John Howard - An 'inspiring' world stateman (1 Viewer)

[Not-That-Bright]

I think he was saying more that while many people do care about health/education they place higher prominance in the economy. I don't believe that's really true, I think you'll find that there is a connection between a strong economy and a strong health/education system. I do not believe that the Labor Party presented a strong enough argument to show that they were really better for health or education.

 

[loquasagacious]

Insofar as the flag and soldiers dieing for it, there are two issues here Australians orignially fought under a differing flag until end of WWII (maybe, Iron might remember more accurately - from Ben Wellings lecture on nationalism).

Aside from this soldiers do not fight for flags, let alone countries or nations. They fight for the man next to them, a soldiers ultimate loyalty is to his(or her) unit, they fight and die for their regiments standard, unform, icons and men. Not for vague notions of patriotism.

 

[Iron]

Insofar as the flag and soldiers dieing for it, there are two issues here Australians orignially fought under a differing flag until end of WWII (maybe, Iron might remember more accurately - from Ben Wellings lecture on nationalism).

Aside from this soldiers do not fight for flags, let alone countries or nations. They fight for the man next to them, a soldiers ultimate loyalty is to his(or her) unit, they fight and die for their regiments standard, unform, icons and men. Not for vague notions of patriotism.

True, but I was thinking about the last time the flag was brought up - The RSL kicked up an unbelievable stink and the Libs joined in by, I think, having their side of the house drowned in little flags. The issue was buried.

 

[loquasagacious]

Yes the RSL and the libs+nats will always kick up a stink as their constituents are conservative/recationary.

 

[Skillo]

Australia under Howard's leadership of the Coalition Government is a beacon of democracy, religious freedom and human rights. Any thoughts on the beacon of shining light that is Australia?

Shit. I missed the memo that told me that told me Australia was a beacon of human rights...maybe I lost it in a detention centre when I visited a friend and his family.

Could someone fax it to me?

 

[Not-That-Bright]

What I don't get is, you claim he just manages and hasn't been a statesman because he hasn't made many very unpopular decisions. Then with your next breath you guys criticise him for taking a mandate policy where because he got voted in, he should make the decisions whether the population disagree's with him or not.

You people make no sense.