the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act as part of The Intervention is exactly the sort of ‘democratic’ act by elected politicians that a Bill of Rights is supposed to protect us against

Howard, of course went on to show a complete lack of interest in the “prestige of parliament” to quote his article in SMH today. He rammed the Worst Choices legislation through the Parliament using the gag and the guillotine; he abused human rights by removing the Anti-Racial Discrimination Act in order to invade the NT, and was the first PM to disallow debate prior to a decision being made to invade another country using those very people that he professes to be concerned about, those who elect their representatives - losing their rights? Obviously, killing and being killed doesn’t qualify for his concern or sense of upholding democratic ideals, having any respect for those ordinary people who elect “their representatives”.

Howard also used his position, and the bigoted views of his government members to tread all over the democratic voting rights of the Territories, when he overturned both the Euthanasia legislation in the NT, and the rights for gay couples to marry in the ACT - so much for the fact, that the elected representatives they’d voted for had the support of the majority of voters on both of these issues. Of course his actions re asylum seekers as mentioned by you Greg, were just appalling. How a person who purported to support and uphold “traditional family values” could jail women, kids, the elderly and those traumatized in their own countries, or driven medically mad by his horrific policies, could even have the temerity to preach democratic principles or human rights to the rest of us, just amazes me. His arrogance knows no bounds.

The same applies for accountability. Not only did he not think that we were owed any accountability as to his actions, he protected, if not encouraged his government Ministers and others to do the same. Having the numbers meant, that he could do as he pleased regardless. The AWB fiasco is a great example of the type of government he ran - at least 65 articles of a varied assortment of correspondence re govt ministers, employees etc is evidence of this disgraceful situation, but he bluffed his way through using his favourite ‘tool’ - arrogance and having the numbers? Interesting, that nobody has even been charged as a result of the recommendations made by Justice Cole? Perhaps, those who may be charged would start to ‘sing’ in order to defend their roles?

There’s enough evidence available now, that points to the roles played by the three ‘coalition of the willing’ participants, which also allegedly points to active knowledge and consent for actions in contravention of the Geneva Conventions, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Howard, drunk on his relationship with the ‘big boys’ didn’t believe that he had to comply with the rules laid down by certain bodies, of which this country had been a signatory to. His so-called concern for human rights didn’t extend to those who were illegally killed in wars, or were allegedly illegally detained, or were treated and tortured in contravention of the GC. (Abu Graib is but one example). Howard’s view of democracy, decency and respect for our parliamentary bodies has little resemblance to mine, and I applaud the debate re a Bill of Rights for this country, that would be tough enough to counter another Howard, and his disgraceful brand of democracy and human rights!
Well said, Greg!