Why I will vote Labor

Yes I do agree that Kevin Rudd has made some mistakes. I recently signed a petition to get him to give more funding etc to mental health - an issue I have very strong opinions on but...what are the other options?

On Monday I visited St John's Presbyterian church to view a web cast of Kevin Rudd (Australian Prime Minister) and Tony Abbott (Opposition Leader) speaking to Christians of prominent denominations.

Right from the start Kevin Rudd was clear, had well thought out policies and was able to relate well to the audience.

Abbott, in contrast, had vaguely expressed policies and also said things I disagree with about Aboriginal issues (Aboriginal people must learn to take responsibility...) and the economy (we want to cut spending without decreasing services - I don't know how you could do that and he didn't explain...)

Rudd, in contrast, had concrete plans for addressing health (taking on 60% of the funding), homelessness (building more temporary and permanent places to live), welfare reform in the NT to make sure essentials such as food were being bought and the environment (emissions trading and reductions, renewable energy).

Both men have a religious faith and it is certainly not on that basis that I criticize Abbott. I just feel that leaders should have a clear vision for our country and he seems to lack this vision.

Of course I would welcome respectful discussion on these matters.

My love to you all

Amber

The Album of Opinions - Now it's My Turn

Hi Everyone

I am slowly recovering from my psychotic episode over the weekend. Still very tired but have been able to go to classes as normal. A big, huge thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Anyway - today's post includes my answers to the Album of Opinions questions - hope you enjoy reading them.

The Noblest Aim in Life
To love God, others and myself.

The characters you admire most in real life.
My friend Megan and my grandmother Bronwen.

Who do you consider the greatest living politician?
Kevin Rudd (Australian Prime Minister)

What political questions are you chiefly interested in?
Mental health reform. Improving the quality of life of Australian Aboriginal people.

The greatest artists and musicians?
Van Gogh and Salvador Dali. Bono from U2

Your favourite characters in fiction?
Lucy from the Narnia series and, recently, Bella from Twilight

The time of year you like most?
Summer

The authors you admire most?
CS Lewis, TS Eliot, Shakespeare

A brief definition of love.
There are different types of love. The best of them is when you consider the other person's needs before your own.

The scenery you admire most?
Secluded beaches with pure white sand.

Your idea of happiness
To be completely rid of mental illness.

Your favourite motto or proverb
A good name is better than riches (from Proverbs in the Bible)

The wrongs you would redress.
Third world debt should be abolished so developing countries can actually develop.

Reforms you would advocate
More funding and early intervention for serious mental illnesses

Your favourite recreation or hobby
Reading, writing and theatre (directing and acting)

The true place of woman in society
This is a tricky one. Some women prefer to be at home and others prefer to work. I think the 'place' should be what is considered to be the best outcome for the husband, wife and children. Single women can really do what they want.

Your favourite topic of study
Writing

Your chief ambition
To be a published author and support myself totally by writing.

The Christian name you like best
Jessica and Joshua

Your ideas on the subject of marriage.
Marriage can be wonderful if both partners make an effort to love the other and put the other's needs above their own needs. Also we need to choose our partners well and not just on our hormones.

The qualities you respect most in men and women?
Honesty, openness, kindness, gentleness, generosity and humour.

Your favourite flowers, birds and beasts
Carnations, white cockatoo, cat.

The End

Hey - maybe now it's your go! God Bless

Amber