I like to think I have at least a basic understanding of how
politics work. I know that a healthy government tiptoes a very fine line to
balance the needs of a diverse electorate, from the conservatives right through
to the liberals. You could say that the current Australian government faces
even more of a challenge, given that they are a minority government.
Personally, however, I do not think this precludes a
governmental obligation to be socially progressive. To hold up higher ideals
that protect minorities and that identify social injustices. Sometimes
governments fail to do so (the current QLD State Government being a fine
example – but that’s a story for another time), and it is, for all of us, a
great shame that they do.
I remember being elated when I discovered that Julia Gillard
had been appointed Prime Minister of Australia. It appeared that we now had a
fresh Labor – one that would need the support of the Greens and the
Independents to operate, our
fearless leader – an unmarried, atheist woman.
Groundbreaking!
I cheered.
Here was an opportunity for our country to embrace change
for the better. Make some moves in the right direction.
Then Julia pissed me off with the acknowledgement that her personal stance was in favour of marriage remaining between just a man and a woman. Like a rollercoaster, she had me again when she supported the Labor Party making provision for a conscience vote on same sex marriage. Ah, those heady days when I was full of admiration for Julia.
Today
it was announced the Julia Gillard would be the keynote speaker at the ACL annual
conference. The Australian Christian Lobby. I won’t even touch upon the
irony of an atheist leader delivering the keynote address at a Christian
conference. Instead let’s focus on the
track record of these bible - bashing loons.
Much like when you realise, awkwardly, that a childhood hero
didn’t live up to the ideals you held so dear, I now realise that Julia Gillard
is not the champion I had hoped for. Her impotent government, struggling to
maintain traction, seeks the approval of a group of regressive, loud - mouthed
religious extremists.
I’m sorry Julia, but I have to break up with you. Say hi to
Jim and co. from the ACL for me.
