We need to stop the emotional blackmail and intimidation

I am growing very weary of being bombarded by various groups and individuals telling me how and why I should vote the same way they will in the SSM postal plebiscite. I'm also somewhat dismayed by articles I've read and comments people have made that if their position isn't adopted they will no longer be friends with those who hold an opposing view. Some have even declared they will not even associate with someone who doesn't support them. Seriously how melodramatic and childish is that?

We've always prided ourselves as a society who embraced different opinions and who respected the right of others who differed from us. That is a sign of an intelligent, caring, enlightened, colourful and mature society. But that has changed and not for the better.

I'm proud to acknowledge I have friends and associates within my various circles with whom I don’t share the same beliefs; culturally, politically, environmentally and also on the topic of religion. I've learnt a lot from those people. That has led to some unique and fascinating relationships over the years. Not to mention some highly entertaining and robust dinner party discussions. In some cases I've changed my position based on compelling arguments. But above all I respect them as individuals and I would never wipe them just because we hold different views. I value them for who they are and the richness they bring to my life, not what they believe.

I had two so-called friends completely wipe me because of all people Donald Trump. I was stunned by that. Whilst I am an avowed conservative I could not support someone like Trump. I gave my reasons but I was flicked anyway. If the same were to happen should anyone become aware of how I vote on SSM, I would now consider that a positive. Why? I don’t want to associate with people who would simply shut me out for no other reason than a different opinion. Or to associate with people who want to live in a one dimensional society. A society where to be respected and accepted we all have to think the same and believe in the same things they do.

How I vote is my decision, no one else’s. I will be making my decision based on several factors. I will take into consideration my personal views.  In addition I'll consider the potential changes (if any) in law and what that will mean in the shorter and longer term across a number of spectrums. I won't cave in to emotional blackmail or intimidation from either side; Yes or No. In fact I find that behaviour nauseating.

"You've got to do what's right, or what you think is right. And  you've got to make tough decisions. And you've got to be willing to take on your friends when they disagree with you." Antonio Villaraigosa

That's true, we do. But above all we have to be true to ourselves. If others choose to cast us out because of it, it's their loss.

Our Voice, Our Rights #DENIED

We are rarely given the opportunity to express our opinion about changes to specific laws that impact on us and our loved ones. Sure, we vote for political representatives and the policies they present. But even when our chosen party wins government, there is no guarantee the commitments they make will be delivered. Time and again we are let down when policies are reneged on. Sometimes the reasons are legitimate but more often than not it's because the minority ends up ruling the political process. Just block it. Or, the party we chose and put into government finds it can’t afford the promises they make. 

At the last election, we were presented with the proposal to allow a plebiscite on same sex marriage. The party that presented that proposal won. The assumption being a plebiscite is something the majority want; the opportunity to express an opinion. Of course the mud has been slung in both directions. As for too many of our elected representatives they do not question the raison d'être of the process they simply follow their party line blindly. BLOCK stuff you and me. Stuff what the public voted for. 

Those of us who support the plebiscite and who have the temerity to express our opinions have been treated extremely poorly by many on the opposing side. The nasty personal attacks accusing us of wanting to vilify and sledge are regularly thrown at us. Sure, there are those who will. But I’m of the opinion the vast majority simply want the choice to say what they think. Be it yes or no to gay marriage. That’s what I want. 

In reading through the no pitches during the senate debate last night, we see the usual counter-argument that John Howard didn’t go to the people when he amended the marriage act. Of course, those playing this card ignore two things. One, the circumstances that necessitated swift action at the time. Secondly, because he didn’t, doesn't mean we shouldn’t go to the people on the current proposed change. 

As for those who play the abuse card. Denying people the right to express their views won’t stop that. In fact, in my humble opinion it could make it worse. Most Australians, if they are sensible and reasonable do accept  the umpires decision. I’ve heard many express the opinion; let people say what they think and then let's put it to bed. Put up and then shut-up. That's exactly how I feel. 

I thought Senator Jacqui Lambie summed it up beautifully with her closing statement in the chamber last night when she said. 

“Just as we senators are able to put our points of view and test what we believe is true and sacred about marriage in this great chamber of debate, so too must we give all Australians the opportunity to put their points of view and test what they believe is true and sacred about marriage in an even greater chamber of debate: the Australia beyond this parliament and the local ballot boxes where people of this great democracy can have their say. I fully support this legislation.”

As I said in my opening. We aren’t given the opportunity to have a direct say very often. I am extremely disappointed it's been taken away on the rare occasion offered. As for those who denied us, they should be drop kicked from a very great height.  

A letter to Bill Shorten, Richard Di Natale, Independents, Senate Cross-benchers (and recalcitrant Backbenchers)

You did NOT win the election. The Liberal National Coalition did. Granted, it was by the slimmest of margins but, it doesn’t  change the fact, you lost, they won. 

As for the recalcitrant Backbenchers, whilst you were on the winning side take a hint, this applies to you as well. Stop acting like the opposition. 

Now to put it into simple words. That means the majority of  Australian voters, voted for key initiatives to be actioned. 

We voted for the Sex Marriage plebiscite. If the decision is yes, then the Government is duty bound to   action. 

We voted for Superannuation reform as per the policy presented. That isn’t to say all of us are thrilled by some Of the proposed changes. But, those of us with an ounce of intelligence understand we have a problem and we all need to contribute to fixing it. 

We voted for Budget repairs as per the policies presented. 

We voted for the reintroduction of the ABCC. 

If the electorate truly believes they got it wrong then it's up to the electorate to change it at the next election. It is not up to you. It's our decision. You are OUR servants we elect you we pay you we fire you. Now it's your responsibility to make sure  the will of the majority of people is acted upon. Just DO IT. 

Stop the politics, stop the argy bargy and get on with supporting the decisions and getting this country moving again. I am sick and tired of the posturing, the grandstanding, the ego trips the power plays and, the “this is what I want utterances.” Being a politician does not grant you cart-blanch to force your will upon the majority. I would “bet London to a brick” I’m not the only who thinks as I do. 

As for the voters who ad nauseam bleat on about the Government is this, the Government that. The Government is composed of people other people elected. If you aren’t happy with the collective mix blame the people who put them there. Stop the whinging. 

The bottomline is this. Politicians work for us, start doing your job. That means implementing the decisions of the majority. If that requires minor adjustments fine, but blocking this, blocking that to flex your muscles is most certainly NOT. Senators, you sit in  a house of review. You are not the Government. It's your role to ensure the Government delivers what they promised.  By all means argue for your pet initiatives but holding an elected Government to ransom to get your way is not on.  

Voters if we as a collective have delivered the wrong result; Government and policy mix  that's our fault. We better lift our game, educate ourselves and do a better job next time. But when I see an Essential Poll which highlights even now on key issue after key issue 40% don’t have an opinion, that tells me a lot of people need remedial instruction and urgently. 

Rant over. 

Politics NO : Attack On Our Rights YES

The battle that is raging in this country isn't essentially about politics. It's about rights. Politics is the tool used to batter people with. In the meantime, the silent or small voices on all sides of the political divide are being trampled on and worse ignored.

Rubbish, I hear many say. It's all about politics. Those on that side, hold 'that view' and we on this side, hold 'this view'. Not so.

I give a couple of recent examples of proof of what I am saying. 

Goodes BooGate. Anybody who didn't support the theory, that booing Adam Goodes was racism, was immediately branded a racist. Sports administrators, B grade (so called) celebrities, media hacks, social media trolls were screaming at people from their various vantage points. Racist, racist!!! 

It didn't matter what your reasons for not supporting Goodes were (or are), and there are many reasons why people don't support or like him. Nothing to do with his indigenous heritage. They simply don't like him and his behaviour. The racism branding team simply wasn’t interested to hearing our opinions. We were simply put into  the racist box  or the not racist box. Putting people into little boxes makes  it easier for people on both sides to attack the opposing view. 

The social media traffic highlighted the problem. They boo; they must be Liberal supporters. They support Goodes; they must be Labor or Green.  It really had nothing to do with with politics. The Essential poll released yesterday proved it. The majority of people polled didn't think it was racism at all and they came from all groups. Labor, Greens, LNP and Independents. Similarly those who did think it was racism cut across all political groups.

It's Was Question of Rights not Politics

Now we have the SSM marriage issue. It's being played out as a LNP vs Labor/Greens/LGBT battle. Let's throw in a bit of religious bullying to sweeten the mix; another string to bow of the pro-lobby.

Yesterday, the LNP party room discussed and agreed on their collective position with regards to marriage rights in this term. The vote went 66 status quo 33 free vote. Some people even accused the Prime Minister of vote stacking (including the now feral Christopher Pyne) for including the Nationals in the discussion. Malcolm Turnbull has also come out condemned the decision. Unbelievable.

The vote even without the Nationals would still have been, status quo. It is the LNP that governs the country. Not Liberals on their own. Those attacking Mr Abbott for including the Nationals in the discussion, and the party room vote, would have been happy to take away the rights of the Nationals because as country folk, more of them are in the anti SSM camp. Disgraceful.

Once Again It’s A  Question of Rights not Politics

Tony Abbott has conveyed that he wants to ask us, what we think about SSM. He is advocating for a plebiscite at the next election. I say great, it should be down to us. This isn't about legal change it's about social change and that impacts on all of us.

Given the lauding of the 'rainbow' lobby and their supporters over Ireland's referendum, you would think they would be appalling a plebiscite here. But no, they are doing exactly the opposite. They praise Ireland, but seek to deny me and you the same right. Hypocrites.

They are using politics as the tool to beat up the very person advocating for my rights to voice my opinion. And they are denigrating anyone who supports him.

If you dare to disagree with these pressure groups, you are automatically accused of being anti-gay. Not so. I am simply concerned about what this change means and where will it with lead in the future. I know, many share that concern. This is not a hysterical concern, as some try to claim. It is a legitimate concern, based on what has happened overseas. And, what is now emerging in some of those countries who have gone down the SSM path, with respect to 'other' groups demanding the same right. It also cuts to the core of rights with businesses forced out of business for saying no.  

Consider this, it wasn't so long ago that prostitution was illegal in this country. How many people consider prostitution immoral and an abuse of women? I suspect the number who do is significant. I feel very strongly about the treatment of and exploitation of women in brothels. But, the people had no say,  it just happened. Social change driven by self-interest lobby groups has a habit of creeping up on society. We see it day in day out. As a result our rights are being eroded. 

The ‘rainbow’ lobby are even trying to force TV stations to cancel ads from the Marriage Alliance who are trying to get their opinions into the public forum. That is suppressing free speech.  

Those who are concerned about this come from all sides of the political divide not just from  the conservative side of politics. A poll running on Seven News today has the public vote at 50/50 (currently). That is not a majority. 

I maintain, this is a question of rights, not politics. Time to take a stand.