'Special friends' need some time out

John Howard has stumbled again, this time in failing to adjust to the fact that Bush is more unpopular than he is.
His mindless endorsement of everything Bush says and does has long been an embarassment. Now, it's hurting him where it hurts a politician the most - the polls.

Hopefully, whatever the outcome of the forthcoming election, relations with our American allies will be toned down a little. Close personal friendships are all well and good, but while a holiday on the Presidential ranch might be pleasant, is it necessary?
Howard, or his successor, should take a leaf out of Gordon Brown's book and make it absolutely clear that while the two countries are undeniably close allies, there is no 'special relationship' between the leaders. Strictly business.

Howard's credibility has inevitably come into question due to his close ties with President Bush. Decisions should be made in the Australian people's best interests, and committing our troops to Iraq, for example, was hardly an example of that.

The U.S. is a valuable friend, but it's doubtful how much they appreciate our support. Let's not be exploitable lapdogs. Let's be sensible and straightforward. As in any relationship, how can there be respect without self-respect?

Panic on the streets of Canberra

Paul Daley's article of 29/08 (http://bulletin.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=290836) provides several examples of the Liberal Party's increasing panic, and defeatist attitude, in response to the latest round of polls.

For example, Turnbull's recent bad handling of the Gunns paper mill debate has reflected badly on the party as a whole. It seems that the longer the year goes on, the less impact the Liberal Party makes on voters' minds. It's reminiscent of the final days of Louis 16th's reign, when it didn't matter what he did or said, or what promises he made. The people had had enough.
It's increasingly obvious that a clear majority of the electorate want Howard's head.

However, politics is riddled with campaigns come unstuck at the last moment. Labor doesn't have the election all tied up, no matter how likely their victory seems. It would be foolish to write off the Liberals at this stage, but it is interesting to note that many within their own party seem to be doing just that.