2015-09-02
Better late than never
Now, in my 75th year I have joined the Maroochydore branch of the Greens. So, why wait till now? Well, I got angry. I have enjoyed a love of people and the natural world and consider myself very fortunate to have lived a rich and fulfilling life. So, why get angry? The simple answer is that mankind is on a blind course of self-destruction which will deny my grandchildren and others any chance of living out their natural lives. Anger is not something which I sought; it began simmering within me as I learned more about the many issues which had annoyed me for years. Issues like today's exploitation of slave labour in poorer countries — just to feed the profit machine, the vast resources directed to the maintaining of military advantage, when there is already enough nuclear firepower to destroy the world many times over. What I see is the undermining of democracy by a global free market system which has simply enabled the corporate giants of the world to buy out governments and impoverish the economies of what once were sovereign countries, including Australia.
Why join the Greens? Because I believe the stated policies are the best for Australia and have the right philosophical base. The other political parties receive a great amount of corporate funding, particularly from the fossil fuel sector. They boast a history of support for coal mining in spite of the proven connection with climate change. The Greens, I believe, are less open to coercion and less likely to be tarnished by corruption or the baggage that accompanies it. I also believe that the Greens have a great opportunity to promote their credibility now. They remain the only hope of providing the incorruptible leadership needed to address the major issues confronting us.
The main challenge confronting Australia and indeed the whole planet is, of course, the approaching catastrophe of climate change; without addressing this issue there will be no future. We may resolve other issues but without a future all else becomes irrelevant. We are facing a battle for our survival but are also faced with an economic and political culture which consistently undermines moves to address the problem. The present government does everything to obstruct the necessary change to renewable energy and does all they can to support the industries that contribute to greenhouse gases. This wilful negligence is what makes me so angry; an anger which should, in my opinion, be felt by everyone who cares a damn about Australia and the future.
The tactic of political parties in past elections has been to abuse all others and to play on the fears and insecurity of the population at large. The Greens need not adopt such a pathetic and negative approach. The insecurity and fear of change to the status quo which dominates the mindset of many people must be addressed. An honest appraisal of the issues and a strong appeal to the intelligence and courage of voters is paramount. People are desperate for reassurance; adopting the right approach can provide that assurance and, accordingly, the Greens should be recognised as providing the necessary vision and leadership so desperately needed.
Denis White, Queensland
A basic income
I want to give my support to calls for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) for those that find themselves on welfare whether that be unemployment benefits, pensions, youth allowance, et cetera. I make this point because the current unemployment benefits are so insufficient that they actually put people into living below the poverty line. So what would a fairer amount for benefits be?
The figures that get floated around that seem fair but are still very basic in terms of living are $400 a week or around $20 000 a year. Sure, it's livable in the sense that you'd just be surviving but it's hardly an ostentatious approach. People can be swayed against this by the usual arguments by the right-wing media, politicians and business leaders that this is unaffordable but they would say that. They would also make the argument that people rort the system and while there is rorting it certainly isn't those on welfare who are only to blame. Particularly when we consider the media reports around politician's entitlements being abused, their double dipping and deliberate corporate tax avoidance that is costing the Australian economy millions.
Robert Wrona, NSW