I'd like to see Britain written out of our Constitution. Most of my ancestors didn't have anything to thank the British for.
The idea that any Queen-replacement would be an "activist President" is a red herring put about by people like David Flint who can't bear the thought of having to extract their heads from the Plural Royal Buttocks. Much like the horror of "activist judges" who, you know, uphold the common law and stuff.
Codify the head of state's powers, no alarmism necessary. Make it a bipartisan political appointment, and no amount of striving gets you there.
Oh, and Keating did have down to earth charisma. Haven't you ever read the Keating Insults Page? And let's not forget that after ten years of government and a forcible leadership change, Keating was able to win the public over against Hewson. I'd like to have seen Costello attempt that at the coming election, not that he will now. Anyway, I think it's a mistake to suggest Keating didn't have charisma - if anything, he was more hated because he was charismatic but unlike most politicians, didn't always seek to be a small target.
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branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-26 11:06 pm (UTC)The idea that any Queen-replacement would be an "activist President" is a red herring put about by people like David Flint who can't bear the thought of having to extract their heads from the Plural Royal Buttocks. Much like the horror of "activist judges" who, you know, uphold the common law and stuff.
Codify the head of state's powers, no alarmism necessary. Make it a bipartisan political appointment, and no amount of striving gets you there.
Oh, and Keating did have down to earth charisma. Haven't you ever read the Keating Insults Page? And let's not forget that after ten years of government and a forcible leadership change, Keating was able to win the public over against Hewson. I'd like to have seen Costello attempt that at the coming election, not that he will now. Anyway, I think it's a mistake to suggest Keating didn't have charisma - if anything, he was more hated because he was charismatic but unlike most politicians, didn't always seek to be a small target.