New Australian PM signals Iraq pullout

Timesonline Via Drudge Report ^ | Nov 24, 2007 | Paul Ham

[Gondring]

What's funny is that is one of my favorite quotes, yet I believe that it might be spurious. I don't see it anywhere in Democracy in America or any of his other works that I've checked.

I would love to find out its source. I fear that it might be another made-up one, like, "America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great." :-(

[Gondring]

Oops...I should have pinged you to #61

[ZULU]

You know I think the actual quote came from a British aristocrat in the 1700’s or early 1800’s and sounded more like “democracy is doomed to failure once the masses learn they can vote themselves money out of the public largess.”

[naturalman1975]

It was reported in the (UK) Sunday Times today that Rudd has signalled that he will also withdraw Aussie forces from Afghanistan. Is that accurate? I’d read beforehand that he may reinforce the Afghan Aussie presence with the troops from Iraq?

I don't believe it's accurate, but I can't say for certain, he hasn't said it somewhere. But what I've heard from Rudd is that he intends to boost Australia's presence in Afghanistan, rather than reduce it.

Labor supported the war in Afghanistan from the start. Even Mark Latham didn't oppose it when he was their leader. I really can't see Rudd changing that. Withdrawing troops, the ADF tells him are no longer needed, yes. But nothing else.

Slightly off topic. Will Rudd be less stringent with regards to Australia’s immigration policy? Do you think there may be some relaxation? I’m aware of controversies regarding holding centres and nava interception of immigrant vessels?

The policy of intercepting asylum seekers vessels and detaining them in immigration detention centres, was actually introduced by the last Labor government. The Howard government inherited that policy from them. And in broad terms, Labor still supports it.

But I suspect the 'Pacific Solution' where asylum seekers are detained off shore for processing will be ended, and they will instead be detained within Australia.

[uksupport1]

Thanks for the information. I wonder how long it will be now until Australia becomes a Republic?

[Redleg Duke]

My friend in Oz tells me that she is absolutely furious at the outcome. She says that the homosexuals and greenies will be driving the train down there until folks figure out that things are even worse than the last time this group had control of Oz.

She is particularly concerned about this government's persecution of private schools.

It is going to be tough sledding for our Aussie Mates for a while and a warning to what might happen here.