Gen X Journey

That will me and you, but there are 1/2 million eligible people who will not be voting because they can’t be bothered. Poor pets. Too busy and all that. Or maybe just don’t even care. Or what’s the point, they’re all the bloody same. Quite frankly I think they should be ashamed of themselves.

I really don’t think apathy is an adequate excuse not to vote. In this country many people have worked hard for the right to vote. Australian women first voted in federal elections in 1903 before that they weren’t considered capable of making an unemotional or educated choice. Aborigines weren’t allowed to vote until 1967. Immigrants are rightly not allowed to vote until they become Australian citizens, and prisoners lose their right to vote at all.

People who don’t vote really have no right to criticise what is going on in parliament and I mean that’s the Australian way, isn’t it? I vote, therefore I am allowed to whinge about rising interest rates, complain about the government’s ability to take an economy from surplus to deficit. I am allowed to denounce the mining tax and call for Peter Garrett’s sacking over the insulation scheme debacle. These are my rights as a voter. The party I voted for may or may not be in power, but my vote was lodged, counted and I’ve had and will continue to have my say. For me voting is a responsibility. The complaining that follows is a right.

So I wonder what this election campaign will look like? I foresee both parties making good use of Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. Gosh, if you’re not twittering well you’re just a twit.

I wonder what catchy slogan they’ll come up with. And let’s be frank, it’s all about the slogan. I think the person who came up with Kevin 07 was a genius. I wonder if we’ll see bumper stickers with Julia won’t fool ya or Tony’s no phony? Gosh I hope not, those slogans are shocking. I don’t see either party rushing to me for a catchy slogan.

I was really interested to see what the voters had to say in the Sunday papers. I know I’m a real nerd and actually read what they have to say and then get all cranky about the stupidity of people and can quite see the point of 500,000 votes not being cast. And you know I”m not blaming our Gen Yers for the stupid comments because I think stupidity and wisdom transcends generations.

Here are some comments that really raised my blood pressure:

• Tony Abbott. Not that ranga. I reckon you need a man to run Australia, not some woman. Gen Y male.
• I’m voting for Julia Gillard because she’s better than Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott. Tony Abbott doesn’t connect well with the ladies. Gen Y female.
• I will vote Labor because I don’t like Tony Abbott. He looks sleazy and the budgie smugglers don’t do it for me. Gen X female.
• I’m going to be voting for Julia Gillard. We should give the girls a chance–the men have ruined it haven’t they? Baby boomer female.

Ah frightening isn’t it? People’s voting decisions based on misogyny, girl power, clothing and hair colour.

But then there were these well considered reasons that gave me hope:

• I haven’t decided yet who I will vote for, but I think Julia Gillard is a strong woman with good policies. Baby boomer female.
• Tony Abbott. I perefer his policies–particularly on the boat people. After Rudd I won’t be going back to Labor. Julia’s stance on God and same-sex marriage are real vote-changers. Gen X female.
• Probably Tony Abbott. I don’t like Julia Gillard’s past and what she has promised and hasn’t kept. I’m not sure on her stance on youth affairs and gay marriage. Gen Y female.

That’s what I’m talking about–voters making decisions based on promises, policy and history.  We’ve got a long five weeks ahead of us. Image