My inactivity has been due to the onslaught of assignments as of late. But they're all finished now!... Except I still have to study for exams... shit.
I read this on The Drum the other day. It's about politics AND the media. My two favourite things ever!!
This paragraph is what really got me thinking:
Ultimately our political culture is strengthened by a strong media. We rely on journalists to ask the questions that we can't. Imagine how our democracy would look if there was the same level of interest in policy as there was in personality. At the moment it's a pretty disappointing affair, with way too much sizzle and not enough sausage.
What I want to ask is: how is what the media IS asking relevant?
All we hear about is the fighting between the two major parties. It's rare that policy is debated. And when it is, all they do is berate the other side.
As a politics student I understand the desire for power. But what I don't understand is how neither side will ever compromise or agree with one another. That's what strong political leadership is, being able to do what is right regardless of your political persuasion. I mean, the Liberals are about free markets and liberal economics. And they have come forward saying that they support the reforms in aged care and disability pensions. But they still go on about the cost! They're ignoring what is morally right. And what is right is that we look after our most vulnerable citizens. That is what a liberal democracy does.
I know I'm always having a go at the Liberals on here, but Labor really isn't any better.
And as a journalism student, I don't understand why the media makes such a big deal about the fighting between the two parties! We're taught to be objective and to seek the truth. What the hell were our current journalists taught?! I want to know what the government and opposition propose we do about issues such as climate change, asylum seekers, and gay marriage. I don't want to see Tony Abbott standing next to signs calling Julia Gillard a liar or saying that she's Bob Brown's bitch.
A few weeks ago on ABC Radio they were having a discussion about Australian politics and the Westminster system itself. I can't for the life of me remember who was on, but what they all said was so true. They said that the Westminster system creates an adversarial political system. So no one can agree with their opponents for fear of the consequences from their own party.
See why I believe so strongly in an Australian republic??
I am sick of the bullshit that fills the news when it comes to politics. I want to see objective, truth seeking, and reliable reporting when it comes to politics.
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