Election Fever

In 1997 Vice President Tony and his motley crew won a general election which mandated him to govern, subject to not being defeated in parliament on any major issues, for 5 years; approximately 4 years later he was re- elected for a further 5 years.  The first term should have ended 2002, then the second election takes him to 2007, so why friends, less than 10 years after he was first elected are we to be subjected to the rhetoric, hot air, and sheer dishonesty of a third election 2 years before it is needed, paid for may I add out of the pockets of the taxpayers – thee and me buddy.  

Of course we know why – get in and get a third term before the bills, financial and moral, have to be paid.  All our parties do it – Tony’s Thatcherite mob, Howard’s Centrist mob, and Kennedy’s “its August so out policies this month are as usual subject to change” mob.   In other words these fine upstanding people, serving only for our own good, try and choose and manipulate us poor dumb animals of the electorate; purely in our own interests of course.   How do we cross the road safely??

Our American cousins have fixed terms of office in politics – when the times comes the ballot is there – and if it comes at an inconvenient time, well tough luck buddy.  They also have many more democratic rights than we do, and a far more open society.  More importantly there is a limit on the length of time a President may serve.  Heaven knows how long our own Iron Lady served, and it seems like an interminable time since Vice President Tony arrived promising whiter than white open government.  (See Gilligan, Andrew, Kelly, Dr David)

So quite soon when you are being made to feel you really matter, and not just for those few seconds you are casting your vote, remember thee dunt get owt for nowt folks.

Posted: February 26, 2005 ,   Modified: February 26, 2005