Hung up on power

ONE can begin to think that the politicians now on the benches of Parliament are no more than an array of teenagers, spoiling for a fight. I doubt if there is a statesman among them.
I can understand that in a “hung parliament” there will be every effort to stay in power but don’t see why the government should consider that in such a situation the opposition, whose role it is to question government legislation and work for its downfall, should be expected to just give the nod of approval to government legislation as the present one is doing.
I also don’t consider the “pairing” arrangement should be adhered to so that the government will always have the numbers to stifle any debate without fear of being outnumbered.
Something else being aired in the media is the role of “human rights” organisations to the fore in criticism of western behaviour, especially in combat situations.
It is those organisations that have initiated charges that civilians, especially children, have been targeted by our forces. I find this strange when these organisations are totally mute when our opponents delight in civilian casualties; it is their main military tactic.
Could it be because of financial donations? Would such organisations question a large donation with just one condition, to look the other way?
Richard Ryan,
Dandenong.