The tired old leadership debate
Something has just occurred to me in regards to the supposed tussle between the PM and the treasurer; something that does not seem to have been thought of by anyone else, and is therefore a very effective bit of politicking (and I'm very clever), or not true (and I'm not very clever). You may remember last election, when there was a huge uproar over the fact that Howard was not going to step down after the election, though he'd said he would 'consider retiring' at 65. People rather thought that he was pushing it a bit, and felt a little unnerved that we faced an entrenched dynasty.
This time around, however, nobody seems the slightest bit concerned about Johnny's age, or the prospect of having him as leader for the unforeseeable future. I suppose that we've grown used to him by now, and better the devil you know, etc. However, I'm curious as to why something as long-standing and well-known as Peter Costello's frustrated desire to have a go at the top job is suddenly getting so much media coverage. Partly due to the budget, I have no doubt. But my little spontaneous and un-thought-out theory is that the whole mess is being drummed up by the Libs, in order to present the fact of another Howard term in a, let's say, lateral way. Our attention is being focussed on whether or not Costello will succeed in toppling the diminutive giant, rather than whether or not we really want the old bloke around anymore.
Just a thought, and probably a silly one, but I've got to write something, don't I?
...P.S. Hooray! My first comment from an unknown reader. Hello, anonymous bus company worker!
This time around, however, nobody seems the slightest bit concerned about Johnny's age, or the prospect of having him as leader for the unforeseeable future. I suppose that we've grown used to him by now, and better the devil you know, etc. However, I'm curious as to why something as long-standing and well-known as Peter Costello's frustrated desire to have a go at the top job is suddenly getting so much media coverage. Partly due to the budget, I have no doubt. But my little spontaneous and un-thought-out theory is that the whole mess is being drummed up by the Libs, in order to present the fact of another Howard term in a, let's say, lateral way. Our attention is being focussed on whether or not Costello will succeed in toppling the diminutive giant, rather than whether or not we really want the old bloke around anymore.
Just a thought, and probably a silly one, but I've got to write something, don't I?
...P.S. Hooray! My first comment from an unknown reader. Hello, anonymous bus company worker!
posted by Nick | 8:15 pm
1 Comments:
Hey! I'm anonymous too! Don't blow my cover Mr Curls!
I actually work for the House Committee for UnAustralian Activities and you, Mister Curls, are on the top of my list for ReEducation...
I would not be surprised if there were serious doubts in the Liberal camp about the likelihood of Costello winning government. He gives most people the creeps.
Leadership struggles are useful distractors from real issues, and sometimes it seems that Mr Howard enjoys throwing a little burley into the media fish tank. Will Howard aim for another term? I'm not sure. Political biographies of the man have emphasised is single minded approach to politics, and the lack of any other focus in his life. After having suffered persistent humiliation of being passed over for the top job and finally reaching leadership of the Liberal Party only when there was no one left to try (remember Hewson?!), Johnny is relishing every smug moment.
I must admit I was surprised to find no specific treatment of the sparkling new budget in your blog entry. A triumph for neo-liberal economic policy, don't you agree? Tax cuts for the rich! Trickle down effects! Hooray for free enterprise and labour market flexibility! I can't wait for ACA tomorrow night:)
Good god. I haven't seen such ascerbic sarcasm flow from my fingertips for many a season. But really, what are we doing?
There's my rant, I will do some reading in the next few days and come back with some more informed opinions. Nevertheless, I think it is essential to question this mad rhetoric. In orthodox circles, the health of the economy is measured by certain indicators, primarily GDP. The aim of government in the present climate is to promote growth and a 'healthy' economy. It is assumed that if the indicators are positive, then all is well. The solution for poverty is growth. The solution for environmental damage is growth. Bullshit! Measures of a fully functioning society must take into account more than GDP. The trickle-down theory is horse shit. This progressive destruction of the redistributive system of taxation is a disaster.
Ok. Rant over. Feels good. Blogs are fun, no?
AA
PS. The tax cuts make no sense politically, at least if viewed from the point of view of the party. Are they a leadership pitch? What's going on? More thoughts from a mildly pissed and procrastinating student...:)
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