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Last updated on July 13th, 2017 at 01:55 pm
Aaron Timms in the SMH:
The moment it became clear Labor had won last Saturday night, Kevin Rudd should have printed off the Kyoto Protocol and emailed a signed PDF copy to Al Gore.
That must be the correct procedure when dealing with the world ambassador on climate change. Trouble is, ratifying Kyoto might not be so simple:
Donald Rothwell, professor of international law at the Australian National University College of Law, said the normal method for ratifying treaties was not a speedy process and it was highly improbable it could be achieved by the end of the year …
“The simple act of ratifying Kyoto may create the first set of headaches for the new government,” Professor Rothwell said.
They’ve already broken their first promise. But at least Kevin Rudd is able to speak with Al Gore:
Climate-change campaigner Al Gore’s problems with getting access to an Australian prime minister are well and truly over.
“G’day, Kevin,” was the former US vice-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner’s greeting to Kevin Rudd when he telephoned the prime
minister-elect on Monday to congratulate him.“Actually, I’ve taught Al how to say g’day. As you know, with some of our American friends it’s very hard to get it quite right,” Mr Rudd told reporters in Brisbane.
Rudd plans to “resume that conversation [at the UN climate change summit] in Bali over a strong cup of tea – or something stronger.” Something stronger? Sounds like another Scores fiasco is on the way. Dance, Al, dance! Rudd does have a point, though, about differences in American and Australian language. For example, US writer Patricia Cornwell recently described her marriage to another woman in these terms:
Finally, I feel rooted somewhere.
Full marks to the Australian subeditor at the UK Telegraph who used that in the headline.
(Via Andrew P.)
“I feel rooted somewhere.”
Yes, a very graceful and gracious headline, fer sure.
I reckon that, as describing acts of coition, “root” is used generally in the USA for barnyard animals. From “rut”?Posted by Harry Bergeron on 2007 11 28 at 12:35 PM • permalink
“Actually, I’ve taught Al how to say g’day. As you know, with some of our American friends it’s very hard to get it quite right,”
Al Gore (waiting nervously for Kevin Rudd to pick up the phone): Geez, I hope I get this right. Oh, er, hello? Ah, goodong, Kevin!
Voice: This is the international operator. Your party has asked to reverse the charges, Mr. Gore.
Al: What? Oh, sure, sure. That’s fine. I don’t really need to buy another computer monitor, anyway.
Operator: Go ahead, Mr. Gore.
Al: Goody, Kevin!
Kevin: Thank you, Al. Yes, I’m happy about it, too.
Al: Happy about what?
Kevin: The election. Isn’t that what you were talking about? You said, “goody”.
Al: No, no, date. I’m employing the traditional Australian greeting. Goodoo!
Kevin: Pardon me, but did you say “date”?
Al: Yes. “Goodoo, date!”
Kevin: I believe you mean, “G’day, mate!”
Al: Absolutely. “Godhay, nate!” So, Kev, are you ready to sign the Kyoto Treaty?
Kev: I’m sharpening my crayon, Al! Say, I hope you’ll forgive me, but I’ve got a call on another line. Hooroo!
Al: It’s Al. Al Gore. Hoo roo? Roo not Kevin?
*Click* *Hummmmmm…*
Finally, the head of the Australian government will give Agore the respect he deserves. This almost makes up for Florida.
Posted by Kyda Sylvester on 2007 11 28 at 01:41 PM • permalink
Second promise also broken yesterday with both Mr and Mrs Dudd refusing to confirm they will live in the Lodge.
Posted by AlphaMikeFoxtrot on 2007 11 28 at 02:18 PM • permalink
Sounds like we need some committees to get onto this over the next few years.
BTW I hear that Rudd stole a number of Aboriginal babies from their families last century. Clearly, he must apologise.
BTWII: An exclusive picture of Rudd’s new lodgings.
Posted by Margos Maid on 2007 11 28 at 03:29 PM • permalink
One of his first acts as PM is to ring and suck up to Al Gore?
Religion and Politics should be separated.
Posted by Abu Chowdah on 2007 11 28 at 03:30 PM • permalink
- Is ratifying Kyoto something Kevni gets to do by his lonesome, or is there some kind of democratic element involved – you know, a Parliamentary process of sorts?
Here in the good ol’ USA, Bubba Clinton sent Kyoto to the Senate who shitcanned it 95-0.
Or as the AP likes to report it, how “Bush rejected Kyoto.”
If he’d teach Al to say “No worries”, now that would be a service.
Posted by Paul Zrimsek on 2007 11 28 at 03:40 PM • permalink
Kevin Rudd’s all-new conga line of suckholes.
Posted by Quentin George on 2007 11 28 at 04:00 PM • permalink
#15 quoll; Here’s one.
Posted by dean martin on 2007 11 28 at 07:55 PM • permalink
And Al Gore breaks the habit of a lifetime and phones in his congratulations rather than flying over in person on a private jet. But does this mean that his carbon-credit-selling company will have to give him a refund?
Posted by andycanuck on 2007 11 29 at 01:59 AM • permalink
- This post has proved two things:
1) You don’t have to be an illiterate retard to write for the Sydney Morning Herald, but it’s the only way you’re ever going to get promoted.2) Kevin Rudd was either a seriously crap diplomat, or he went and fudged through a campaign promise he knew he couldn’t keep. Could the press pack please get off their knees, swallow whatever’s in their mouths or remove lips from Rudd’s arse, and ask?Posted by Craig Ranapia (OtherPundit) on 2007 11 29 at 03:36 AM • permalink
#9. No, there’s no need to submit treaties to any outside body for ratification – all it takes is a cabinet decision. But in the USA treaties have the force of law, unless they specifically say they don’t; in most countries, including Australia, treaties just agreements the government has signed, and don’t have much effect on anybody else. Rudd can sign Kyoto tomorrow morning, but that would just obligate Australia to pass laws implementing its provisions; and those laws have to pass through Parliament, just like any law does. And until 30-Jun-2008 the Coalition still has an absolute majority in the Senate (though Nelson seems to have rolled over, so that becomes moot).
You’ve got the same problem as Al – although he signed the Kyoto treaty, the US Senate declined to acquiesce to his request (means “no”)…