hughes, I am never competely satisfied with every detail of the direction we are headed, but overall I think we are not too far off a reasonable mark and we seem to be building in enough flexibility and manouvability to weather and adjust as needed to changing circumstances as they evolve.
The global economy is in a state of extreme transition currently, and all of our lives must change somewhat if we are to continue to prosper in relative safety.
Each person will have their opinions on what is best, who best to form alliances with, or not to form alliances with, and what degree of change is tolerable.
I think that overall, John Howard and his government have embraced the future and are preparing the country and the economy to be strong and flexible enough to endure and take advantages of opportunities.
As you say, the labour party needs some fresh leadership (at the very least). As I stated before, it is the responsibility of the supporters to inisist on a higher standard from labour party members, but I am afraid that many of the supporters seem to be devoting their energies to Howard-bashing and the nit-picking and hair-spliiting of petty politics rather than devoting their energies to reforming their party. As a group, they seem to have become locked in a dustruictive cycle and I dont see anything much changing for labour until the supporters start to realize that their destrcutive attitude does no-one any good and at worst, just hardens the support that many have for John Howard.
As you say, the voters will remember, but I dont think that the result of this memory at the next election will be what you would like.
