NationStates Jolt Archive

So, I'm meeting John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia, next week (Monday morning to be precise) for a reception/speech usual dignitary crap, which will be followed by a more informal Q&A session.

No seriously, I am.

So, Aussies, here is you're chance :D

My knowledge of domestic Aussie politics is weak enough, but I'd be interested to throw Mr. Howards a curve ball or two. Can you given me some questions you'd like to be asked and him to answer?

I'll then post up what he says (if I get the chance to ask them, and if he actually bothers answering them) afterwards.

3 conditions about the questions:

1)They can't get me arrested (that would be a no-no)

2).... or pwnd in front of everyone else by asking an absolutely idiotic one.

3)And preferably nothing to do with 'OMFG! U SUX!1!1 LOIK A B!G A$$Hol3!1!1lol

Just flip him the bird for ol' Dobbsy's sake.

So, I'm meeting John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia, next week (Monday morning to be precise) for a reception/speech usual dignitary crap, which will be followed by a more informal Q&A session.

No seriously, I am.

So, Aussies, here is you're chance :D

My knowledge of domestic Aussie politics is weak enough, but I'd be interested to throw Mr. Howards a curve ball or two. Can you given me some questions you'd like to be asked and him to answer?

I'll then post up what he says (if I get the chance to ask them, and if he actually bothers answering them) afterwards.

3 conditions about the questions:

1)They can't get me arrested (that would be a no-no)

2).... or pwnd in front of everyone else by asking an absolutely idiotic one.

3)And preferably nothing to do with 'OMFG! U SUX!1!1 LOIK A B!G A$$Hol3!1!1lol

Ask him why guns are so bad and why he hates America's so called "Gun culture".

And tell him to keep the course in Iraq. Don't jump ship on your allies. It comes back to bite you.

Ask him why guns are so bad and why he hates America's so called "Gun culture".

And tell him to keep the course in Iraq. Don't jump ship on your allies. It comes back to bite you.

I ain't tellin' him shit. Especially stuff I don't personally believe in.

1.
Be careful! This guy isn't George Bush or Tony Blair. He's not as dumb as he looks. Say the wrong thing, and you'll look pretty stupid pretty quick - he's been in parliament for decades, he knows how to deal with things like this.

2.
I'll try to think of something, but so far I've got nothing.

Ask him what he thinks Australia's relationship in the future will be with the monarchy, and if it ever becomes a republic how he thinks its relationship would be with the commonwealth.

1.
Be careful! This guy isn't George Bush or Tony Blair. He's not as dumb as he looks. Say the wrong thing, and you'll look pretty stupid pretty quick - he's been in parliament for decades, he knows how to deal with things like this.

2.
I'll try to think of something, but so far I've got nothing.

Oh I know him alright. A decade in power, in Australia of all places, takes a good political mind; that i know.


Thanks. :)

Not everyday I get to meet Prime Ministers....

Ask him what he thinks Australia's relationship in the future will be with the monarchy, and if it ever becomes a republic how he thinks its relationship would be with the commonwealth.

That crossed my mind- Australia under King Charles- but he's more of a monarchist anyway....

A good one though. Keep em coming :D

Ask him why guns are so bad and why he hates America's so called "Gun culture".

And tell him to keep the course in Iraq. Don't jump ship on your allies. It comes back to bite you.
Orr... advise him to encourage other countries to ban guns. And to get out of Iraq and encourage everyone else to. Just an opposite point of view...

ask him what his late night weekend name is

Ask him why guns are so bad and why he hates America's so called "Gun culture".

And tell him to keep the course in Iraq. Don't jump ship on your allies. It comes back to bite you.

Whooo...I like you! :)

What's the deal with the platypus?

Ask him why Helen Clarke does such a better job than him and why NZ is so much cooler.

Here is a good question to bring up an old issue, what has been done since the race riots last year in order to lower racial tensions.

Ask him why guns are so bad and why he hates America's so called "Gun culture".


Asking such a question would definitely get you "pwnd in front of everyone else" simply because it assumes two ideas that may be completely untrue. Of course, when you assume something....

Anyway,
Here's something to ask:
"What is the most important thing that your average Australian could do to make Australia a great country?"

How about saying, “It’s an honor to meet you sir. I’m a big supporter of [whatever party he’s in].” Then wait about five seconds and say, “Psyche!! Actually, I hate you and everything you stand for. Had you going, huh?”

Great ice-breaker. Trust me.

How about saying, “It’s an honor to meet you sir. I’m a big supporter of [whatever party he’s in].” Then wait about five seconds and say, “Psyche!! Actually, I hate you and everything you stand for. Had you going, huh?”

Great ice-breaker. Trust me.

Wow, what blisteringly sharp wit.

Ask him why Helen Clarke does such a better job than him and why NZ is so much cooler.

He has an Immigration Minister working for him. He knows that over 400 Kiwis leave a week, most going to Australia.

What's up with not signing onto the Kyoto accord as Australia's reefs are literally dying of heat? Why not join the international community in taking resonsibility collectively, as opposed to half-baked "homegrown" token solutions? How does this policy reflect on our culture, long-term sustainability, and international leadership?

something along those lines, but better reseached, worded,and specified to australia. I think this is really important to bring onto the high-profile agendas of government. "the environment" has ceased to be the domain of tree huggers and hippies -it is so incredibly fundamental to humanity and all the other living things on this planet.

Ask him why his government deliberately ignored the growing evidence (from the UN, the USA ambassador & other sources) that the Australian Wheat Board was paying kick backs to Saddam Hussein's regime, and why, instead of investigating those claims at the time, they simply accepted the AWB's denial?

Ask him why his government deliberately ignored the growing evidence (from the UN, the USA ambassador & other sources) that the Australian Wheat Board was paying kick backs to Saddam Hussein's regime, and why, instead of investigating those claims at the time, they simply accepted the AWB's denial?

Worthwhile, but too publicised at the moment. Also ask him how much the formal dinner for the Beaconsfield miners cost. That and the Kyoto agreement one.

Well, I have a load of stuff i'd like to whinge to him about, but it's mostly stuff that's affected me personally (IE. paycut as a result of IR laws, down to a super-respectable $12 an hour, the impending death of student unions, and so on), and my suspicion is that he wouldn't give a flying fuck anyway. You could raise the A word (aboriginals) or Kyoto or something, I suppose.

1.
Be careful! This guy isn't George Bush or Tony Blair. He's not as dumb as he looks. Say the wrong thing, and you'll look pretty stupid pretty quick - he's been in parliament for decades, he knows how to deal with things like this.

Yeah, and while the others are falling into disfavour among the populace, Howard has absolutely no shortage of rabid supporters that would also bite back after he's left the stage.

1.
Be careful! This guy isn't George Bush or Tony Blair. He's not as dumb as he looks. Say the wrong thing, and you'll look pretty stupid pretty quick - he's been in parliament for decades, he knows how to deal with things like this.
Tony Blair is no idiot - he's been around a bit as well.

Why don't you ask him round to your house for a cup of tea? It'll be the question with the highest probability of success...

All so bloody unoriginal. Ask the name of his tailor. Anyone who can make John Howard look credible has to be a genius.

You could raise the A word (aboriginals) or Kyoto or something, I suppose.


Actually between tthe race riots and the above, I think something like that might be good.

Multiculturalism in Oz?

Tell him "You know I hate neegers and terrorists too". Then hold his hand...

You could ask him what he thinks about the 2004 AUSFTA agreement & the copyrights/IP implications. To an outsider like me, it looks you aussies got raped pretty hard by US corporates.

Tony Blair is no idiot - he's been around a bit as well.
Bush is no idiot, despite the fact there are not any conspiracy theories postulating that he runs the country. *nods*

why is it that ABORIGINES IN AUSTRALIA

Account for 2.4 per cent of the population

Live on average 17 years less than non-indigenous Australians

Compared with all Australians, an Aborigine is:
twice as likely to be unemployed

11 times more likely to be in prison

4 times less likely to have a degree

2½ times more likely to receive treatment for drug or alcohol abuse
(Source: The Times 17 May 2006)

There was something about Australia leaving refugees or immigrants in the heat of the outback to die...but you probably know more about that one.

You could ask him what he thinks about the 2004 AUSFTA agreement & the copyrights/IP implications. To an outsider like me, it looks you aussies got raped pretty hard by US corporates.

Well, it was practically his idea anyway...

But yeah, that's a good one. Ask him about the implications. Read over the text of it and get some ammunition.

why is it that ABORIGINES IN AUSTRALIA

Account for 2.4 per cent of the population

Live on average 17 years less than non-indigenous Australians

Compared with all Australians, an Aborigine is:
twice as likely to be unemployed

11 times more likely to be in prison

4 times less likely to have a degree

2½ times more likely to receive treatment for drug or alcohol abuse
(Source: The Times 17 May 2006)

Because we're a racist country.

There was something about Australia leaving refugees or immigrants in the heat of the outback to die...but you probably know more about that one.

...but not quite that bad. No, as far as I know, we only lock them up or deport them to prison camps on Nauru.

...but not quite that bad. No, as far as I know, we only lock them up or deport them to prison camps on Nauru.

If they manage to get that far before they drown.

Ask him why Helen Clarke does such a better job than him and why NZ is so much cooler.

r u mad? nz is a shit hole, and helen clark does an awful job! thats y im moving from nz to aussie in 2 months

That crossed my mind- Australia under King Charles- but he's more of a monarchist anyway....

A good one though. Keep em coming :D


If hes more of a monarchist then i guess australias fate is sealed. Its a pitty though since for no absolute reason a percantage of taxs dollars is directed to the queen with any reason.
I guess the hard nosed would say that they provide trade and security, well that issue is outdated in todays society.
So what else is the British goverment and its king and queen doing for australia apart from taking tax dollars.
You could say that apart from some forgotten countries in europe were they maintain the monarchy for commercial reasons are more less on the side lines.
So i would inclined to say that i think its about time that the australian government decided to pull away from that stupid social blue blood stigma and develop a self governing democracy.

enough..!

If hes more of a monarchist then i guess australias fate is sealed. Its a pitty though since for no absolute reason a percantage of taxs dollars is directed to the queen with any reason.

A percentage? A few mil during a royal visit, and you'd wipe most of that out if you had them come over on a QANTAS charter, rather than a RAAF aircraft.

A President would cost more money.

So what else is the British goverment and its king and queen doing for australia apart from taking tax dollars.

Britain has been an ally and a trading partner for many years. The only thing their government is doing here is operating a High Commission, and consulates. Apart from that, the British Government has had no legal powers here for over 70 years.

If you want the Constitution changed, familiarise yourself with it first, and familiarise yourself with the various laws concerning the position of our Constitution, like the Australia Acts, or the Westminster Statutes.

Their Queen does nothing. Our Queen is at the centre of our governmental and legal systems.

So i would inclined to say that i think its about time that the australian government decided to pull away from that stupid social blue blood stigma and develop a self governing democracy.

We've had one for over 105 years. Considerably longer than most.




Honestly, if you're going to push republicanism (and I've seen no good reason for it, just red herrings about cash and colonialism), at least come up with a new argument, a good one even.

Nations that dump their monarchies have not fared well historically. Germany, Russia, France, Iraq, Iran, China.

r u mad? nz is a shit hole, and helen clark does an awful job! thats y im moving from nz to aussie in 2 months

And you aren't alone, about 400 other Kiwis cross the Tasman each month.

Sometimes I can't help but think that you are just a run-of-the-mill conservative, pretending to be something else...

Sometimes I can't help but think that you are just a run-of-the-mill conservative, pretending to be something else...

Mule fritters. Anyway, in our Westminster system, it is not the Monarchy that threatens our personal liberty, it is Parliament, and frankly, no Republican has proposed a solution that would place more limits on Parliament.

Mule fritters.
Well, I just entered "Mule Fritters" into wiki, and it returned the entry for the Byzantine Empire.

Also, Sachen gibt's! :eek:

Well, I just entered "Mule Fritters" into wiki, and it returned the entry for the Byzantine Empire.

ROFLMAO.

In case you didn't know, it is a euphemism for something unpleasant on a hot day.

Ask him why Helen Clarke does such a better job than him and why NZ is so much cooler.
PWNed:D


And Howard is even more pwned by the fact that I hate Helen Clarke and I like her more than him:p

All so bloody unoriginal. Ask the name of his tailor. Anyone who can make John Howard look credible has to be a genius.


no comment.....


:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

Can you ask him if he's really the US embassador for the World and if he's really an American citizen? :p

Can you ask him if he's really the US embassador for the World and if he's really an American citizen? :p



oh i just pissed myself laughing at what ive been reading.....and i thought today was going to be a boring day at work:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

oh i just pissed myself laughing at what ive been reading.....and i thought today was going to be a boring day at work:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

NSing at work, I wish I had time ... just watch Eurovision 2006 semi-finals at the moment. Oh, the girls in Eurovision, drool :D

NSing at work, I wish I had time ... just watch Eurovision 2006 semi-finals at the moment. Oh, the girls in Eurovision, drool :D

Yes and to think that some other guy is having good times with em instead of me sniff sniff:mad:

Ok, considering he swatted away questions on Kyoto and the enviroment when he was asked on a stop in Canada, and that he's expecting the usual 'Iraq US support' mantra, I've decided to go with something on Integration vs Multiculturalism in Oz.

And what is the Australian culture he wishes to see them integrate into?
;)

Ask him why guns are so bad and why he hates America's so called "Gun culture".
This is hardly an important enough question to merit asking him.

Well, that was interesting! Smart feller. Typical and consumate politican, answered questions he wasn't asked and didn't answer the ones he was asked.

Didn't get to directly ask my own question but the answers I was interested in got addressed somewhat. (That and a huge media presence scared the bejesus out of most people who were going to ask questions.)

Ah, yes. They dreaded 'A' word was mentioned. I swear I could see him wince at that :D He said no formal apology will be offered to the Aboriginal peoples for the 'taking away of their land', he believed that one should only apologise for something they bore responsibility for, and that he didn't fully believe in the accuracy of Aboriginal history that is taught in Australia's universities.

Got a little thrown off course by a surprise question about the state of gay marriage in the Constitution and was the State inherently homophobic because of that. He replied that he believed the right to marry was between a man and woman and then said that it is not discriminatory...which seems contradictory to me personally but meh.

Some questions about China, some Asian mining thing and concerns about 'invasion' of Chinese/Asian business, and the usual question about would he support action in Iran.

Spoke about the threat of terrorism and threw in Muslim 'jihad' a few times, alliance with the States etc all usual washy rhetoric.

All in all, I found him to be much more.... rightist, then I previously imagined. I can well understand some Aussies issues with him alright. Smart fellow, slightly hard of hearing and not all that confident of re-election.

Interesting.

All in all, I found him to be much more.... rightist, then I previously imagined. I can well understand some Aussies issues with him alright.
Yep. Welcome to my world.

Smart fellow, slightly hard of hearing and not all that confident of re-election.
He doesn't have to be. I honestly don't think he'll run again, I think he'll serve out his term and let Peter Costello win the election. Labour's got nothing.

As for Costello...he might still be a conservative, but I think he's got a better understanding of the word "liberal". And besides, he's the guy who actually orchestrated the economic upswing in Australia in recent years. Under Howard as treasurer, things were going downhill.

Got a little thrown off course by a surprise question about the state of gay marriage in the Constitution and was the State inherently homophobic because of that. He replied that he believed the right to marry was between a man and woman and then said that it is not discriminatory...which seems contradictory to me personally but meh.


The thing is, the laws for marriage never actually said marriage had to be between a man and woman explicitly, until Howard pushed through an amendment.

Good to see you asked. Interesting about the whole re-election thing, he pretty much has no oppsition, as said earlier, the Labor Party got nothing. I'd be pretty happy with Costello as PM, I like him better than the midget who doesn't even have to get on his knees. Of course, I have no delusions that Costello will be as pro-american as Howard, but it won't make me cringe so much.

Nations that dump their monarchies have not fared well historically. Germany, Russia, France, Iraq, Iran, China.
DisraeliLAND 5.

:eek:
Get your facts right man

Germany - Their monarch abdicated after world war 1 which he was the main cause of

Russia - Had just came out of a bad war with Japan, hundreds of thousands were dying of starvation e.t.c

France - Again many people were dying before it became a republic. Afterwards it helped America gain its independence and became a world power

China - the fastest growing economy in the world, people predicting that it will be the next world superpower.

What you forget is how bad these countries were under monarchs!!! You realy need a history lesson

You forgot about America!! They dumped the queen!!

There is only two places I can think of where a monarchy has realy worked.

England - They robbed half the world of its assets then pulled out in early 1900s creating a lot of the problems and civil wars we have today in africa and the middle east.

Monaco - Because rich pricks like the look of the place.

Why should you let someone get millions every year for nothing:confused:

At least a president goes and visits different countries adressing nations and companys to stir up trade and build political relationships. What do royals do - Play Polo

The Idea of a monarchy in todays society is ridiculous!!:mad: