Challenge: write positive and negative intros to the news of Kevin Rudd's new plan to make Australia the most Asia-literate country in the world.

1) AUSTRALIAN schoolchildren will be given every opportunity to succeed in the world's fastest growing Asian economies thanks to a new Federal Government plan.

2) DESPITE already falling well behind in English literacy, Aussie kids will be forced to learn Asian languages thanks to another Kevin Rudd idea.

I actually like the idea. I was just thinking today about how much money there is to make in Asia. The possibilities are huge. So it makes sense that given our location and large Asian population, we should aim to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. Of course, I think we should retain our strong history of Western liberal democracy. Many Asian cultures have a paternalistic view of the state that would not suit Australia in the slightest.