had a divisive state and religion would bind and strengthen the security of the state, and that was the outcome. Hitler instituted a community wide mantra that every German followed and believed that translates as "all in step". This community maxim was meant to overcome any factious fighting in the community that impedes the program, and that was the outcome. Fabius buoyed his state with the community and hope that religion brings, again I see no Fabius on the horizon.

""" Raw, you say something clicked...then you mention a pestilence..but which one? """

I'm pretty sure you're referring to the UN?

Fabius beat Hannibal by attacking his foraging parties and burning crops to cut him off from food. He engaged him in a war of attrition, just like the watermelons in the UN are trying to do to the capitalist world through their agenda 21 policy. And is probably why we are now killing off our farmers and major industry through taxation and green bureaucracy. Slowly but surely they'll send us all broke and starving, reducing our numbers before they move in for the kill.

It's quiet uncanny how the battle between joolea and krudd has striking similarities to Fabius and Marcus Minucius almost as if they're reenacting history in real time, even down to the s l o w, t a l k i n g, j o o l e a :)

Did I make an idiot of myself yet?

Yeah, yeah, I know. I did that a long time ago :)

Aaah...this IS turning interesting :) I love it when we dig.

Pericles.. I must confess I did not realize it would lead to such a manifest adulation of your chosen nick.. but that's not a problem for the direction here under consideration. Your namesake was but one of a cast of characters history has given us.

Beelz... ssshhhhhhhh

Raw.. this is not the place to consign our debating partners such names as 'idiots' :) no.. by no means, you are extremely perceptive.

One might underline your observation that given the fact of Roman defeat in open combat with Hannibal... Fabius chose a very unexpected but eventually successful direction did he not?

Dear SOG.. no.. re blaming the people for neglecting the gods is far from my central thoughts here. It is of course a possible direction one might take (as a Christian) but it so happens that it's not my focus this time. It's big.. very big.

Though...I suppose it might be pertinent to replace 'the gods' with.. "Human Rights" ? :)

Now..

WOLF. A wolf is a predatory animal, which must rely on stealth and cunning and ultimately numbers to subdue and kill it's prey.

SHEEP. A sheep is a docile animal.. driven by herd instinct, little independant thought, much like todays 'man (voter) in the street'

A Nursery Rhyme.
Little Red Riding hood.....

2 b continued.....

Oh golly gosh, you're talking about Abbot using the Fabian strategy against the Fabians!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabian_strategy

Is it really necessary to play these little games, ALGOREisaSliMebAlL :)

Au Contrare Raw...(your such a pleasant person :) I just spend a month in the sin bin for 'abuse'..and you call me a slimeball ? haha... it's cool.

No..I'm not talking about Abbott at all. Turn your gaze more to the West/Left and think mucccccch longer in time span from our recent political situation.

Here is something to ponder.

Who said (in summary/paraphrase) "If members of society cannot justify their usefulness and value, we need to find a humane way to eliminate them"

That person also said "We need to find a humane 'lethal chamber'"

Does the name of a person who followed up on that thought rather dramatically come to mind ?

Would it worry you if prominent Australian politicians subscribe to the thinking of such people ?

Why would a wolf dress as a sheep ? (or a granny)
What is the ultimate intention of the wolf?

And what is the likely outcome for the many thouasands of sheep in the midst of which the wolf, so dressed, is mingling?

Ah not you are the slime ball, AlboreIs. Sorry if you thought I was referring to your personally!