By bringing back Dames and Knights is Abbott acting like Putin. The comparison can be made. Neither consulted his immediate political advisors before they acted. This is reminiscent of Kevin Rudd before he was shown the door. It could also be said about John Howard before he ignominiously lost his safe Liberal seat when he lost his last election.
Total power totally corrupts and Tony Abbott is acting as if he holds all the power. Of course, the Senate is controlled by Labor, the Greens and Independents at the moment, so he cannot do everything he wishes. It also seems certain that he will not fully control the Senate when the newly elected Senators take their seats. The worry is the leader and cabinet can do many things that do not have to be reviewed by the Senate. That is why they call it the executive. Leaders of some countries have even gone to war when this power has not been given to them in the constitution.
The "knee jerk" behavior of a leader is worrying. One wonders what will be coming next - a ban on gay celebrations? Cabinet is already planning to allow racial abuse by striking out legislation. While Coalition politicians argue that they are making things better, their arguments are on sandy ground. Instead of consistent laws they are making some legislation incompatible with other legislation. The High Court will get even more work to settle arguments over racial vilification.
Let's face it people do not like a dictatorial leader. Consultation with cabinet is expected in a democracy. There are worrying signs across the world of democracy being watered-down. Leaders are seemingly doing just as they please. However, there could be a price to pay. For example, will Putin win the next election if Russia goes into recession due to his shocking behavior?
Politics by Ty Buchanan
