Something that has caught my attention over the last little while has been the case of Julian Assange and Wikileaks.
I have to express my outrage firstly at some of the comments of our Prime Minister and Attorney General. Too fast to judge and far too eager to impugn his innocence were outrageous and inappropriate of them. I am stunned that an Australian citizen could be thrown to the American wolves almost with glee by the leader of the country and our leading lawmaker. I thought those days were behind us when the Howard Government fell. God help all of us, we can even have our passport taken from us. This is disgusting, an act of errant betrayal. Thank God for Kevin Rudd who appears to provide some sense of sanity in government circles. We already turned our back on one Australian and let him languish in a hellhole in Cuba for 5 years, we can't let that happen again.
The leaks are neither here nor there in the end, gossip and snide remarks from diplomats and staffers who clearly lack either discretion or class. Big bloody deal, let's be clear no one's life is in danger, no governments will fall and no war will break out because of what WikiLeaks has published. so let's chill and show a bit of maturity.
Clearly the US government wants to do him in, hellbent on destroying his reputation particularly...oh diddums. Poor centre of Western civilisation, someone called you on your own bad behaviour and overly sensitive psyches...suck it up I say. Be mature enough to say 'ok we got caught, someone cracked our secrets. We shouldn't have been so easy to bring unstuck, how can we fix it'. Hell, there might even be cause to thank Assange!
So some naughty army person got bored in Iraq or Afghanistan and instead of killing his brain cells watching Internet porn he crashed into some juicy documents and sent them off to the leak place. If anyone really cares about the content then it's the GI who has broken laws not Assange. He is doing no more than all the newspapers that re publishing the leaks have done.He is merely the conduit to the story.
In case you are unsure, Assange's arrest in London is related to a number of sexual assault claims in Sweden. As I understand it he hasn't been charged as such but is subject to a deportation order to answer the allegations against him. I have no sympathy for sexual predators of any sort but I do hold dear the concept of innocent until proven guilty. Here is my understanding of what happened to lead to these claims.
He attended a series of meeting of a left wing group in Sweden, staying at an apartment and slept with the woman who owned the flat. On one occasion his condom broke. Visiting a small town (the town where the shifting spanner was invented - but that's another story) he hooked up with another woman who was attracted to him (a fan would be an apt term), they slept together and one time he had unprotected sex with her. She knew of the first woman and called her to say she was worried about the unprotected sex. The first woman tells her about the broken condom. Diseases, unwanted pregnancies etc entered the picture not to mention a bit of 'he screwed you while he had been sleeping with me?'. They went to the cops, admitting all acts were consensual but the investigator told them they had grounds for charges under Sweden's quirky rape laws(in some cases it can be argued coercion may be said to occur if the sex act might endanger life or liberty - in this case the unprotected sex and the broken condom could be seen as that).
So when the claims were examined by a prosecutor she dismissed them out of hand as not having any solid basis. However when the women asked for that decision to be reviewed (and we are now at the exact time the current leaks were surfacing), the authorities decided to go for him.
I'm not sure that questionable morals, voracious sexual appetites and just plain stupid acts are grounds for prosecution but there we have it.
What I'm hoping is that everyone will look at what is happening with open eyes and scepticism and not accept all that is going to be thrown around about Assange. I'm not sure he's a saint but I'm pretty sure he's not evil.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Gone Too Soon
I farewelled a good man today.
Last week the sad news that this good man had died was delivered and, as is the way with such news, it was hard to process and harder to believe. He was a man who seemed to be full of life, such was his humour and good spirits. But now he was gone. Not apparently or obviously unwell (oh that bastard of a deception) he was felled by his heart, the heart that was behind the way he touched so many lives. But now that had been stopped, damn it.
He and I shared many funny and thoughtful moments, roughly of the same generation, we reflected on all that was wrong with the world and how everyone else (especially those young things) of course needed to be reminded how the world really worked. When either of us got a hint that Rivers had clothes or shoes on special we let the other know, although sometimes that might be after one of us had been over and got our spoils first. I well remember a pretty vivid pinkish shirt he scored over there, but hey it was only $12.
Today I saw 100 or so people stop for an hour to remember him, to remind themselves of how thios good man had made a difference to them. The family members who spoke were so very clear and thoughtful in their words, amidst the tears and that awful gaping hurt they must have been feeling. Another bastard of a thing that. What a terrific family they seem to be, so fine and dignified and a testament to the parenting they had and the lessons they must have taken and chose to use as they have journeyed through their lives.
Here was what would be called an ordinary man and yet...
I believe we are all here to make a difference and many of us don't understand the ways in which we actually achieve that. It can be a momentary encounter with someone, or it can be through years of a relationship or a job. It might even be through some reflections in a blog. This good man had obviously made some kind of a difference to all these people, enough for each of them to want to say 'goodbye'.
This good man was often someone who was simply 'there'. He'd often wander past my desk and say 'second shift reporting for duty'. Some days were filled with his laughter and many others just with his presence. I realised last week what I now will miss, sometimes we don't know what we will miss until it's gone.
That can make a bloke cry.
Amongst an incredibly beautiful setting of rolling, verdant hills we all said farewell to this good man.
RIP Geoff Webb, how blessed was I to know you,good man thank you...couldn't you have stayed just a little longer?
Last week the sad news that this good man had died was delivered and, as is the way with such news, it was hard to process and harder to believe. He was a man who seemed to be full of life, such was his humour and good spirits. But now he was gone. Not apparently or obviously unwell (oh that bastard of a deception) he was felled by his heart, the heart that was behind the way he touched so many lives. But now that had been stopped, damn it.
He and I shared many funny and thoughtful moments, roughly of the same generation, we reflected on all that was wrong with the world and how everyone else (especially those young things) of course needed to be reminded how the world really worked. When either of us got a hint that Rivers had clothes or shoes on special we let the other know, although sometimes that might be after one of us had been over and got our spoils first. I well remember a pretty vivid pinkish shirt he scored over there, but hey it was only $12.
Today I saw 100 or so people stop for an hour to remember him, to remind themselves of how thios good man had made a difference to them. The family members who spoke were so very clear and thoughtful in their words, amidst the tears and that awful gaping hurt they must have been feeling. Another bastard of a thing that. What a terrific family they seem to be, so fine and dignified and a testament to the parenting they had and the lessons they must have taken and chose to use as they have journeyed through their lives.
Here was what would be called an ordinary man and yet...
I believe we are all here to make a difference and many of us don't understand the ways in which we actually achieve that. It can be a momentary encounter with someone, or it can be through years of a relationship or a job. It might even be through some reflections in a blog. This good man had obviously made some kind of a difference to all these people, enough for each of them to want to say 'goodbye'.
This good man was often someone who was simply 'there'. He'd often wander past my desk and say 'second shift reporting for duty'. Some days were filled with his laughter and many others just with his presence. I realised last week what I now will miss, sometimes we don't know what we will miss until it's gone.
That can make a bloke cry.
Amongst an incredibly beautiful setting of rolling, verdant hills we all said farewell to this good man.
RIP Geoff Webb, how blessed was I to know you,good man thank you...couldn't you have stayed just a little longer?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Putting the Pen Away for Another Year
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| Tony Martin, Charlie Pickering and Steve Tolz |
Now the rant is out of the way, the boys were pretty entertaining and the topic obviously peaked my interest. I chatted to tony afterwards as I had loved his latest book and he was as pleasant in reality as he comes across in his writing, oh and he's genuinely funny. Ms D - give it a rest, you screwed up badly and you unfortunately showed your cards, live with it.
Today two sessions to finish off the Fest for me.
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| Luang Namtha - Jack Faine photo |
After a short coffee break it was into the BMW Edge for a session featuring William Shawcross. most recently he wrote the mammoth 'official' biography of the Queen Mother but has also written bios of the Shah, Rupert Murdoch and Alexander Dubcek. Lots of interesting stuff: the tradition is that the official biography of a Royal can only be written after the death of the subject and that person is selected by the 'firm'. He was given total unhindered access to the Royal archives, the QM;s letters and papers and his book contains a lot of her personal letters. The only real 'intervention' came when he submitted the text to the Queen for review. It came back with only a couple of fact corrections ( a date here and there) but no edits or requests for changes. He read one very moving journal entry she wrote in 1939 on the day Hitler invaded Poland and the British PM announced they were now at war with Germany. She speaks of going back to her room and praying with the King for peace and then feeling the tears on her cheeks and she thinks of the affect the war will have on 'the people' and how hard it will be for many of them. Interesting to think this was someone who had no formal education and was from immense privilege and yet had compassion for others. She had been brought up to know obligation, discretion and restraint and to have a love of family, a love of God and a love of Country. Towards the end the family called her the 'Imperial Ostrich' because she simply wouldn't involve herself in any of the dramas the family went through. She seems to have copped criticism for not taking a stand when Charles and Di were splitting up but this was a 92 year old woman, what would she think she might add?
So another Fest over for another year. Readings can pack up its store, Fed Square tenants can get back to the normal , the writers probably have a few more stories to swap at dinner parties and the literary luvvies can take it easy again for a while. Maybe they can stop and think how to queue properly, why it might not be nicer if they didn't yabber when event speakers are having their say, check the times of events (never known so many late comers as this year) and use a bit of common sense when getting into a signing line (shouldn't have been as hard as some made it this year, the lines were never very long), try saying 'excuse me' when you step in front of someone to get to a seat (and try staying in that seat when there are people still finding theirs) and if yo bump someone with your bag might I recommend a courteous apology? Ignorance is not always bliss and it's NEVER becoming, no matter what age you are.
It's been, for me, one of the best Fests...I'm looking forward to 2011 already.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Writing a new weekend
A day off work too catch some more sessions on the second (and also last) Friday of the Fest.
First up was the very interesting Nicholas Shakespeare. I was keen to see him because I loved the film 'Dancer Upstairs' which he wrote (both the book and screenplay), had enjoyed reading 'In Tasmania' on a trip to Tassie and admired his work on Bruce Chatwin. He seems to be touched by coincidence quite often. Case in point when he was writing his first book about a Peruvian 'freedom fighter' he wanted to write about him disappearing from public life and decided a good motivation could be that he had psoriasis. Then he was researching for 'Dancer Upstairs'; he finds the way they discovered the real guy he based his character on was identified for certain by a tube of cream they found in his rubbish - cream for treating psoriasis. The female character was given the name Yolande, a couple of years ago when Nicholas was writing a story about the possible freeing of the freedom fighter he was given access to the 'dancer' in jail. When they meet she tells him that her middle name was...Yolande! There were a few others and you can see the whole 'conversation' on SlowTV in a few days.
I was happy to let him know how much fun and interest his book had added to my trip around Tassie last year. He asked which parts of Tassie I had enjoyed most and agreed Bicheno was a beautiful area. This let on to a brief chat about needing to walk away from beauty to appreciate it. I guess that's why the concept of places like Queensland where the weather is constant leave me empty, if there is no variety or marked 'difference' how do you appreciate what is special about such places.
In the afternoon the gorgeous Jana Wendt talked about the meaning of 'work' and her book 'nice work'. Some marvellous stories about the people she met when writing her book, including an obese priest facing his last congregation, a boxer whose marriage is falling apart and a forensic specialist at the time of Black Saturday and her work in Dili. A strong but fascinating session and some good audience questions to fill it all out.
To end the day it was a real thrill to listen in on a conversation with the entertaining Steve Toltz, author of one of my favorite books, the epic and marvellous 'A Fraction of the Whole'. Steve seems to have led an interesting and possibly 'imaginative' life. it took him five years to right the book and was originally 1000 pages but after eight rejections he eliminated a character which pared it down to the not inconsiderable 711 pages it became. This didn't guarantee acceptance though, he went through another eight rejections before he started to get some positive enquiries. Now it sells in 20 non English speaking countries as well as Oz, NZ, UK and the US. Asked which of the book's characters he liked best he said that if each character represents a facet of an author then he has to 'like' them equally.He is secretive about his next book but doesn't think it will be as lengthy as the first. The briefest of chats with him afterwards where I commented on the range of people in the audience, a real mix of ages and 'types'. He said he had noticed too and was thrilled by it, I guess it stops him being pigeon holed as a certain market writer. One of his comments I particularly liked was that he said it was pretty cool to be on book shop shelves next to Tolstoy!
So, only a few sessions to go.
A thought on the political scene too. Wilkie has done a good thing and it's now to be hoped the whole thing is over and done with on the weekend, I think at least one of the independents will make his decision known. I can't believe how badly the coalition has handled this in the last couple of days, it's as though they are losing the plot. Andrew Robb appears to be still fighting the election campaign, Joe Hockey has reverted to the Howard days and flat out lying about the budget black hole - which has simply served to convince most of us that the reason they didn't want their figures checked was because they knew there was a black hole.And the billion dollar carrot Abbott offered Wilkie was an obscenity and was like a bacchanalian frenzy and yet there is only 'surprise' when it was rejected. Then the barbs come out to bag Wilkie big time, from the same team that would have had him jailed for treason a few years back but forget also that Wilkie was once a paid up member of the Libs, then became a Green so any assumed alliance to Labor was drawing a long (albeit hopeful) bow.Anyway come Monday we will have a much missed (?) government and we can get on with it all for as long as it lasts.
I was happy to let him know how much fun and interest his book had added to my trip around Tassie last year. He asked which parts of Tassie I had enjoyed most and agreed Bicheno was a beautiful area. This let on to a brief chat about needing to walk away from beauty to appreciate it. I guess that's why the concept of places like Queensland where the weather is constant leave me empty, if there is no variety or marked 'difference' how do you appreciate what is special about such places.
So, only a few sessions to go.
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| Beautiful Bicheno Tasmania | <><>
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Another Day- More Excitement and Energy
Day 2 at the Fest.
Fresh (well perhaps not so fresh) from his win of Age Fiction Book of the Year Alex Miller started day two of on a high. Very entertaining, a real story teller and a great performer. Very amusing and engaging story about meeting the Queen, not bad for a Sth London son of a Scottish Labourer. More great stories including one about his son in law who taught him about language and a moving memory spurt about his separation from his parents as a lad. Such a strong character I was a bit nervous about meeting him but he was pleasant and I swapped words about Castlemaine where he now lives and my Dad was brought up.
From entertaining Australia to writing about Asia. One of my favorite writers and a great 'reading' performer Simon Winchester was part of a panel with Singapore born Kim Cheng Boey and China born Ouyang Yu told us of what it is about Asia that makes for such interesting writing and reading. Of course the Asia they focused on was the 'Orient' rather than the sub continent - wonder if that's an Australian thing? Winchester told a story about driving in the Gobi Desert and puncturing the sump. Thankfully his iPhone connected him to Google and then to a hotel 300 + miles away. he explained his predicament. They told him to put his hazard lights on, get back in the car and go to sleep and help would arrive in five hours. Sure enough five hours later a truck with a crane arrived to put the car on plus a Toyota land cruiser for him to continue his journey.
A long break then and I returned home to do the laundry before heading back in for a fascinating 4pm session about the wonder of words and how we use or misuse them. The Age's crossword creator David Astle, a writer of word books for children Ursula Dubosarsky and the wondrous Kate Burridge took us into the wonderful world of word-nerdism. Afterwards I had a chat with Kate which ended in some laughs and she confiding to me she doesn't like the new format of 'Can We Help', nice dedication in the book she signed for me.
Two of the sessions were relocated to the BMW Edge but weren't full so not sure why that happened but no drama. Caught a glimpse of Malcolm Fraser swapping venues, looking very old and frail and thin. Not seeing the extra long queues I'm used to seeing at the signings but I haven't been to the biggies such as Val McDermid and it could be a different story (!) next weekend.
I have really enjoyed the sessions this weekend and am looking forward to three days next week.
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| Alex Miller's Age Book of the Year |
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| Kate Burridge |
Two of the sessions were relocated to the BMW Edge but weren't full so not sure why that happened but no drama. Caught a glimpse of Malcolm Fraser swapping venues, looking very old and frail and thin. Not seeing the extra long queues I'm used to seeing at the signings but I haven't been to the biggies such as Val McDermid and it could be a different story (!) next weekend.
I have really enjoyed the sessions this weekend and am looking forward to three days next week.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Writers Fest - a Feast on Day One
The first day of the fest can often be a bit of a lottery; sound equipment not quite right, writers running late, not flash organisation in getting people into the various venues, signing queues a bit of a dogs' breakfast etc. Some of it was there this year but apart from the seemingly interminable wait to get into the venues and the heating on 'let's all sweat together' it didn't go too badly.
First session of the day at 10 with DBC Pierre and he came fully prepared with hangover, red wine and a sample of the perfume featured in his latest book. Session went well, although he was not the most stimulating of speakers. Not many people in the queue for signing after and he was most affable to meet. Almost straight into another session this time on the subject of Russia with three writers who'd written books about Russia from various angles - returning to their home country after settling elsewhere, being the daughter of suspected Soviet spies and examining Russian literature. Very entertaining and interesting. Had a nice chat about editing of books with Maria Tumarkin who wrote a not great travel memoir 'Otherland' and surprised me by how young she looked and seemed delightful. A break for a snack at Melbourne Central before returning to Fed Square. Caught up with an old friend who had a stall in the Book market, such a nice surprise. Then in to a session I had high hopes for with Jostein Gaarder, author of 'Sophies World', a book I had not enjoyed. To be frank I may have been wanting to see if he was as big a wanker as I thought he probably was. truthfully, he was terrific and entertaining and fascinating. really enjoyed the session.
Had a nice long break then which was just as well because I was getting tired. Went home for a breather before coming back in for a lively and fun but also sometimes profound session called 'Motherhood - not all nice'. There was a lot of talk around how we perceive motherhood in its many forms and how writers represent that. Jon Bauer, Fiona McGregor and Susan Maushart exchanged their ideas and didn't hold back on what they thought. Jon did at times look embattled and we talked afterwards about that and he said he appreciated my 'solidarity'. Nice dedication from him in my book, also had a good chat with Fiona. She had made a comment in the session about every woman feeling at some point that they are becoming their mothers and I assured her blokes occasionally have the same thought and it's usually something they say that gives them that pause.
The City was starting to come to life at the end of a sunny Saturday as I walked across Swanston Street on my way back to the car, some people were still straggling back from the footy - the two great cultural pursuits of Melbourne, writing and footy were momentarily as one.
A great first day, some interesting topics and some charming 'engagements'.
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| Jostein Gaarder |
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| Jon Bauer |
A great first day, some interesting topics and some charming 'engagements'.
Friday, August 27, 2010
It's Time for the Literary Luvvies
Something I look forward to each year is the Melbourne Writers Festival, This year's starts this weekend and once again I'll be there amongst it all. This year is the 25th Writers Fest and I'll be attending for the 13th year. Last year I wrote the following about my 13 years anongst literary luvvies.
Melbourne Writers Festival – Keeping the pages turning.
-Terry Nalder
2009 was my 13th Melbourne Writers Festival. I wonder how many people have been to that many consecutively – maybe Mr Steger. I also wonder if I qualify for long service leave or a gold pass. I know sometimes I think I should have had my money back or my sanity checked at least.
There are many memories from the thirteen years mostly a series of ‘moments’. I remember the stifling heat of the Melbourne Town Hall, the quirky confines of the Malthouse and the expansive harshness of Fed Square with all its echoing audio. Just when you thought the bookshop had at last gone from a claustrophobic hell to a semblance of sense in the tent at the Malthouse back to sardineism have we returned at Fed Square All that available space and yet try to get a clear path going in the bookshop and you deserve a medal-could it be so hard? I could never understand why the signings couldn’t be done in the alcove at the Malthouse and now I don’t understand why Readings has such a god awful, unpleasant squeeze at the current location.
Over the years there have been some memorable moments such as a saxophone solo from James McBride, a bit of a song from Malachy McCourt, a power point presentation from Reif Larsen, the incredible sulking performance by some hot shot Russian writer (Robert Dessaix deserved penalty rates for persisting with that one) and many more. I’ve personally enjoyed the personal five minutes or so you sometimes get with an author, among my favorites Ben Okri, Frank McCourt, Susan Johnson, Graeme Blundell, Jeffery Deaver, the ever charming Alexander McCall-Smith, PD James, the much missed Elizabeth Jolley,Kate Atkinson and Isabelle Allende. Counter that with grumps like Morris West, John Banville and Helen Garner and it all makes a good mix. There’s the writers who want to talk (David Sedaris was disarming), those who looked bored by the process, those who’ll happily craft a personal dedication, others who will do their name and nothing more. I’ve seen one or two who’ve had perhaps one glass of red wine too many, been hugged by an Irish woman who was clearly still working through her ‘issues’ and even watched with horror as a wheel chair bound (well she couldn’t bring her sofa with her) author pushed her way through the crowds at the Malthouse shouting ‘Get out of my f**king way, can’t you see I’m in a ‘f**cking wheelchair). Not to mention that great bonus that comes along regularly of chancing a session with someone you’ve never heard of who quickly becomes a fave – Carlos Ruiz Zafon in my case.
So as I clock up 13 Fests amongst the literary luvvies still baffled by the bad manners and the etiquette of queues and signing lines I thank everyone involved. Whether there was a Booker, Pullitzer, Franklin, Vic Lit, Vogel or Walkely, whether they were debut novelists, long time bestsellers, the latest hot young thing or the much loved stayer. There have been those I’ve met, those I’ve heard and even some I’ve mourned. Turning up has kept me turning pages and, if for nothing else, that’s what makes the Writers Festival part of my year.
Melbourne Writers Festival website
Melbourne Writers Festival – Keeping the pages turning.
-Terry Nalder
2009 was my 13th Melbourne Writers Festival. I wonder how many people have been to that many consecutively – maybe Mr Steger. I also wonder if I qualify for long service leave or a gold pass. I know sometimes I think I should have had my money back or my sanity checked at least.
There are many memories from the thirteen years mostly a series of ‘moments’. I remember the stifling heat of the Melbourne Town Hall, the quirky confines of the Malthouse and the expansive harshness of Fed Square with all its echoing audio. Just when you thought the bookshop had at last gone from a claustrophobic hell to a semblance of sense in the tent at the Malthouse back to sardineism have we returned at Fed Square All that available space and yet try to get a clear path going in the bookshop and you deserve a medal-could it be so hard? I could never understand why the signings couldn’t be done in the alcove at the Malthouse and now I don’t understand why Readings has such a god awful, unpleasant squeeze at the current location.
Over the years there have been some memorable moments such as a saxophone solo from James McBride, a bit of a song from Malachy McCourt, a power point presentation from Reif Larsen, the incredible sulking performance by some hot shot Russian writer (Robert Dessaix deserved penalty rates for persisting with that one) and many more. I’ve personally enjoyed the personal five minutes or so you sometimes get with an author, among my favorites Ben Okri, Frank McCourt, Susan Johnson, Graeme Blundell, Jeffery Deaver, the ever charming Alexander McCall-Smith, PD James, the much missed Elizabeth Jolley,Kate Atkinson and Isabelle Allende. Counter that with grumps like Morris West, John Banville and Helen Garner and it all makes a good mix. There’s the writers who want to talk (David Sedaris was disarming), those who looked bored by the process, those who’ll happily craft a personal dedication, others who will do their name and nothing more. I’ve seen one or two who’ve had perhaps one glass of red wine too many, been hugged by an Irish woman who was clearly still working through her ‘issues’ and even watched with horror as a wheel chair bound (well she couldn’t bring her sofa with her) author pushed her way through the crowds at the Malthouse shouting ‘Get out of my f**king way, can’t you see I’m in a ‘f**cking wheelchair). Not to mention that great bonus that comes along regularly of chancing a session with someone you’ve never heard of who quickly becomes a fave – Carlos Ruiz Zafon in my case.
So as I clock up 13 Fests amongst the literary luvvies still baffled by the bad manners and the etiquette of queues and signing lines I thank everyone involved. Whether there was a Booker, Pullitzer, Franklin, Vic Lit, Vogel or Walkely, whether they were debut novelists, long time bestsellers, the latest hot young thing or the much loved stayer. There have been those I’ve met, those I’ve heard and even some I’ve mourned. Turning up has kept me turning pages and, if for nothing else, that’s what makes the Writers Festival part of my year.
Melbourne Writers Festival website
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Is that all there is - we deserve better
So we enter another moment in history...after having recorded the hottest night in history, the coldest may morning in history, the worst natural disaster in Australia, the deposing of a Prime Minister in his electorate, the deposing of another one before the end of his term, three Liberal leaders in two years...we now find ourselves facing a hung Parliament and the real possibility of another election in a few months if it all falls apart. What a great country and a great time in our...well, history.
I have read so much analysis and opinions on what has happened that you could pick almost any theory and someone will have espoused it. The last thing any of us need is another opinion.
So then, let me give you that last thing.
It is getting harder and harder to ‘read’ the electorate. Past assumptions and trends don’t seem to cut it and the number of declared ‘undecided’ voters literally seem to be making up their minds in the queue on voting day (like me). It is not so hard to deduce the reason for all this is the inability of the parties to communicate their messages clearly, to connect with the voters, to understand their audience or to make obvious what their policies are and what the differences are between the parties. This election result to me speaks volumes on the premise ‘if you can’t show me how you are different I can’t give anyone a clear advantage’. Obviously the Greens did manage to do that and their improved results suggest that it paid off for them. Unfortunately if they don't prove themselves with this opportunity then they will remain a 'protest vote portal' rather than a decision maker or a positive influence. They have to start proving their worth and not simply be a part of the problem or they are doomed to go the way of the Democrats. They can make a difference especially for rural areas and on the environment. They are a real danger with some of their policies but that shouldn't be a discouragement to being brave and demanding to be listened to on behalf of the people who voted for them because they believed in their policies (and not the vote whores who only voted for them because they didn't want to vote for the majors).
When Julia says something along the lines of the electorate having spoken but we’re not sure yet what they have said that indicates both arrogance and ignorance to me. About 6 million people could tell you what they were saying PM! When Tony says labour has lost its legitimacy to govern that bespeaks a disregard for those who voted labour and maybe even many of the people who took the easy way out and lodged an informal vote. If you don’t listen to us we won’t make it easy for you.
The campaigns were woeful and again so removed from the target audience it was a disgrace. All that money and airtime spent bagging, deriding or trying to be ‘oh so clever’ just came across as half assed, petty, negative and ill prepared and frankly we deserved better. If in an ad campaign you can’t find the capacity to produce high quality, sensible commercials that tell me why I should vote for you (what’s in it for me)and what the future will be under you then why would I even think of voting for you? I thought the ad with the construction guy was the only one that came close, albeit a negative message but he was obviously an actor and he didn’t actually offer anything to us apart from bagging Tony. Let’s face it he would have been preaching to the converted and how does that actually advance the political ‘conversation’ in an election? Don't we simply deserve better?
I think the Independents have an awesome responsibility. They truly represent their own electorate so have a deep onus to do the right thing by them primarily and to advance the interests of that electorate. Added to that is the need to be aware that they are carrying the wishes and are the focus of the nation and have responsibilities to all of us. I think Mr Okeshot and Mr Windsor seem very reasonable but Katter has always been oddball. The Melbourne Greens bloke is worth watching and I am hopeful that Wilkie eventually wins. This country owes that man so much and he could prove very interesting as a Parliamentarian given his knowledge of the intelligence service and the machinations of the public service.
My hope is that as tumultuous as all this might be it does bring something worthwhile. The lessons are there, they just need to be heeded. Advertising must be reviewed and scrutinised, I want information, i want to know the differences,I want to know why I should vote for one side over another. I want the launches at the start of the campaign, I want two debates, one at the start and one at the end with the one at the end being a town hall style. I want to see the leaders talking at town hall forums and let loose from the shackles of the spin doctors and to be given permission to take risks and not surrounded by cotton wool. I want the small parties and independents funded so that they can get information out to potential voters. That might be as simple as a couple of ads in the local paper to leaflets for letter boxing.
We live in a democracy often in name only. Many people believe democracy is about the majority rules - that is NOT the basis of our government...it is the party with the most seats that rules not the most votes. Democracy is actually about a style of government, how much is decided rather than a 'type' of government. It's also about being inclusive and informative, open and transparent but most of all it is about being representative for, to and off the people.
I wonder if what we have had u[p to now and currently have fits that model?
I have read so much analysis and opinions on what has happened that you could pick almost any theory and someone will have espoused it. The last thing any of us need is another opinion.
So then, let me give you that last thing.
It is getting harder and harder to ‘read’ the electorate. Past assumptions and trends don’t seem to cut it and the number of declared ‘undecided’ voters literally seem to be making up their minds in the queue on voting day (like me). It is not so hard to deduce the reason for all this is the inability of the parties to communicate their messages clearly, to connect with the voters, to understand their audience or to make obvious what their policies are and what the differences are between the parties. This election result to me speaks volumes on the premise ‘if you can’t show me how you are different I can’t give anyone a clear advantage’. Obviously the Greens did manage to do that and their improved results suggest that it paid off for them. Unfortunately if they don't prove themselves with this opportunity then they will remain a 'protest vote portal' rather than a decision maker or a positive influence. They have to start proving their worth and not simply be a part of the problem or they are doomed to go the way of the Democrats. They can make a difference especially for rural areas and on the environment. They are a real danger with some of their policies but that shouldn't be a discouragement to being brave and demanding to be listened to on behalf of the people who voted for them because they believed in their policies (and not the vote whores who only voted for them because they didn't want to vote for the majors).
When Julia says something along the lines of the electorate having spoken but we’re not sure yet what they have said that indicates both arrogance and ignorance to me. About 6 million people could tell you what they were saying PM! When Tony says labour has lost its legitimacy to govern that bespeaks a disregard for those who voted labour and maybe even many of the people who took the easy way out and lodged an informal vote. If you don’t listen to us we won’t make it easy for you.
The campaigns were woeful and again so removed from the target audience it was a disgrace. All that money and airtime spent bagging, deriding or trying to be ‘oh so clever’ just came across as half assed, petty, negative and ill prepared and frankly we deserved better. If in an ad campaign you can’t find the capacity to produce high quality, sensible commercials that tell me why I should vote for you (what’s in it for me)and what the future will be under you then why would I even think of voting for you? I thought the ad with the construction guy was the only one that came close, albeit a negative message but he was obviously an actor and he didn’t actually offer anything to us apart from bagging Tony. Let’s face it he would have been preaching to the converted and how does that actually advance the political ‘conversation’ in an election? Don't we simply deserve better?
I think the Independents have an awesome responsibility. They truly represent their own electorate so have a deep onus to do the right thing by them primarily and to advance the interests of that electorate. Added to that is the need to be aware that they are carrying the wishes and are the focus of the nation and have responsibilities to all of us. I think Mr Okeshot and Mr Windsor seem very reasonable but Katter has always been oddball. The Melbourne Greens bloke is worth watching and I am hopeful that Wilkie eventually wins. This country owes that man so much and he could prove very interesting as a Parliamentarian given his knowledge of the intelligence service and the machinations of the public service.
My hope is that as tumultuous as all this might be it does bring something worthwhile. The lessons are there, they just need to be heeded. Advertising must be reviewed and scrutinised, I want information, i want to know the differences,I want to know why I should vote for one side over another. I want the launches at the start of the campaign, I want two debates, one at the start and one at the end with the one at the end being a town hall style. I want to see the leaders talking at town hall forums and let loose from the shackles of the spin doctors and to be given permission to take risks and not surrounded by cotton wool. I want the small parties and independents funded so that they can get information out to potential voters. That might be as simple as a couple of ads in the local paper to leaflets for letter boxing.
We live in a democracy often in name only. Many people believe democracy is about the majority rules - that is NOT the basis of our government...it is the party with the most seats that rules not the most votes. Democracy is actually about a style of government, how much is decided rather than a 'type' of government. It's also about being inclusive and informative, open and transparent but most of all it is about being representative for, to and off the people.
I wonder if what we have had u[p to now and currently have fits that model?
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Countdown is On!
A week to go and we'll either be hanging on for the deals to be done and the jostling for numbers or we'll know very clearly who has won. At this stage I think Labour will just nudge over the line, Queensland will certainly make it interesting but I get a sense that Tony's obfuscating over the costings of his policies and not really being able to break through in a strong enough way to differentiate himself from Opposition Leader to prime Minister will keep him out of the Lodge. I don't know that Labour 'deserves' to retain government but I think they probably will make a good fist of it if given another term.
My vote is leaning toward a good strong independent in the Reps and I'll vote below the line in the Senate but where my primary vote ends up I'm not sure. I am a great advocate for the Senate being a true house of review and having as big a variety of 'voices' there as possible. Whilst I do have strong philosophical differences with the Greens I would like to see a couple more of them get through and another independent. It is unfortunate the Democrats aren't around still because this election would have probably got them at least one more senator in most states and that truly would have made a difference.
Whatever the outcome let's hope it's a clear result and one that sends a strong message to the next government about the future we are asking from them. Make your vote count, participate in the privilege that is almost uniquely Australian and know that you are contributing to whatever this country and its Parliament delivers. opting out is agreeing to being mute and foregoing your right to speaking out, it's also lazy and ultimately pointless...apathy is too easy, let's challenge ourselves to do 'hard' when it matters. And let us expect nothing less from those who are given the honor and awesome responsibility of representing us.
My vote is leaning toward a good strong independent in the Reps and I'll vote below the line in the Senate but where my primary vote ends up I'm not sure. I am a great advocate for the Senate being a true house of review and having as big a variety of 'voices' there as possible. Whilst I do have strong philosophical differences with the Greens I would like to see a couple more of them get through and another independent. It is unfortunate the Democrats aren't around still because this election would have probably got them at least one more senator in most states and that truly would have made a difference.
Whatever the outcome let's hope it's a clear result and one that sends a strong message to the next government about the future we are asking from them. Make your vote count, participate in the privilege that is almost uniquely Australian and know that you are contributing to whatever this country and its Parliament delivers. opting out is agreeing to being mute and foregoing your right to speaking out, it's also lazy and ultimately pointless...apathy is too easy, let's challenge ourselves to do 'hard' when it matters. And let us expect nothing less from those who are given the honor and awesome responsibility of representing us.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Boats for Votes -Time to Sink or Swim
Well it seems to have been a week of deposed leaders, despised past Opposition Leaders, former Prime Ministers, ex Prime Ministers who were so on the nose they lost their own seat and any fossil that could get their words on air. Today was the launch of the Liberal campaign and was a razzmatazz it all was. Tony was pretty fiery but Julie Bishop shone with her spiteful humour, sarcasm and vindictiveness shining through.
By the way do you realise that once a party has its ‘launch’ their campaign ceases to be publicly funded IE the officials, the campaign staff etc cease being paid for by us and become the party’s responsibility. So Labour not having its launch until just a few days before the election is one of the most cynical and money grubbing exercises in the election. Let’s hope someone will stand up after this election and get that changed so that from the day the election is called the funding stops apart from security and official aircraft/cars etc.
Something that sets my teeth on edge and upsets me as a humanitarian is the whole ‘boat people’ nastiness. In my opinion both Labour and Libs are vile in their approaches and so far removed from the real situation it’s obvious they are only interested into playing to the gallery, particularly the ignorant and the middle class Anglo voters (don’t tell me that if the people were English or white they wouldn’t be told ‘come in, we’ll look after you’).
Tony says he will stop the boats BUT he wants to re-open the detention centre in Nauru…but if the boats are stopped presumably we don’t need a detention centre. He will strengthen sentences for so called people smugglers (presumably they will be extradited from wherever) particularly going for a 10 year sentence for ‘repeat offenders’…but if the boats are stopped how would they repeat their offence? You will either stop the boats or stop SOME of the boats. Maybe he really means, look we’ll try to stop the boats BUT we might not actually be as successful as you want us to be. Or does he mean he won’t stop the boats just PREVENT them from reaching Australia. We know he can’t turn the boats around (not even in his severest of views he wouldn’t want the sinking of boats to be on his record), so he MUST mean stop them setting out on their journey. Or am I being a naive fool???
My take on refugees is simple, welcome and how can we make you comfortable? If someone risks their life and savings because they are fearful of their futures, have lost faith in their homeland providing them with a safe and secure existence and see us or any other country as their ‘refuge’ then it behooves us as a caring society to pick up the slack and fulfill the promise. By creating these artificial enclaves to allegedly ‘process’ people is a sick piece of senseless theatre. When 95% of asylum seekers end up receiving confirmation of their status why aren’t they welcomed upon arrival and given safe harbour in the community and processed whilst they establish their lives and start to get used to their potential new homes. If they are in the other 5% they go home. These are human beings who have a very simple right – to be treated decently and in the same way we would want to be treated. It is our responsibility to be decent to each other, to not exacerbate someone’s suffering, to do the right and proper thing. These constant attempts to label people and demonise them allows those most vulnerable to be ‘disappeared’ and just be seen as something other than what they are, they become a ‘threat’ rather than a mother or a father, they are a ‘flood of boat people’ rather than a terrified orphan or they are ‘illegals’ when, in fact they are nothing of the sort.
I’m going to put this one right out there. We are having a ‘null null’ debate about the number of migrants the parties want to take in each year. It’s pretty much 130,000 or 140,000. How about next year we all agree on 140,000 and instead of bringing in migrants let’s bring in 140,000 refugees (we can do the skill tests etc just the same). Imagine the difference that could make. Then we mentor other countries to do the same, just for one year…we could repeat it again in five years if needs be. Then we organize a UN or similar world body and start some dedicated effective work to find a way to create a world where there is no need for refugees, that we look at root causes and work to overcome them. But if there is an inevitable refugee situation there would be an immediate plan in place to prevent a build up of numbers or any more situations where those hideous camps are set up again. I believe this can be done and as with so many things it just needs an open heart and the will of good people for it to happen. I don’t think for a second that the resolution will happen overnight but the decision to give it a go can.
In the meantime I urge you to NEVER forget that behind every ‘another load of asylum seekers have been intercepted off Ashmore Reef’ story is another story – of a human being in need, in fear and our equal, not our inferior let alone someone who deserves to be treated less than humanely.
By the way do you realise that once a party has its ‘launch’ their campaign ceases to be publicly funded IE the officials, the campaign staff etc cease being paid for by us and become the party’s responsibility. So Labour not having its launch until just a few days before the election is one of the most cynical and money grubbing exercises in the election. Let’s hope someone will stand up after this election and get that changed so that from the day the election is called the funding stops apart from security and official aircraft/cars etc.
Something that sets my teeth on edge and upsets me as a humanitarian is the whole ‘boat people’ nastiness. In my opinion both Labour and Libs are vile in their approaches and so far removed from the real situation it’s obvious they are only interested into playing to the gallery, particularly the ignorant and the middle class Anglo voters (don’t tell me that if the people were English or white they wouldn’t be told ‘come in, we’ll look after you’).
Tony says he will stop the boats BUT he wants to re-open the detention centre in Nauru…but if the boats are stopped presumably we don’t need a detention centre. He will strengthen sentences for so called people smugglers (presumably they will be extradited from wherever) particularly going for a 10 year sentence for ‘repeat offenders’…but if the boats are stopped how would they repeat their offence? You will either stop the boats or stop SOME of the boats. Maybe he really means, look we’ll try to stop the boats BUT we might not actually be as successful as you want us to be. Or does he mean he won’t stop the boats just PREVENT them from reaching Australia. We know he can’t turn the boats around (not even in his severest of views he wouldn’t want the sinking of boats to be on his record), so he MUST mean stop them setting out on their journey. Or am I being a naive fool???
My take on refugees is simple, welcome and how can we make you comfortable? If someone risks their life and savings because they are fearful of their futures, have lost faith in their homeland providing them with a safe and secure existence and see us or any other country as their ‘refuge’ then it behooves us as a caring society to pick up the slack and fulfill the promise. By creating these artificial enclaves to allegedly ‘process’ people is a sick piece of senseless theatre. When 95% of asylum seekers end up receiving confirmation of their status why aren’t they welcomed upon arrival and given safe harbour in the community and processed whilst they establish their lives and start to get used to their potential new homes. If they are in the other 5% they go home. These are human beings who have a very simple right – to be treated decently and in the same way we would want to be treated. It is our responsibility to be decent to each other, to not exacerbate someone’s suffering, to do the right and proper thing. These constant attempts to label people and demonise them allows those most vulnerable to be ‘disappeared’ and just be seen as something other than what they are, they become a ‘threat’ rather than a mother or a father, they are a ‘flood of boat people’ rather than a terrified orphan or they are ‘illegals’ when, in fact they are nothing of the sort.
I’m going to put this one right out there. We are having a ‘null null’ debate about the number of migrants the parties want to take in each year. It’s pretty much 130,000 or 140,000. How about next year we all agree on 140,000 and instead of bringing in migrants let’s bring in 140,000 refugees (we can do the skill tests etc just the same). Imagine the difference that could make. Then we mentor other countries to do the same, just for one year…we could repeat it again in five years if needs be. Then we organize a UN or similar world body and start some dedicated effective work to find a way to create a world where there is no need for refugees, that we look at root causes and work to overcome them. But if there is an inevitable refugee situation there would be an immediate plan in place to prevent a build up of numbers or any more situations where those hideous camps are set up again. I believe this can be done and as with so many things it just needs an open heart and the will of good people for it to happen. I don’t think for a second that the resolution will happen overnight but the decision to give it a go can.
In the meantime I urge you to NEVER forget that behind every ‘another load of asylum seekers have been intercepted off Ashmore Reef’ story is another story – of a human being in need, in fear and our equal, not our inferior let alone someone who deserves to be treated less than humanely.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Mid term report
So, we are practically at the mid point of the election and if there are going to be any stumbles or breakthroughs I think this will be the week. The PM says we are going to start to see the 'real' Julia - let's hope it's not quite the same one KRudd got to see!
We might actually see a bit of sparkle then, Julia gets real, Tony might give it a red hot go and start telling us about the country he wants us to become and not a return to the dark Howard days. The concern I have is that he might be able to convince enough people that those were the 'good old days', that you gave the other side a go but it was an 'experiment' that failed so let's just forget that little boo boo and go back. God forbid. Bob and the Greens might also start to get some 'air' and their messages might start to get through. If all that happens it might truly be game on and we can all have some things to make a choice on.
No doubt Labour took a kick because of the leaks but I wonder if the average punter really cared, the leaks after all didn't mean much except that there was some disloyal fool in the camps who actually wanted their own party to lose - good grief.
There's a whiff that we might get another debate, that'd be a good thing, especially if the two can just be let go at each other, ask questions, make statements and be challenged.
I've not decided who I'll vote for but this coming week might decide me. I am not inclined to see Tony as the kind of leader this country needs right now. Turnbull would have probably got my vote so it's not an anti-Liberal stance, it's about the right leader for the country and Tony hasn't yet cut it for me. Labor is not possible for my own electorate because I have significant differences of approach and philosophy with the sitting member Michael Danby. I am not a fan of the Greens, even though Bob Brown is a personal hero. So it will need to be an independent but I haven't received any material yet. I value the privilege of being allowed to vote to make an informal vote for the House. I am also one of those people who fills in every box in the Senate paper so I do take this seriously.
So to the week ahead. If you do encounter a pollie, ask them questions, not with judgement already in place (what's the value in that except helping you to feel clever) but with genuine curiosity and a 'need to know'.
We might actually see a bit of sparkle then, Julia gets real, Tony might give it a red hot go and start telling us about the country he wants us to become and not a return to the dark Howard days. The concern I have is that he might be able to convince enough people that those were the 'good old days', that you gave the other side a go but it was an 'experiment' that failed so let's just forget that little boo boo and go back. God forbid. Bob and the Greens might also start to get some 'air' and their messages might start to get through. If all that happens it might truly be game on and we can all have some things to make a choice on.
No doubt Labour took a kick because of the leaks but I wonder if the average punter really cared, the leaks after all didn't mean much except that there was some disloyal fool in the camps who actually wanted their own party to lose - good grief.
There's a whiff that we might get another debate, that'd be a good thing, especially if the two can just be let go at each other, ask questions, make statements and be challenged.
I've not decided who I'll vote for but this coming week might decide me. I am not inclined to see Tony as the kind of leader this country needs right now. Turnbull would have probably got my vote so it's not an anti-Liberal stance, it's about the right leader for the country and Tony hasn't yet cut it for me. Labor is not possible for my own electorate because I have significant differences of approach and philosophy with the sitting member Michael Danby. I am not a fan of the Greens, even though Bob Brown is a personal hero. So it will need to be an independent but I haven't received any material yet. I value the privilege of being allowed to vote to make an informal vote for the House. I am also one of those people who fills in every box in the Senate paper so I do take this seriously.
So to the week ahead. If you do encounter a pollie, ask them questions, not with judgement already in place (what's the value in that except helping you to feel clever) but with genuine curiosity and a 'need to know'.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A real glimpse into the Cardiff trip, showing Cardiff Bay and also the amazing national museum of Welsh Life. This is a free site to visit which has examples of buildings which represent aspects of life in Wales over its history. None of the buildings is a reproduction, they are actual buildings brought into the museum and restored. Just as you think you've seen it all you walk down another path to find a flaming Castle and beautiful grounds! A wonderful place to visit as is Cardiff Bay and the city in general. Plus to have a song from one of Wales' best exports Dame Shirley singing about her journey from poverty in the tenements of Tiger Bay to the superstar who can now look at the development of Cardiff Bay.
These two videos are of my trip to the magnificent Schonbrun Palace in Vienna - built by Leopold for Marie Theresa, home to Marie-Antoinette before she went to France and got the chop. Mozart played there, even kissing Marie-A after jumping onto her lap as a child. A beautiful palace with magnificent gardens and often is home to symphony concerts in summer. The day I was there was sunny until an enormous storm closed in, signalled by birds squawking and flapping about in the incredible wind.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Not so great; not such a debate
A so called debate last night showed how lacking in leadership this country is currently and how badly served we are by our journalists. Last night not only was there enough spin from Julia and Tony that one felt giddy but the questions the journos put were pat and twee and could not have possibly elicited any other responses than those we got. Why oh why did they simply want to rehash the so called issues of the first week of the campaign. Why wasn't there an effort to pursue the vision the leaders were going to give us, take them beyond the things they were obviously so well practised in, push them to have to address what they were going to give this country if they were elected. Such a shame, such a lost opportunity and no wonder apathy is so strong in Australia when it comes to politics.
So what would I like to see? I yearn for a progressive vision, I yearn for something a bit deeper, a bit beyond the gloss and the slogans. We have to move beyond this bunker mentality we have nurtured over the recent past. We need to believe we do live in a country that can lead and make a difference in and to the world, especially on the environment. If something can affect us then we can and must be a part of the solution and we have to accept we can lead on that. This is the country that invented the black box recorder, the cochlear implant and the pacemaker, we can be role models for the rest of the world, we do matter and we must get on with it.
Here's a few other thoughts for starters:
So what would I like to see? I yearn for a progressive vision, I yearn for something a bit deeper, a bit beyond the gloss and the slogans. We have to move beyond this bunker mentality we have nurtured over the recent past. We need to believe we do live in a country that can lead and make a difference in and to the world, especially on the environment. If something can affect us then we can and must be a part of the solution and we have to accept we can lead on that. This is the country that invented the black box recorder, the cochlear implant and the pacemaker, we can be role models for the rest of the world, we do matter and we must get on with it.
Here's a few other thoughts for starters:
- I want to know what sort of country we want to be, today, tomorrow and in twenty years and I want to know how our leaders are going to get us there. What are the decisions that are being made today that will shape us and the next generations?
- It has to become a given that no one should wait more than two weeks for an operation, elective or otherwise. Our hospital system has to work on a basis of providing care immediately rather than bed availability, number of doctors or the dollars available
- Every child must have all the tools they need to get the most advantage out of the education system and not have to consider whether they can pay for that. The only blocker should be their capacity intellectually or by choice
- Every teenager should be confident they will get any job they are qualified for
- No Australian should fear what is going to happen to the climate or what kind of environment we are passing on to future generations
- Australia should become the conflict solver rather than contribute to their proliferation
- The only cost associated with national security should be dollars and not human rights
- We must re frame our view of refugees from demonising human beings who risk their lives to make them better to one of welcoming them, saluting their choices and working to manage how someone finds themselves at the start of that journey in the first place...how do we have a world where refugees are not needed? What might happen in the world if we simply said 'In 2011 we will take 140,000 refugees'???
- We must seek to stop making pensioners second class citizens. How can it be that at 64 someone is a first class, valued and vibrant member of the community to suddenly on retirement becoming practically invisible, unimportant and minimised in almost every way? How can we do that and call ourselves a 'civilised' and caring country?
More anon
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Cardiff
I had a lovely few days in Cardiff in February and it turned out to be a real revelation. Not a huge city but a serviceable one with a full complement of history along with a very modern development down by the old Tiger Bay area, now called Cardiff Bay. As a 'Torchwood' fan it was a buzz to walk around the Entertainment Centre the site for Torchwood's Hub. The buzz continued when I went inside the entertainment centre where a choir was giving a lunchtime conc
ert - not just any choir but the Welsh National Choir - beautiful. 
I had an adventure going out to the Cathedral one afternoon. I took a bus part of the way and walked through the sportsgrounds for the rest, even passing a group in AFL jumpers playing what looked like a streamlined Aussie Rules game, particularly because one of them wore a Carlton jumper.
The people are very friendly and it's a city which is very easy to get around and for the shoppers there are some terrific shopping centres. My bed and breakfast was a fifteen minute walk from the centre of town...the walk could be along Cathedral road or along the riverfront to near the Castle. A bus stop was literally out the front.
I loved my short stay in Cardiff and hope to return one day.
The people are very friendly and it's a city which is very easy to get around and for the shoppers there are some terrific shopping centres. My bed and breakfast was a fifteen minute walk from the centre of town...the walk could be along Cathedral road or along the riverfront to near the Castle. A bus stop was literally out the front.
I loved my short stay in Cardiff and hope to return one day.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Game On!
Our new Prime Minister has called an electon for August 21st. Well good for her. While i would have preferrred she'd waited until October but that might have run it a bit close to the Victorian election for November. I think this is one of the hardest elections to call in a long time. Just a few months ago there would have been no doubt that Kevin Rudd would have romped it in. Then things started to go awry and Abbott started to look like he was in with a chance. personally I think Rudd would have creamed Abbott in any debates but the Labor apparatchiks had their shortsighted vision on winning an election and could not see past the polls and the internal dislike for the man who had swept them to power.
I think Julia will run a great election and Abbott will probably come unstuck under pressure but that might not necessarily be what will sway the voters. Theat's why I think it will be hard to know who is likely to win until pretty close to the day. I'd be surprised if most people even know who they will be voting for yet.
Over the last few years one of the saddest things that has happened in Australian politics is the primary motivation for our pollies, certainly for the parties has been staying in power, or winning elections rather than policies. We no longer get a sense of what sort of Australia they want over the next decade and what the policies are that will get us there. It always seems to be about how they improve their opinion poll results or how they will win the next election. The leadership lotteries are a prime example of that, not who might be the best leader for the country but who will win the election. How does this progress us as a nation I wonder.
There are visions I look forward to hearing about and there are some I want to talk about.
That's to come...stay tuned.
I think Julia will run a great election and Abbott will probably come unstuck under pressure but that might not necessarily be what will sway the voters. Theat's why I think it will be hard to know who is likely to win until pretty close to the day. I'd be surprised if most people even know who they will be voting for yet.
Over the last few years one of the saddest things that has happened in Australian politics is the primary motivation for our pollies, certainly for the parties has been staying in power, or winning elections rather than policies. We no longer get a sense of what sort of Australia they want over the next decade and what the policies are that will get us there. It always seems to be about how they improve their opinion poll results or how they will win the next election. The leadership lotteries are a prime example of that, not who might be the best leader for the country but who will win the election. How does this progress us as a nation I wonder.
There are visions I look forward to hearing about and there are some I want to talk about.
That's to come...stay tuned.
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