Waiting for the election has been quite painful. The rabbit the Howard had in the bag was the luxury of being able to name the date. I am finding my frustrations with Rudd growing. I was impressed when I read that a Labour Government would campaign against the Death Penalty in Asia . I do not support the death penalty and find it quite hypocritical that our government declares their opposition, yet does not act, save when Australian citizens are involved. But was disappointed it was reported that Rudd had "counseled the minister'.
It would have been encouraging to see the Labour party take a stand here. The coverage of the speech (and Rudd’s responses) are painting the Leader of the Opposition as quite the trapeze artist, performing a pirouette faster than you could Google it.
If this is the case, I do find it quite a shame – as Rudd seems to have “counselled” his minister about both the content and timing of the speech, given to the Wentworth Human Rights Forum earlier this week. If Rudd agrees with the content of the speech (which was apparenty endorsed labour policy) you are left with more questions than answers; about his action of counselling the Minister.
Sure, Rudd may lose votes over this stance; but were they his votes to start with? Now opened up to charges of political aerobics; the votes he loses may be the undecided or his own. It may even be possible that a principled stand on issues, such as these, may gain him votes.
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