I have no problem with Abbott puting his body on the frontline. I actually think it's great.
Essentially fire agencies are State controlled. The story I heard is that state pollies (in NSW) are worried about green backlash, because the retardant is toxic in large quantities to wildlife.
If you bomb the mountains the retardant may find its way into the Nepean or Hawkesbury Rivers. The loss of homes versus the environmental issue is a call State pollies appear hesitant to make.
Abbott has a defense minister etc able to organise these things. The role of the PM (past PM's visted the area, had conferences and hugged people) is to be seen to support the community. Abbott, through his training, just does that in a tangiable way of fighting the fires.
I don't know about you, but at times like these I wish I had his experience to help in a more tangiable way, instead of sitting by watching and praying for those poor people. Eventually I will throw a few dollars at an appeal to ease my conscience, but maybe there is more I can do; especially if the PM can.
It just makes me contemplate whether I do all I can for my community or just take for granted all I have. Once apon I time I did much more; maybe it's time to reengage and do my bit.
