Australian Election 2013

This election would have to be the most uninspiring that I've ever had to vote in. The Labor party I just can't seem to be inspired by, I just get that feeling that they are only united because of the election and Kevin will go back to his cranky micro managing everything. The Coalition, well nothing inspiring, no vision. Not that Labor has either...

The only glimmer of hope is that the independents, they will add a bit of color to politics if they get a few seats, even more so if they have the balance of power.

This last parliament I recon they made it harder for the minority government to govern. But they kept the legislative process more accountable. I think there were better outcomes than just a majority labor or liberal party's in power.

So with the minor parties we have Palmer United which appear to be polling well, Katter's Party and the Greens. So Yeah for the minority's and independents!

On a Christian perspective, Mark Connors has it right with politics on his blog a nice balanced perspective.

 

The liberal party and the cattle in the paddock.

 

Your team is only as good as the cattle in the paddock. A lot has been made of Ballieu and his failings as a Premier, since his resignation. But I can't help think the governments issues is also about the quality of ministers. A few examples

Treasurer Kim Wells :: Victoria is now in recession, enough said.

Deputy Ryan :: Overland ex- top cop and his 'resignation' the smell continues to linger.

David Davis :: Everything about health seems to be in crisis: from fixing the problems to even worse problems. Waiting lists have blown.

Mathew Guy planning minister :: Seems to ignore planning advice, but happy to listen to Mr Rob Maclellan about planning issues down in Ventnor. Eventually through strong local protests he backs down...

Our local member Ken Smith :: Still has not replied to my email regarding a secondary School for the island.

I sort of feel sorry for Ted Ballieu, it is no wonder his fortunes faded.

He was gracious how he lead and stepped down. I liked him, his quiet ways. It was refreshing compared when you listen to to federal government. Unlike most politicians I never got the impression he was in it for power. Rather I think he thought he could make a difference.

It will be interesting how the liberals work with 'Christian' Mr Shaw from Frankston, now the king maker. A person who makes obscene gestures in parliament, alleged rortes with his tax payer funded car and his homophobia. (It is a reason you have to be very carefully with the 'Christian' label and politics, it can do more damage than good.)

He reminds me of federal politics where Peter Slipper was a ticking time bomb for the labor party....

 

Un-Christian...

I was discussing with Christina the other night the poor choice of words of Abbot the leader of the Australian political opposition, calling boat refugees 'Unchristian'. We were wondering if there were other words which he may have used; such as "unethical", "morally" for example; which would have represented his view. 

What I thought that Abbott was trying to get accross was people going through the proper process of seeking asylem in Australia while those coming over in boats are 'jumping' the queue.

What I realised is this slip of Abbot's is probably a 'Freudian slip' revealing his undersanding of 'Christian.' One of morals and ethics; as opposed to grace and mercy; which I belive the 'Christian life' weighs towards. For me that is the scarey thing for an opposition leader....

 

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The Spirit of things: The buddhist Athiest

Interesting program on Radio National's Spirit of things with Rachael Kohn, "The Buddhist Atheist" The thing that I found interesting and was how within Buddhism there are those who struggle; that are more 'left' leaning for want of a better word.
The interview is with Buddhist Author and former monk Stephen Bachelor, who doubts reincarnation. It is similar to how liberal Christian often doubt the virgin birth or the atonement etc etc.
What I found interesting is that I think within most major religion there are those that doubt. Who don't fit into the orthodox.