Kate SlackWhy politics is life
June 11th 2010 10:36
The brilliant conflict that is politics is about publicly foraging our way through the unrelenting impasses that erupt in our lives. Political debate is dedicated to airing and examining the arguments for and against matters of public concern. Engaging in the discussion is the most important civic duty that citizens must embrace. After all, the policies that remain after deliberations have been resolved will either have a direct or indirect impact on every single one of our lives. Our duty to participate should not be viewed as being attributable to an archaic form of slavery - it should be embraced as an insightful experience where one can voice their views and come to understand others opinions. It should be considered a pasture of inspiration and approached with patience and integrity. While the temptation to silence stupidity can at times be luring to the point of necessity in public affairs, encouraging a culture of interest, education and learned estimation is a goal that this generation must strive for. The issues that have taunted our public officials since our Parliaments were created: the economy; the powers and responsibilities of the various arms of government; taxation; The White Australia Policy; Native Title; to name but a mere few, deserve our attention. The scandals and events: Whitlam’s dismissal; Watergate; the Waterfront dispute; the stolen generation; One Nation’s uprise and impact; and the changing nature of warfare demand our notice. The comments and stands: “We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” Prime Minister, Winston Churchill; “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” President, John F Kennedy; “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” President, Bill Clinton; “By the year 1990, there will be NO Australian child living in poverty!” Prime Minister, Bob Hawke; “This is the recession that Australia had to have!” Federal Treasurer, Paul Keating; “We will decide who comes to this country, and the circumstances under which they come!” Prime Minister John Howard, require our consideration.
As much as one tries to escape, avoid and dismiss politics, it is impossible to deny the impact that politics has on our lives. Instead of hiding from it, politics needs to be embraced and understood otherwise we risk having the metaphorical rug pulled out from underneath us and our ignorance will result in a loss of control for which we can only have our mute ignorance to blame. I aim to ensure that my generation does not loose control.
As much as one tries to escape, avoid and dismiss politics, it is impossible to deny the impact that politics has on our lives. Instead of hiding from it, politics needs to be embraced and understood otherwise we risk having the metaphorical rug pulled out from underneath us and our ignorance will result in a loss of control for which we can only have our mute ignorance to blame. I aim to ensure that my generation does not loose control.
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