Reconcile This!
“I also want to commit myself very genuinely to the cause of true reconciliation with the Aboriginal people of Australia by the centenary of federation,”
- John Howard, Victory speech 1998 election.
9 years later and he’s finally gotten around to it, 3 days before he calls the election? You have to be kidding me.
Heres the options (thanks to a commenter at Blogocracy)…
First, you sincerely believe in Reconciliation; so do the voters; they will reward you by voting you back in.
Second, you sincerely believe in Reconciliation; but the voters don’t; they don’t vote you back in.
Third, you sincerely don’t believe in Reconciliation; neither do the voters; they don’t vote you back in.
Fourth, you sincerely don’t believe in Reconciliation; the voters do; so they don’t vote you back in.
So what do you think your chances are John? And if its worth having a referendum over, why not stick it on the Federal election ballot while we’re at it. Why wait 18 months? Why add expense and hassle of having to go to the polls for a dedicated referendum on the issue when you’ll have people at the polls in 4 weeks anyway?
Oh thats right, you probably cant word the constitutional amendment in time. And that was done obviously on purpose to 1. ensure maximum electoral impact and effect, and 2. ensure no one asks “hey, why dont you stick it on the federal ballot then? you know, if you’re so serious about it.”
And if nothing happens in 18 months time, of course depending on the Libs being re-elected, you can always fall back on this gem of a quote…
“We’re still in Government. It’s not an election promise when you are still in Government.”Comments (View)
