Sun, 24 Jun 2007

Howard Politics

Kristy, I completely agree that something needs to be done to stop the abuse of children. My point was about politics and process, not the policy itself.

What I do object to is the way in which Mr Howard is using this issue for political purposes. If he really considers this a national emergency, relevant leaders would have been consulted - or at least notified - of the policy prior to any announcement. Instead, Mr Howard attempted to get agreement from leaders while they learnt of his plan under media scrutiny. Doing this serves only one purpose, to paint him as a strong leader and put other leaders on the back foot. That is not about helping the children, its about winning an election.

In response to a couple of criticisms:
  • After 'children overboard' and locking kids up in detention centres for years, I don't think its wise to *trust* that Mr Howard's policy will be implemented in a way that is far better than how it initially sounds.
  • Yes, as a society we pay for child abuse. We also pay for racism, governmental overreaching and political manipulation.

    • Questions that this policy could cause long term damage for indigneous Australians, and possibly perpetuate the abuse of children, deserve decent answers - not spin.

    Also, just how regularly do need to blog to avoid having to show taste and insight? :-P


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    Sat, 23 Jun 2007

    Howard on message.... I mean, Howard on Indigenous Child Abuse

    Interviewer: So isn't your new initiative over reaching?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: OK.  So is it possible that your new laws are 
             unconstitutional?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: Isn't it possible that you'll alienate Aboriginal
             communities?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: Is it possible that this will cause long term
             damage to these communities?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: Aren't you just overriding the States and Territories?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: Aren't your new laws racist by imposing
             restrictions only to Indigenous Communities?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: What evidence do you have that shows prohibiting
             alcohol and pornography will prevent child abuse?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: OK.  So what about the children you locked up in
             detention centers?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: So is it true they've been throwing their children
             overboard?	
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

Interviewer: Doesn't this enable you to escape any legitimate
             criticism of your policy by using political spin to claim
             this is only about the children?
Howard: Well possibly, but won't someone think of the children?!?

    [/politics] permanent link