The world history shows us that to become a 'world leader' you have to have some form of mental 'issue'.

So, is there a fine line between 'insane' and 'just a bloody danger'?

I suspect not.

I would prefer to have energy put into stopping the building of so much war hardware.

World leaders can be given a duelling pistol if they want to show leadership, and fight it out with their equally dangerous opposites, leaving the working class of their nation-states at home, safe and not fighting for the expansionist desires of businesses, which is really all that 'war' is about.

Paull:

I agree we're the oldest friend and ally of the US in the Asia-Pacific region and second closest ally in the world. Australia's self-reliant defence position in SE Asia and the South Pacific contributes to mutual security which is strengthened by US Security guarantee and access to US intelligence, defense science, weapons, and military logistics support. The alliance also enhances Australia's status in world affairs, especially in Asia. But as I stated earlier maintaining support for the alliance will rest upon Washington's success in convincing the Australian public and pollies that US policies are both necessary and legitimate and that Australia's contributions to mutual security are not taken for granted.

Listened to something today about Aussie having an inland sea and the different explorers that thought they could find it. Then some English dude that went and studied what he later in a book called The Dead Heart. It became unpatriotic to talk about The Dead Heart, depressing as it was.

But was interesting to hear it pointed out how we should move the cities to the desert and leave the good land for crops etc. The radio men were also talking about how our deserts are a good deterrent; we can’t live there so no one else is going to want them.

Although for awhile they thought some amazing type of engineer would come forward and solve the no water in the desert problem – because they assumed deserts lacked life.

I keep hearing how Aussie shouldn't take on any more immigrants because we don’t have the water.

So who would want our land really? And if China or anyone said "hey lease us the Simpson for a few hundred years because we have an idea and we'll give you many trillion" - would we object?

Blue cross.......look at old Hitler here http://tinyurl.com/2f2dmgh and tell me what you could of seen at the time of his rule. In-sane was the call after the monstrosities that he commited. Pole pot, North Korean general whats his face, and maybe Obama him self, could be ticking time-bombs a far as rulers/leaders are concerned.

"The world history shows us that to become a 'world leader' you have to have some form of mental 'issue'......

I don't think you would class all as suspect, however...all who are given power were once quite normal people at one point.

Poirot said....

"It's always fascinating to witness Australian leaders putting our best foot forward on the international stage, standing up for what we believe in.
Julia Gillard has recently continued Australia's tradition of courting U.S. sentiment. Her injudicious comments erroneously accusing Julian Assange and Wikileaks of illegal activities was a rush to judgment in an attempt to display solidarity with her U.S counterparts - as is her deafening silence in her failure to publicly defend Assange's right to the presumption of innocence..
John Howard elevated obsequiousness almost to an artform with his fawning devotion to George W. Bush and his somewhat dodgy administration. I believe with a teensy bit more effort, Julia Gillard will achieve parity with Mr Howard on this one - cementing Australia's reputation as a perennial minion of the United States and it's interests."

Any-thing sane in what these leaders and the fearless crusaders are doing? But what a year........... The US and Australia....need each other for varies reasons like the geographical position for us ( WA..great spot for fighting any on-coming invaders, low cost uranium, we happen to be white, with a healthy addiction to their culture, and I could keep going on about the interests they have for us....and I think nukes were once a discussion point for WA on keeping any ( in-sane 2/3 world leaders from getting any funny ideas.

Australia - The Perennial Minion........In reality, I cant see it any other way.

BLUE

Depends Jewely on whether this trillion dollar idea of the Chinese creates pollution for example, or a truly dead heart or Simpson. I would have to know the detail of the idea before I could feel comfortable about it. Sounds like a good idea though?. Wouldn't have a problem if it was Chinese as long as it was a good idea.

I've often thought we should invite Israel to set-up their state somewhere in Australia's interior (with a bit of coastline). They could then share defence responsibilities etc. They'd probably feel right at home.