PM's needs answered, mine drown in a veil of tears

Maybe Kevin Rudd has appeased his political needs, but mine have been drowned in a veil of tears.

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.