[Konovalov]

Take note. Wise words from one of our nations most successful PM's ever. I've now voted for him in three successive elections. He has done wonders for our country, in particular the economy .

We all need Uncle Sam: PM

By Phillip Coorey Political Correspondent in Chicago
May 19, 2006

THE Prime Minister has launched a tirade against anti-Americanism, saying the world needs US influence as much as it ever did, if not more.

In an address to the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations John Howard aimed his comments at those inside and outside the US unhappy with the Bush Administration's foreign policy direction.

"To the voices of anti-Americanism around the world, to those who shout 'Yankee, go home', let me offer some quiet advice: be careful what you wish for'," he said.

"None of our global challenges, from defeating terror, to widening economic opportunity, to building a world order based on mutual respect, can be secured without American power and American purpose.

"It is vital, for America's interests as much as those of the rest of the world, that America not retreat.

"No dominant power in history has brought to bear the righteous force or generous countenance of the United States of America."

His speech followed a theme he had been warming to during his five-day visit to the US. He was to leave yesterday for Canada, and was then to travel to Ireland.

His talks with the Bush Administration reaffirmed Australia's solid support for the US in Iraq and Afghanistan and its desire for a United Nations-brokered solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. He also backed the US push for Europeans to drop their farm subsidies and embrace global free trade.

Mr Howard said that if the US retreated into its shell, darker and more sinister forces would start influencing the world.

"Without American leadership, the trials and tragedies of recent years could be but a prelude of darker days to come," he said.

Reasserting the value of free and open societies was the most effective response to terrorism and tyranny, and this was why Australia had joined the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan without hesitation, he said.

"I share your President's resolve to prevail in Iraq. Australia is with you. We will stay the course. We will finish the job."

To critics of the Administration, he said its effort had led to Libya renouncing weapons of mass destruction and Syria backing down, including reducing its influence in Lebanon.

Other concerns - the Taiwan Strait, the Korean peninsula, Kashmir, South-East Asian terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction - all needed US leadership and engagement to be resolved, or even managed.

The rapid emergence of a global middle class, as evidenced in China and India, was "history's vindication" of US leadership.

"A global middle class would not have been possible without American power and purpose in the last 60 years," he said.

Mr Howard said the US was leading the way again in helping those still impoverished by promising to cut its own trade barriers, and he urged the Europeans to follow suite or the forthcoming world trade talks would collapse.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/we-...545460833.html