*Yabby, tell us all you know about Paul Howes, whoops, sorry forgot that was it in with some miss information*

Belly, one word describes it all really, he is arrogant!

Just like the militant union officials of the bad old times.
Sounds more like a Trot then anything.

But he's only a young whipper snapper of 30. So has lots to
learn. Perhaps he could learn a bit from those wiser leaders,
like Hawke or even Gillard.

Gillard actually has people skills. Howe still has to learn
what that means. Arrogance alone won't do it for him, even if
it impresses you.

Hi Belly:

I'm back - earlier than I expected. Anyway, I was under the impression that Bracks, Faulkner and Carr were heading some sort of a team to look at ways that Labor can be improved. Back to the grass roots, so to speak. To try to find ways to encourage new membership, find ways to improve the party, get the communities involved and so on. Do you know more about any of this - and how will this affect the Union movement? As far as Howes is concerned - it's early days yet - and it would seem that he hasn't been there long enough to warm the seat - his turn may well come - but not just yet, I'd say.

cont'd ...

Belly:

The following link puts a rather good take on things:

http://newmatilda.com/2011/02/18/the-only-way-is-up
"The Only Way Is Up," by Ben Eltham. 18th Feb. 2011.

Welcome back Lexi and good morning Yabby.
How do I start? I have watched PauL Howes from the shadows from the days he was not much more than a kid.
Hand picked by Bill Shorten he shares the ability's, and ego both men rightly have.
His policy's,stated often ,include Nuclear power for Australia.
He in my view, would tremble in rage at my views on boat people, he is a thinking human.
His exposure at the AWU conference was,for some, the first look at him, not for me.
He has a strong case yabby,your noted protection and support for miners operating in WA concerns me, true.
Rio Tinto are as described some past actions are far worse than ANY UNIONS.
One day this great country must confront this state against state thing.
The divide [ mostly one way] WA against the rest is xenophobic.
Wise Men From the East is the tag for the whole east coast states"?
CHILDLIKE!
We are one country that country belongs to us all, its minerals however are mostly going overseas, we do very well, but can we do better.
Is it true world wide moves are under way to see miners every miner every country leave more than holes in the ground?

Perhaps you have all missed the point of Howe's rant at Rio.
His aim was not Rio itself but the Aluminium industry where he is
trying to get more than 50% union members so he can take over wages
and conditions negotiations.

Does this seem feasible Belly ?

btw going on Sunday ?

Bazz, yes Howe wants union control of aluminium, there was an article
about it in last weekend's AFR. But that does not excuse his
childish behaviour.

Where has Howe ever shown, that he can actually run a business?

So much for his criticisms.

Belly is making this guy out to be a great future leader. IMHO
Belly is either easily pleased or easily fooled.