Listen to the People

[Irene]

Back in 2008, I did something I never do - I wrote a poem about politics!!
It was after our state labor party lost the 'unlosable ' election to a liberal party that was in shambles!! They got too arrogant and called a snap election within 4 weeks while the liberals were in disarray following a leadership challenge/change - and lost it!

I had forgotten all about the poem until I discovered someone was reading it on the bushverse site, and thought I would post it here - it is probably a little reflective of the state of our federal political situation lately - although it is obviously written at a state level.

Listen to the People
© Irene Conner 14/09/08

The greatest aussie icon is that fundamental right
that lets us speak the words we wish to say;
that lets us form opinions based on knowledge, not on hype
and brings us to the place we are today.

Supporter of the fixed term until chaos reigned supreme;
an opportunity fell in your lap.
With blatant disrespect you gave us notice of four weeks
and put the opposition in a flap.

The promises flew thick and fast – as policitians do,
with talk of what’s been done to help our state.
But in the midst of all the hype, it seems that they forgot
how people’s own opinions carry weight.

Just ask a cop with shattered dreams who’s lying bashed and bruised,
along with all of those who live in fear
how law and order in this state is woefully amiss –
opinions someone didn’t try to hear.

And ask the ones who live in pain for endless months and years
how hospitals are coping with the strain;
ask country folk in dying towns how well they’ve rode the boom –
don’t treat their views with arrogant disdain.

And don’t forget the mothers with their little kids at school
who struggle with a system out of date.
Who heard the sounds of discontent? Who valued what we said?
Why be surprised that now it is too late?

Unlosable elections are a product of the past
for people hold opinions of their own.
Remember who you represent, and listen to their words
for you will reap the seeds that you have sown.

[Neville Briggs]

Trouble is Irene, no matter who gets in, we end up finding much the same faults. Wonder why that is ?? Some cynic reckoned that it would suit the pollies better if we kept the same government and changed the people every four years.

[Dave Smith]

I think we should vote the Gov out!

Oh no then we would have the other blokes.

It's too hard ,I'm getting a head ache.

Good poem Irene and true, not only of the time but now as well.

TTFN

[Irene]

I think we should VOTE a woman in!! One of our choice - not the powerbrokers!!!
Oh, I agree - it is just toooooo hard!!!

[Jeff Thorpe]

A never ending story Irene - but very well said by your poem.

Cheers, Jeff

[Bob Pacey]

I never vote along party lines and always go with my gut feeling for people, very seldom have I got it wrong and there are some polies out there who really have their heart in the right place.

Respect is not something you are given it is something you earn.

Bob

[noelcauser]

great poem Irene.Lived through many elections and are still here regardless who's in power. May i suggest you add (into)
in place of( in) 2nd verse 2nd line

[noelcauser]

My little contribution some time ago.

The Vote

Some little words have meanings,
that by the end of day.
Can make the rich and famous,
Bow their knee and pray.
Pray that all their worldly deeds,
will conjure up your thoughts.
and make you feel contended,
that their actions are not “Rorts”.
This little word has meaning,
Its a tool to catch you out.
like being down the local,
and yelling out” My shout”.
A Tri-yearly little word we use,
that hands the power back.
And tells the ones in power,
“Your In”, or got the sack.
So Pollies just remember,
That your deeds will find you out.
As you spend up all our money,
This little word we use has clout.
Its our weapon of reprisal,
A protector of the our right.
And we know just how to use it,
To sort out wrong from right.
15/11/07
N Causer

[Terry]

G/day Bob,
I bet you can't name 3 worthwhile members of parliament that everyone will agree with - you don't get in because you're good mate

Terry

[Bob Pacey]

Get out of it Terry I did not say THAT MANY !!!


Bob