It is all quite complicated.

I like to see the diplomatic relations between the countries. It appears in my estimation that the better the leaders treat each other, that the citizens will follow suit. Trade opportunities are gained by good communication, and cooperation between governments. Local customs can be respected, and everyone can gain from these encounters. The opposite is true. Primary examples include George Bush vs Hugo Chavez. One could also recall relations with Iran and North Korea. Friendships between leaders can become strong as well. It has been reported that Jacques Chirac was close to Saddam Hussein.

I have finally found an article in which I quite enjoy commenting about. The issue is now a non issue here in Australia but nevertheless is an interesting one. The great Amanda Vanstone ridiculed by the former leader of the opposition in a cheap shot at her uh, girth has been in politics for over 20 years. She has just been dumped as a Minister in the Howard Government with the latest cabinet reshuffle. Now you have to understand that we are coming into an election year. The PM can do what he likes and if the polls are any indication he will not be doing what he wants within his party for very much longer.

Diplomatic protocol appears to have been breached by Australia in rushing to appoint the before mentioned, Amanda Vanstone as the new Ambassador to Italy. The appointment was done just hours after her resignation from the Senate and without consent from Italy. It is widely believed that the appointment was done before the long standing diplomatic convention of advising the country and it being approved. This courtesy was not followed, it is thought. The present incumbent is being recalled before his tenure in the post is up. Peter Woolcott, a respected career diplomat will give up the final six months to make way for the “hefty chick” which formally was the head of the Immigration portfolio.

I would have liked to be privy to the conversations between our John Howard, his advisors and Ms Amanda Vanstone. I have seen her conduct interviews with the press and it appears as though she was always in complete control. Can you imagine her alone with the “rat,” Johnnie, all 5’3 of him and 51 kg?

“John I want a plum posting.” “Now”
“Uh yes well as the Leader of the Australian people and a man who demands a very large re…..”
“John. JOHN. Stop with that rubbish already”
“But but Mandy, as I was saying before, the people of Australia, within the Commonwealth and those people being a wonderful example of humanity, an excellent example of…..”
“JOHN JOHN JOHN….AAAAAAAAAAAARRRGH”

After body slamming him the real negotiations began.

Her official quote to the press in which she would not say when she was formally offered the job was that it was “all quite complicated.”

Kevin Rudd, the opposition leader says that “the Government is turning the diplomatic service into a Liberal Party employment agency, just in terms of sheer numbers.” He went further in saying that he didn’t have anything against Amanda but he feels that Howard is becoming arrogant with the use of these positions. As I said before, he is the PM and can do as he pleases. And he does.