Dear Lexi,
Yes, we do have to cop it sweet in a lot of political areas, although, I feel that the incumbent government needs to be given the opportunity to get some bills in to place, and at least start achieving what they have proposed, it cannot be easy with Mr.Abbot and his gang of school boys nipping at the PMs heels whenever she speaks, one thing that I have learnt though is I would never, as long as my rear-end points to the ground, vote for the Liberal party again, thank goodness that I didn't at the last election. Give Ms.Gillard the time to get her policies in place, it doesn't happen over-night, but it certainly needs more time for her to make her mark....I remember how long the Liberal government took to hatch and enact the wretched GST, love it or hate it, we have accepted it (GST), as we did with changing to Decimal currency.
Have a good evening my friend,
NSB

Lexi,

I'm not listening to what the media is saying about Labor. I'm merely looking on and taking my own notes. What are you expecting from poor-old-barely-recognisable-Labor's second term that could possibly retrieve their reputation from the populist chasm into which it's fallen?
Will there be more policy on the run?...such a bracing pastime for a pollie, but a trifle perplexing to the electorate.
Problem is that amidst a market-oriented materialistic society awash with middle-class welfare, Labor has no meaningful agenda anymore.

I think this is the perfect time to fret and fuss for those who wish to do so. Me, I'm just calling a spade a spade....federal politics in this country is overwhelmingly uninspiring.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-02/labors-left-faction-wants-endto-offshore-processing/2868178

(Now that's a bit more like it - a bit of spirit in Labor's tired old carcass - perhaps?)

For Gods sake[expression only] Poirot I was not referring to you.
It was an attempt to highlight my view I am possible going to become one I find contemptible!
I do so because those people harmed My party time and again, in the name of their self interests.
I need to say this, Rudd's fall hurt,I banked on him, idiots from my state helped him fail.
I understand why you would be upset with politics.
Mate know I too am.
But given the choice Labor is out standing better than conservatives.
Gillard, it seems to me, is being extremely brave right now.
She is taking the blame for a courts act.
She is wearing unfair rubbishing about carbon tax, from the very people who in ten years will call it her greatest achievement.
She seems intent on getting her tasks done, my tasks, then leaving the decks clean.
She has guts give her that.

Don't worry, Belly, I knew you were just tossing the term "out there", and you do have a penchant for the dramatic gesture : )

Regarding Julia taking the heat "for a court's act". The court interpreted the law as it saw fit. Quite frankly, sending refugees to a country that is not a signatory to the Refugees Convention or the Refugees Protocol was despicable...not to mention the inclusion of unaccompanied children.
Yes, I know she was dancing to the populist tune, and reinforcing the paranoia so common in this country, but surely that doesn't mean a party has to toss out its basic morality - does it?

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/keen-to-serve-just-not-now-20110902-1jq6c.html
I must admit my pain has lead me to get a bit twisted on this subject.
I find the link one of hope.
Still think Bill is the man, ego is not a dirty word , if the person has the skills to back it.
I lay my pain at the feet of us, not our politicians.
We, me too, are often twisted to any shape, any ideas by a run away media.
The court ruled against us, the left is happy, but a quick considered look, even a glance, will show the sand being washed out from under the feet of all non conservatives and a rip forming.
Good intentions/wishes, cuddle the refugees, equals nothing, if 3 for every one who agrees disagrees with your thoughts.
I could say policy's that are not popular can never be force fed to voters.
But while Gillard/Labor live in a spotlight, we see Abbott, every day, every speech, reminding us, he told us, he lies.
And we ignore it?

What amuses me here to a large extent, but sometimes, if I let it
annoys me, is the abuse about Tony Abbott.
The labour party supporters says he is a dreadfull man and complain
about what he says about Julia Gillard & the government.

So from that I gather it is alright for the labour party & supporters
to abuse Tony Abbot but it is not alright for him to abuse Julia Gillard.
Is that because she is a woman ? No ? Maybe not, but really your
obsessive prejudice is showing.
He can't be all that bad.
The abuse of Tony Abbot I suspect is because he not so hansom.
If he had smaller ears and no speech impediment I wonder if the abuse
would be so intense ?