The Race…Is On! (Sophie)

I know I have been fairly quiet for a while now….have been working a lot, preparing for 2007 (club commitements ect), and trying to spend as much time as possible with family and friends…

However I had to announce my sheer excitement at how the US 2008 Presidential Campaign race is shaping up – with the announcement of Hilary Clinton running. This, along with Barack Obama’s announcement last week of his exploratory committee is enough to suggest that the coming months will be very very interesting indeed! It is just inevitable that the 2008 US election will be one of the most anticipated political moments in recent history.

And if Al Gore decides to run…..!!!! I can’t even THINK about that happening! With so many energetic, fiercely intelligent and competitive candidates…I don’t know how on earth voters will decide which one they prefer!
At the same time I switch my focus back to Australia’s current political landscape, and after a number of years of the robust and consolidated Howard-led Coalition, we have the emergence of two very strong, extraordinarily intelligent and viable ‘other choices’ in Kevid Rudd and Julia Gillard.

Coming from the Political Interest Society, and our latin motto “Audi Alteram Partem” [hear both sides]…I think there has never been a more important time for democracy to have a strong alternative party which provides two sides to listen to, and encourage debate. When one party is in power too long…it is then that I think democracy can be weakened by politicians who get too comfortable in their leather seats.

One thing I have realised in regards to my personal attitude as of late, is that these exciting political events have weakened my cynicism at the lack of positive change, as I am now realising that change is always inevitable [despite how long it may take]. However, careful accountability and protection of our rights as citizens must follow any change hand-in-hand.

As Benjamin Franklin once said “They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety.”

Most importantly of all [and my apologies as I once again delve into my memories of my Year 11 study of Democracy and American Politics!] but as a voter, one must always remember that we should control the government, rather than the government controlling us, for “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people” – Abraham Lincoln

Cheers.

Sophie