Well Clive fails to mention that this country was taken over by the international banking cartels long ago when both major parties sold off our Govt Banks like the Commonwealth.

Clive is only apologising to China because his exports there are now under serious threat.

Where's Pericles who knows all ?

Arjay, The big two sold out long before they flogged off the Com Bank, that was just a bit of fruit for the sideboard. I don't think they ever actually sold us out, because to be "out" you have to be "in" to start with. we were never actually "in"!
The sycophantic Clive brigade on here now have 'egg on face'. a couple of posts back Indi was praising Big Clive <<Clivie boy is gauging the situation after all he is from a practical background, not a lawyer/academic one. He creates revenue & employs people unlike the others.
The hangers-on WILL drag the major ones down.>>
Too right, he gauged the situation and went weak at the knees! maybe we would get more substance and less hot air,if he was a lawyer/academic.

I'm right here, Arjay, thanks for asking.

>>Where's Pericles who knows all?<<

The exchange of opinions has been interesting, thanks to everybody for your contribution.

The theme that shines through is that Palmer is being used as a form of proxy for other battles between vested interests. Meanwhile, he is taking full personal advantage of his pivotal role in the decision-making process.

It is difficult to avoid the view that he has used - and is using - his money to buy a position of influence in Australian politics. It is also unfortunate that our electoral system seems content to allow that to happen.

All politicians are expedient, particularly when protecting their individual financial interests, but usually this is employed as a means whereby they can maintain a position on the gravy train. Without the need to rely on pollies pay and perks, Palmer has taken expediency to an altogether new level. And in doing so has exposed our political process for the boys-club sham that it undoubtedly is.

Unfortunately, this also reflects itself in our image overseas. From a position of mere irrelevance on the world stage, we have become little more than a cringe-making comedic turn, with Palmer as our very own Basil Fawlty.

That cannot be right, Pericles...

"And in doing so has exposed our political process for the boys-club sham that it undoubtedly is."

It is, literally, politically incorrect.

As in, it is incorrect politically since surely the parliament is a boys and girls-club?

Nor can I let pass the denigration of the esteemed Mr Basil Fawlty...

May I submit the comedic turns of Touché Turtle (who you will notice even takes on a dragon (a Chinese reference?):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SC31NbYqvU

Thanks for the introduction to Touché Turtle, WmTrevor. A new acquaintance for me, I have to say.

But the actions of your amiable chelonian appear far too sophisticated and plausible when compared to those of our political classes. Although his smiley face did remind me a little of Christopher Pyne, after a meal of particularly flavoursome schoolchildren.

Blaming politicians for the woes of the country is only justified if the electorate can prove beyond doubt that they're model citizens. In Australia it should be a smart population considering the immense amount of money going into the smoke screen called education.
Palmer is exposing that lack of value for money & only stirring can make people think some sense, especially when there is a good chance of lossing everything they never had to work for. The more Palmer stirs the more support will go his way. Academia is already up to its knees in the quicksand created by Academia. We don't need so much education for the jobs that need to be done. What we need is sufficient education so people can become part of a productive, revenue making workforce instead of the sponge that is the public service & associated bureaucracies. Instead of selling Australia to chinese billionaires Australians should move to China.