Get involved. I know many people who complained bitterly after the last Queensland State Election and the subsequent policy roll out enacted by the government. I remember petitions, rallies, vitriolic letters and Facebook posts. I remember the dinner party conversations and private diatribes, complaints, protestations and denials. I know many people who openly say they did not vote for the current government and disagreed vehemently with the policy directions and outcomes. I was not a supporter of the petitions and sometimes futile protests against a democratically elected government. I was not a vocal critic against the actions of a popularly elected government where it had an articulated mandate and responsibility. I was not an advocate for social upheaval or radical overturning of the system that votes a government into power. I believe in the responsible use of my vote. Voting is the cornerstone of our Westminister democracy. Inform yourself and those in your circles of influence what you think is important and respectfully challenge and persuade those who are yet to hold a view or you disagree with. This is democracy in action. If you disagree with education and health cuts then talk about it with others. If you disagree with funding cuts to the arts then talk about it with others. If you believe in community and long term environmental concerns over short term financial gains then talk. Jobs and social responsibility, responsible government, a fair justice system, an empowered judiciary, safety...if you believe that Queensland is a place you call home and not just a place you live until you can find somewhere better then GET INVOLVED. I do not want to hear the same level of complaining and belly aching if you chose not to get involved. Abstaining from the system means you relinquish all rights to complain. Have you volunteered to work on a electoral campaign? Have you read the information from the parties? Have you donated money? Have you talked to people who disagree with you and listened to what they have to say? So, to all those people who have long memories and short fuses ....NOW is the time to get involved, get active and get talking...not in a months time. If you want to see change, NOW is the time to vote and influence voters. Remind people of the list of things that need to change. news.au/national/queensland/queensland-premier-campbell-newman-has-called-a-snap-election-for-january-31/story-fnj4alav-1227175877756
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 23:43:06 +0000