Carrie Bradshaw Meets Australian Politics

My friends, I have something to confess. In fact when I started Wogarella I contemplated calling it "Confessions of a Wogarella" however I feel that it could get whiny and repetitive so I opted to take you along as I experienced new adventures, whether it physically or emotionally. Usually it's the latter one.

BTW that wasn't my confession. You see I am a SWINGER. Always have been. Now before all the sexual innuendos arise (mind the pun), I genuinely mean I'm a Political Swinger.

I've grown up in a household that supports Labor as strongly as they support the Canterbury Bulldogs. They kind of go hand-in-hand. But as I've grown up, sadly I've had to witness the consistent downfalls this party has to offer.

So naturally, one would think I should be opting to vote for the Libs. And whilst I agree with some of their policies and shouldn't judge a book by its cover, in this case Tony Abbot being the cover, I just don't know if it's enough for me to put my vote in a party that will be lead by someone I'm just not a huge fan of. I mean he is trustworthy in the sense that he has stuck to his ideas and hasn't back-stabbed his own team members (not cool K-Rudd, not cool.) Yet, as vain as it sounds, there's something about him that just isn't very likable.

I could put my vote towards the Christian Democratic Party because, well most of their policies ring true to my personal values. However, they claim that "Some elements of Islam, both internationally and domestically, support the use of terror and violence to impose Islam and sharia law on non-Islamic societies like Australia." This rubs me up the wrong way because even as a practicing Muslim, I don't want Sharia law enforced in my country. Furthermore, these people who suppose such notions are extremists.

The Christian Democratic Party plans on putting a freeze on the immigration of people who practice the Islamic faith. Whilst I agree certain cult-groups claiming to hide behind a religion should be stopped, there's no reason to stop a person from experiencing the beautiful living experience this country has to offer simply because of their choice of faith. Plus, as someone who comes from an Islamic background, it's clear to admit that sometimes, mixing religion and politics just isn't a good idea. It's certainly no organic peanut butter and jam.

Jesus, no pun intended there, as you can see I am a confused kid. So, I've taken it upon my swinging self to put my opinion where my mouse is and try out the poll that has conveniently been featured on the ABC website here.

If you're a fellow swinger or just have nothing better to do with your time, do check it out- it's very interesting indeed.

As expected I narrowly sit between the Greens and Labor Parties. However, it's notable to mention that but the Libs are only a small 3% behind the Greens according to my answers. I firmly believe in Wikileaks though, because at least Assange admits to being shonky, which is pretty Fair Dinkum if you ask me.
 
Internal politics aside, as an Australian I am aware that I am so blessed to live in this amazing country am given the opportunity to vote, but my indecisiveness may very well kill me by the end of this campaign period. I might not be blonde, ridiculously fashionable and rock a massive man-jaw, but I'm feeling so Carrie Bradshaw right now.

Who gets your vote?


Wogarella,

X


Image sourced from somewhereinmiddleamerica.com

Enough Is Enough. Australians support Bashar!

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I’m not going to lie, this topic is one close to my heart. Whilst I’m not the most political person in the world, I am very much in touch with current affairs. This is something I’ve been putting off talking about since March 2011.

For those of you who have been living under a rock, simply can’t read or don’t own a TV here’s the lowdown. In March 2011, following the uproar of citizens claiming they want freedom in Libya, Syrian rebels emerged to claim that they are unhappy with the policies President Bashar Assad had set in stone. Chanting their opinions weren’t enough, so soon after they decided to bomb innocent civilians and try to harm the citizens of Syria.

Funnily enough Syria is a country, which has a rich history, whilst it’s not perfect, it has some of the most beautiful scenery and ancient sites. Muslims, Christians, Jews and Atheists have lived there happily for years. Both working and socialising together as a united front. As opposed to it’s neighbours Lebanon, which is unfortunately having issues constantly, due to political parties which have been run by a religious agenda and power rather than building a greater country for it’s people. Surprise, surprise, lets be honest this happens in Western countries too. It’s nothing new. People are greedy.

I’m an Australian through and through, but this topic is a sensitive one. My father is of Syrian decent. I have never been and waited until I graduated University in order to go visit my relatives, learn something about my father’s family and the roots where my ancestors resided. Unfortunately I graduated in April of 2011, therefore I couldn’t risk getting harmed in Syria. I remember seeing my father stay up all night watching Syrian TV and scanning newspapers frantically, constantly afraid one of his family members will be harmed. But more importantly, about the welfare of Bashar Al Asaad. This confused me. Having grown up in Australia, we openly belittle our politicians and barely show them any respect, from tagging them on twitter with inappropriate images to talk show hosts making fun of John Howard’s poor cricketing skills. Ha that one was actually funny though! I stopped and asked him, “Baba, why are you so passionate about Bashar? He is a politician after all, why doesn’t he just step down and let the people be free.”

Soon after I realised how arrogant my statement was. This man is a Doctor, who was his father’s predecessor, he never aimed to get into politics, but it happened. And he has been doing a bloody good job, serving Syria in terms of technological advancements, education systems, allowing warmth in winter months via the introduction of free diesel fuel for heating facilities and rationing food to the poor.

So if he is doing such a good job, where does this miscommunication come from? Our very own Foreign Minister Mr. Bobb Carr has claimed Al Assad’s regime is one that should be stopped. In fact in July the Syrian Embassy was closed due to our lack of support. The US have once again decided to intervene. If Syrians truly were unhappy I would be the first to say, let’s stop this inhumanity and would be happy to sign a petition to rid Al Assad of his title. But in actual fact, the majority of citizens support Bashar! I’m not just speaking in terms of my family members. There have been interviews recorded showing Networks like Aljazeera, which was once known to be a trustful source, actually staging videos as they pay people to profess their hate for Bashar and his regime.

Whilst Bashar hasn’t been radically vocal, he did reinstate new laws and policies in order to please these so called rebels. But still, they were not happy, and so they continue to blast innocent civilians and collect money from foreign counterparts including the US, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Through it all the UN put out a vote, VETO was initiated, which meant only two countries who actually don’t hold alliances with the US  (Russia and China) had voted Bashar should not be forced out of his position and foreign intervention was not needed.

Long story short, Over 21,000 innocent lives have been lost. These rebels are not even of Syrian decent! So this brings me to today. Whilst I usually travel to George St to shop, I marched my way with over one thousand passionate Syrian Australians who believe that Bashar is an innocent man, his people aren't dissatisfied and there is no need for foreign intervention. 

In typical Middle Eastern style there were loud drums as people chanted, “Allah, Souriya, Bashar ou bas!” Which translates to God, Syria, and Bashar only. I ran into my friend who is a journo at one of our prestigious media companies. He was reporting. Surprised to see me he stated “Abi! What are you doing here? You’re a journo, what kind of a journo shows up to protests?” This question has been lingering in my mind all day. Why did I give up my Sunday workout and movie with friends for this? Because the lives of innocent people is at stake, that’s why! No matter how much I try to see the opposition’s point of view, I am dumbfounded by the portrayal of this “Civil War” they claim it to be in our most reputable newspapers. There is no civil war.

I was particularly happy to see that there weren’t just people of Syrian decent who were there to show their support. In fact it ranged from British, Russian, Chinese, Fijian and even passionate supporters of Anglo Saxon decent.

I have attached a few images and a video from today’s peaceful protest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG_d05A0jkY

I would also like to mention that following the Rally today, an elderly man was bashed at Sydenham Station in Sydney’s South. A few men described to be of Middle Eastern appearance, arrived to belt the man with a metal pole until he bled and only paused when his grandchildren nearby tried to stop the abusers from harming him. Even still they opted to smack the children out of the way. Is this peaceful? Are these people the ones that really care about the humanity of Syria? No these are greedy fools. An elderly man was bashed in front of his wife and grandchildren simply because he was draped in a Syrian flag as he supported the fight for a real cause. This surely can’t be happening on the streets of Sydney. It sickens me to have been sent this image of the attacked gentleman. 

Do you agree with everything you read? Please feel free to show your support by signing the petition here:

Sincerely,

Wogarella.