Wednesday, 14 February 2007

John Howard's Courage

"My courage is greater than your courage". So says John Howard in 2007.

Yes folks. John Howard is trying to out-muscle the Labor Party with his indestructible righteousness. And it has gone something like this:

Howard: Obama and the Democrats are wrong for America.

Me: You are wrong to attack the Democrats.

Howard: I'm defending Australia.

Me: Debate the policy with me.

Howard: No, you lack the courage to explain your policy.

Me: What's your exit strategy? Do you have the courage to tell the Australian people how you're going to win the war in Iraq?


The great tragedy for Australia is that when John Howard is under pressure, he resorts to the "you don't, I do" defence. Hence, his "My courage is greater than your courage" righteousness.

The reality is that Mr Howard has a fear. A deep, pervading fear that he has extended himself too far. That he should have resigned when he had the chance to go out on top, his historical reputation secure.

Now, he is down in the mud, flinging away. Hoping beyond hope that somehow the Australian people will cling to his tired, stale leadership and not see his "courage" for what it really is.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

As a paid up member of the Howard Hater Club, I am drooling at the prospect of you/Rudd giving him the boot on election night. Sweet revenge.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kevin. As a business owner, the idea of the labor party coming back into power is less than ideal.

A recent situation for a friend of mine demonstrates why I will not vote Labor in the next election, despite liking you as a politician.

They own a manufacturing business, and they recently hired a new staff member. This staff member has now injured their back and is on restricted duties. They are stuck with this employee, who did not make them aware that this was a pre-existing condition.

If they sack her, she is on full pay until finding another job. Either way... the business owner loses. The business struggles from week to week, feeding the mouths of another 18 families. Each employee is vital.

You have spent time in China... how would they respond to such an incident?

I do believe that workers should have rights, but not at the expense of productivity. If that business goes under... there are 18 families that suffer... not just one. They are not swimming in money. Their business is a low profit margin industry, where every dollar counts.

As a business owner, if I get sick do you think I stop working? If your wife is feeling a bit sick, does she stop working? Australians are strong in nature, so why does the Labor support weakness.

As a business owner, it is normal to have problems, and experience suppliers that go bust, people that rip you off, staff that steal from you etc. We just turn up the next day, and push forward.

There is no council for us to go to and complain. If we do complain, the only winners are the lawyers. Kevin I wouldn't change this! I love the idea of Australia's employees becoming more entrepreneurial.

I love my country, and I love the potential for Australia Internationally.

D D O'Malley said...

Hi Steve,

We're looking very carefully at the unfair dismissal laws and how they pertain to small businesses. I empathise with the owners and understand how hard it is to live week to week with the responsibility of supporting the company and its employees.

Workers absolutely should have rights as should the small business owners who foster an environment to support such employment.

It's getting this balance right that will hopefully see your vote come our way at the next election.

Anonymous said...

Well said.