Kindness to Strangers
I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Ettiene De Grellet
When I reflect back over the last 10 years or so in Australian politics, there is much that disturbs me and rattles my inner peace. When I consider the social context of the last two federal elections which saw the Howard government soundly retained in power, I wonder about the values and attitudes that produces such election results.
Top of the mind issues for the Dove, that cause the greatest discomfort are:
Three years ago at the last election, I was convinced that there would be a change in Government, and I was proved wrong. On the agenda this election, we have industrial relations and controversial work place reforms impacting on the community, we see the Howard Government not concerned about environmental impacts or global change, and we have chronic underfunding in the health, education and social welfare sectors. This Saturday, I would like to think that now it is clear that there must be change – and I am hoping that people are actually thinking about what sort of future we are all voting for – but I am not convinced it will happen.
