election thoughts

A lot of people, myself included, have been expressing disgust at the obscenely cynical "what's in it for me?" thrust that's characterised most of this election campaign. For a bit of solace, it's probably worth remembering that most people who have given more than a passing thought to the matter have already decided how they're voting long ago (as grrlock mentioned), and those who are voting on principle even moreso, so the election campaign really is just pitching at the apathetic, Don't Give A Toss demographic.

It's at least reassuring to realise that it's not that nobody out there gives a shit about anything more than their own hip pocket, just that those who do care aren't the ones being wooed. The sad thing is still that it does mean it's those same apathetic shits who are being bribed and rewarded and may be the ones with the casting vote on who we get running this show.

Either way, if we do get stuck with Howard and his horribles for another three years, or if we get to see how Latham's lot do things differently, there'll still be a lot of decent people out there and still a lot of cretinous arseholes (and plenty in between), same as it ever was.

But, for the sake of all that's decent, fair and generally uncunty, here's hoping we're finally going to see Howard's end. (No, not *that* end - ewww).

Kick the grime of this world in the crutch, dear..

THROW HOWARD OVERBOARD!

okay, one more thing about this here election..

Now, i know that for most people who will be reading this i'm generally 'preaching to the choir' as far as Howard-bashing goes, but from some discussions i've read and heard lately, there's one thing i think needs to be mentioned.

As i've said before, i'm going for the Greens because their views are closest to my own, and to keep the pressure on Labor not to turn into Liberal clones like they did last time, but one thing i am hearing a lot of folks saying at the moment is that they'd like to vote for someone like the Greens but don't want to take a chance on it letting Howard get back in.  Now, unless i've got the House of Reps system totally wrong (and someone correct me if i have), as long as you put Labor second, there is NO WAY a vote for the Greens can help Howard get back in (short of the Greens agreeing to form a minority government with the Libs, which would be suicide).  If the Greens candidate doesn't get in, it's like you voted for Labor anyway, and even if a Labor seat is lost to the Greens it still doesn't give an extra seat to Howard, so he's no closer to having a majority needed to form a government, but it could mean Labor has to cut a deal with the Greens to form a government (or at the very least make them wary about alienating the pinko-poofo bleeding-heart vote).

(The Senate form is a bit more complicated - you have to either number all the boxes below the line or trust in a party line, but that's up to you. Edit - Be aware though that voting above the line puts the preferences out of your control and there may be preference deals that benefit someone you'd rather not help get a voice in the Senate, so it's safer to number them yourself.)

Much as i'd like to, it's not for me to tell anyone how to vote (vote green vote green vote green vote green vote green) but at least be aware of the above when making your decision.

Writtenandauthorisedbydarrenstrangeronbehalfofhispinkopoofoself.

Edit - According to http://www.aph.gov.au/house/info/general/index.htm :

"After an election the political party (or coalition of parties) which has the most Members in the House of Representatives becomes the governing party. Its leader becomes Prime Minister and other Ministers are appointed from among the party's Members and Senators. To remain in office a Government must keep the support of a majority of Members of the House."

Reading that ("the political party [..] which has the most members") i could be wrong on the majority issue, though "a majority of Members of the House" seems to contradict that. More research needed, but make up your own minds.

Edit #2 - According to http://www.aph.gov.au/house/info/infosheets/is19.pdf:

"After a general election the political party (or coalition of parties) with the support of a majority of Members in the House of Representatives becomes the governing party and its leader becomes Prime Minister. To remain in office a Government must have 'the confidence of the House' - that is, keep the support of the majority of in the House of Representatives."

Slightly different wording, but leans more toward how i understood it to work. Really should have researched this more closely - anyone who knows for sure, please speak up..

(no subject)

Have a nice weekend all, and may your preferred party do well tomorrow, as long as it's not someone i hate.

:)

Ciao.