part [1] I did not vote because... My reply to the Australian Electoral Commission and fellow citizens of Australia, regarding my "apparent failure to vote" in the Referendum of 1999 : NOTE : I believe I have a multitude of valid and sufficient reasons for not using my vote. For the purposes of brevity I am expressing only some of these reasons here. My decision not to use my vote can - for jurisprudence - be considered : [1] an act of free will [2] an act of choice [3] a public protest in defense of my un-alienable rights to exist and freely express, as outlined in "The Universal Declaration Of The Rights Of Man", and other such related human rights protection documents. [4] about personal empowerment In any future defense of myself I would include in my defense : All relevant subject matters and all perspectives detailing the many facets and interconnected issues relating to my act of public protest - or choice, as it may simply be. We all want change. Change has it's own momentum, but it needs to start somewhere. Language tends to confine you to certain conventions and expectations, and reciprocates certain designated formulaic interactions. So, I'll just get into this with you and see what we can come up with : ) > * Introduction After 2,500 tears of philosophy, endless war, revolutions [to try and achieve a "democracy"] - this consensus referendum presented the illusion of change, alternative and choice. MONARCHY OR [POLITICIANS] REPUBLIC These are not choices, or alternatives ; they both perpetuate the same outcomes, serving only the wealthy and powerful. These two options failed to present any progressive and positive alternatives. When options are presented that I could trust then I might vote. As it is, neither of those were trust worthy options. The evidence and final proof of that being the statement that the outcome of the aforementioned consensus referendum was that : "Australia had voted for a Monarchy in the referendum" , by Prime Minister Howard , as quoted in the West Australian Feb 12, 2000. This is so obviously untrue. The other citizens weren't satisfied either . We, the citizenry want bigger changes. The question is : Is it possible now, in Australia, in 2001 [the Space Age or Information Age] to instigate any wider changes? Australian cynicism towards politics is one of the greatest free kicks "we" give "our" politicians, because it ensures that they can get away with just that little bit more. Politics in this country isn't directed to young people. It's still very much a middle-class system. There's very little distinction between the political options. The marginalised masses may be ignored, but many still fight for their future, or to save bits of the world on their own terms. From the blizzard of facts and figures from any election season, one in-escapable truth emerges : Fewer people than ever before are convinced that it is really worth using their vote. What would it take to persuade the citizenry from voiceless choicelessness ? Perhaps, one choice that we should consider may simply be a socially aware government that has humanity, integrity and intellect. > * I did not vote because... My "apparent failure to vote" was a victory against the options, for I seek to choose, even when no choice readily presents its self. [1] I did not vote because...My discussion with fellow citizens led me to see the consensus referendum as a magnolia-painted, middle of the road mainstream set up : which failed to present any progressive or positive alternatives, and indeed the two options presented [Monarchy or [Politicians] Republic] serve only the interests of the wealthy and powerful. [2] I did not vote because...The whole consensus referendum became so encased in dogma, I lost interest. [3] I did not vote because...In all [f]actuality ; the reality is that it really doesn't matter [4] I did not vote because...I have read "The Unconscious Civilisation" by John Ralston-Saul, and recommend that all citizens taking any interest in politics and democracy check it out. [5] I did not vote because...I intended to use the alternative channels [ie : this discourse ] to express my utter disdain at : - [a] the appalling standard and state of politics [which insults everyones intelligence] ; [b] 'democracy' [let's try again - a sustained effort this time, don't be tricked by all those...] ; [c] AND : civil rights ; - in Australia at present, and indeed for the entire time I have been alive. This seemingly 'trifle' case has absolutely enormous implications for every single person. If my freedom is in question, your's definately is as well - and that's what this is all about...
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