Business, Community and Environment in the Yarra Ranges and surrounding suburbs
‘In a road bicycle race, the peloton (from French, originally meaning ‘platoon’) is the main group or pack of riders. Riders in a group save energy by riding close (drafting or slipstreaming) near (particularly behind) other riders.’ A while back I tried to write a balanced and fair article […]
The Micawber Tavern located on Monbulk Road between Belgrave and Kallista, is my favorite all time pub. It is a real traditional pub with not a Pokie machine in sight, and is a favorite drinking hole and meeting place in the Dandenong Ranges for locals […]
‘An issue put to the vote which does not affect the Constitution is called a plebiscite. A plebiscite is not defined in the Australian Constitution, the Electoral Act or the Referendum Act. A plebiscite can also be referred to as a simple national vote. Governments can hold plebiscites to test whether people either support or oppose a proposed action on an issue. The government is not bound by the ‘result’ of a plebiscite as it is by the result of a Constitutional referendum.’ (credit: aec.gov.au)
The Australian Federal Government has decided to hold a Marriage Equality Plebiscite, an opinion poll that will judge if a large section of our tax paying community should be able to legally marry. Voting in this poll is not compulsory nor are the outcomes in any way Constitutionally binding. This 122 million dollar waste of money is being used to divide us as a community and to disenfranchise and damage further an already marginalised section of our population, that have had to fight tooth and nail to get even the smallest amount of respect and acceptance. It effects us all, and people who reside in and around the Dandenong Ranges are no different.
I am not an authority on Marriage having divorced parents, being an average at best single parent, and never having been married. This Plebiscite is just embarrassing, unnecessary and the question it asks is a disgraceful one. It is not now nor has it ever been my business who someone else loves or wants to marry. I am not sure what the real agenda is here and quite honesty I cant help but think the whole thing is a distraction used by our corrupt, increasingly fascist government to stop certain groups of people from looking at some of the other things they are doing. Like committing Australian troops and resources to an idiotic war mongering US President, should he further provoke a conflict with North Korea. That decision made publicly this week by Mr Malcolm Turnbull required no Plebiscite. Or perhaps it is to further distract our attention from the thousands of refugees, including a large proportion of children who are still being held in unlawful and unsafe detention, nothing short of concentration camps.
Don’t be distracted, don’t let the hate in. Do you really think they care about who marries whom? These people have no morals and will do anything to maintain their ever slipping grip. You have a powerful voice no matter who you love or don’t. This debate and this agenda is a very intentional form of totalitarian control.
I’m sorry to anyone out there (including a vast amount of individual people who I care about dearly) who are about to be hurt further by the current Governments disgraceful actions. The love far outweighs the hate and the lies, and the blatant evil of these ignorant people. Remove yourself from the vitriol and surround yourself with those that love and support you.
Despite the absurdity of the Plebiscite, it it important to vote. Update your voting and address details before the cut off date, 24th August. Make your voice heard and exercise your rights to the full extent.
Update your details here, http://www.aec.gov.au/. Do it today.
Opportunity or Op shops are an excellent way to buy recycled goods at cheap prices. Not only can you grab a bargain but you can also help raise money for the wider community. Most people are aware of the larger chain shops usually ran by […]