Politics
Hey Michelle. Am happy to put my 2 cents in.
As an Indigenous person, it truly was an emotional and exciting day when Rudd said "sorry". To me, it was a simple acknowledgement of Australia's Indigenous history. (The only politician to do this)
As a QLD'r I saw Rudd (and Labour State leader Anna Bligh) get his hands dirty, LITERALLY, cleaning the streets after the Brisbane floods last year. I didn't see any other politician in there helping ...
As a Christian, I was appalled (but not surprised) that under the Gillard government, the Labour party gave a conscience vote for the support of gay marriage.
I'm kinda getting caught up in it too lol, ive even sent an email to my local ALP member giving my support for Rudd hehehehehe.
Basically, I want Rudd back. I don't like Mr Abbott ... my views :-)
I feel embarrassed and dismayed that people on both sides of public office set such a low standard for what is acceptable behavior. They are nothing more than school yard bullies and gutter mongers with huge egos and very little else to offer. What an embarrassment to have them held up as our leaders.
Mr Rudd is a 30 year politician. I don't think for a minute he was helping in the floods without thinking of his come-back against Ms Gillard.
A quick look in and I’m prompted to say something here.
To me, politicians are simply people just doing a job. Regards of whether I believe they’re doing the best job they could do as leaders of our nation doesn’t make them at the end of the day any less of a human being like you or I with feelings, loved ones and flaws. ‘Attacking’ anyone on a personal level is demeaning, unbecoming and unchristian in my opinion. Also, God has allowed these people to be in these positions of leadership. Could we really do better in these top positions? I prefer not to slander either Julia or Kevin as incompetent and untrustworthy but to support their good actions and intentions. Watching Julia hold it together yesterday was so admirable, you’ve got to love her tenacity. That K. Rudd is emerging from ‘the ashes’ after heart surgery last year gets my admiration. The gay marriage thing was the Greens pushing, as I see it. There were larger issues at stake to Labour (under Julia’s leadership) which affected the futures of all Australians which needed the Greens support for these to pass in Senate ( i.e. a kind of a trade-off rather than something that Labour campaigned and stood for.)
On the issue of Anna Bligh during the Queensland flooding, I’ve never in my lifetime been more impressed with a politician then her during this crisis. Her anguish was clear for all to see at the time yet she held her composure admirably despite the dire situation around her and was effective in her overseeing of the rescue and recovery. Her genuine acute concern for the welfare of all Queenslanders is deserving of praise and nothing less.
Polls indicate that Kevin is the people’s choice and therefore, he may be more successful in leading Labour to victory at the next election. This change of leadership however, is a matter for the Labour caucus. I agree with Independent MP Rob Oakeshott who says this leadership battle is starting to threaten the stability of the parliament. I hope all politicians just share his goal; "My interest is making sure the Labour Party doesn't tear this parliament down and making sure the parliament remains one that can deliver a reform agenda and can work in the national interest."
Cate, couldn't agree with you more re Anna Bligh. As someone who went through Yasi, and I've been through my fair share of cyclones but with Yasi I seriously thought I was going to die, she gave me hope and strength through her words as she made me feel supported as we sat through hours of Yasi. I felt as though she worked tirelessly throughout Yasi, didn't go to dinner like some pollies in a time of crisis ie victorian bushfires ... my thoughts.
Michelle, I love the fact that we all have different opinions :-) We can let those differences upset us, or we can grow through different understandings ... (I'm tired, if I dont make sense - excuse me lol)
Oh, i missed the interview. What channel? I will try and find it on the net aand watch it
I would say you may be right there Michelle re Rudd. But i shall have a look :-)
Opinions vary, as do individual taste and even biblical interpretation. Most wouldn’t hesitate to offer their advice to someone on the boards who was for instance, considering re-entering an abusive relationship. The feedback may be similar or could vary, with some comments considered insensitive or just plain wrong to the person with the issue. Opinions must be delivered with tact and consideration. Goodness, love, forbearance, mercy, altruism, compassion etc. isn’t a sometimes thing, it’s the way we are meant to live and interact and be. Our words and our character must reflect God’s character.
Pauline, I really understand what you’ve written about Yasi. The images were frightening to us watching on TV in other states. We really felt your fear and isolation as we saw people clutching to trees, stranded on top of cars surrounded by rising waters and the aerial views of home after home buried up their rooftops in water. It was sad to hear of the mother who couldn’t hold on to her child long enough before rescue came and to hear rescuers cry because they had only the time to save some and had had to choose who to rescue first. There didn’t seem to be enough helicopter rescue teams and yet the water came up so fast there was so little time to respond. Anna Bligh said a few times that she hadn’t slept. I remain impressed with her for not ‘abandoning ship’ and for going and going and going when things got tough, giving Queenslanders her absolute all.
Re Rudd/Gillard, a mate of mine said yesterday that Kevin introduced many of the things which Julia has taken credit for accomplishing, which he thought was wrong as they were the result of what Kevin initiated.
Just a few thoughts prior to tomorrow’s leadership battle and while away now for many days, wishing all on CC much happiness. xxx
I kinda secretly hope that Kevin comes back in to the main job, not that I personally dislike Julia at all. I just think it was his position in the first place and it makes things more interesting doesn't it? I didn't like it that MKR was disrupted the other night by the politics so get on with it either way, I say (lol)!!