‘Trump should be transferred to the dustbin of history’
Welcome to the column where you provide the content. John Howard, writing in a new book titled A Sense of Balance, described Donald Trump’s behaviour as “appalling” and “atrocious” for not accepting the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election and seeking to overturn the result. Howard also declared him utterly “unfit” to return to the White House. Tim agreed:
“Not accepting the will of the people is the opposite of conservatism. That point alone should be enough. If you like Trump’s policies then support a candidate promoting them. But the man himself should be transferred to the dustbin of history.”
Thales from the darkside did not:
“Looks like a concerted search of ex-conservative leaders who don’t like Trump has proved fruitful. I liked Howard, but I think perhaps he should just quietly get on with his retirement. Dipping his little fly in the American voters’ ointment on Trump will not alter their decision one iota on who they will vote for in 2024.”
Peter asked:
“Now can we have John Howard’s honest appraisal of Biden’s leadership?”
Brother in arms said:
“They all make mistakes. Howard should have given the reigns to Costello and should have never tried to keep Turnbull in the party. Two major mistakes that had far reaching consequences for all of us. Trump with all his shortcomings would have never accepted Russia to do what it is doing now.”
Matthew’s mantra:
“Howard is a true conservative, Trump has never been or will be one.”
Spanders said:
“Trump may not be a smooth and comforting president, but I have never seen a world leader be so savagely attacked even after he has left office.”
James countered:
“In fairness, the US hadn’t previously seen a President so savagely attack democracy while he was in his office. That might explain some of the treatment he’s received in the past.”
IanR reckoned:
“Howard whatever his faults was a consummate politician which Trump definitely is not. Many Australians, why I have no idea, seem to regard Trump as a majestic leader instead of the foul mouthed bully that he is.”
Mary Mary Quite Contrary said:
“Siding with Trump is not what a person of any decorum or good sense would do so I don’t blame Howard for making clear that Trump is not conservative but pure reactionary, coupled with profound ignorance and lack of education. An ugly mix in anyone let alone the leader of the USA.”
Nick’s nomination:
“Always enjoy reading the wise words of Mr Howard. A great prime minister and statesman. Whilst I don’t agree with him on everything about Trump, I do hope Ron Desantis wins the GOP nomination.”
Alfie was aggrieved:
“Trump did more for the US in one term than Biden has achieved in his entire political career.”
Paul’s position:
“Just maybe Howard should mind his own business. He is not an American, so let the American people decide.”
Willows said:
“John Howard, who was one of Australia’s best PMs, is absolutely correct in his comments about Trump. Neither Trump or Biden should have been in the White House.”
Vernon was vexed:
“It’s true, of course Trump is not fit for office. Its also true that the DNC and GOP machines prefer to nominate people that are even less fit for office.”
Michael was mad:
“I have lost all respect for John Howard. He has shown that he has no understanding for what is happening in the US and he is just another supporter of a political establishment that desperately needs reforming if democracy is to survive.”
Paula said:
“John Howard’s views have long been respected, but he wasn’t right on everything. Given the relentless attacks on Trump before, during and since his Presidency, Trump did a tremendous job for the American people and the world that has been frittered away by the Biden administration, big tech, woke corporations, activist judiciary and MSM. Only a dedicated, committed person could have withstood the onslaught. That behaviour teeters under the weight of injustice is understandable. Think again JH.”
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Former MP Gary Johns suggested that Australia remained obsessed with equality long after its achievement. Luck aside, remaining differences in individual life outcomes were due to merit. Tim waded in:
“I think this is the best summary I have seen of the mess we have been led into. It all starts with confusing equality with equity and highlights that our current crop of politicians and activists have no knowledge of history and therefore cannot learn from past mistakes.
“Eminent historical figures have commented on the issue of equality and equity. Thomas Jefferson is attributed with the statement: ‘There is nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequal individuals’ and Mahatma Gandhi said: ‘My idea of society is that while we are born equal, meaning that we have a right to equal opportunity, all have not the same capacity.”
Jeffery’s theory:
“We now are dominated by a fixed political ideology that is founded in Marxist socialism and it pervades everything the progressive left does. It dumbs us all down, encourages crazy decisions by our leaders, witness the energy system.
“It not just degraded merit and reward for personal efforts, it has also undermined and shackled the other democratic mechanism where merit and effort benefits us all.”
Danny declared:
“Anyone with siblings will know that ‘equality’ of outcome is rubbish. Jordan Peterson has a lot to say on this.”
Tiffany said:
“Yet egalitarians take every measure of group difference as a measure of ill will on the part of society. Australians are not divided by race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or gender. We are divided by the way we have been brought up –- specifically the values we have been taught by our parents/carers – our desire to live in harmony with others and to contribute to society, and our desire to learn and achieve.
“The victim mentality embraced so fiercely by divisive identity politics completely undermines these goals, and can’t be good for anyone’s mental health. Why do we tolerate this?”
From Giles:
“Inequality abounds; the only wrong is when deliberate barriers are placed in the way of achievement. Those barriers do not exist in Australia. Introducing quotas, and using positive discrimination, places barriers in front of those who would otherwise succeed on merit.”
AspiringAussie’s advice:
“Equality is never realistic. No one believes it is, but it does not mean we should stop trying. People are naturally selfish and self-serving, so our egalitarian attitudes can so easily be lost.
“The fair go culture we pride ourselves on, like respect, must be earned.”
Praise from Tony:
“Smashed it out of the park, Gary. A brilliant summary of merit and its benefits and, by implication, a cutting critique of the clamouring classes.”
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Adelaide electrician Mark Green and his family are facing deportation back to Scotland after a bungle by his employer left him without a valid visa. He is now arguing his family should be granted permanent residency, in the wake of the Nadesalingam family’s Biloela saga. Richard reckoned:
“This is not a case of ‘jumping on the Biloela bandwagon’. That was a humanitarian issue. This is a case where the man has skills this country desperately needs but his application to stay has been stuffed up by the bureaucracy and a former employer. Let’s fix the mistakes and clear the family to stay, earn a productive wage and contribute to the future of Australia.”
Ted said:
“Of course the Green family should stay. Australia is desperate for skilled migrants and these people are here! They are self supporting and just what the country needs.”
Franklin added:
“An electrician. Isn’t that the type of tradesperson we need for the hundred of thousands jobs going to be created for renewables. We should be looking at immigration; not deportation.”
Conspicuous Cliff’s idea:
“The solution is devastatingly simple – send them back to Scotland and the fast track their visa to return.”
Denise demanded:
“It’s a no brainer. Stamp a YES and (offer) an apology for the money they should not have had to spend on this debacle.”
D Orly said:
“Baffling how a qualified electrician could not have attained PR inside 10 years without having to resort to ministerial intervention. Bad advice and decisions.”
Gosling warned:
“Every exception made to the PR regulations undermines the integrity of the migration program.”
Peter’s position:
“They have paid their way. They have proved their worth. They are precisely the kind of people Australia needs. What on earth is the problem?”
Last word to Terry and Kathy:
“What! You are going to deport this skilled family; then turn around and spend excess dollars on advertising overseas for the same skilled workers. Is this a missing Yes Minister script that may have ended up here in Oz? Bureaucracy gone bonkers.”
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