(Arising from a discussion I’ve just been having with a much younger friend who thinks history proves all political parties are essentially evil and nothing ever really improves no matter who’s in office. A useful exercise to me, even if unlikely to persuade her, as it helped me clarify what I think.)
Following the Australian Federal election 2022
OK, all you who are rejoicing with me – what now? We can breathe deep sighs of relief and go about our business knowing that Santa Claus has arrived and all will be well? Not quite.
We mustn’t just sit back now and neglect our politicians.
Though some of them may look to some of us like monsters (you know who I love to hate) and others occasionally appear as heroes (Whitlam in his first two weeks in office, Rudd during the Apology, Gillard for the misogyny speech, even John Howard re both East Timor and gun law reform) politicians are just people too. They have flaws and failings; they are potentially corruptible; they are capable of moments of weakness; they may have blind spots; they will undoubtedly make mistakes.
Let’s not judge them too harshly for that. Let’s not (or not immediately) go into despair and say they’re all as bad as each other.
On the other hand, let’s keep reminding them of what we want. The ballot box may be the most powerful way of expressing our opinions, but it’s not the only way.
I'm a firm believer in communicating with my local member. I’m not a great talker on the telephone, but I think that’s a very good way for those who are. Always preferring the written word, I send emails. They get answered too, and not with just a fobbing-off. In fact I’m pretty happy with the details of how my local member conducts herself in office, which is why I keep voting for her. I tell her that too!
I have been known to communicate with other politicians also, particularly Government Ministers in charge of areas about which I have particular concerns. And I sign and circulate petitions on various issues. Before I became octogenarian and arthritic, I used to take part in protest marches too. (Since COVID, I’d be in two minds about that even if my legs would still cope.) The point is, there is always a way. If one thing doesn’t work, try another. Just let’s make sure that, somehow, our voices keep being raised, and heard.
We won’t always prevail; it usually depends on the NUMBER of voices raised. But to have a chance of being heard, you need to raise yours – in reminders when our pollies seem to wander off track, and in hearty cheers when they fulfil our best expectations.
Meanwhile, we’ve elected a mob who stand for kindness, compassion and environmental responsibility, plus more respect for diversity and for both Indigenous citizens and women. I think it’s a bloody good start.