A disappointing budget. As Shane Oliver stated (pace the Liberal/Nationals), however, hardly the end of the world at 11% debt-to-GDP in global terms. No, we can't believe very much this government says, and yes, the ALP cabinet/caucus is chaotic.
SO, GET OVER IT!!!!
IT'S THE PEOPLE WHO WILL WIN
As Robert Hughes wrote in Fatal Shore, Australia was for far too long protected: from international markets, from regional developments and from historical trends. We rode the sheep's back, and we had a stable banking and preference system for our exports. We were (and are) showered in minerals and raw materiel.
Today, however, the world is all ABOUT PEOPLE. And, in recent years, our branch managers have let us down. I say managers, since many of our public intellectual and political figures appear to keep us along a flat-line, stable path. Don't rock the boat.. (Alternatively, don't allow in any boats).
Why don't we junk this impoverished dialogue and aim higher?? Let me suggest, at times, we have to question the rules instead of waiting for our national "ticket-of-leave". And there is much to push for.. We are in the fastest growing and culturally evolving region on planet earth!
TO ASPIRING LEADERS: SHUT UP ABOUT THE PERENNIAL "GROWTH STATISTICS" AND AIM FOR THE STARS****!
Indeed numbers are important. They indicate results. Now is the time, however, to look beyond numbers and "statistics, damn statistics" to the cultural and political potential of our people. Let's not be trapped by numbers. (As if we were caught, eternally, in the down-under vortex of the Caryle versus Malthus debate regarding the "dismal science").
Time to look beyond an asinine oppositionalism in Parliament and civil society which generates friction, though very little heat or light. Beyond the Unions and individual workplace agreements. Beyond the promises and broken promises. TO THE PROMISE OF AUSTRALIA'S PEOPLE.
~ THE LIGHT IS WITHIN: A CONTINENTAL EFFORT REQUIRED ~
The light on a hill will be a product of Australians' enterprise and courage, yes. But we don't have constantly to wait on the State (or states') socialism or neo-liberalism or a nominalist appeal to the 'fair go', fair as that is.
WE must generate that enterprise ourselves. Among ourselves. We must grow our own superb leaders who charge for the hill!! And thus look ahead for the dividends of peaceful opinion and thoughtful commerce. We must find and enhance the very best within us.
RIDE THE DRAGON, NOT THE SHEEP
In Daoist symbolism, the dragon represents good luck. The sheep, obviously (my apologies to sheep) the ovine herd. And the sheep and the spade have served us well. For all our geographic advantages, nevertheless, we will truly enhance and deserve our position through growing home-grown leaders. (Of course, we have many wonderful leaders already. So the task is entirely doable)..
Luck and productivity facilitate prosperity and more abundant luck. So don't luck out! Opportunity starts within your workplace, your home, your community: with a focus on outrageous challenges, camaraderie, and glorious celebrations of collective scientific, artistic, commercial as well as sporting achievement. With a focus on developing phenomenal talents and aspirations not cold-hard obedience, managerialism, skepticism in hock to skew-whiff statistics. (Of course, Treasury does a difficult job well. Just saying)
A NON-POLITICAL MESSAGE: IT'S TIME FOR OZ TO STAND UP!
Academics claim we are a middle power: for all our academics do contribute, the latter prescription is rather ungenerous and probably disingenous. It is not enough to aim low. We must not armchair philsophise and must remain aware of our (interconnected, globalised) surrounding. But Australia could aim for super-power status with great leadership. She can certainly be a super country!
Hence as Australians we should hope to create and sustain homes, businesses and institutions which are the envy of the world. Not entertain pregnant doubts or capitulate to idle excuses or meaningless mediocrity.
[RECAPITULATION, NOT CAPITULATION]
This is OUR century if we want it.. But we have to want it badly. This time is sincerely ours to win.
And occasionally, we should just tune out from the clap-trap pantomine of simulated leadership. And look ahead. Together. To the stars... As a super country
:) :) :) :) :) :) `THE CHOICE IS OURS! ` :) :) :) :) :) :)
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