Monday, July 1, 2013

My political malaise

Lots of things about today ordinarily would have made me euphoric. A huge poll bounce in newspoll for the ALP, a record number of women installed as Ministers in the Government and record number of women in Cabinet. All great news stories in their own right, and worthy of celebration.
But, you can probably tell by my tone, I’m not jumping for joy. Sure, I am still pleased about those things, but in an ‘oh good’ way, not in an ‘Oh, that is bloody fantastic and about time’ way.
You see, I’m still in the hazy, cant believe this has happened aftermath of the change in Prime Minister that happened last Wednesday. It gutted me, such was my disappointment.  Not only did we lose an awesome Prime Minister, who also happened to be one of the best parliamentarians around, and a good person, with compassion, and skills to bring people together, not to mention skills on the international stage where she was respected far more highly than here at home, we also lost her to parliament full stop, as she vowed to not contest the next election. As promised when she called the leadership spill on Wednesday afternoon, in losing the leadership vote, she agreed to leave politics. Respect Julia Gillard, respect. What a shame Kevin Rudd didn’t do the same thing in 2010. Kevin wasn’t even brave enough to test his numbers in 2010 to show the Australian people just why we had to have a change of leader.
I’m still angry with Kevin and angry that his white anting and destabilization have been rewarded, and the destablilisers and white anters behind him have also been rewarded.  What a sorry message that sends out. It further shows me that Julia Gillard truly is a wonderful person that she will not do the same back, that she will give him clear air. Respect Julia, respect.  
Following on from Julia Gillard’s departure is a list of decent and hard working politicians, who will also not contest the 2013 election, people like Craig Emerson, Peter Garrett, Greg Combet and Stephen Smith, and others. I feel sad knowing that this collection of Labor people will no longer be a part of Federal politics. I’m feeling a bit of a dull federal politics malaise.  
For the past 3 years I’ve been passionate and enthusiastic about politics and the future of our country with such ground breaking reforms coming through; things like the NDIS, the Gonski education reforms, carbon pricing to finally tackle climate change. It was like we were doing things that are good for our nation as a whole and our nation’s future, and not just for individual groups or interests. We were fighting the big fights, the difficult battles that have always been put in the too hard basket.  Anyone else leading this hung parliament would have done one of two things
1) gone to an election sooner rather than later, or
2) nothing, just plodded along.
The fact that Julia Gillard took on some of the huge challenges facing our country, and actually passed the legislation makes me burst with pride.
So, whatever Julia, and Craig, Peter et al decide to do post politics, I trust it will be good and worthwhile and I’ll keep a keen eye on the direction they take.   I’ll play along with the political discussion leading up to the election, because no, I don’t want Tony Abbott to become Prime Minister, but I’m not about to march in the street for a Kevin Rudd led ALP…but I would have for Julia.

14 comments:

  1. You have articulated exactly how I am feeling and reacting to everything. Have read your recent articles and found them to be spot on. Thanks.

    Gravel

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  2. Thank you. Agree with all your sentiments. I'll get over it, but right now I'm grieving.

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  3. Well said, and I totally agree with your sentiments also Michelle.

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  4. Spot on Michelle - I too am disheartened and can not bring myself to jump for joy at the rise in the polls. I can not in all consciousness thank KRudd for this, or for that matter those who voted for him. I am also gutted by the action of Bill Shorten who I once admired and respected. I used to watch Question Time on my days off when I was at home doing housework and was fortunate to see the PM's "Misogyny Speech" live. I will never ever forget that moment in time. All I can do now, after all the crying and despair is to Sigh. Thank you for your article.

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  5. Yes. I am nodding in agreement as I read.
    Have just found your blog and really liking these posts.
    You finding the words that I can't seem to find and for that reason I linked to your blog in my latest post.
    Dee

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  6. So many good people have left and the poll numbers continue to rise. Truly makes me sad that the electorate are such a shallow bunch of twats. The candidate for my area, who happens to be a personal friend, has seen a huge swing to her since Kevin returned. So angry at the party, but anything is better than Abbott in the Lodge.

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    1. Good description Ashley, "shallow bunch of twats". I may be borrowing it!

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  7. We will get the government we deserve, I'm afraid.

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  8. Thanks for this post Michelle. You are articulating what a lot of us are feeling. I am also unable to muster any enthusiasm for politics right now. It seems so wrong that the bullies are being rewarded and so unfair that as a result of their actions so many decent and talented people are being lost to Parliament. I just feel so sad.

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  9. Thanks Michelle, this is exactly how I feel too. I've just tweeted as much and will be sharing this around. R

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  10. There's something happening out there that the white ants didn't bank on. They took for granted the votes of Labor women. Like you, Michelle, my heart and soul left the ALP on 26 June and followed Julia. She'll always be my Prime Minister. As my friend emailed 'Julia is warm, bright star. Long live Julia.

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  11. What makes me sad is the number of voters who have now said they will vote Labor because Rudd 'understands' them. Because he is married, has children, and is a Christian. What a load of old cobblers.

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  12. Love your post, Michelle. You've expressed my feelings exactly. It makes my blood boil every time I see The Termite's treacherous sanctimonious mug and every time he opens his mouth & strips away a bit more of Julia's legacy.

    He knows she won't resort to the petty, childish treachery that he engaged in these last 3 years. He was prepared to bring down the government to satisfy his need for revenge. She has chosen the honourable way unlike him.

    If he had had any decency, he would have swallowed his pride for the good of the party and supported the PM to the hilt. Had he done so, I feel certain the government would have been re-elected with a healthy majority in 2010 and would have been on track for another term.

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    1. Dear Michelle,
      I noticed a thick fog over Canberra and the Lodge the day the removalists came to take the righful PM's belongings away, perhaps that is an omen?
      Just waiting for KRudd to re-start doorstops outside my old church - St Johns, Reid. But perhaps, instead he will appear on Insiders, you never know.

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