Why I am A True Believer

Why I am a True Believer

 

I joined the Labor party just over two years ago.

Did I believe in everything it stands for? No.

Am I a socialist?

No. But I like to think I am a Social Democrat.

Do I believe in a fair go?

Yes. That is the basis of my belief that all should have a fair go, that all should share in the wealth and largess of our lucky country, no matter their position or circumstance. No matter that a shaft of chance, birth, or mishap may place you in an unenviable position.

Am I a unionist?

Yes. But not a rabid one, I have been more out of the union then in it. It is an unfair question really does anyone ever say are you a rabid capitalist, or industrialist. I believe the big monopolies and corporations are by far the biggest threat to our democracy. Organisations set up to protect their members rights are far and away on a moral platform far higher than an organisation set up for profit. I believe in free enterprise and the merits of a capitalist society I was a small business man for many years. But I believe that the corporations that are threatening our way of life are monopolies and cartels, the only true free enterprise is among the small business and trading businesses.

Do I believe I can change things?

Yes. But only from within, only from being an active member do I have a chance of making things better, to improving my country. Even if I can only have a small impact at least it is an impact.

Do I hate the conservative side of politics?

No. I think there are a lot of great things to admire in their politics and in their people. But the once great conservative parties are now captives of the right and big business while parading as free spirited parties looking after the Aussie battler and small business.

Is it easy?

No. Sometimes it is hard attending meetings, fundraisers, door knocks, meet and greets etc. but the thing is mostly it has been enjoyable meeting like-minded people and some not so like-minded, and having fair dinkum discussions. Like all organisations it has it faults, it is made up of people mostly volunteers and with that comes all the up and downs of human nature and interaction.

What was the defining reasons to me being in the Labor Party?

My mother was widowed when she was twenty eight with four young boys. She went out and worked three jobs and was supported by her extended family and Legacy.  Every time I think of her I think of those eyes so worn and tired, and of her self sacrificing love for us.

I believe whatever you believe in you should not only talk the talk, but you should walk the walk. It does not matter what you believe in you should put your words into action. I believe that if some of the Liberals who support them joined the party they would have a true Liberal Party and not the conservative monster it has become.

 I have some more time now so I am doing something for those people who like my mum may find themselves on the wrong side of circumstance.

Do I like my local Labor candidate?

Yes. Very much Lisa Chester (Bendigo) is a very decent likable person who believes in what she is doing and that she can make a difference. She is modest but strong, gentle but uncompromising in her principles. She will make a very good member.

What has struck me most about the Labor Movement?

The dedication and self-sacrifice of the many “small people” who have given years and years of support and unqualified dedication to the movement. They make me feel humble with my paltry service.

Ben Chifley A hero of the Labor movement brilliantly summed up the Labor movements guiding principle in the famous Light on the Hill speech.

See a YouTube of Mr Chifley Famous campaign speech. (Labor prime Minister 1946-1949) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dahxNGAFeBk

Ben Chifley Speech - The light on the hill.

From Prime Minister Ben Chifley Speech - The light on the hill speech.

"I try to think of the Labour movement, not as putting an extra sixpence into somebody's pocket, or making somebody Prime Minister or Premier, but as a movement bringing something better to the people, better standards of living, greater happiness to the mass of the people. We have a great objective - the light on the hill - which we aim to reach by working the betterment of mankind not only here but anywhere we may give a helping hand. If it were not for that, the Labour movement would not be worth fighting for."

 Do I think Labor prime Ministers have to be outstanding?

Yes. They have to be truly remarkable people to withstand the might of the establishment and the huge vested interests arrayed against them and the Labor movement. If you look at all the modern Australian Labor Prime Ministers from Curtin onwards they have been truly remarkable people. Julia Gillard was no exception to that rule and although she is gone her legacy is a great one. Kevin Rudd is likewise exceptional and although the fact that they were rivals and that there was much upheaval does not in any way diminish their achievements. If you are in a passionate movement seeking change and renewal the price is often the impacting and tussles often unruly of great ideas, minds and protagonists.

What do I believe Australians should do?

 

Join something you believe in and are passionate about. Be it a Fishing Club, Church, Bowling Club, Service club or whatever. Your country will be stronger for it. This is the great strength of democracy.