It is clear from the 10 comments received that education for our youth is something we all take seriously, and everyone pretty much agreed with my points.
As an Australian, I am only able to make my comments this week on the Australian political system, as it would be unfair for me to judge the government of a country that I am not a part of. So if you are one of our readers from The USA, Germany, Russia or Vietnam, please leave a comment letting us Australians know how your political system works, (or doesn't).
I have been very hesitant to delve into the realm of politics. It is very personal and private to each individual, not to mention the fact that I do not want to get letter bombed should I say something others disagree with. However, there are some points that I feel need bringing up. To my actual point for this week,
"Are politicians wasting our time and our money?"
Now I can practically see everybodies heads frantically nodding up and down, (finally, a topic that I am confident that everyone will agree with). But I am very serious. Back in the middle ages, a King ruled over his people, and the people generally loved him. The greatest honour that one could hope for was to be praised by the King. It was blasphemy to speak ill of him, and he always stood with his men on the battlefield. (please forgive my romantic, hollywood version of history) However, nowadays, political leaders are chosen by their small group of peers, and are mocked openly with little to no respect from the people. This leader, with the help of their friends, gets to make decisions without the approval of the people, and use any excuse that comes to mind should these decisions fail. My first example is the recycled water (poo-water if you ask me). Yes, I am sure there are many 'good' reasons why this should be put in. However, when the people were asked if they wanted this, the answer was a very clear "NO!" But did our noble leaders listen? No, they did what THEY wanted to, regardless of the publics opinion. As I said last week with regards to the schooling system. They make changes without fully thinking things through, and without giving any regard to the publics opinion. If this is to be a true democracy, I would like the power to either vote on serious issues, or be given the right to vote on the person who gets the final say on these things. (Never going to happen, pointless to dream)
They are treated like royalty, being paid EXORBIDANT salaries (for the rest of their lives!) and even given a special 'palace' to live in. But does anyone see Gillard standing at the front of our metaphorical battlefield? Hell no! The only battling she does is sticking a knife in her former leaders back! (two months before the end of his term, too!) Should our country face any real danger or problem, I can guarantee you that the 'leaders' of our country would be the last people to help us. In my opinion, the political leaders of our country should be paid MINIMUM WAGE! (that is what I have to live on, raising my four children, so if I can do it, they can too!) I am okay for them to be given a house to live in, and for their work related airfares to be paid for by the country. I would even be okay with them being given a car, because this way they only have to pay for their food and bills. They get to feel what it is like to be one of the people, and then they do not enter politics for the money. The people in power would only be those who were truly passionate about the cause. This would also save BILLIONS each year. There you go, I have just solved the Global Financial Crisis! (For Australia anyway) So they would not need this stupid new carbon tax, (which by the way, once again the people have said they DID NOT want it, but did they listen?) and our country would be one of the wealthiest!
But, this will never happen, because the sad truth is, politicians are greedy, selfish idiots who care more about their wallet and their ego than they do about the country and its people.
Any comments, either for or against are welcomed, and also as I said, I would LOVE to hear some truths about other countries politics. Just please keep in mind everyone that I do not recommend divulging your own personal political preferance. This is not for or against either political party, as lets face it, politicians are the same regardless of their side. (Please remember that all of my comments are generalisations, there's always an exception to the rule) However, in saying that, I can't wait to hear everyone's opinions on this everyday annoyance!
-T.J.
As you say, politicians are good at wasting our money. No other group has the power to raise their own salaries without having to justify their worth or their achievements. I am furious that a politician receives a huge handout when they LOOSE their seat !! The extra perks that they receive is also completely out of hand. Instead of being able to fly anywhere in the world on a FREE FIRST CLASS ticket, they should apply to go on trips & only be able to go if it is VITAL for their portfolio & then fly Business class.
ReplyDeleteWhen a politician retires or is voted out of office ALL payments & perks MUST cease immediately. As far as ex- prime ministers go they should only have VERY limited perks & funds available & this should be reduced when they start another high paying job.
These measures alone would save the tax payers a huge amount.
These people have forgotten that they are public servants & , as such, are meant to be working to HELP all of the people of this country & not just adding to their own bank accounts or helping their friends. We see this happening more & more these days with Royal Commissions about every thing that happens. These never come up with a solution & nearly always seem to go on longer than originally announced thus giving more money to those on the panel.
Unfortunately politicians are a necessary evil but it is about time that they were more accountable for their actions & decisions. As a taxpayer I am fed up with their self absorbed diatribes & wish that they would get back to what they are supposed to be doing - looking after OUR welfare !!