Why I'm brave enough to still support Labor (even though I voted Greens)

Politics by and large are about values. When looking at political parties we make a decision mostly on the basis of what we as individuals agree is the best way forward. We look at a few of their policies and decide whether we believe they are the 'right' thing to do.

Unlike governments, our values don't change over time. I suspect this is why we find large numbers of people who will be loyal to their political party time and time again.

Today we will probably witness one of the largest losses the Labor government has ever had in it's history (that's the prediction). We have been bombarded with all the awful and costly failures of a 16 year Labor government on our TV's, in our newspapers and through our radio. I find it fascinating that our largest government parties have avoided positive campaigns but rather opt for a more negative approach by attacking the opposition. By doing so their argument tends to be 'vote for us, because they certainly aren't very good' as appose to 'vote for us, because we know what is right and believe in the same things as you do'.

The Labor government never intended to do a bad job in government. Underneath a group of pretty incompetent politicians are the values of a fair society. A society which gives people a fair go at work; a secure retirement; and low pollution for our future generations. These are values worth remembering well after the Labor government falls from power today.

As much as the Coalition government tells us that Labor has failed (and in recent times, they are probably right), I think it's important to reflect on a government which has been instrumental in building a great state. Labor opened the Opera House, put on the best Olympic Games the world has seen in 2600 years, cleaned up our iconic Harbour, built the Powerhouse Museum, the Conservatorium, the Wharf Theatre, created the New Year's fireworks, the Byron Bay Blues Festival, the extension of the Sydney Festival to the Western Suburbs, the Premier's Reading Challenge, the Eastern Suburbs railway, the Chifley Scholarships for trade apprentices, and declared 100 National Parks.

Under successive Labor governments, NSW became the most literate state, the second best educated, and Sydney the second best city to live in on earth. Quite an amazing record of achievements if you ask me.

It's fair to say that in recent times they have lost their effectiveness to govern NSW and we all look forward to the new government getting us back on the right track; but when I reflect upon the Labor government, I do support what it stands for and why it exists.

Today I voted for the Greens. I believe the Greens have similar values to that of the Labor government in wanting the best future for our country and I believe my values best align with them for now, but I have every faith in the Labor government finding their feet again and unlike a lot people in NSW I certainly haven't written them off.

Sixth Sense

This could change the way we do everything! Well... eventually.

But how exciting is it! I promise to get over my Ted obsession very soon, but in the meantime, check out the latest in technology that Apple will probably release in the next 6 months (probably right?).

I can't wait to go shopping with this sucker.

Being mindful about Television

I've just completed a bit of a social experiment. Being disappointed with the amount of mindless television I manage to absorb within a week, I decided for one week only, I would only watch my favourite shows and actually turn off the television when they weren't on. Usually I would have the TV on as 'background noise' (or so I seem to justify it to myself).

Below are some things I noticed on my week of mindful TV watching.

Day 1
I feel surprisingly productive today. I went to bed at 10ish last night and woke at 6am for a morning walk. I then came home and ate a proper breakfast and read some more of my current book. I went to work and then came home (the long way, another nice walk) and started preparing dinner while listening to music. Then I read my book and watched 'brothers and sisters' (don't judge me). So far so good, I don't feel like I missed out on anything and I feel proud to have done so much with my Monday, a day I typically HATE!

Day 3
I've missed exercise in the mornings two days in a row (not really a morning person it turns out). But that's ok because I haven't had a mindless TV agenda at night time so I have substituted it for night time exercise and that's worked well. I nearly slipped last night and almost watched the fat family show on after Packed to the Rafters (don't judge me... again). But quickly remembered and turned it off. I've also noticed I'm paying a lot more attention to music this week.

Day 5
Turns out it's easy to substitute TV with computer and internet. There is so many interesting things to read about and learn on the net. Still though, probably as pointless as TV. I think next weeks challenge might be to add computer in the mix with TV.

Conclusion:
1. I didn't miss the other shows that I used to sit through at all.
2. I didn't feel ripped off, because I still got to see the shows that I love.
3. When I did watch TV, it felt more interesting than normal (I didn't even play with my iPhone when watching, uni-tasking!).
4. I managed to exercise everyday because I wasn't stupidly tired for watching TV to ridiculous hours to view shows I don't care about.
5. I managed to spend time reading, writing and doing other things that I genuinely enjoy doing.

Turns out being mindful about TV could be very worthwhile.

Sound advice on life from 1927

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann-

The Happy World Index

This is one of the greatest things I've seen this year.

We live in a world where we value money and productivity over everything else. It's what's ultimately important to us as a society (if world economics is anything to go by). Wouldn't it be nice if we measured overall well-being and tried to make the world a place where we valued the foundations of allowing someone to be happy whlist not abusing our planet in the process? The Happy World index is all about measuring what's actually important.

Costa Rica ceased to have an army in the 1940's and instead put it's money into health and education. It get's 95% of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources. If only the rest of the world would follow this fine example, what an amazing world we would live in.

This video is a must watch. There is probably going to be problems with the way we measure this (getting the exact formula is obviously going to be difficult), but the concept in general is BRILLIANT!

I know, I know it's 16 minutes long. Couldn't the change we need in the world be delivered in 4 minutes? Don't they know we are busy? JUST WATCH IT!

Getting the "Thank You" that you need.

My good mate Teebs put me onto this interesting video on asking people to praise you the way that you need so you don't suffer in silence for no reason.

Not everyone will work it out by themselves, sometimes you need to tell them how you like to be appreciated. I think I like the idea... What do you think?