Well, I'm guessing if you are reading this, it may well be because of the title. I'm not pig-ignorant and I certainly wouldn't be proud of it if I were. But then again, if I were pig-ignorant, maybe I would be proud because I wouldn't know. Have I lost you yet?
The thing is, I am Australian. In fact, I'm a proud Australian. I do my best to support Australian business, particularly the smaller, local businesses in the area I live. I feel a surge of pride whenever I hear of a fellow Australian's achievements, be they on the sports field, in arts and entertainment or in the academic world. Essentially, I listen, read and watch. I seek opinions from my peers and discuss them. I vote.
I voted on Saturday. I voted for an Australia free of the racist slurs incurred because of the Liberal governments border policies. I voted for Australia free to become part of the Kyoto Protocol. I voted for an Australia strong enough to stand up and say 'we can make our own decisions'. I voted for an Australia willing to admit mistakes, be compassionate and move forward into the new Millenium with a more open, honest viewpoint. Sadly, many Australians didn't see it the way I did.
I don't know why the Labor campaign failed - I'm not a political strategist. Whats more, I'm appalled by the apathy a lot of aquaintances have shown towards the election. I have a number who are supposedly articulate, intelligent people but who, for some reason, decided to voice their opinion on election day by NOT voting. You read right - NOT voting. How can an opinion be expressed if you refuse to open your mouth. I just don't get it. They thought they were being smart. They turned up on the day, got their names crossed off the electoral roll and then simply folded up their ballot papers and put them in the ballot boxes blank. In my books, this is even worse than not bothering at all. Its like going to the library to pick your toenails. What's the point? If someone had said to me it was a form of protest, I would have probably slapped them silly. How can you be making a statement with a blank placard? It just doesn't work.
I voted for an ex-rock star. Does it make me any better than the Californians who voted in a Hollywood movie star? I don't know, but at least I had my say. To all those who didn't, well if I hear a peep out of you in the next 3 years, I will come hunting you... You have no right to an opinion after the fact if you couldn't form one prior to the fact. So shut the hell up. It is your lack of committment that has lumbered us with another 3 years of Liberal governance. Thanks very much...