Listen to the People
Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 12:28 am
Back in 2008, I did something I never do - I wrote a poem about politics!!
It was after our state labor party lost the 'unlosable ' election to a liberal party that was in shambles!! They got too arrogant and called a snap election within 4 weeks while the liberals were in disarray following a leadership challenge/change - and lost it!
I had forgotten all about the poem until I discovered someone was reading it on the bushverse site, and thought I would post it here - it is probably a little reflective of the state of our federal political situation lately - although it is obviously written at a state level.
Listen to the People
© Irene Conner 14/09/08
The greatest aussie icon is that fundamental right
that lets us speak the words we wish to say;
that lets us form opinions based on knowledge, not on hype
and brings us to the place we are today.
Supporter of the fixed term until chaos reigned supreme;
an opportunity fell in your lap.
With blatant disrespect you gave us notice of four weeks
and put the opposition in a flap.
The promises flew thick and fast – as policitians do,
with talk of what’s been done to help our state.
But in the midst of all the hype, it seems that they forgot
how people’s own opinions carry weight.
Just ask a cop with shattered dreams who’s lying bashed and bruised,
along with all of those who live in fear
how law and order in this state is woefully amiss –
opinions someone didn’t try to hear.
And ask the ones who live in pain for endless months and years
how hospitals are coping with the strain;
ask country folk in dying towns how well they’ve rode the boom –
don’t treat their views with arrogant disdain.
And don’t forget the mothers with their little kids at school
who struggle with a system out of date.
Who heard the sounds of discontent? Who valued what we said?
Why be surprised that now it is too late?
Unlosable elections are a product of the past
for people hold opinions of their own.
Remember who you represent, and listen to their words
for you will reap the seeds that you have sown.
It was after our state labor party lost the 'unlosable ' election to a liberal party that was in shambles!! They got too arrogant and called a snap election within 4 weeks while the liberals were in disarray following a leadership challenge/change - and lost it!
I had forgotten all about the poem until I discovered someone was reading it on the bushverse site, and thought I would post it here - it is probably a little reflective of the state of our federal political situation lately - although it is obviously written at a state level.
Listen to the People
© Irene Conner 14/09/08
The greatest aussie icon is that fundamental right
that lets us speak the words we wish to say;
that lets us form opinions based on knowledge, not on hype
and brings us to the place we are today.
Supporter of the fixed term until chaos reigned supreme;
an opportunity fell in your lap.
With blatant disrespect you gave us notice of four weeks
and put the opposition in a flap.
The promises flew thick and fast – as policitians do,
with talk of what’s been done to help our state.
But in the midst of all the hype, it seems that they forgot
how people’s own opinions carry weight.
Just ask a cop with shattered dreams who’s lying bashed and bruised,
along with all of those who live in fear
how law and order in this state is woefully amiss –
opinions someone didn’t try to hear.
And ask the ones who live in pain for endless months and years
how hospitals are coping with the strain;
ask country folk in dying towns how well they’ve rode the boom –
don’t treat their views with arrogant disdain.
And don’t forget the mothers with their little kids at school
who struggle with a system out of date.
Who heard the sounds of discontent? Who valued what we said?
Why be surprised that now it is too late?
Unlosable elections are a product of the past
for people hold opinions of their own.
Remember who you represent, and listen to their words
for you will reap the seeds that you have sown.
