Jingoistic propaganda

It is now a statistical fact that the majority of enfranchised Australians are overtly xenophobic, racist, and show a greater affinity for jingoistic propaganda than for any reasoned argument.

On the back of the hubris of division and difference and mendacious mumbo-jumbo the Howard government has retained power, ensuring the continuation of Australia's standing as a geographical and philosophical anomaly in the context of the nations of the southern hemisphere. For we Australians who are deeply offended by Howard's inept and disingenuous foreign policy rantings it is a sobering thought which could drive us to drink.

I would ask Indonesians, however, not to judge all Australians by the shabby standards of their nation's head of state. Many of us, especially those of us who have spent considerable time in Indonesia, greatly appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the Indonesian people, and value the lessons to be learnt from cultural and philosophical diversity.

John Howard should now do the right thing and install Pauline Hanson as his deputy because most of his campaign ideas, after all, were hers.

ANDREW HALL

Ubud, Bali