By the time you read this article, the dust will have settled from our Federal election. We'll either have a new cadre of those in the monkey cage running the show, or we'll be suffering the antics of the old ones.
Apart from witnessing the appalling hypocrisy of both leaders, the profound issue of what constitutes representative democracy was brought to the fore, in the lead up to this election.
The most apparent, disturbing and frightening element, is Bill Shorten redefinition of representative democracy. According to Bill (whom we can trust!) When it comes to the redefinition of marriage "Parliament is the national forum in a representative democracy for these decisions" which is a brazen assertion that the Elites (i.e. our political leaders) are supremely qualified to rule over their benighted citizens, with wanton disregard for their opinion.
Evidently, Bill is terrified of the option of allowing Australian citizens their right, to decide what constitutes marriage. Because according to Bill we are all dangerous 'homophobes' on a mission to hate and breed hatred. Therefore we can't be trusted to have a mature debate. That's why we need a benevolent dictator like Bill to protect us from self-destruction, and of course to protect the vulnerable. Homosexuals who are downtrodden, victimised and stigmatised on a daily basis having to endure the superior bearing of heteronormality.
Yet unsurprisingly, according to Bill Australians are capable of having a referendum about constitutional reform with respect to aboriginal recognition, without unleashing a maelstrom of racial hatred. But incapable of a civil discussion about marriage.
A question
Which raises the question. How on the one hand we are incapable of discussing marriage without resorting to hate, while on the other hand, we are eminently capable of discussing important racial matters, sensibly and maturely?
Well of course such lofty questions, are well beyond the reach of ordinary folk like you and I, we just need to trust in the higher order wisdom of the Elites who govern us. Because after all they know best, and heteronormality is unbecoming of our enlightened age (that's according to Bill's Safe Schools program).
In fact, Bill is so overcome by his preeminence, that he's convinced himself of his own infallibility (a defining characteristic of most Elites, apart from their arrogance). Infatuated by his right to rule he's decided to oppose the 'Marriage Equality' plebiscite in the Senate, even if his party loses the election. Something the majority of Australians have asked for. Clearly, demonstrating for us the magnitude of Bill's long-suffering and patience towards the Philistines over which he rules.
However, the reader could be excused for interpreting Bill's intention as an act of flagrant arrogance, against the expressed will of ordinary Australians. To some it would seem Bill's definition of representative democracy is clearly 'Government by Elites', because we are deemed unfit to govern ourselves. But what would we know? The Neo-Oligarchs know everything, and we the puerile populace are left to gaze in wonder at the sagacity of our leaders.
The other cage
Now in the other cage, Malcolm Turnbull will let us choose whether we want to redefine marriage, by allowing a plebiscite. But the plebiscite was granted reluctantly, because he's chained to the policy of his predecessor. So in order to avoid a party revolt, and keep the coveted position of Prime Minister of Australia, he is compelled to honour the promise that he made to his party, which secured his leadership.
Assuming that the Coalition wins Government, and that the plebiscite fails, which means definition of marriage between a man and a woman remains unchanged. Then Malcolm will respect vote of the people, but not because he believes in Democracy, but rather in a higher principle, namely pragmatism.
He's shrewd enough to know that his self-interest would not be served by defying the people's vote. And so democracy limps over the finishing line, victorious for now.
Does anyone have bananas, or should we throw peanuts.
Vic Matthews, has three degrees B.Optom, B.Arts& B. Christian Studies. He is a kiteboard tragic, who now works as a Christian Copywriter. He can be found at http://trustworthycopywriter.com/writing-services/christian-copywriter/
Vic Matthews' previous articles may be viewed http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/vic-matthews.html
