I strongly agree, but I feel that this hardly goes far enough. Are churches the only ones dirtying their hands in this fashion? Not at all. Charities of every stripe have been entering the political arena of late, lobbying the government to support their private missions. Why should my tax dollars be spent on these issues? Charity begins at home, I say. And it should end there too. If I am concerned about homelessness or third world suffering, then I will donate my money to Sydney City Mission or World Vision. The government have no business in forcing my hand.
And this doesn't just apply to social issues. Environmental groups are just as bad. There are entire political parties dedicated to advocating the beliefs of green groups. When politicians involve themselves in environmental issues, advocating public transport or alternative energy, they alienate large portions of the populace. Don't get me wrong, I recycle, but I do this as a matter of personal choice. I don't need some environmental scientist telling me what is right or wrong.
In fact, scientists and academics of every stripe are meddling in politics far too much these days. Medical professional too. They should stick to healing the sick and stop wasting time lobbying about obesity, smoking and the like.
And finally, and I think most importantly, it shames our country the way we have allowed women to sully themselves in politics. Women are gentle and delicate things. Politics will only corrupt them. Some will say that I am being patronising, but really I have only their best interests at heart.
In summary, not until this country is ruled by fat, stupid, immoral, lazy, over-privileged men will we be a truly enlightened society. I, for one, will not rest until that vision is achieved.
Malcolm Ryan