It’s human nature to ignore bad news - sure the soccer ball growing out of my abdomen is probably cancer, but maybe I’m just putting on a few spherically shaped pounds. In this way, I’ve been loathe to acknowledge that Julia is our new PM, and that she’s a very strong chance of being a regular MP again after Saturday. Since her Caesar-ian knifing of KRudd in the 48 hours after I begged her not to (I was shocked to find she wasn’t a big AFP fan) – her fortunes have gone from bad to worse… and Tony Abbott, like King of the Zombies, keeps on coming back to life.
The campaign has been hard for me to tolerate. Watching Julia and Tony argue about who is tougher on boat people, or who knows the least about broadband is nauseating at best. They seem to be falling over each other as they clamour to the political Right in a last ditch attempt to capture the coveted bogan vote. Overall, they’re presenting distressingly similar platforms – based on all the old favourites: xenophobia, homophobia, lip service on hospitals and school, and blanket climate change denial. Worst of all, both sets of promises have been carefully staged, so that the funding is spread over many years… and much of it won’t take effect to 2012 or later. In short, big headlines and no substance. The only thing running in Labor’s favour is Abbott’s black, black heart. His well known conservative (read evil) stances strike just enough fear into the minds of your moderately informed voter that Julia just may squeak in.
All of which leaves us an unenviable Hobson’s choice. We can elect any PM we like, as long as they are a dark hearted political monster. At a time like this, I rue that the Greens are more novelty organisation than third choice candidate. On actually reading through some of their policies (free university (and cancelling HECS debt), scrapping mandatory migrant detention, a carbon-trading scheme and emphasis on mental health), they actually present a good contrast to the major parties. Generally, they seem to make logical (Leftist) sense. They even claim to be after the tax breaks given to the rich, in true Socialist style. Problem is that the electorate love a winner – and accordingly like to cast their vote on the winning side. The Greens, unlikely to win more than a handful of seats, are thus unlikely to garner much support outside their base – which is a shame.
With that said, nothing good can come of Saturday. A hypothetical Labor win will be sullied by the spectre of Rudd’s political assassination, and Julia’s pitiful vote buying promises. Abandoning the boat people, homosexuals (for shame Penny Wong) and the environment has left a sour taste in many a mouth. Worse, if Abbott actually hoodwinks his way to a win, I have little choice but to migrate – I just couldn’t sit here and watch him smugly ruin my country. Contrary to Latham’s donkey voting suggestion (idiot should never be allowed on air again) I’m voting for the Greens and I hope they win more than their share. I suggest that you do the same.
