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The Mad Monk: More Conservative Than Menzies?

By liamalexander on | From liamalexander.com

A Slice of Life

commentary on issues in politics, culture, environment and technology

25 Feb 10

In an interview with Mike Bowers on ABC TV’s Insiders program, 07/02/2010, Warren Brown commented:

“Well one of the things about Abbott is whether you like him or not, he’s so out there with what he believes in. And I think Australians like that. They don’t really care what you say, so long as if you firmly believe it, they’re with you!”

Tony Abbott has crowed that the Liberals (who have floundered hopelessly under their two previous leaders ) have “got their political mojo back”. According to the latest News Poll results, the Liberals have indeed regained some momentum. This of course is no particularly great feat; Brendan Nelson and Malcolm Turnbull found it difficult to even break into double figures in approval ratings. The Rudd Government’s honeymoon had to end sooner or later and even Kevin knew that his meteoric ratings could not last forever. The grind of the business of government and the inevitable ministerial and policy errors have taken some of the gloss from Rudd’s spin which was so keenly lapped up during the 2007 election campaign.

Perhaps Australians really don’t care what you say as long as you believe it, but consider this;

Mr Abbott has made his position very clear on a range of issues:

he supports a return to WorkChoices and AWAs
he thinks climate change is “crap”
he supports the monarchy
he thinks women should not have sex before marriage
he is firmly anti abortion
he wants to slash welfare spending
he is pro nuclear
he thinks budgie smugglers and bicycle shorts are a fashion statement

He has made it abundantly clear that an Abbott government would be considerably more conservative than the Howard government, perhaps even more than Menzies. He undoubtedly does have a strong presence and a persuasive manner (especially when compared to his predecessors), but if they don’t share these views, Australian voters should perhaps think a little more carefully before pledging their support. Do we really want to return to the 1950s and throw away 60 years of social, political, environmental and economic progress?