O'Connor

So the new WA National dude wants to be an indie too. And do a 'royalties for regions' deal.

Honestly, why doesn't the WA National party just change their name to 'the Highwaymen' and be done with it? And how it is not bribery to (for the second time) be saying they will sell you right to govern? I could never figure out how it wasn't bribery of a public official in the state election. I mean it is 'bucks for votes'.

While I still feel it

It isn't often I am filled with any sense of wonderment or positivity or anything - so I should note this down while I still feel it.

It has occurred to me this morning what an amazing opportunity this election has opened up. I have been thinking about it this morning, and it could be incredible. There is an opportunity for us to totally change politics in Australia, right here right now. We could have a situation where we upped the quality of government in this country - where we could have input from across the political spectrum. we could actually address the difficult issues and really solve problems - because for once, to get anything through, everyone would have to find a solution together.

if our politicians got on board we could have an amazing parliament where we had smart, good, open and accountable government. Think of the possibilities. The degree of co-operation needed would mean that politics would have to get much politer. We might be able to address the cynicism in Australia about politics and politicians. We could get people engaged again - hell, our politicians could get engaged with politics and ideas and solutions again.

The parties aren't really set up for this kind of flexibility and co-operation - but there are people within those parties who could do really well with this kind of cross-party politics. Turnbull, Scott Ludlam both spring to mind. I think Judy Moyland too. Rob Oakshott certainly seems to be thinking that this kind of thing is possible. Why is noone springing to mind with Labor. there are people in there too, I just can't think of them right now. Steven Smith maybe.

actually, even yesterday's Insiders had more of a spirit of co-operation and applying intelligence to real understanding rather than rote insults and partisanism. For once I didn't want to rip out Bolt's heart, I actually found his comments to be (sort of) insightful and thoughtful. wow. * I did want to reach into the tv and slap Andrew Robb though - so this probably isn't a delusion.

but. and there is a but, I doubt it will happen. Most of the coalition front bench are ex-Howard pollies, and their track record indicates they will just bitch and moan and claim all these indies and greens are standing in the way of the mandate they were given. that 'being held hostage by minorities (and bastards that won't be bought off like nationals always were) crap. Like the people that vote for those minorities don't have the same rights to representation as the people that vote for them.

And the power brokers in the parties certainly won't like any sprit of independence or co-operation to seep in to politics. heaven forbid - what kind of govt could we end up with? After all that training in hatred and partisanism and otherness that we taught you in student politics.

and are our politicians capable of that kind of higher brain function anymore, do you suppose? as opposed to reaching for the nearest insult? actually finding solutions and compromises and ... well quality? I think some of them still have that ability. and some could be re-skilled *grin*

what about the media? this would not be popular with News Ltd anyway - fights and derision sell newspapers, reasoned debate and compromise and good governance, probably not so much.

but imagine the possibilities. Real debate and discussion. Maybe a sense of community and compassion seeping back into our national spirit. a sense of ourselves as something bigger than ourselves, our families. An idea of nationhood that could engender pride (that doesn't involve sports). Smart, capable, compassionate, polite, problem-solving politicians.

Before it all gets ruined by demands for bucks and trying to jam through legislation before the new senate and non-stop carping about illegitimate govt and minorities and stuff..... stop for a moment and be dazzled by the possible future open at this exact moment for a minute. It might hurt later to remember this moment - but how often do we get this kind of vision of a shiny future? Of hope and civility and ....

ok, I am done. Normally grouchie programming will resume.
*grin*