So, Julia Gillard has assumed the role of Prime Minister, and if she is to guide our nation over the next four years, it’s essential that we provide her with our complete backing.
The competition was tight, extremely tight. But how many votes did the Labor party receive? Was Julia able to secure more votes than Tony?
We live in a democracy, which is indeed a wonderful thing; however, amidst all the democratic mechanisms that are in place, the fate of Australia ended up in the hands of the Independents, a group that hardly received any votes initially.
Why can’t we consider the total votes from across the nation to determine who received the most? Call it old-fashioned if you will, but typically, the winner is the one who crosses the finish line first.
I doubt it truly matters, as whoever has held power has 
never really assisted me in any meaningful way. Throughout my life—and yours—what’s occurred is that “things” have only gotten pricier. Electricity, taxes, and so forth… they have all increased and continue to do so. You’ll consistently hear your parents and grandparents reminisce about how affordable it was to catch a movie, take a date out for dinner, or enjoy a night at the pub, all for just two and a half cents.
Thus, it becomes clear that people around the globe, including us, remain in a continuous state of growing discontent due to the rising cost of living.
Colin Barnett is being blamed by Western Australians for the surge in electricity prices, but had it not been him, someone else would have taken the fall.
In all seriousness, whether it’s you or me, the average Australian will never receive proper care. As a 40-plus male, with all my limbs intact, not belonging to the lesbian community, not having broken any laws, not coming from an ethnic minority, and not having arrived by boat, I find that the government serves these categories much better…regardless of which administration is in charge, they would all act similarly. As a result, at some point, we may all begin to feel like we’re outsiders in our own nation. Regrettably, I am a white Australian male who avoids drawing from government support and consistently strives to be a good citizen. It seems my attempts to embody what it means to be a responsible Australian often go unnoticed by those in power. This isn’t meant to disparage lesbians, the handicapped, or anyone under 40, but my argument reflects a growing sentiment that a significant portion of the population occasionally feels neglected.
Consider Britain for a moment. I have friends residing in various suburbs of London. I would love to see Julia Gillard spend a few weeks in Southall or Stockwell; perhaps our newly elected Prime Minister could start thinking beyond the next four years. The reality is that all our Prime Minister will focus on is maintaining power for four years, rather than contemplating a longer-term vision for the next decade, devising policies that will keep voters inclined to support them in four years’ time. Honestly, it would just be refreshing to have a leader bold enough (no offense intended, Julia; I’m sure you possess great fortitude) to consider Australia’s future from a genuinely long-term perspective.
For if you journey to Southall, Stockwell, and many other areas in the suburbs of London, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter any native British residents. In fact, you’ll likely feel quite out of place among the locals. Southall primarily consists of Muslims. In Dublin, it’s predominantly Polish.
Yes, people ought to have the freedom to live…wherever they desire. I guess it’s somewhat similar to Foxtel. At the time of signing up, you receive a small deal here, a small deal there, and once you’re with Foxtel, you seem to vanish from their radar. Suddenly, great deals appear for new customers… but what about the long-term customers? What about those who have consistently supported them? You know, the ones who pay their bills promptly and rarely raise a fuss, even when there are billing errors. It’s easy to take people for granted. Well, my goal is to ensure that Australians are not overlooked.
Throughout, the British government (regardless of which one, they’re all quite similar) has catered to everyone, every nationality, every diverse group… except for the British person.
Interestingly, the groups that have been indulged are now the new British. 
Julia, I urge you to take a trip to London or send one of your colleagues there. There’s a valuable lesson to be learned from the decline of the Motherland. Have you ever considered why there’s such a sizable British and Irish community here? Just look at the number of people leaving the country because, at some point, it could be Australians “fleeing” to another nation, feeling neglected and like a minority in their own land.
But enough complaining. Congratulations, Julia. Best of luck, and be sure to keep August 10th open for “Ranga Day.”
My brother cast his vote for you because he’s a Ranga as well. Despite being a fellow Ranga, you didn’t even reach out to him, yet he still supported you…God help us all.
by Sel Hurst
