Tony Abbot is acting like John Howard and is indicating that social engineering is on the cards. Toward the end of John Howard's "reign" he got a little bit carried away with his power and ignored advice from fellow members of his Coalition. He did things without consulting his cabinet. Kevin Rudd got the power bug very early in his time as prime minister. Support from the people soon wanes when they feel they are not being listened to.
Tony Abbot said the young are "dismissive" of the "fundamental views of our society." He aims to remould them in the "proper" way. However, stopping homosexual behavior is really beyond his capability, as is the prevailing sentiment toward religion. Two thirds of teenagers in the UK do not believe in God. It is probably the same in Australia. Julia Gillard does not believe in God. In a survey of Americans, 53 percent said they would not vote for an atheist candidate for President. Voters in Australia now have a clear choice, an atheist versus a Roman Catholic. Maybe because she is the country's first female prime minister she will make it over the line.
It has not been made into an election issue by Tony Abbot, yet. As the election deadline approaches this could change. The debate could become very hot indeed. The Coalition leader has already alienated the younger generation with unplanned remarks, like his opinion on abortion. Some young people have said they find his walking in public in a bathing costume is offensive. It seems they hold some values that are more to the right than Tony Abbot's. They even used the strine phraseology of "budgie smugglers".
Unfortunately, people don't change. Attempts to rehabilitate prisoners have in large part failed in the past. Perhaps Tony Abbot should leave things there - in the past. For most people today practising a religion is not on. They are too busy.
Tony Abbot said the young are "dismissive" of the "fundamental views of our society." He aims to remould them in the "proper" way. However, stopping homosexual behavior is really beyond his capability, as is the prevailing sentiment toward religion. Two thirds of teenagers in the UK do not believe in God. It is probably the same in Australia. Julia Gillard does not believe in God. In a survey of Americans, 53 percent said they would not vote for an atheist candidate for President. Voters in Australia now have a clear choice, an atheist versus a Roman Catholic. Maybe because she is the country's first female prime minister she will make it over the line.
It has not been made into an election issue by Tony Abbot, yet. As the election deadline approaches this could change. The debate could become very hot indeed. The Coalition leader has already alienated the younger generation with unplanned remarks, like his opinion on abortion. Some young people have said they find his walking in public in a bathing costume is offensive. It seems they hold some values that are more to the right than Tony Abbot's. They even used the strine phraseology of "budgie smugglers".
Unfortunately, people don't change. Attempts to rehabilitate prisoners have in large part failed in the past. Perhaps Tony Abbot should leave things there - in the past. For most people today practising a religion is not on. They are too busy.
