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Australian Prime Minister Says It's Tough Being Childless

Can you guess which developed nation may impose more prejudice against its out-of-the-box leader than the United States? If you guessed Australia, you'd be right.

Did you know that a slim redhead named Julia Dillard is the first woman prime minister of Australia?  

The 50-year-old was also that country's first PM to take an affirmation of office instead of swearing on a Bible.  

AND, she was the first to share the official residence with her boyfriend, often referred to as the "First Bloke." 

During meetings this month with President Barack Obama, Ms. Gillard told guests at a fundraising dinner that she's "good mates" with the president.  She joked, "I tell him, 'You think it's tough being African-American? Try being me. Try being an atheist, childless, single woman as prime minister."  

Ms. Gillard currently suffers from a 59% disapproval rating and is charged with being unable to relate to Australia's families. 

James Thomas April 13, 2012 at 11:49 am
And this is supposed to make me "sympathetic" to her and to your blog?
Damon koch April 13, 2012 at 10:40 pm
I'm a little flumaxed as to the point of your post?
Karen Malone Wright April 15, 2012 at 06:23 pm
Brevity didn't help! I'd hoped to draw attention to this woman who is a "first" in so many ways that are hard to imagine in U.S. politics. She, or her opponents, could claim any one of her many "first" descriptors, including childlessness, as to why some constituents believe she doesn't understand them. minute of attention.
tom m April 15, 2012 at 11:00 pm
I do like the picture of 2 clueless leaders who have no idea what they are doing
James Thomas April 16, 2012 at 05:04 pm
Whaa?
Fran April 21, 2012 at 04:09 pm
Good for her! Many closet atheists out there - including regular church-goers. Many women getting married just because society expects them to and looks askance at single women -- are they cougars, gay, trying to steal your husband? Bah! She's honest, and still got to be prime minister. And certainly no one should have children unless they have a strong desire to parent. I will try to learn more about this admirable lady.
Dan LaVigne April 21, 2012 at 06:33 pm
With all the hatred coming out of the mouths of Christians in this country, antheists sound more normal in their believes and lives. An example is the Catholic Church and not punishing priests who abused young children
tom m April 21, 2012 at 06:37 pm
As I stand here quietly not able to disagree with any of your comments

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Diane H. Dreizen June 18, 2013 at 05:19 pm
I agree. I had even been tempted to start a blog just before this new and "improved"Read More layout. No longer interested in doing that - can't find anything on this patch.
Garry Kanter June 14, 2013 at 04:07 pm
That's odd. I was at the previous meeting, my first - on Global Warming, paid dues for the firstRead More time ever, wrote down my e-mail more than once, and still had no idea there was a meeting was last night.
Patti Weber Flanagin June 13, 2013 at 01:28 pm
Location is on Ormond Road, between Lee and South Taylor (the Heights main library is on the corner)
Garry Kanter June 15, 2013 at 01:58 pm
Diane, for what it's worth, I believe FutureHeights has announced their intention to have a meetingRead More where the community can discuss ideas for Severance.
bachtobroadway42 June 17, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Along those lines, Diane, I thought an indoor greenhouse would be a good idea. Classes on how toRead More create gardens, grow food, store and preserve food would be an asset to the City.
Glinda Smith June 18, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Diane H. Dreizen & bachtobroadway42 - what interesting ideas! I'd love to see the whole messRead More raised and the area turned into a public park/recreation area with walking trails, bicycle paths, community gardens, etc. It seems the wind turbines could be in a place like that too. That's my dream, but we'll probably get some hideous redundant commercial development instead.
Garry Kanter June 7, 2013 at 03:55 pm
sb: this column
Denise Hilow Miller June 11, 2013 at 04:19 pm
Just ignore them then. The important thing is what we're talking about HERE.
Garry Kanter June 11, 2013 at 05:43 pm
Please join the conversation. The proposed school bond would be a timely starting point!