A revision of my blog on " A message to the so-called Kingmakers of Australian politics " - JKHC-NEWS(3)

With a very real possibility of a hung parliament being returned by the 2016 Australian federal election I think is is an appropriate opportunity to revisit my blog on the cross benchers in both houses who may be critical in the formation of the next government.

A more detailed blog on a possible hung parliament will be published by me should this situation eventuates.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A short message to the so-called Australian Kingmakers - the newly elected independent MPs

With a hung parliament resulting from Australia's August 21 federal election the 4 confirmed independent MPs become the key to the formation of the next federal parliament. The election results clearly indicate that there is a trend for voters to shun the mainstream political parties. While democracy has delightfully prevailed in Australia we have also created another unhealthy political situation in which the successful formation of the next federal government will be left to the decision of the 4 independent MPs as to which main party they will support. This is supreme power in their hands. As power corrupts without any exception there could possibly be unreasonable demands from these so-called Kingmakers.

Here is my short message to them. The NATION IS WATCHING closely at your actions and decisions. Remember that the outgoing government owes its downfall to getting out of touch with the citizens' needs and aspirations. Wasteful and rash spending decisions resulting from an obsession to become the only advanced economy to stay out of recession after the 2008 financial tsunami at the nation's expense. The evil and sinister move of the party power brokers to dethrone a prime minister who though has become egocentric Kevin 07 was nevertheless given a people's mandate in the 2007 election. The voters should decide their own prime minister in the then upcoming election and to hell with all power brokers who are nothing but shadowy instigators treating themselves as uncrowned kings of the nation.

While it is understandable that the newly elected independent MPs are obligated to get a better deal for their electorate out of the necessary horse-trading in the process of negotiating with the mainstream parties they must not hold the country at ransom for the purpose of achieving personal glory or selfish ends. The wider interests of the country at large must be equally served.

As most of the so-called Kingmakers represent Australian rural interest issues such as broadband coverage, irrigation and health services could be key issues on the negotiation table. Tough bargaining will be on the cards. Nevertheless, the ultimate Kingmakers are the voters so never attempt to disfranchise the small people by serving narrow group, party or personal interests. Voters have put the so-called Kingmakers where they are now and so can they remove them if the so-called Kingmakers are out of line.

Given the fact that independents usually have very specific reasons be they personal or policy issues to stand as independent candidates it is very easy for them to treat this Kingmaker opportunity as payback time. Mind you don't get intoxicated by your momentary crown of control but rather do the right thing and serve the wider interests of the people and you just might become kings of people's hearts.

I attach herewith a link to the press interview of one so-called Kingmakers as he arrived at the Australian capital city of Canberra. Do we have to worry about them being intoxicated by their momentary power and glory ? Make your own judgment :- http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/08/24/2992392.htm

JKHC ( 25/8/10 )

New Philippines president tells people to kill drug addicts - Independent

 The strongman president of the Philippines has told people to “go ahead and kill” drug addicts.
Former lawyer Rodrigo Duterte was only sworn in at the end of June but has already incited the killing of large numbers of criminals, in particular drug traffickers.
The controversial figure is known for his hardline stance on crime, with his favoured position to simply kill people he regards as lawbreakers. During his time as mayor of Davao city, once crime ridden but now peaceful, he gained a reputation for being involved in extra-judicial killings.

It appears his presidency could be marked by the same trait. Just after his inauguration, he told an audience in a Manila slum: “If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful.”

Drug dealers are also in Mr Duterte’s sights. In a separate engagement, he said: “These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don’t go into that, even if you’re a policeman, because I will really kill you.”
Hundreds of drug addicts and pushers have recently surrendered to authorities, concerned they would be killed in an imminent crackdown, officials have told the media.
In recent weeks, dozens of suspected drug dealers have been killed, either in reported gun battles with police or under mysterious circumstances. On 1 July, 10 drug dealers were killed separately in gunfights with police in Bulacan province, north of Manila, as the nationwide crackdown commenced, according to police.