Poetry

Christina has been typing away at night, busily forefilling her commitment to squeeze out a poem for each day of the month. I was particuly fond of this piece of political satire where they are collection of words that have come out of Tony Abbots mouth and Christina has linked them into this piece.

Housewives of Australia
have a bit of sex appeal
very connected
young, feisty
I probably feel a bit threatened

We always have
Enormous numbers of women
They are different
simply doing housework
Focused on the household budget
As they do the ironing
It’s folly to think they will ever dominate
I don’t think its a bad thing at all
—–
The most convenient exit
From awkward situations
The easy way out
To be on Team Australia’s shirtfront
A place for everything
Not everyone’s place
I don’t have any magic answers

You can catch more of Chrisina's month of poetry at Sojourn

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 Redistribution of Bass, maybe some movement on issues...

Certainly were I live Phillip Island there seems to be two main issues.

• The lack of a 24 hour medical facility
• A secondary college

I've the following letter to both federal and state members of parliament::

 

Dear Mr .....

I'm writing to you to voice my concern with the growth of Phillip Island and the lack of infrastructure to accommodate it. A 24 hour medical facility and a secondary school are the most obvious.

The need for a secondary school. At present we have one daughter at Cowes primary who is in prep, she is one of five classes for that age for this School. There are also prep classes in Newhaven and San Remo. It would appear to me that there is more than enough pupils for a secondary School, possibly more than Wonthaggi.

Secondly a hospital. This was brought to my attention in the local Phillip Island Advertiser this week, with a group letter to the editor by prominent locals to the island. Pointing out the inadequacies and inequality of the health provision in the island. I was shocked to see how many much smaller communities have there own hospitals.

I believe that that this will become a real state election issue for residents on the island. At present pointing at Wonthaggi is a cop out. A one road to Wonthaggi which takes up to 45 minutes for some residents on the island is not the answer.

At this stage Mr Greg Hunt our federal representative, got back to me within an hour! He was encouraging to the causes with suggestions on how to get things going.

Yet Mr Ken Smith, no reply...

On his Summer Community Update 2012, lot of photos of Ken... None addressing the most important issues on the island.

I noticed on Anthony Greens blog that Bass electorate is due for an urgent redistribution . 27.5% over quota. Buy goodness I hope Ken starts addresses local issues, retires or gets booted out. I thought the time when the liberal party assumed a "born to rule" mentality was over. Thank goodness Greg Hunt kicks this trend, Im not so sure about Ken Smith though...

 

Gary Bouma on Marriage equality

Christina's has told me one of most interesting lecturers when studying sociology was Gary Bouma; a social researcher and Anglican minister. He has written his support of marriage equality and a few statistics, which are unsurprising! Wow those pentecostals...

 

In 2007, an Australian Electoral Survey of trends in political opinion found that 43% opposed legal recognition of same-sex marriage, and that 66% of Australians declaring "no religion" favoured same-sex marriage, compared with 39% of Catholics and Anglicans, 44% of Uniting Church and 24% of Presbyterians. Meanwhile, the sustained attack on homosexuality by evangelical and Catholic Christians has resulted in high levels of opposition to marriage equality among Pentecostals and Evangelicals. Catholics, however, have the lowest rate of opposition (60% in 2009) compared with 100% of Pentecostals and 79% of Baptists.

 

Unsettling the ALP, Obama supports gay marriage::

Its fascinating that Obama has revealed his support for gay marriage. The ramifications for socially conservative America will be interesting to watch play out as the elections unfold.

Hot out of the blocks was Julia Gillard, from the left side of the ALP continuing her support for marriage as it stands.

It's interesting; I would have thought that this could have been a politically astute moment. Switch her position. It would take the heat off a number of things such as Slipper and Thompson. It would be a real differentiation between her and Abbott. As opposoed to an issue where the voters have to make up there own mind on who has the better health, ecconomic, social, etc etc policy. Gillard is loosing these battles as it is.

Gillard was to quick, this may have been an opportunity to increase Labors pathetic primary vote; alas I think she will miss the opportunity.

Politics, Federal and State

 

I haven't written about politics for a long time. Its rather depressing, for someone who sits on the center left. Federally Gillard wont last till Christmas. Damaged; beyond repair. Back stabbing Rudd, breaking promises through political necessary. Slippery Slipper and the stench of corrupt unions. Gone.

The alternative is worse. The only vision that I can see Abbott make is backwards to the Victorian era.The 2007 campaign it was full of vision; the NBN, a greener future, smarter education. It's that visioning, thinking big. There is no such thing federally anymore. Ahh those were the days.

The Victorian state scene is not much better. I sort of have a soft spot for Ted Bailliue. He seems to be like a startled rabbit caught in head lights and not knowing what to do. I sort of get the feeling that Ted wants to do the best by everyone but because of the side his on and colleagues around him can't do such a thing.

Thus anything green, or remotely associated with the left side of politics, it's been cut.

I have a feeling that Baillieu will only last a term, every cut he has made has affected everyone. Not good for a one seat majority.The cuts in the budget he has made will just increase the likely hood of a mini-depression in Victoria. A year from now we will know. If you have a job, hold on....