PM blamed for increased terrorism risk(Australia and Iraq)

[cal04]

ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope says Prime Minister John Howard must shoulder the blame for the increased risk of terrorism in Australia. Mr Stanhope was responding to yesterday's counter-terrorism raids in Melbourne and Sydney.

He has applauded police for their actions but says the arrests should not be used as an excuse by the Government to wind back the concessions achieved on counter-terrorism laws. Mr Stanhope says the Prime Minister must acknowledge Australia's involvement in Iraq has come at a cost.

"To continue to heap on one group of Australians responsibility for the behaviour of people over whom they have no control, without at the same time saying: 'and we the rest of Australia will accept our responsibility for what it is that we have done that has increased or enhanced the risk of terrorism'," Mr Stanhope said. "That goes straight to the heart of the Prime Minister's responsibility and culpability in taking Australia into an illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200511/s1500958.htm

[foreigncorrespondent]

1. He needs to change it to...

"and we, those idiots who voted for me (Howard) and supported this war in Iraq will accept our responsibility for what it is that we have done that has increased or enhanced the risk of terrorism."

But I do agree. The PM does need to take responsibility for what he has done.

[ShockediSay]

2. Sorta blows the hell outa

"we're fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them here" argument.

[Matilda]

3. I like Jon Stanhope.

He's the only Labor leader with the guts to really go for John
Howard. I hope he will run for a Federal seat next election.