Reacting to the threat of terror - too high a cost? (1 Viewer)

[Generator]

The following could have been added to a number of threads, but given that it is reasonably specific, I'm of the opinion that this thread deserves to be one that stands alone.

Vanstone sneers at $5.5bn to feel safe

Vanstone's terror speech under fire

A transcript of the speech is yet to be uploaded (if one is to be uploaded at all).

It's good to see a senior Minister willing to speak plainly for a change. However, we could have done without Beazley's to be expected reaction to the comments (and that of Bevis, too). To be critical of the cost and the apparent effectiveness of the measures (beyond that of creating an image of safety) is hardly striking at the core of the Government's security stance. Yes, it may not paint it in too fine a light, but it's a more than reasonable point, and with the opposition effectively neutered, it's up to those within the Coalition to stir the pot so to speak.

Edit: So, any thoughts on the above and the comments contained within each article?

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Heh, reacting to comments that are critical of recent measures that are considered to be too reactive - Beazley, I thank you for the laugh.

 

[leetom]

Heh, reacting to comments that are critical of recent measures that are considered to be too reactive - Beazley, I thank you for the laugh.

The things you have to do to apear tough on terrorism. Kimbo's doing well I reckon. Did ya see the photograph of him in The Weekend Australian?

 

[SashatheMan]

i think its a good way to spend the money. its kinda like national defence, except for a differnt enemy

 

[Generator]

The things you have to do to apear tough on terrorism. Kimbo's doing well I reckon. Did ya see the photograph of him in The Weekend Australian?

Nope. Is it worthy of a trip to a scanner, by any chance (if it isn't online, that is)?

Another article - http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17310511%5E2702,00.html


I think that I'll step back from the forum for a time. I have spent far too much time on here recently and I really have to start getting up earlier, no matter how interesting the newspapers may be at 1.30am (the online editions, anyway).

 

[MoonlightSonata]

Sad, sad thing to see Beazley doing this.

It may make him more popular but the facade is cringe-worthy.

 

[loquasagacious]

It makes me feel unclean to watch him....

 

[leetom]

Sad, sad thing to see Beazley doing this.

It may make him more popular but the facade is cringe-worthy.

It makes me feel unclean to watch him....

Oh, boo and lament. The ALP has an election to win, and it isn't going to do it by deviating too greatly from the Government on the issue of terrorism. (Even if the dissent of a cabinet minister is telling of the legislation's draconian nature).

 

[Henry_Kissinger]

Oh, boo and lament. The ALP has an election to win, and it isn't going to do it by deviating too greatly from the Government on the issue of terrorism.

That attitude will never win an election.

What ever happened to winning based on suitability to lead the country.

Note the key word : leadership. A direction, a vision. Something.

For God's Sake, Howard's vision may be moronically conservative picket-fence housing bullshit, but at least he has one.

 

[MoonlightSonata]

Oh, boo and lament. The ALP has an election to win, and it isn't going to do it by deviating too greatly from the Government on the issue of terrorism. (Even if the dissent of a cabinet minister is telling of the legislation's draconian nature).

I know, it's just sad. It feels like Beazley is betraying himself.

But that's politics.

 

[TerrbleSpellor]

Kimbo's doing well I reckon.

*shudders* A perfect example of air-head blindly following someone.. Purely because that someone is not John Howard.

 

[Generator]

*shudders* A perfect example of air-head blindly following someone.. Purely because that someone is not John Howard.

Leetom's a member of the ALP, so such loyalty is to be expected... Hang on. Loyalty within the ALP? Who would have thought!

 

[loquasagacious]

It should actually make him less loyal to kimbo...

 

[MoonlightSonata]

*shudders* A perfect example of air-head blindly following someone.. Purely because that someone is not John Howard.

He's not an air-head nor is he following blindly. It was merely an observation.

 

[leetom]

*shudders* A perfect example of air-head blindly following someone.. Purely because that someone is not John Howard.

I admire and respect John Howard as a leader. He is a strong Prime Minister and has the interest of the nation at heart. I am personally impressed by his dedication to economic liberalism, even when faced with majority community opposition.

I often disagree however with what Howard regards to be in the best interest of the nation. I find that the ALP better represents my beliefs and values, and because of that I am a member of that party and support its leader.

But that's politics.

The ALP cannot allow itself to appear weak on terrorism. If Beazley wins in 07 he'll probably rollback those aspects of the anti-terror legislation that are irking some people. There's just nothing to gain politically in stating that he will do so at this current moment. The ALP needs to keep hammering away at IR while matching (and appearing tougher, when possible, than) the Government on anti-terrorism.

A federal ALP criticism of the Government's anti-terror legislation would only serve to arouse admiration from the party old guard and the commentariat, the latter I fear we are apart of . And as the Bulletin suggested recently, the commentariat doesn't decide elections.

 

[transcendent]

I dunno, Kim's just not very convincing. He seems to be talking rhetoric rather than through conviction. He sounds like a tired old man trying to convince himself and the nation of his policies. I hate John, but his actions internationally, his bulletproof stance is something admirable. I don't agree with his policies, they go a bit too far, but he's a good politician.

 

[Generator]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/...-artists/2005/11/22/1132421661927.html?page=2