New leader's game

In light of the leadership performance that occurred this week, I just had to share this funny image.  From here:

I want this as a real game!!

Letter #3

Though I have fallen behind in my challenge, I have decided to get back on the horse and try again. 

I found some time to respond to the response I got from my MP. I really should of done it earlier. It took about two weeks to compose as I initially wrote it one night when I was very angry with the world after reading this awful piece and probably not in the best state of mind to write.  But it reminded me that I still needed to write and communicate. So here's my third letter, sent via email.

Hi XXXX

Thank you for your phone message you left for me about 3 months ago.  I understand that it must be really difficult balancing a work place in both Canberra and Sydney. I apologise that it has taken me so long to reply back to you. As a professional working part time and juggling two young children in an electorate that you should understand has some of the highest costs of living, especially real estate and rent, it is hard to find the time to meet and chat with friends and family, let alone your local MP. I do appreciate that you offered to meet to discuss education after my two unanswered letters.

My last two correspondences have been about education; first on the public education system at a primary and secondary level and the second about tertiary education.  In both correspondences, I express dismay at to the current Liberal Governments desire to reduce funding to these. I notice that some of these have not occurred. I do not understand what direction the current Government is going in this space.

As a member of your electorate, I wish to express two more issues that I find extremely difficult to see the current government acting in ways that seem contrary to the wishes of the Australian people:

1)      Climate change, and especially the constant government support for coal.  Coal is a resource that we know is limited and supports technology that is dated.  To keep propping up this industry is not the correct action for economic recovery and the US – China agreement on Climate Change proves that Australia is taking the wrong direction. Australia has so many more resources than the ones that can found in a mine and less environmentally damaging.  Would it not be better to invest in those?

2)      Funding Cuts to the ABC.  ABC provides many varied and amazing services to children and the country that commercial networks just do not offer.  As a mother of two young children, ABC 2 is a life saver for the end of the day when I need to get dinner together and need the children to rest without commercials selling them toys.  As a government who, in opposition, positioned itself as a government of truth, this latest proposal is an obvious election promise broken.  

Please understand XXXX, that your electorate is made up of many working professionals and young families who are directly impacted in a negative way by these proposals of the current Liberal Government.   The electorate will not ignore these when it comes to choose the member who cannot stand up for the services we want and require. Liberal only won your seat by a 4% margin last year. It’s not a big margin.

Thanks again for reading this letter and my past letters and trying to respond. I look forward to hearing from you in regards to this letter and understand if that happens in the New Year. Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas.

Kind regards

The new senate and news...

The new senate is to come in 7 July. I confess I really don't know what that means except that that there is a real chance that the carbon tax will be axed and that there will be a lot of squabbling for the next few years over different pieces of legislation. I also realise that Clive Palmer will be in the news WAY more than I care to read! (because he has quite a few seats he can bargain with the other parties).

 I found this very helpful to read about the Senate. It is funny and sad all at the same time.

And yes, I did somewhat cheer about Palmer's stance on climate change by supporting emissions trading. I cannot believe I am cheering at anything to do with Clive Palmer.....

Some real exciting news this week is that the United Nations rejected the Coalition's application to reduce the Tasmania's World Heritage Area. *CHEER*

It has been called "global diplomatic humiliation" for the Abbott government by Bob Brown. I would of thought that moment would of been when Julie Bishop was made Foreign Minister! Her international gaffs continue this week. First she alienated PNG, then she outraged Indonesia less than a month later. She has then gone to criticize China (massive regional neighbor who is both a source of export income and imports) then appear to support the Sri Lankan Government who is under suspicions by everyone else in the world for human rights abuses. And, of course, reduce the foreign aid budget by $4.5 BILLION dollars (AUD). But this week she has now invoke the anger of North Korea. They have said to want to "resolutely punish anyone who dares slander the dignity of its supreme leadership". Maybe we will not need to vote the Abbott government out. They may get assassinated by communist spies first. It is a bit surprising that we haven't started a war with any of our neighboring nations (yet!). Foreign policy is a little out of my league, but it feels like the current government can't seem to get it right.

Look out Australia!!!

(Thanks to The Man for this pic)