Oh yeah. Onya Rudd!
I am not a huge labor fan, but there’s no alternative when I was voting.
I am a union member, and I think the labor party are still too far right, however - I did vote for them, and I am proud to have contributed to the national swing against possible one of the worst governments this nation has seen.
Those who think liberal are good - great for business - good on you. What about the human and intellectual cost? What about the challenges to the Federation? Workchoices; health, and then looking at education? Did you know they were planning on selling off Medibank Private? The government doesn’t own it - but they still list it as their asset. The Telecommunications minister better do a better job than Coonan and Alston. Stupid policies including forcing ISP’s to install software clocking websites and it’s content. What about parental responsibility?! Why sell Telstra when it hasn’t fixed the telephone infrastructure problems in the bush!
Labor has still some skerrick of social conscience. Whilst I acknowledge Rudd is very right leaning, and my lil socialist heart knows deep down not alot will change, things that will change will be that we will get back our dignity as a nation. We will get back what we have lost, our sovereignty.
Good luck to Rudd as he steers through the next 3 years. With the Australian economy booming, you know that the cycle will end, and the world will plunge into a downward economic spiral, it’s going to happen people. Unionists have been neutered long ago, and I doubt very much that they will dominate the workplaces. Thanks to 11 yrs of scare tactics and misinformation, most people are too ashamed to say publically they are a member of a union.
So.. Onya Rudd, don’t screw it up and make me embarrassed once again to be an Australian.
December 1st, 2007 at 1:35 am
Saying you vote Labour because you’re in a union is one of the most absurd things I’ve every heard.
While most of the Asian economies, and to a lesser degree the American market, slumped badly in the past 5 to 10 years, Australia sustained strong economic growth.
Throw in a couple of free trade agreements, one with the biggest economy in the world, and key roots firmly embedded in Chinese growth. Not to mention low unemployment and interest rates (despite the rises, they’re still considerably lower then the previous Labor government *cough*17%*cough*) I’m not sure how anyone could possibly rate it as ‘one of the worst governments the nation has ever had’.
As for Tel$tra, you lay down a few thousand kilometers of fibre optics, and a broadband set up to go with it, and see if you can squeeze it into a budget without raising costs.
I’m not totally against Rudd, but’s he’s won this election on the back of some very, very costly promises. Looks’ like Labor’s taking us straight back into the red, warp 9!
December 1st, 2007 at 2:12 pm
i think you misunderstood my post. I don’t see anywhere where I said “i voted labor because I am a member of a union” I know plenty of unionists who vote liberal where I work, and still did at the last weekend.
i did not vote labor because i am a union member, I voted labor because there is no alternative to liberal except labor. I stated I am a union member, because for the last 11 yrs, Unionism has been demonised by the liberal party.
i am a socialist, and the labor party are the only choice i have, because they still have some social conscience left. I couldn’t vote for a party that is bringing in a new version of the white australia policy, workchoices, selling telstra, putting refugees into camps for up to 6 yrs, deporting convicted criminals who are a result of their upbrining here in Australia, tampa, children overboard - need I go on?
mebbe you should re-read my post.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:20 pm
secondly
the promises that Rudd made, were cheaper than the ones howard made.
Rudd’s budget was 31 billion, howard’s was 34 billion.
What about the pork barrelling of several key electorates in QLD and other country areas to the tune of almost half a billion dollars, some grants given without the paperwork too!
Labor set the economy up for what we enjoy now when keating made a lot of economic reforms when he was treasurer.
Interest rates were already falling by the time liberals came into power, and everyone forgets that interest rates hit over 20% when howard was in office as a treasurer.
OK rant over.
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:08 am
I am looking forward to seeing how the Rudd government does. They have at least shown the makings of having a moral compass unlike the liberals who made a run on destroying everything that was fought for and won to make things better.
But never the less - he better not stuff it up!
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:07 am
I suppose Australia needs more options in regards to political parties. The guys over the ditch (NZ) have plenty of choices to suit everyone. They have 14 parties to choose from currently but have held plenty more in the past:
http://www.elections.org.nz/parties/registered_political_parties.html
December 4th, 2007 at 4:32 am
Very interesting times ahead. Whilst the Libs had done a lot of great work for the economy they made many mistakes and it looks like a change of government was required to change course. I would prefer the socialism to be looked after by a stronger economy whereby those that work are better off but can admit that perhaps those that are unable to work, the mentally ill, feeble, etc, haven’t been served too well.
Time will tell.
December 4th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Good on you.
I don’t know whether to be a socialist or a capitalist. I’ve made a lot of $ out of being a capitalist, but I think I’ve got a closet socialist in me wanting to break out.
Anyhow, so long as Rudd has a bit more morality the country can at least have a bit more pride in itself. That has to be a good move.
I have high hopes.
Crossing my fingers.
At least the rodent is gone.
December 4th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Reminds me a bit of Warren Buffet - worlds second richest man, and supports causes that bush and howard would hate: things like universal health care, planned pregancy in 3rd world countries, and a great list of things traditionally seen as lefty.
You don’t have to be right or left to have a conscience. You just have to think things through instead of being driven by bigotry or a hunger for power at any cost.
I hope thats what we now have.
December 5th, 2007 at 8:51 am
If you want to live in a socialist country I can highly recommend North Korea and Cuba. Whilst commendable in theory, the truth is socialism hasn’t worked in practice (don’t even try convince me that both these countries have better economies then Australia).
China is unique country that is coming to embrace capitalism, whilst trying to maintain ownership of most core industries. If they find a perfect balance then we should all take note.
Let’s be honest, we live in a world of greedy, power hungry people. Socialism will never work with these people in power (no freely elected leader, in my opinion, isn’t ambitious enough to not display these characteristics).
December 6th, 2007 at 12:42 am
North Korea and Cuba are communist dictatorships (however they refer to themselves as socialism) countries, more intent on keeping power to a small select group.
I am more into democratic socialism. Certain key industries in state control, and ensuring that the people are looked after. I mean if Sweden and Norway can do it, why can’t we!?
Anyways, it’s getting a bit late for intellectualism and i have work in the morning.