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Did you know that there is a whole world of people 'over the hill?' I don't mean there's a lot of old codgers there. Perhaps I'd better explain.2
The Great Dividing Range extends down the eastern edge of Australia making a natural division between coast and the west. The majority of the population lives on the coastal side. For most of the population that means those 'over the hill' may as well be in another world. The 'Hill' being the Great Dividing Range. New South Wales is the worst affected by this division.3
Political power is concentrated in Sydney where parliamentarians have electorates small enough to walk from one end to the other on a Saturday and still have time to go to the footy in the afternoon. By contrast an elected member in some of the western electorates can't possibly visit all his electorate with an aircraft. some electorates are as big as some European countries.4
The States financial power is also concentrated In Sydney; it's logical that they want to be close to the centre of power to control the beaurocrats who are on their secret payroll. So the money and power is concentrated away from those 'over the hill'5
Where does the food supply to feed the millions of Sydneyites come from - Over the bloody hill, of course. Apart from coal mines, where is mining carried out, copper, gold, zinc or whatever, over the hill once more. Where is the grain grown, rice, wheat, oats, barley, canola etc - Over that same hill. With little political representation, little direct access to finance, what happens? Zilch, of course. The politial powers are too busy looking after their expense accounts and making sure that they are well looked after themselves.6
Once upon a time, before the businesses paid for the campaigning of aspiring politicians, our elected representatives were reasonably honest, but with our adoption of the American way of doing business, thereby making the dollar God, we have all lost our way. The theory of Democratic govt is; govt of the people, for the people, by the people. The last two items seem to have been changed so that current democracy ; Govt of the people for big business by big business. 7
My question to all and sundry is simple: Can anyone convince me otherwise? 8
I keep to my State, the one where i have lived for a long time, in my opinions, as I believe I know it well enough to have an opinion, and wish for a change for the better.
comments ?
Comments
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I can see where you're coming from with this little piece.
It looks a very familiar scenario whereby "out of sight, out of mind" springs forth.
Democracy as it was first introduced, has unfortunately long gone. I have often stated, and will continue to do so, that big business runs "democratic" governments and therefore runs the country whether that country be a "giant" such as America or Australia, or a "midget" such as UK, Denmark, Italy etc.
Perhaps those "over the hill" should in some way, rebel?
What is required of course, is the return of TRUE democracy, but I cannot see that happening for even now, during a recession, big business is still in control.
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You are basically right Lawrie, out-of-sight-out-of-mind is the general attitude and we do have that ' hill ' to define ours line. If those 'over the hill' did rebel I hate to think of the consequences for coastal areas with high density populations.I think rebellion is out as too many innocents would suffer.
Thank you my friend for your contribution and comments.
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A good commentary, someone there should open a forum for the tonwspeople to voice their oipnions and change might come. Well written.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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I wonder would it do any good having an open Forum. A few ratbags would take it over and the end result would be zero. The people must take back control of the politicians to make any lasting benefits available to all and sundry, but I can't see that happening. Thank you for visiting and having your say.
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Life in the country ain't prosperous but at least you're free, to some extent. Very well put my friend. I liked the bit about doing business American style. Too many countries have followed in our footsteps when we should be following theirs.
Happy trails neighbor.
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Hi David, I am having a bit of a rant here. When I was a young man we had regional offices of Govt Departments out in rural areas. Now, everything is concentrated in one place. We sure have come a long way in my lifetime, all backwards. Thank you for your visit and comments. I think we are all in the same political boat nowadays.
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