Thomson has the right to assumption of innocence in the criminal courts. However, institutions have the right to protect themselves against crooks based on the balance of probability.

An employer could have fired him years ago on a fraction of the evidence. Apparently parliamentary labor has far lower standards.

Your description of democracy is handsome Lexi, and one we should aspire too. "The right to restrain ones rulers has a attractive ring". Such democratic power must be a priority at the core of any real democracy. Untrammelled power albeit from the business sector as well, is also worthy of restraint in the public interest.

I was listening to Bob Katter being one of only three people in Parliament who did think it was a good idea, not to pierce aquifers with drilling rigs for gas frakking, (advocating a moratorium on such activity), until we knew more about the effect on the aquifers of this process. He went on to say to basically, that aquifers were only aquifers because they had tops and bottoms without holes in them.

For the record only Katter, Wilke and Bandt supported that amendment.

Something untrammelled is going on here with Abbott supporting this bill to press on with frakking, and the Govt proposing it, when there is no need to rush, on this.

For the second time in my life I agree with Katter. I'm feeling rather unrepresented by either political leadership team on this one and smell a rat.

Continue on SM, with your public conviction of Thompson if it helps. But unfortunately even Julia Gillards polling improved today.

Dear Thinker 2,

There are so many issues that I am concerned about
and I, like yourself, and many other voters, must find it hard
to understand when given the opportunity to watch
Question Time - as to why
politicians don't discuss issues of importance (like
aquivers and drilling and its implications). Instead,
the entire session in Parliament seems to be an exercise
of diversion and attack. It makes one question - did
we really vote these people into our Parliament to
represent us? And Mr Abbott has to be the worst leader
of the Opposition in this country's political history.

Does he not realise how he sounds and that voters can
actually hear the stupidity that he's spouting. It's
embarrassing. I feel so sorry for his colleagues who
aren't allowed to say what they really think.

Our author I think, never thought the thread would run so long.
Be the one we debated every facet of politics in then return to its subject.
I too did not think so.
I am pleased but not deceived by two months increased polling.
Abbott lost those points as much as we won them.
Forget SM,he is fixed and not capable of movement any more than a marble statue is.
And remember Gillard has over taken Abbott before.
It is a measure of the unsuitability of both leaders to lead we measure.
Yet a hope, a light,exists .
If Labor can hang on, go its full term,by next summer a dreadful brushfire driven one, we will see more evidence climate change is real.
We also will see Democrats win in America,evidence of the total failure of Abbott's MENTORS the TEA PARTY!
Two new leaders is still my predicted out come before an election.

Belly, is it your prediction of a Rudd, Turnbull shoot out at the next election? Could dear Julia and poor Tony be cast aside without a though to the magnificent contribution both have made to the betterment of their fellow Australians.
Can I have you opinion of Bill Heffernan?

SM I find myself once more agreeing with you:
"Thomson has the right to assumption of innocence in the criminal courts. However, institutions have the right to protect themselves against crooks based on the balance of probability."

If Barney Rubble was charged with embezzlement in his previous job as finance manager at the Bedrock Savings and Loan, which has now gone into receivership, with thousand of jilted investors. Should good old Barney stay in his present job as chief accountant at the Bedrock Bank? Is the presumption of "Barney's innocents" so great he should remain at the bank counting the cash all alone after hours while he awaits trial on the embezzlement charge.

Thinker have you ever watched the doco 'Gaslands' a real eye opener about CSG and the practice of FRAKKING. I am a member of the 'Sydney Residents Against Coal Seam Gas.' we have been very active on the issue, as have The Greens. Bob Katter has been very vocal, good on ya Bob. If noting else Bob will back the farmer every time but Labor and the conservatives are backing big business. Before the last NSW state election we discovered that the Keneally government had sold out to vested interests on CSG. We ran a strong campaign in Heffron (Keneally's seat) against CSG. Keneally tried to hide the fact she gave permission for CSG test drilling in St Peters (an inner Sydney suburb and in her own seat) Despite the advantage of being 'The Premier' she copped a 16% swing to a no name Liberal blow in.

Paul you surprise me!
You have told me my views make me a Liberal but yours match SM here.
Abbott is nearing his waterloo his lies and fear are catching up and fast.
The first result of this should be him going.
Then Gillard.
Now just before the election both party's should develop preference party's.
So each can then warn voters to dump their preferences first in their phantom party's then anyone but the greens.
Some one gets a clear lead?
Bless Australia with a DD election!