Path to power paved in pennies
Two parties is no party in the dominant duo-political logjam. It’s not the best example of democracy. Not much differentiates the Federal ALP from the Coalition. The conservative atmosphere we live in allows only minor variations of the current political agenda, so big business and affluent Australia feel safe.
Kevin and his 07 cheerleaders are hoping that the “fresh is best” approach may tear some voters away from the staid and predictable path of John Howard. Incumbent governments in this country historically have the upper hand and the silly aphorism “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” works for the idiots who failed to look under the bonnet before buying the lemon that had a lick of paint to detract from the rotten innards.
Rudd adroitly dances the trade liberalisation two-step. He must be seen to support much of the new world fiscal order lest he be tainted as a red. Social justice and human rights aren’t big election issues, but the purses, cash clips and faux Gucci man bags dictate the current agenda. Rudd is corralled into a conservative debate whilst the vultures of the Christian right hover.
Hubris, promises and a spending frenzy are what is dominating the race to the comfy chairs of the Lodge and Kirribilli House and I am fascinated to see what sticks once the party is over for another four years.
I Googled, Mytubed, Yourspaced and Arsebooked my way through cyberspace after noting the conspicuous absence of any campaign info regarding GLBTI. I wasn’t surprised. Most folk prefer we just lead our lives discreetly, gratefully, and not next door.
Meanwhile, equality before the law remains elusive. I’m not interested in marriage, gay or straight, but I certainly want those who are to have that right. Both Rudd and Howard fail the test when it comes to same-sex rights.
Violence against GLBTI will not seriously change until we are no longer an issue, i.e. treated like any other Australians. Homophobia begins at an early age, with schools often the early breeding ground for this misunderstanding, bigotry and discrimination.
Frankly, I only vote Green. They are the only party in my mind who have had a longstanding commitment to really important issues surrounding our so-called democracy and social justice. I’ll be talking more about this next week and the importance of the independence and integrity of our Senate.
