Idealism seems out of fashion in today’s world. In countries everywhere there is war, fear and the grabbing pressures of capitalism out of control. We are probably more frightened and tense today than we have ever been in history. Particularly if you consider how much of our fear is based on “maybes”. Things that may happen. We may have a terrorist attack. Our Islamic citizens may turn on us. If we don’t have a deregulated workplace, we may be more open to economic recession. It’s all fear. Paralysing, unproductive fear. Where is the hope in this kind of thinking?

Here in Australia we are counting down to an election. It hasn’t been called yet, but everyone knows it’s coming, and most likely by the end of the year. I’m going to be open and say that I want the Australian Labor Party to win this election. In fact, I am desperate for labor to win this election.

Our current Prime Minister, the un -honorable John Howard has had 10 years to leave his mark on our country and I fear that it will take at least another 10 years to undo the damage he has wrought. From his anti-Republican agenda which confused the population into vetoing a referendum which would give us an Australian Head of State (a radical suggestion I know…) to his demonising of desperate refugees and subsequent locking them up for years on end, roasting away in scorching desert ovens… I mean prisons. Outright lies about Iraq, even after looking the other way while The Australian Wheat Board bribed the murderous Saddam Hussein for his business. This government has been at an all time moral low for some time. Somehow John Howard has managed to slide through three elections, but I’m praying this will be his last.

More than my dislike of John Howard, I want a new government because I want to have HOPE again. I want to believe that someone is going to rule our country with an agenda for change. An agenda that comes from their belief in what Australia needs. To be honest, I think most leaders would be jaded after 10 years in power. It’s too long. No one should stay in government that long. Australian people take note. No human being will give you his best for 10 years, and that is what we deserve in government. The best.

So, I’m putting my vote behind Kevin Rudd, and hoping that a poor Qld farm boy who talks of equality, a greener future, more funding for education and the traditional Australian ideal of a “fair go” actually believes it and will make us believe it again.

I say be idealistic. Have a picture in your head of the country you want to live in. Be passionate about our children deserving a better future, a secure future. Don’t listen to people who tell you all politicans are the same. They are not. Because people are not the same. Let us demand a leader for our nation, not a media savvy politician who has proven time and time again that he does not care what is best for us, he only cares what is best for the corporations that donate to him.

Have you heard that song by PINK, Dear Mr President? It is the most heartfelt acoustic song I have heard in years. That is a woman who believes, who is not ashamed to be idealistic. We can have jobs and still take care of our less fortunate citizens. We can help others while still helping ourself. Good economic management and ethics and integrity are not mutually exclusive. Make sure you tell John Howard that at the next election.

photo by spike55151

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