Would anybody in their right mind shut a fox in the same pen as poultry and expect that somehow or other they would co-exist? Well that’s what politicians have asked us to do, and they are surprised when there is a hung parliament! Is it because they think we are idiots and take us as fools?
Ross Gittins (page 17, SMH 8/9/2010) muses that politicians are not believed or respected any more and that is part of the complex Federal Election problem we have had and it is reflected in the result.
I agree that politicians are regarded very lowly and a large slice of it is of their own making.
For everyone else but politicians, wherever one goes or whatever one does is constrained by legislation But it is these same politicians who have legislated this “consumerism gone mad” environment.
So why don’t politicians set the community an example by being exemplary citizens instead of living by the mantra “do as I say, not as I do”
Politicians work under legislation which specifically says that they are not expected to tell the truth in advertising or cannot be sued for their actions or inactions. I don’t pretend to be a lawyer but check out part of the legislation which politicians work under
“Do election advertisements have to be authorised?
Yes. Section 328 (1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (CEA) requires all electoral advertisements to include the name and address of the person who authorised the advertisement and, except in the case of newspapers, the name and place of business of the printer at the end.
Electoral advertisements must be authorised at all times, and not just during an election period. The Australian Parliament has determined that the Act should not regulate the content of political messages contained in electoral advertising; rather, the intent of the Act is to ensure electors are informed about the source of political advertising, and to ensure that political advertising does not mislead or deceive electors about the way in which a vote must be cast.
Accordingly, the AEC has no role or responsibility in deciding whether political messages published or broadcast in relation to a federal election are true or untrue.”
What an indictment? The politicians aren’t required to tell the truth! It is enshrined in law that the Act accepts that they tell lies!
Yet, check consumer laws, financial planning regulations, the Corporations Act in regard to a Prospectus and the biggy of them all the Trade Practices Act.
Every sort of citizen except politicians (when they are acting as politicians) are required to be squeaky clean!
You know the saying “if you tell a lie often enough we believe it to be true!” That is until we realise that we have been taken for a ride. No wonder we despise politicians!
