Posted by Mark Silva at 6:30 am CST
SYDNEY – Vice President Dick Cheney, a good friend of Prime Minister John Howard, has come to Australia to underscore an alliance that has been critical in the war in Iraq. But he also came to lend some help to a prime minister seeking another term in the face of a challenge by a popular opposition leader calling for a withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
"With Friends Like These…'' declared the headline in the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday, picturing a cartoon image of Cheney, appearing maniacal and holding a double-barreled shotgun, above the masthead of the Friday morning newspaper. It pointed to an op-ed column inside the paper.
Cheney not only touted Howard's support for the war on terror with a morning address to government and business leaders in Sydney, but also met privately with Howard's challenger, Labor leader Kevin Rudd. And Cheney paid a visit to Victoria Barracks in the hilly interior of a harborside city resplendent with sunshine and people crowding the streets to see his passage. There also had been some protests here against the war.
The Sydney Opera House at sunrise, the view from the harborside Shangri-La hotel where the vice president is staying in Australia. Photo by Silva
The Victoria Barracks are a compound of low stone buildings, tan-yellow, on a wooded campus. We were led into the Officer's Mess, where more than a dozen people - sailors, infantry, cooks and special forces, we were told - were seated at a square arrangement of tables. They stood for the vice president's arrival. He walked through the room, greeted his hosts individually and then sat at the head of the table in the small room.
Entrance to the Officer's Mess, Victoria Barracks. Silva
"Have a seat, please," Cheney told all, and they sat.
Defense Minister Brendan Nelson, his host, spoke of the tradition of these corps, which "shapes our values," and said, "we are also very mindful that we are a free nation" not only because of our own efforts, but also because of the support of the U.S.
Meeting in the barracks. Silva
Cheney recalled here, as he had at the speech earlier in the morning, his visit here as Defense Secretary and the joy he took in seeing the carrier Independence in harbor. "I am familiar with the great work of the Australian defense forces since I was Defense secretary," he said. "We all remember, Americans remember, when John Howard was in Washington" on Sept. 11, and Howard has made it clear since then that Australia is "right alongside" the US in the "war on terror." Cheney said: "We have no better ally - either in terms of competence or willingness to work together."
Cheney: "We have no better ally." Silva
The vice president had delivered an address to the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue in Sydney, speaking to a crowd of about 300 invited guests in a downstairs ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel where he had spent the night. He arrived late the night before, near 11 pm local.
There had been protests here the day before, and they were talking about that on the radio in the morning, particularly complaints by protestors that police had impeded some of the activity. The Sydney Morning Herald also arrived at the doors of rooms in the hotel with a cartoon of Cheney, with a maniacal look and toting a double-barreled shotgun, above the masthead and this tease to a column in the paper: "With Friends Like These...''
The eight-and-one-quarter page speech that Cheney delivered amounted to a very strong speech about the need to confront terrorism, an elaboration of what he's been saying in the Pacific, but with an added passing shot across the bow at China's rapid military buildup and also an expression of hope about the North Korean deal, though he said we enter this agreement with "eyes open.''
Cheney addresses leaders. Silva
The vice president promoted Howard strongly by name, and cited British Prime Minister Tony Blair as well, but he did not make any direct challenges of people calling for troop withdrawals, such as the opposition leader challenging Howard, Labor leader Rudd, but rather made a sweeping statement about not being able to "indulge'' in talk of withdrawal from Iraq or Afghanistan.
"The notion that free countries can turn our backs on what happens in places like Afghanistan, Iraq or any other possible safe haven for terrorists is an option that we simply cannot indulge,'' Cheney said.
He opened with a joke about how many times he ran for Congress, six. "I never took a single vote for granted. I always campaigned hard and tried to shake hands with as many voters as possible. I remember visiting one small town and walking up to an old cowboy who was leaning against a tree with his hat pulled way down over his eyes. I shook his hand and said, 'Hello, I'm Dick Cheney. I'm running for Congress, and I'd like your vote.'' He said, "You've got it. That fool we've got in there now is no good.''
This is the Labor leader, Kevin Rudd on the left, having a meeting with Cheney. Rudd, who advocates the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq, is posing a challlenge to Prime Minister John Howard, whom Cheney attempted to bolster with his appearance here. Silva
Cheney voiced an affinity for the Australians, noting there is a place called Wyoming here. "Your country and mine are filled with people who speak plainly and honestly. And I'm sure that's one of the reasons we are natural '' He noted that Ronald Reagan once had said America and Australia "see the world from similar perspectives.'' And over time "that deep affinity has grown into a great alliance. Together we've confronted common dangers.''
The two countries are "enjoying wealth and prosperity on an unprecedented scale.'' We also have, as Prime Minister Howard has said, "demonstrated to the world that values based on freedom and individual liberty in the end win acceptance.'' But only if there is "a determination… to defend those values, if necessary to fight for them.'' Howard's words.
"The business of our alliance goes forward, and it begins with the fundamental duty to protect our people from danger,'' Cheney said. "Having stood together in every major conflict of the last hundred years, the US and Australia now stand together in the decisive struggle against terrorism.''
He spoke of "the evil that appeared on 9/11'' and how it has returned "many times'' in London, Madrid, Jakarta…. "They represent a movement that is global in scope…. And that is determined to sow chaos and destruction within civilized countries,'' he said.
"As Prime Minister Tony Blair has pointed out, these enemies believe they have two paramount strategic advantages, terror and time,'' he said. "They believe we lack the resolve and the courage for a long struggle. And they are absolutely convinced that with enough acts of horror, they can wear us down, force us to change our policies, and get us to abandon our interests in the world.''
The economy may be thriving in Australia, as Cheney was ready to note in his speech here. But business is bad at Hart's Pub down at the corner of the hotel where the vice president is staying. It seems security has scared the lunch crowd away, which is a story that the Swamp had to investigate -- confirming it with a steak off the barbie and a couple of good brews. Silva
"We are determined to prevail in Iraq because we understand the consequences of failure,'' he said. "If our coalition withdrew before Iraqis could defend themselves, radical factions would battle for dominance of the country… Having tasted victory in Iraq, jihadists would look for new missions…. Others would set out for capitals across the Middle East, spreading more sorrow and discord as they eliminate dissenters and work to undermine moderate governments.''
"As leading democracies, Australia and the United States feel a deep sense of responsibility for security and peace in the world. The cooperation between our governments has risen to a new level, with stronger ties of defense and counter-terrorism, and much broader cooperation on intelligence.
"Success for our countries, and for our principles, depends on our willingness to act where action is required,'' he said. "Australia has shown that willingness throughout this region.''
Citing their alliance since World War I and invoking historian David McCollough in saying that "events past were never on a track. Nothing was foreordained any more than now,'' he said, "Our generation, here and now, is also writing history. Present events are not on a track. In the war on terror, one side will win and the other will lose. Civilization will continue its upward course, or go in a different direction.
''
"It can be sobering to take stock of all the serious work that needs doing: to realize all the duties that fall to us in a perilous time,'' the vice president said. "Yet, it's no reason to be afraid. Rather, it's a reason to be confident. We are not hostages to fortune, Our forebears were not the sort to be intimidated or worn down by adversaries – and neither are we. Today, as before, Australians and Americans are people of determination, moral courage and decency. We are strong countries that have sacrificed greatly for peace and freedom at home and on distant shores. Our purposes in this world are good and right.''
• 
• 
• 
Comments
It seems the Sydney Morning Herald op-ed piece nails it pretty hard:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/visitor-is-just-a-blast-from-the-past/2007/02/22/1171733947878.html
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | February 23, 2007 7:38 AM
I am an Australian, and i've found your vice-president patronising. I can't recall after many years of watching American cinema and television Americans calling one another 'mate', so why is it that as soon as an American politician steps of the plane in Sydney they start calling people 'mate' and using it in their speeches? I wouldn't call your president 'pal' or 'buddy'. Despite the way we are portrayed we are not hill billies, so how about a little respect? I just think its just more of the Dale Carnegie "How to win friends and influence people" spiel that makes many Australians suspicious of Cheney and your current administration in general. Howard and Cheney may be 'mates', but look at them - they're cut from the same cloth. 'Mate' has many meanings from 'schmuck' to 'friend' most of the time it is somewhere in between. I have thousands of 'mates', I meet new ones everyday. I also call my friends 'mates'. The difference between my casual 'mates' and my 'friends' is that my friends don't lie to me. Where does your vice president sit in that regard?
Posted by: Baz | February 23, 2007 7:54 AM
Where is the cartoon image of Cheney?
Posted by: Joseph Simanonok, Major, USAF | February 23, 2007 8:15 AM
John Howard is going to get kicked to the curb in the upcoming elections in large part because of his support for the war in Iraq.
Tony Blair is stepping down as head of the Labour Party because he's lost the support of the party because of his support for the war in Iraq.
The Prodi government in Italy just fell because of it's support for the Bush Administration's foreign policy.
The Republicans lost control of both houses of Congress.
When will these guys get a clue? The people, of the US, and of our allies, do not support this war. They do not support Bush's foriegn policy. They do not support this administration's illegal acts.
Posted by: Tony | February 23, 2007 8:22 AM
Isn't it amazing that in the real world, leaders such as John Howard and Tony Blair, leaders the Swampune tell us are so unpopular for their support of the war, are thumpingly reelected? While their anti-war opponents lose bigtime? Sort of sounds like the 2004 U.S. election.
Real world. Real elections. Real results.
Posted by: Bruce | February 23, 2007 8:31 AM
Nice, complete coverage. The pictures were really well done/well chosen to provide a true "day in the life" feel for what was clearly a typical day of politicking for the veep.
I hope Mark enjoyed his steak, and wonder if he has a twin brother, and hails from MA.
Posted by: Joe Silva | February 23, 2007 8:32 AM
When the day comes that Howard matches our troop numbers in Iraq or else where, then and only then are they partners in this war...Not only that but let Aussi land match our dollars spent there to be a partner.
This war was declaired won back in 2004 by bush, now we fight another war same country which we should NOT BE A PART OF, a cilival war.
Iraqis are blowing each other up and Americans are being made to rebuild them. Their own government troops are committing crimes agaisnt their own people and we are being ordered to fight along with them.
Over 3,100 American troops lost for people who don't want to govern themself or fight for themself,. Why ?? because they have Bush and Chaney forcing American troops to do it for them.
Both Bush and Chaney should be impeached for what they have done to the American people and to our country.
Posted by: Judith | February 23, 2007 8:39 AM
Nice stenography. I believe you have a future in the Washington press corp.
Posted by: PMB | February 23, 2007 8:55 AM
The land of Oz! I would say Cheney is the Tin man...he had no heart!
Posted by: bill r. | February 23, 2007 9:07 AM
As an american, I would like to thank the Aussies for being true and steadfast allies to my country. However, continuing support of this fruitless "war" will neither help the suffering nor ameliorate the situation in Iraq.
Posted by: Darlene | February 23, 2007 9:15 AM
Its good that Auatralia is an ally of the USA. But Australians must use caution before supporting nay occupant of the White House.
The current occupant G.W. Bush is a shoot from the hip cowboy, and is not a good person for Australians to associate with.
His record speaks for itself.
Galactic Cannibal, Murrieta. California.
Posted by: Galactic Cannibal | February 23, 2007 9:23 AM
Judith they never will match out troops in numbers plus they are talking about pulling out if Howard loses
Posted by: Dale Peters | February 23, 2007 9:38 AM
When Cheney opens his mouth, does anyone listen anymore? The debacle in the middle east can be traced back to one of the main war mongers who put the entire situation in motion. Can we be remotely surprised with the current situation considering THE driving force behind the policy is a gutless man who somehow managed 5 military service deferrals during the Vietnam war? History, thankfully, will remember.
Posted by: william | February 23, 2007 9:39 AM
Nothing is ever that cut and dry. To oversimplify the situation in Iraq the way you just did Judith is not only short-sighted, but immorral. And to address the fact about Australia giving as many troops and footing half the bill .... The populations of New York City and Los Angeles combine to dwarf the population of Australia. Doesn't it seem kind of wrong to ask for equal monetary support and troop numbers? Anyway, i think the situation in Iraq is far more complicated than the above comments and as opposed to reactionary calls by those on the left to immediately pull out, we should probably take a look at things a bit more academically, calmly, and with a bit of compassion for what would happen to the innocent people of iraq if we were to leave them during this time of their greatest need. Regardless of whether you think we should have gone into Iraq originally (which i am not sure we should of) the greatest act of cowardice would be to realize this mistake this far in and walk way.
Posted by: John | February 23, 2007 9:43 AM
I never cease to be amazed by how the U. S. administration continues to consider their war in Iraq as part of the war on terror, in the face of all evidence to the contrary. Several countries have sent troops to Afghanistan, but not to Iraq, because those countries recognized the difference between the two situations and have decided to make their own foreign policy decicions.
Countries like Australia, that have tied their foreign policy to that of the current American administration, may find their foreign policy changed with the U. S. elections in November 2008. The war in Afghanistan will go on, but the war in Iraq may not. How sovereign is Australia then?
Posted by: Ian | February 23, 2007 9:48 AM
I'm a Christian and an American. I voted for Bush both times. In America, it doesn't matter who is elected here, it's always the same men on top who are calling the shots. I'm telling you all, please leave the war zone as soon as you can. It was all a lie. It's all about world dominance. V.P. Cheney and his Oil Buddies and his puppet G.W.Bush and their Trilateral Commission have only one goal; to rule the world, to hold all the cards, to get rid of the last remaining military obstacles (Russia and China) and to usher in their New World Order. They are lying to you, they have lied to the former Russian satellite nations and the free world, they are corrupt, oil thirsty thief's and when they're done with the Middle East oil reserves, Russian reserves, South America's reserves, they might not be your friends anymore, unless you too have oil. They are tricking everyone with this war on terror but really, they are only surrounding Russia and China in hopes that they can bring them down and steal their oil too. They will be your friends as long as they have need of you. Don't be fooled by this war on terror. They are the terrorist. They brought down the Twin Towers. The Twin Towers did not collapse on their own. No tower in history has ever fallen down by it's own weight at free
fall speed. http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=911&hl=en
Americans, are being put to sleep every night with these lies and dreaming dreams that there will be affordable gas for their cars in the morning. They are being lulled to sleep with those quick fix and stupid sitcoms and they believe, that's how life really is. That somewhere, over the rainbow, it's all going to work itself out, tomorrow. Christians were lied to, in believing that G. W. Bush was a Christian and he got our vote. When do you suppose Christians stopped praying for Hitler's government. Cheney is from the pit, you can smell the smoke oozing from his words, so expertly crafted by the worlds best script writers. His dice, are loaded and if you don't get out ASAP, he will keep rolling those cat eyes in his favor. Don't be fooled again like we were.I still pray for my nation and ask God to bring us to our knees and call upon His Name, I still pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and that our Lord Jesus will come back quickly before we blow ourselves up. I am looked down upon by my elders at fellowship, for thinking and saying theses things but I am after the truth of other things, so be it. Amen
http://www.engdahl.oilgeopolitics.net/
Posted by: Tom Aston | February 23, 2007 10:02 AM
To Judith, Your post is a copy of Nancy Pelosi's (and the rest of Bush bashers) written agenda. If Bush followed this cut & run plan and the terrorists struck in your back yard you would blame Bush for not protecting you!
Joe
Posted by: Joe Maginot | February 23, 2007 10:19 AM
Baz,
Oz is pretty popular here too, especially if one has an excuse to escape winter in February at taxpayer expense. As for Cheney, be thankful he's trying to be nice. Otherwise he's a crusty old relic.
Cheers, mate. And thanks for taking him off our hands for a little while.
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | February 23, 2007 10:28 AM
Well John after your comments about cowardice to realize the stupidity of our attack of Iraq I must assume you are volunteering to go over there and get your head blown off. Good choice old man.
Posted by: Jim | February 23, 2007 10:35 AM
Cheney is an absolute disgrace to our great nation. Doesn't he realize that he does so much damage to himself and his administration every single time he opens his mouth? I am mortified that this man is traveling abroad and claiming to speak on behalf of all Americans.
Posted by: Enrique | February 23, 2007 10:44 AM
Thanks Australia, sorry you got sucked into the pit as well.
Neo-Cons like on this list would make me laugh if it wern't for the fact that:
1. They actually believe all of this S*** they are selling
2. They would destroy our civil liberties if they could (and already have)
3. They are seriously mentally unbalanced and have a serious following of the Sheepeople.
As for the "fear" that the terrorists would come here if we wern't in Iraq:
So that makes it morally OK to destroy another nation so that the battle ground isn't here?
Buckley
Posted by: Buckley | February 23, 2007 10:55 AM
Blinkin,
I'm sure you already know, but Brucie boy is a lost cause. I've directly addressed him twice in two threads this week when he repeated the same question attacking Mark Silva's reporting and it's gone ignored, as have other questions of him. He's only here to talk, not to listen. Then again, there are many here who just love to see their post counts go up without making any kind of thoughtful contributions.
Then there are people like Jeff (with no C.) who have firm beliefs, but when they show any form of compromise in ideals that may stray from their preferred party's beliefs they get attacked by the likes of John E. and others for not having a great "stance" on the issue in lockstep with their party.
What a dialogue we have here...
Posted by: Jeff C. | February 23, 2007 10:57 AM
Tom Aston:
My question to you is how come you couldn't see that these guys were crooks back in 2004? What led you to re-elect Bush when the evidence was there then? And the war was turning out to be a fiasco?
I have never understood how well-meaning Americans could have been so blinded.
Posted by: Roger B. | February 23, 2007 10:57 AM
Tom Aston,
"I'm a Christian and an American. I voted for Bush both times...
I'm telling you all, please leave the war zone as soon as you can. It was all a lie. It's all about world dominance...to usher in their New World Order."
Well what the heck took you so long, Tom? All of this was utterly evident in 2004, though I will give you a pass on failing to recognize it in 2000. All the people clamoring for a quick withdrawal from Iraq should have voted for John Kerry. George Bush has staked his reputation and legacy and that of this nation on his Iraq gamble.
He campaigned in '04 pledging to "stay the course" in Iraq and has unfortunately and despite many suggestions to the contrary lived up to his campaign. Shame on us Americans (full disclosure: I thought Mr. Bush was a threat to world peace in 2000 and smiled while pulling the lever for Al Gore and a continuation of progressive economic policies and acceptance of environmental causes) for re-electing George W. Bush. We get the leaders we deserve, and he is one doozy of a "Decider."
Posted by: Bryan | February 23, 2007 11:22 AM
John Howard stated that if he was a terrorist in Iraq, he would circle the date which Barak Obama suggested as a US troop pullout deadline.
Have these terrorists circled the date for Britian's pull-out from Iraq?
Why is the White House saying Britian's pull-out a sign of success in Iraq, while the US is participating in a surge?
Why is the mere suggestion of US troop pull-out labeled a cut-&-run strategy, while Britian's pull-out, or other coalition nations, not labeled as cut-&-run?
The White House is trying to argue it both ways, as failures in Iraq continue. It doesn't take a genius to see the latest arguments are not adding-up.
Bush himself said we'll be in Iraq long after his administration, & possibly a couple after him.
I suppose Bush/Cheny have their own ever-changing definition of what "success" means, & Americans are to stupid to question their logic.
Posted by: RomanB | February 23, 2007 11:46 AM
All this threat of "chaos" and worse if and when we leave Iraq. Chaos is now. Yes, more will die when we leave, many among them the collaborators who with the illegal invadors have contributed much to the destruction and death in their country. If Iraqis can regain control of their oil, they can rebuild and restore order. U.S. has done more damage, killed more innocents, than Saddam could dream. Iraq for the Iraqis - no U.S. oil companies, no U.S. military bases!
Posted by: Jan | February 23, 2007 11:55 AM
W. and Cheney's coalition of the "willing" is falling apart and for good reason,people all over the world are now well aware that the Republican Party in the United States lied to them about Iraq.
Aussy Howard is about to go the way of Tony Blair in Britain....out the door.
Posted by: John E. | February 23, 2007 12:03 PM
...Baz...
...Please forgive our Vice President...
...he's from Wyoming...
...nuff said...
Posted by: The Original BZ | February 23, 2007 1:10 PM
Yeah Joe,I can see the terriosts now comin over here on the princess cruises with AK47 hangin from shoulders...
Interesting that most of the 9-11 planes that flew into the towers were hijacked by Saudis,yet we attack Iraq....sheeesh
Posted by: Lance | February 23, 2007 1:14 PM
What I find interesting is no Australians seem to note the (proven) fact that their country was and has been almost completely controlled by the US for so long. Blair in the UK is an obvious "toady," but at least elections in the UK are reasonably free of corruption and overt control by the US Government.
There is ample historical evidence of the CIA being directly involved in the rigging of Australian elections in the past (they intentionally and effectively scuttled Labour's chances in the 70's), and there is no reason to think that they are not still engaged in such practices.
People who oppose Australia's "close connection" to the US have even mysteriously disappeared in the past.
Australia is just a puppet regime of the US as far as I can see and most of the people in my country (Canada) that I talk to can see it too. It's even talked about on the News sometimes as it's taken so much for granted that this is the case. I suppose that if Canada had the same strategic importance for the US as Australia, we would probably be taken over as well. As it is I think we are on the "mostly harmless" list. :)
Posted by: Jeremy | February 23, 2007 1:16 PM
My apologies to my friends down under. We try an keep Mr. Cheney home and in his bunker, so that the mis-information that spews from his mouth does not make us American's look worse that we already do for the Iraq mess, but sometimes he gets out and foils our best laid plans. Sorry!
Posted by: Mark Jensen | February 23, 2007 1:52 PM
Dick Cheney suffers from "Pump Head." That is a loss of cognitive ability due to being placed on a heart pump during open heart surgery.
Pay no attention to what Cheney says or does. And to our friends down under, we in America are truly sorry for not developing better open heart surgical devices. As for electing Cheney, well, no amount of apologizing will do.
Pumphead here:
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/bypasssurgery/a/pumphead.htm
Posted by: sen. bob | February 23, 2007 1:57 PM
Nice article, but good grief...those photos! Get yourself Photoshop Elements or some such and fix them before uploading. It only takes a few minutes. You don't want us to miss any of Dick's snarky looks, do you?
Posted by: dcorder | February 23, 2007 2:32 PM
Baz, my apologies on behalf the people of the United States of America. Our VP Mr Cheney is a lying scumbag. Do you suppose you could borrow him for a couple years. Just keep him away from guns and large armys!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 23, 2007 2:35 PM
The land of Oz would be too much for Chaney's Aldi Pacemaker. Of course, thinking about what the monkeys did to the straw man ... could be interesting.
Posted by: Rob S | February 23, 2007 3:51 PM
When it comes to president election. Americans are so emotional. They are carried by the passion of that moment. The regret comes later. It's the case with George Bush. A man who did not know what to do with his life before 40 and did not know anything about the world. Yet he was elected to be the president, leader of the world. AND they elected him for a SECOND TIME in spite of his obvious failures during his first term.The problem is. Whatever happens to America, it happens to the rest of the world too. The effects of Bush failures will linger for years and we will all bear the consequences.
Posted by: WING | February 23, 2007 7:23 PM
"shame on us American's for re-electing G.W."
We didn't....everyone seems to forgot that he did NOT win the vote, but stole the presidency in good 'ol Florida, home of his brother.
Posted by: kent | February 23, 2007 7:39 PM
Why did Mr. Dick Cheney come to Down Under, not just for a visit but trying to boost our PM's pupularity. He is not anymore so popular as you may think, he is on is way out you will see no Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney will help him.
Australia needs to be more Australian not to lean so much towards America, Americans for America and Australia for the Aussies, that how I see it as an Australian and am proud of it.
Yes we can be friends with the Americans why not, but we do not need to sleep in the same bed with them, and that is for sure.
Posted by: Ulrich S | February 23, 2007 7:59 PM
Ohb He's off to see the Wizard,The Wonderful
Wizard of Oz! Delusional Dick Cheney is so totally
out of touch with reality that even his own
puppet Liar in Chief George W Bush shipped Cheney
off to Oz just to not have to listen to anymore
of Delusional Dick Cheey Insane Ramblings!
Impeach Cheney First And Then Impeach George W Bush Next!
Posted by: Sandy | February 23, 2007 10:32 PM
Cheney has now left our shores, you are welcome to him. If only John Howard was on the same plane.
BTW, Australia's economy is flourishing because of the resources boom. In large part from the exports of raw materials to China.
Posted by: Robert Carey | February 24, 2007 7:11 AM
"I am an Australian, and i've found your vice-president patronising."
I'm an American and I find our Vice-President patronising. I think his job approval rating is about 15% - Cheney is probably the single most reviled American politician right now.
The last election showed how Americans feel about Iraq and the massive Republican corruption. The next Presidential election has to favor the Dems especially if McCain gets the nomination.
Posted by: Joel K | February 24, 2007 12:11 PM
Hi, I'm an Australian too and below is a letter I recently sent to your US Ambassador here in Australia. I will add that this is the second time that I have protested in my life, the first time being in 2003 against the war in Iraq. I am not alone in my sentiments regards the Bush Administration, Guantanamo Bay detention centre, the Iraqi war - all fighters for justice and human rights will be voting John Howard out of office at the next election - then will come the mop up operations to repair the damage done and bring healing:
7 February 2007
The Honorable Robert D. McCallum, Jr.
American Ambassador
cc Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard MP
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
Yesterday I attended a protest held at Parliament House in Canberra in
support of David Hicks, an Australian Citizen detained at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba for over 5 years without a trial. I also sent an e-mail to our Prime
Minister, the Hon John Howard MP (please see below) and also to several
media contacts.
I, like most of the world, was shocked, horrified and outraged by the
terrorist attack upon America (and ultimately upon us all!) on September 11,
2001. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences and
prayers for all those whose lives have been adversely affected by this
horrendous attack.
Sir, I abhor the inhumane treatment of any person and hence the reason for
this letter. I join my voice with those of many others who are ashamed to be
citizens of governments condoning the conditions that detainees are held and
interrogated at Guantanamo Bay and at Abu Ghraib, contrary to the provisions
under the Geneva Convention.
In researching this matter, I have just read a discussion paper by President
George W. Bush (dated 6 September 2006, attached) on the creation of
military commissions to try suspected terrorists. In it President George W.
Bush states:
"In its ruling on military commissions, the Court determined that a
provision of the Geneva Conventions known as "Common Article Three" applies
to our war with al Qaeda. This article includes provisions that prohibit
"outrages upon personal dignity" and "humiliating and degrading treatment."
The problem is that these and other provisions of Common Article Three are
vague and undefined, and each could be interpreted in different ways by
American or foreign judges. And some believe our military and intelligence
personnel involved in capturing and questioning terrorists could now be at
risk of prosecution under the War Crimes Act -- simply for doing their jobs
in a thorough and professional way."
Sir, Common Article Three is not "vague and undefined", I did a simple
google search on the, 'definition of Article 3 of the Geneva Convention' and
immediately found the attached definition. President George W. Bush further
says, "and each could be interpreted in different ways by American or
foreign judges." My immediate response is to consider the vile treatment of
the Jewish people by the Nazi Germans during WWII. I am sure that the Nazis
interpretation of what constituted, "outrages upon personal dignity" and
"humiliating and degrading treatment." differed considerably from the
"foreign judges" interpretation. It does not mean that their interpretation
was correct and nor does it mean that the Bush Administration's
interpretation is correct.
Article 5 of the Geneva Convention has also been manipulated with President
Bush now invested with broad discretion to determine persons as, "Unlawful
Combatants" and without protection under the Geneva Convention.
My growing view is that the Bush Administration is trying to cover its
tracks, to justify the inhumane treatment of POW's held at Guantanamo Bay
and at Abu Ghraib. I have read the facts and myths sheets linked in the
attached discussion paper, and read through the vast amounts of information
provided on Wikipedia and on various other organisations websites. I now
believe that under the banner of fighting terrorism, President George W.
Bush has himself become a terrorist. Through his changing and manipulation
of the laws to justify his treatment of POW's, he has also forced many
Americans to become terrorists.
Australia's close association with America means that in the eyes of the
world we support America's treatment of POW's held at Guantanamo Bay and at
Abu Ghraib. I declare that I do not support this shameful and disgraceful
treatment of POW's. I am deeply ashamed and disgraced that the Australian
government has not done anything to stop this. I request, as a citizen of
Australia, an ally of America, that the POW's held at Guantanamo Bay and at
Abu Ghraib be afforded the full protection to which they are entitled as
lawful combatants under the Geneva Convention.
I used to be a proud Aussie and proud of our association with the Yanks -
this is fading fast on both counts.
Sincerely
Catherine Poyner
Posted by: Catherine Poyner | February 24, 2007 9:20 PM