Thursday, November 22, 2007

My vote

I have always, always, always, always voted Liberal.
Why?
I thought they were right, and everyone else was wrong.

Less and less now do I think they are right and everyone else is wrong.
Now they are both right and both wrong. So how to vote.

I am fortunate enough to be comfortable. I am not in desperate need of anything. I don't need more money, better health care, better schools, better public transport, lower interest rates or higher housing affordability. I am secure in my career and am employable, I can access affordable child care, I live where there is little crime, my local beaches are clean and I have enough water.

So how should I vote?

I have the luxury of not having to think about today, tomorrow, next week, next month, or even next year. I do not even have to think about the next five years. I'm thinking about the next ten to twenty years. And what is the point of difference between the parties regarding Australia's future, thinking that far out?

1. Our relationship with the US. The Americanisation of Australia. I used to think that having choice was the fairest way for a society to operate. I think that the US model of "choice" is ineffective and unfair. As Peter Garrett famously penned "The rich get richer, the poor get the picture". I agree. I see our relationship with the US as being corrupt. Not financially, but morally. This is not the direction I want Australia to take. I'd prefer the European model. Better services but higher taxes. Less choice but better outcomes.

2. Kyoto. I used to think that if China and the US didn't sign, then what's the point? I used to think that since we have met the targets then isn't that what matters? I now think that we should have signed it. Why? It the point of it. It is a symbol that we care and no matter the insignificance of our contribution, a lot of small amounts add up to a lot. To put any reason forward why we should not sign is just an excuse. We don't need excuses, we need solutions. And the best place to start is at the beginning. Aspirations turn into plans turn into actions turn into outcomes.

3. Iraq. This is not just morally corrupt but all other types too. Make love not war. And all that. Enough said.

So I'm voting Green. There, I said it. I never thought I'd say it but there you go. I'm no "greeny" save the frogs and shit, but my values are now firmly aligned with theirs on climate change and foreign affairs.

And Bob Brown will turn straight for Missy Higgins. Enough said.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

But will Missy turn for Bob?

Miss A said...

I'm all for watching the Centrebet odds fluctuate by the hour...

M.b.r.a.i.n said...

hen - Unlikely! fyi, In case you didn't know, Kevin Rudd and Bob Brown both appeared on Rove last Sunday.

aj - sounds like a plan! Just add alcohol and let the good times roll!

Excuse me, I'm in a mood tonight!

Rachel said...

I would be interested in reading more about your idea of the US model of "choice".

I'm a liberal (American) who can't be offended. Enlighten me!