Oz Politics - Australian Election

[Shannow]

quote:

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Originally posted by GROUCHO MARX:
However, it seems that you feel that the alliance the U.S. has with Oz is an unholy one. I know you like Americans and America, so I have to rule that out.

Do you feel the interests of Oz are opposed to that of the U.S.? Or do you just feel that the U.S. an ally that is not worth the trouble?

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Groucho,
I'm firmly in favour of the ANZUS alliance that both our countries share with New Zealand. It's in all of our interests, and reflects a lot of war time history.

In my personal life the friends that I call close are all people that are prepared to give their best support and efforts, while also being able to question my actions and motivations (constructively). In turn they are prepared to receive the same help, support, and criticism.

I'd like to see our alliance grow to that level.

It is most certainly be the fault of our own elected representatives, but it feels as though we have little to no say in the directions that we head in. Maybe we have a say, but then our politicians don't tell us.

e.g. I'm not in favour of secret U.S. bases within our borders when even our Government isn't 100% sure what they do. (On the other hand, they may well be aware of what goes on, and are just lying to us, then I'm even more annoyed).

quote:

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Originally posted by GROUCHO MARX:
I think Americans feel as close to the Aussies as they do any other country on earth, at least I do.

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I agree. I feel that Aussies and Americans have much more in common than we do the Brits these days.

Actually, I became much more aware of this about 3 years ago, when a Marine technician (on the Harriers) came and stayed with a friend of mine. We spent 3 or 4 evenings talking 'till 3 AM. Planes, Power Stations, Politics, Gun Laws, everything. (locally brewed amber lubricants certainly facilitated this

).

As to your opening statement, thanks for the kind words.

 

[Bio-T]

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/Display...ober/theworld_October279.xml&section=theworld

 

[Ron Jeremy]

Shannow, my point was that Howard has stood for what is right, IMO. Pulling your troops out of Iraq would make you guys look like a bunch of bedwetters. The Islamofascists would note your weakness and subsequently punish you for it. Don't forget that al Qaeda has stated many times that you are near the top of their list for attack. You don't want to look like France or Spain.

 

[Shannow]

Ron,
I'm not sure what being in Iraq in the first place says about either of our countries, and in particular WRT bedwetting.

There weren't many talking about withdrawing totally from Iraq, which I agree that now that we've started, we have to finish.

Latham was pushing towards removing the troops, and installing peacekeepers, medics, and engineers. At least that's what he said, not that I've ever expected a politician to keep his word.

I still beleive that the Iraq war was WRONG. We still need to fix it, not walk out.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

quote:

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Originally posted by Shannow:


Latham was pushing towards removing the troops, and installing peacekeepers, medics, and engineers. At least that's what he said, not that I've ever expected a politician to keep his word.

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In other words, he want to send head donors on a silver platter to the jihadi's. I thought I read that he wanted to remove all troops by Christmas. Either way, the guy sounds like a bedwetter.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Shannow, I believe you have described the frustration many of us experience with our governments. At least we have elections from time to time to try and change things or voice a protest.

When the elections do not follow our votes w must abide by them and hope the efforts of our officials lead to success.

I am hopeful this works out for Oz and the U.S.