I’m deeply ashamed, and I suspect many Australians feel the same way. What began as a promise by the Labour Party to treat asylum seekers more humanely has ended in a plot to ‘break the people-smugglers’ model.’ How come? First, our current government doesn’t have the guts to set policies without one eye on the opinion polls, and the other on the nation’s shock jocks. Second, because our prime minister has let the opposition set the agenda, and the rules of play and the goal posts.
Now we face the prospect of both parties getting together to pass new laws that make the Malaysian solution legal. Can’t you, the caucus of this labour party, see how far you’ve come on the road to your intellectual and moral ruin? Is there no one left among you who remembers that leadership is about taking the high ground, about outlining your vision (that’s assuming you have one in the first place) and pushing unerringly forward?
Alan Moir, Sydney Morning Herald September 5, 2011
‘The clever approach to the problem,’ wrote the editor of the Herald on Saturday, ‘from this NSW Right standpoint, is to handle the politics first and the substance second. The main point of such a policy was to best the Coalition, not to handle asylum seekers. No wonder it has failed.’ It’s a truly incisive editorial, one of the best in a while. You can read all of it here: http://www.nationaltimes.com.au/opinion/editorial/adrift-without-a-compass-20110902-1jq0y.html
Julia, you’ve been driving this country into the arms of a nihilist opposition with blatant opportunists at the helm. They cannot win since they have nothing to offer, but they will inherit power if you keep squandering it. Please, for the sake of the country, give the reins back to Kevin.
KIM
Comments