I don’t know about you, but I am so relieved we are in the final week of campaigning for the federal election here in Australia.
By the time we get to polling day it will have been five long weeks.
Five long weeks of negative advertising, negative comments and negative press conferences.
I would be more enthusiastic about a politician if they focused positively on what they stand for, or what they have done.
I have avoided all the debates, although you can’t help but catch some of the commentary afterwards.
We were lucky to be able to vote early.
But it felt like we were doing some sort of walk of shame.
The queue ran down the side of the building.
But all down the side of the queue was a solid line of people trying to thrust their how to vote cards in your hand.
The look of disgust when you politely refused.
Talk about intimidating.
Obviously they have a job to do, but how about smile and just ask someone how they are?
To make things worse, not a democracy sausage or cake stand in sight!
The electoral staff themselves were lovely and helpful in their purple bibs.
Talking of colours, getting dressed earlier in the morning I had gone to put on a deep blue shirt.
Hmmm no, too political.
I looked at my red shirt. Nope.
The green one was next in line. No to that too.
I also ignored anything close to teal, yellow or orange.
We’ve always been told, unlike in the UK, parties here don’t really align with traditional political colours.
But a quick look at the corflutes everywhere says something very different.
Red – labor, blue – conservative (liberal), and green – well obviously, the greens.
So I grabbed a purple top and was pleased to see myself, coincidentally, most closely associated with the electoral staff.
I really appreciate living in a democracy and having the right to vote.
But I think people of all sides need to be mindful of their actions and words in these situations.
In the last federal election a friend had her autistic son with her as she went to vote.
A campaigner tried to push some paperwork into his hand, while shouting into his face.
My friend had to step in and firmly ask him to step away.
She (and her son) were both deeply shaken by this.
Of course no-one knows what’s going on in someone else’s life.
But basic manners go an awful long way to making life better for everyone.
So whether you’re heading off to vote, or working for a candidate – please be kind.
Also, if you can, join us for a relaxing meditation class this Friday.
100% free from politics… and some quiet time and space for you.
Roll on Sunday.
Ann 🙏