Brings back memories of the 60s. Australia's going to increase its involvement in an overseas conflict by sending more troops.
Never mind that only a few months ago during the election campaign the government categorically stated they wouldn't.
'Not enough military capacity' was the party line.
And isn't it interesting that the Brits asked as to send more troops? No toadying to those Americans!
Why am I not surprised by any of this?
I was always proud that Britain didn't get sucked into Vietnam even though there was a huge tacit debt to be paid to the US after WW2. Maybe it was partly because of the heavy hand the US played in British affairs afterwards including smashing the UK Aircraft industry and pressuring Britain to give independance to all those African countries - dunno. Whatever, someone was wise enough to see going all the way with USA was a no-win situation.
Given the small print that's emerging re the FTA we have to ask ourselves what the hell this government thinks it's doing....
Long time between now and the next election. It worked for Menzies, why not Howard?
Re the FTA - this book looks like it should be mandatory reading. It shows just how duped we've all been. I'm looking for a copy for myself but highly suspect it will be a miserable read.
http://www.allen-unwin.com.au/rights/product.asp?ISBN=1741145856
The only remaining upside is that the agreement has a get-out clause which only needs 6 months notice to quit by either party.
I quite enjoy (in a sort of sadistic kind of way) watching governments make major unpopular decisions at the beginning of their terms, then doing a bit of damage control when the elections draw near. Enough (so they plan I guess) to get them re-elected. It's also interesting to watch the timing of press releases. For example, the admittance of non-WMD's in Iraq coincided nicely with the tsunami after-effects.
Wasn't there that classic memo from a British Transport Ministry spin doctor to her department suggesting 9/11 might be a good opportunity to release anything nasty they'd been hanging on to?
And she'd already been accused of using Princess Margaret's funeral day to release bad figures.
Plus ca change.
All those media tricks are Politics 101.
It would be nice if the 'tricks' were eighth grade english 101