Swearing is under the spotlight as a result of the leaked out takes of former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. (You can see it here.) ABC political panel discussion show, Q & A, is deep in discussion about whether such behaviour makes him fit for public office.
I've watched it and I'm wondering what all the fuss is about. This is a man frustrated, probably working on little sleep trying to record a message while speaking one of the Chinese languages (Mandarin or Cantonese, I can't remember.) We all suffer from frustration. I imagine being a politician would mean you're exposed to pretty high levels of frustration all the time.
While I believe that it's reasonable to hold people in public office to high standards of behaviour, I also think it's reasonable to remember that they are merely people.
Daniel Hannan, the poor overseas guest on Q & A said tonight, everyone swears and he didn't really expect that Australia would be filled with swooning maidens blushing at the language. I don't think that is what's going on. The footage can only be viewed through the lens of the current leadership rumblings. If you go to the movies or turn on the television you'll hear far worse and it will be spoken by people who can act. Generally.
The footage is bizarre. I watch it and see a man acting out a tantrum. It's as if this was filmed last week to look as though it happened a couple of years ago and then "leaked" to give Rudd the opportunity to tell the world that he used to be a naughty boy, but he's all better now.
Labor needs to stop acting like they're in opposition and start acting like they're in government. Labor's behaviour is on track to deliver us Tony Abbott as PM and that is a disgrace. I don't care if a leader shows frustration. I do care if they direct it at other people, particularly other people at a power disadvantage.
The video means nothing. Can we talk about something else now?
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