I agree with you skypilot, With really serious matters to deal with who cares about a passing comment re bush.. The normally gregareous president is breathing very heavily lately.. for good reason..I would think. Did you notice that Rudd patted Bush on the back...which is something Bush did to others.. He might need some consolling poor chap. I think the fact that our banks were the first to disclose and write-off US sub-prime positions might be greater cause for frosty welcomes.. Perhaps Bush doesnt need to charm Australia into more dodgy deals and there are others he is focused on? Regardless Australia is small fry and has been overlooked or disregarded often which has been to our benefit imo. Being far removed from these guys plots and not a major player can have its advantages.imo. The media and Opposition should not allow trivial matters to discredit Australia..and those who matter would be well aware of such destabalizing tactics.imo. All the back patting, hand shaking and smiles dont mean a thing...Who holds power at these meetings? The camera man and muckrakers? NO There are other more serious and probably unseen players..imo. Good luck to them.
