The Kevin Rudd Solution

And when will we take an honest and unflinching look at the real story of asylum seekers who have settled very successfully in this country, and contributed greatly to its character and its economy?

And how much more taxpayers’ money will we tolerate being thrown at a politically manufactured problem that has no existence in reality?

This situation is reminiscent of the imaginary weapons of mass destruction that were used to haul us, protesting mightily but ineffectually, into an illegal war on Iraq. A threat is fabricated. Enough of the populace is frightened. The leaders offer a solution to the fabricated threat, and relief from anxiety. The fearful populace is grateful for this act of constructed beneficence, and admiring of the leaders who’ve saved it from an unthinkable fate.

This formula will continue to work as long as there are enough punters to buy into it. But be warned, politicians. Every day more and more of us catch onto what it is you’re doing. And we are schooling our young to recognise cynical emotional manipulation when they see it.

As the Prime Minister has, of his own free will, made such a song and dance about his beliefs and principles, we have every right to demand that he put his money where his mouth is and act on the principles he has so lengthily espoused. He has described himself to voters as being of a certain character. If he continues to act in opposition to that character while simultaneously claiming the high moral ground, he can expect to be accused of serious hypocrisy. He can also expect to be accused of “lacking backbone” and “credibility”, of “failing to walk his talk”, and of “banging on an empty drum”.

Or as the King James Bible so succinctly puts it: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.”

Thank you, St Paul.