rudd has done his best, page-21

Expect Rudd to have a load of "get out clauses" already drafted and memorised. Likely he has spent many a night rehearsing his spin, although not so many nights trying to understand economics if his performance post budget is anything to go by eg. he couldn't recall the exact amount of the carer bonus (said it was "many tens of dollars").

We haven't yet seen the micro impact of his party's IR policies, which I'd expect will soon explode onto the front pages as all sorts of 'public servants' and unions begin their wages push ala. the 70's and early 80's. This will be the reckoning in my opinion and will signal an out of control situation as Burrows army of Union Secretaries begin to take charge of Australia.

We've already seen the prelude to the downsizing of the private health insurance industry via the govt's sudden change to medicare levy thresholds. Gillard may also be studying the private education school system for opportunities to downsize this aswell.

All up, a big change in how Government now wants us middle class to perceive ourselves. Under Howard we all aspired to be richer as there were policies in place to encourage this. Under Rudd we have policies being put in place to discourage us from wanting the better things in life eg. health insurance, private education for our children, tax incentives for higher income earners, tax penalties for luxury cars etc etc. We're being cornered by the 'Party of Envy' who want us all to be mediocre.

Its going to be a long 6 six years.