Australia PM has got skills

November 30, 2007 on 11:07 pm | In Language, Other | | Email This Post

I’m jealous, Australia’ PM-elect Kevin Rudd speaks Mandarin Chinese.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN42pk7eozk

While on the other hand my president…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa3J-L29iT8

The grass is always greener…

- Harvey

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4 Comments »

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  1. Gravatar

    One thing, though - It seems like he’s threatening to destroy relations with Japan because there is no ban on whaling in the country. Lately, it seems like all the rage for Western nations to hate Japan for something. I mean, when Canada jumps on board the hate wagon for no reason, it must be a trend.

    Comment by Alex — December 1, 2007 #

  2. Gravatar

    I know Spanish is a lot easier for an English speaker than Mandarin, but it’s gotta count for something, right?

    Granted, Bush’s Spanish isn’t perfect, but neither are his speeches in English. :)

    Comment by Mac — December 1, 2007 #

  3. Gravatar

    Meh. For the President at least, his job as a figurehead in foreign policy stuff is secondary to his domestic leadership role and status as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in my opinion. In short, I’d love to see some multilingual (fluent) Presidents in the future, but I wouldn’t vote for someone based on my prejudice for people who can speak another language well. (And yes, I am admitting to really liking that quality here. Just saying I wouldn’t vote on it.) In some ways, it would be as trivial as asking for a President who is a fashion leader. Great. It will win points in some places, but for the job itself, it’s not actually all that necessary. I’d be far more concerned with his politics and policy ideas. You know?

    Not trying to be negative. Just being honest about it. Also, I think like Alex does - and I worry about Japan’s relationship with Australia at this point. But yeah, so far as the Mandarin goes - Bravo, Prime Minister Rudd. :-)

    Comment by Deas — December 1, 2007 #

  4. Gravatar

    I’m not a political buff really either but… Hey look at this.
    Mr. Rudd picked up the Kyoto protocol.

    http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/03/asia/AS-GEN-Australia-New-Government.php

    Comment by harvey — December 3, 2007 #

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