Untitle-able

I’ve kind of avoided politics on this blog, though I think my politics are quite clear.

And if it’s unclear: I like to joke that my father must be particularly disappointed that he escaped a communist country and ended up with a lefty, sort-of anti-capitalist, sort-of anti-consumerist, sort-of hippy daughter.  Let’s not even start on the feminism.  At least he can be pleased that I am a-religious.

I don’t know what to call what happened today / yesterday in Australia but I find it overwhelming and am somewhat astounded by how emotional my response is.  I read the news via the many Aus blogs I have on my RSS feed and my jaw dropped (literally, if you’re wondering).  I knew it was happening (again, via my trusty blogs, mostly Larvatus Prodeo).  I had every intention of checking the newspapers when I got into work, but I did not need to.  The Aus blogosphere was buzzing.

I have long admired Julia Gillard and was pleased she was Deputy Leader.  I’m more than pleased she is Australia’s PM (welling up with tears the key indicia).  But I’m also wary for her and this post articulates, better than I can, why.  As an aside, it is not only political parties that have used women to mop up messes created by their male leadership.  Many public listed companies have done this too and seek praise (or diversion) for the fact that a woman is now CEO or leader.  She’s set up to fail, mostly.

I’m also concerned, and a bit depressed, about the prospects for the next election.  I will be travelling when it rolls around, so I do hope I manage to vote (which I failed to do from sheer forgetfulness in the last Qld state election but I am excused from Aus’ compulsory voting, although I can still vote if I choose to and oh, I would very much like to).

I have not been in Australia for any of Kevin Rudd’s term.  I’ve been very removed from what’s been happening and I’m really quite sad to be so far away for so many historic moments (that I care about) – apology to Australia’s indigenous peoples; our first female Governor General; and now, our first female PM.

I really, really hope Australia will elect Labour again and therefore choose Julia Gillard as our prime minister.

I can’t bear to think about the alternative.

(And no, there are no pictures for you today.  But tomorrow, promise.)