Observation Point Posts

At first glance, one might think the answer is obvious. Of course we are.

But, wait a minute. Let’s look a tad more closely.

First a definition: Democracy; a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

So far, so democratic.

But doesn’t that suppose all votes are equal? And what about that bit about, “all the eligible members”?

To the first point, I maintain that as long as the maximum level of campaign contributions are more than most people can afford, and as long as huge contributions to political advertising are allowed, then all votes aren’t equal. The simple reality is that Gina Rinehart’s huge contributions to political parties’ advertising campaigns give her a far more powerful say in how our nation is governed than almost every other Australians’ vote.

The same with corporations, unions and special interest groups. They, who aren’t even Australian citizens, And who, in the case of corporations may be representing foreigners, get a far more powerful say than the rest of us.

In what universe is that a democracy?

Australia is ahead of most countries in that political campaigns are to a large degree publicly funded. Yes, I know, not perfect but far better than most countries.

So, why don’t we take a huge step towards re-establishing ourselves as a democracy, by banning donations to political advertising campaigns, and banning political advertising by any entity that is not a political party running in the election?

It’s simple and it would make a massive difference.

And it would also reduce the number of those annoying ads during election campaigns.

Today, Observation Point compares Australia with the US. Not to gloat, but to highlight what’s at stake in this election.

First, this very day, in any major town or city in America, you’ll l find homeless people, thousands of them, camped on the streets. Many of them are Vets; many have been driven into bankruptcy by healthcare costs.

Now, for my second point, imagine that you sit your small child down and say, “There are nasty, horrible people who want to kill you. They could appear at any time, any second. So we’re going to practice. Get under your desk, be as quiet as you can, and maybe the nasty man won’t see you and shoot you.”

And you don’t just do that once, you do it Every. Freaking. Month. Think your kids might be traumatized?

Yeah, me too!

Well, that is exactly what happens in most American schools. They call it, Active Shooter Drills.
Any of those things would horrify us in Australia. Yet they’re just the way it is in The US.

So, do they all have something in common?

They do! Its called Predatory Capitalism. not the kind of capitalism practised by businesses competing to offer better prices and service.

I’m talking about the kind of brutal, utterly unconstrained Capitalism that kills off healthy businesses for short term profit through asset stripping.

Where drug companies can systematically target the most vulnerable people in America, lie about how addictive their drugs are, make billions in profits, while literally thousands of Americans die from overdosing.

Where healthcare companies can structure plans so their profits are huge while clients die.

Where help for the needy is stripped away so taxes can be cut and profit maximised.

We might ask why Americans put up with this.

The answer is simple. They’re powerless to do anything about it. Lobbyists in Washington, funded by Predatory Capitalists, outnumber politicians about 1,200 to 1.

Those lobbyists have just one job – to maintain the status quo; to make absolutely sure things never get better for ordinary Americans.

Now the reason I’m banging on about this, aside from the sheer horror of it, is that there are powerful forces at work here whose sole aim is to make Australia just like America.

One of the most dangerous is the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), whose goal is to get rid of all government institutions. You can read some of their objectives here

They want to drive taxes down to the point where government cannot do its most basic functions.

They are determined to remove all government controls on the economy, so that Predatory Capitalism can have its way with us, completely unimpeded.

When you choose which party to give your vote this election, please keep in mind that several ministers in the Morrison government are card carrying members of the IPA, and are dedicated to its goals.
Is this what we want for Australia?