Maybe Kevin Rudd has appeased his political needs, but mine
have been drowned in a veil of tears.
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| Australia's PM, Kevin Rudd. |
The present PM has declared this September 7 federal
election will be about who can be trusted to handle the economy while
protecting jobs.
“Handling” the economy, in traditional terms, is about more of
the same and, frankly, that is exactly what Australia, and the world, does not
need.
Contemporary behaviours illustrate that whoever is in
charge, irrespective of which modern political philosophy they adhere to,
Australia’s future, including that of the world, is far from comforting.
We need innovation; we need a government that understands the
imperfections of democracy; we need a government that is cognitive of what a
“full world” means; we need a government that has the courage to step back from
those traditional mantras of growth, profit and jobs; and we need a government
that will work to dismantle a mercantile, consumer-lead and driven way of life;
a government which will build communities that are resilient and more relaxed
about sharing and embracing the civility that is the rock of a society that
clearly values the welfare of people ahead of profit.
Such ideals have nil chance of finding a foothold for the
public, that is you and me, have been convinced that we can only flourish, both
individually and as a community, if we have more: more profit, more growth and
more stuff.
Profit, growth and stuff are all seriously problematic just
as are the choices before us for next month’s election, for they are not truly options,
rather simply alternatives from the business as usual spectrum.
September 7 is a democratic façade for no matter for whom we
cast our vote, what exists will continue and the unfolding difficulties we face
will continue to irritate us.
So, what do we do?
First up, we vote and then whatever the outcome we remain
engaged; we write letters to the editor; talk with those elected to represent
us; we align ourselves with others sympathetic to our views; we help others
understand how and why they should remain engaged to rescue our country from
the savaging and exhortations of those who imagine nirvana, along with the
flourishing of our communities, is to be found in more of the same – it is clearly
not.
The favoured few who understood the recipe have profited
handsomely, but with the world tumbling into serious climatic difficulties; a
rapidly unravelling economic superstructure; and violence expanding unabated as
poverty and hunger march across the world, we each need to step up and engage to
rebuild, reshape and renew democracy.
Your responsibility as a citizen does not end on September
7, putting your mark on the ballot paper is just the beginning.
