I agree. The Aust-US alliance should be one of mutual respect, but in truth we revel in being someone's little buddy, and that's how the US treats us and regards us really. When Trump spoke to Turnbull like a dog a little while back it wasn't just Trump being Trump, but a glimpse of the reality of US elite attitude to Australia. He let it slip, and they smoothed it over afterwards. Australia should be a country of principles, and we are, but mostly other country's principles. Of course, the Australian political, business and media elite maintain a concerted effort to discourage Australian self-criticism or even serious self reflection. The mantra and reverberating echo of Australian self-congratulation fills our media and public discourse. You can say anything you like about Australia, as long as it's glowing and not critical. This is never more truer than talking about our foreign policy. I've refused to go along with this mantra for years. It started with the right wing, but has now corrupted left of centre politics as well, just as conservative ideology had corrupted just about everything else about progressive politics. So, no, don't expect Australia to stand up against anything any US governments do. That's not what little buddies do. Little buddies are with you right or wrong, even while you're kicking them.