Well, the time is near. Following in the spirit of the leaders' speeches, do we all have any final thoughts on what we see as being the issues that matter?
I am trying to create a thread that allows us all to 'freely' express ourselves (once!) without fear of ridicule or debate. I know that people will feel a need to argue, but perhaps that could just wait till the regulars have posted? Most points that should be mentioned have already been debated at length as it is... Oh, and Rorix, try and at least play along with the idea of multiple truths .
Well, I see this as being an election that will determine the direction that the country will take in the foreseeable future. Will we supposedly progress in liberal economic terms yet regress with respect to social policy under a Coalition Government, or will we face the prospect of apparently progressive reform under a Labor Government? Will we see the rise of 'radical' Senate parties in the form of Family First and the Greens, or will the Democrats maintain their position in order to 'keep the bastards honest'? Will the population at large care beyond their own immediate concerns, and should we expect any different?
I agree with the basic structure of John Howard's notion of choice, yet I believe that such choice will only be possible when the inherent inequalities evident within our society and the problems that they cause are properly addressed. Till that time, I will be voting for the Democrats, and at this election I shall also be voting for the Australian Labor Party. In my mind, Labor offers far more hope for the future than does the Coalition.
Edit (this is additional text only, I have not changed anything prior to this sentence): I have not taken much note of the polls, so I do not know what to expect. However, I do know that the Latham factor will play a significant role, yet will this be for better or worse? However, in the senate, I expect the Greens to gain an additional seat or two, and I hope that the remaining Senators for the Democrats use the following three years to present a solid front in order to improve their standing within the wider community.
I am trying to create a thread that allows us all to 'freely' express ourselves (once!) without fear of ridicule or debate. I know that people will feel a need to argue, but perhaps that could just wait till the regulars have posted? Most points that should be mentioned have already been debated at length as it is... Oh, and Rorix, try and at least play along with the idea of multiple truths .
Well, I see this as being an election that will determine the direction that the country will take in the foreseeable future. Will we supposedly progress in liberal economic terms yet regress with respect to social policy under a Coalition Government, or will we face the prospect of apparently progressive reform under a Labor Government? Will we see the rise of 'radical' Senate parties in the form of Family First and the Greens, or will the Democrats maintain their position in order to 'keep the bastards honest'? Will the population at large care beyond their own immediate concerns, and should we expect any different?
I agree with the basic structure of John Howard's notion of choice, yet I believe that such choice will only be possible when the inherent inequalities evident within our society and the problems that they cause are properly addressed. Till that time, I will be voting for the Democrats, and at this election I shall also be voting for the Australian Labor Party. In my mind, Labor offers far more hope for the future than does the Coalition.
Edit (this is additional text only, I have not changed anything prior to this sentence): I have not taken much note of the polls, so I do not know what to expect. However, I do know that the Latham factor will play a significant role, yet will this be for better or worse? However, in the senate, I expect the Greens to gain an additional seat or two, and I hope that the remaining Senators for the Democrats use the following three years to present a solid front in order to improve their standing within the wider community.
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