The Kennedy seat | Talk it up | Forums

Jabtano said:

… is negative adds worth it or is talking about the issues worth it?

Pardon the cynicism, but how does this differ from any other political campaign – anywhere?

In any election, you have to do your own digging for information if you want a true picture of what candidates do, and do not, represent. And, more importantly, how likely they are to follow through on their election promises.

My personal favourite was when former Australian PM John Howard some years ago made a plethora of immensely unrealistic election promises, only – of course – not to come through on them. When quizzed about his, shall we say, lack of veracity, he said that there were core promises and secondary promises. What the … ???? Imagine bringing kids up with that sort of ethical and moral integrity!

As a former journo for a large news organisation, I know full well how it works (which was ultimately why I left – thank you for completely corrupting the profession Rupert). Best thing to do is turn off the tellie, take the papers with a grain of salt and find your own truth. And try not to get too riled about the mud-slinging. Anyone who puts credence in that sort of garbage fully deserves the politicians they elect. Mind you though, you Yanks have made an absolute art of it!

The system is a thousand ways fundamentally flawed. And until it changes, none of that sort of garbage will change. And while people are more interested in rhetoric than substance and lies over truths, how can it change?

'Tis a messed up world we live in, Jabtano. But never lose hope. Ain't no point to being here if we do.