Pericles
One of the most common heard objections to the Greens is that they want global governance. Hardly cutting themsleves off even if the interpretation of this sits in the realm of world domination conspiracy theories (not from you).

There is no party in existence that will provide policies that will satisfy their followers 100% of the time. The Greens are the only party that understand the importance of our place in the ecosystem and the importance of environmental protection in the long term. Without this respect there is risk of destroying that of which we depend. I cannot see the ALP or LNP taking that responsibility seriously.

You may be referring to free trade vs protectionism. If there is to be free trade as we experience it now, some of the negative aspects need to be looked to ensure all participants, from poorer to richer nations, benefit without this blind acceptance of 'trickle down' effect which is clearly flawed. In many countries locals cannot afford to purchase some of their staple food crops thanks to higher prices achieved OS.

I can't see the two majors addressing those issues - they haven't so far. Social or economic justice based policies are not unworkable. We humans are innovative and capable of constructing systems that can work better to benefit a majority of people. If this is motherhood I will at least give it a shot.

The Greens if anything are more embracing of the needs and interests of all nations, and tend not to reflect the sort of nationalism that serves the interests of the most influential or powerful group. That is hardly cutting themselves off. I may have misinterpreted your stance.

Paul
Yes the ALP is doing a great job of self-destruction. I don't know if the Greens will do better this election, the predictions don't look good. The bogey-man of minority government might see them lose some seats. Or not. Maybe the poor performance of the two major parties will lead to a higher vote. I cannot predict the outcome in this very unusual election atmosphere.

Hi Pelican,

Something I am involved in, kiva Loans, and please I'm not suggesting you join, that is a personal decision, but I would like you to comment on the concept, as another with a social conscience. A friend of mine who incidentally is a member of the Pirates Party put me onto Kiva. I think it is better than straight out charity, it helps give people in third world countries fulfillment and a degree of self worth. On the practical side it allows people access to money they would otherwise be denied. Strangely its been my experience that the borrowers do pay back, and as the good old capitalist I am, I reinvest that money and some new money. My portfolio keeps growing and growing, but I never want to collect a dividend.

http://www.kiva.org/?gclid=CLaE2_v_pLUCFQZcpQodTkcAIA

onthebeach, good morning so it is cods wallop.
Well you need to understand it is in fact true.
Quite easy for you to make the statement, a standard issue PC one.
But your bucket has no bottom!
Right or wrong it remains the truth.
No I am not sexist, I know, without doubt, a woman will emerge to kill that bias.
We however do not have her yet.

Straw man, pelican.

>>Pericles One of the most common heard objections to the Greens is that they want global governance.<<

That may well be true. But I was not basing my points on "commonly heard objections".

I referred instead to the Greens published policies. Which are economically destructive internally, and unilateral in their setting rules for international engagement.

>>You may be referring to free trade vs protectionism.<<

That is the most obvious concern, although not the only one. What seems to have evaded Greens policymakers is that we are part of the world's joined-up economy, and that anything we do that breaks the chain will have repercussions, to a greater or lesser extent. Evaluating the damage a particular trade policy might inflict upon ourselves is a key element of its formation, one that is entirely absent from the published policies.

The development of international trade, incidentally, has been the last century's biggest contributor to the reduction of poverty worldwide. Something else the Greens turn a blind eye to.

>>We humans are innovative and capable of constructing systems that can work better to benefit a majority of people.<<

Quite possibly. So far, though, such systems that have been put forward are heavily freighted with wishful thinking, and extremely light on practicalities.

>>If this is motherhood I will at least give it a shot.<<

Good for you. But the reference to motherhood was simply an indicator that the underlying premise - that we should strive for a better world - is unquestionably "good". Unfortunately, just repeating that over and over again does not create good, workable policy. At some point there needs to be a connection with the world that most of us inhabit.

Pericles
I understand that your position is focused on workability but that is where we part ways. I am certainly not an expert and perhaps some of the objectives may need tweaking or re-thinking like many policy positions. However, I reckon many of the objectives are possible with a united will if you like.

Paul
I love the kiva site. Definitely joining. I have seen a documentary with something similar in India where people were given small loans to start a business or a small market stall. It was very successful for the most part from the feedback so far.

I have have had cause to communicate with the Pirate Party and they seem like a great bunch of people.

In fact I loved the idea so much I will link it again :):

http://www.kiva.org/start

Cheers

Pelican,

The Grameen Bank, initiated in Bangla Desh. I think they won a Nobel Peace Prize in about 2006-2007. Women borrowers seemed to be far more likely to pay back, and on time. The concept of low-interest, small-loans, has spread to much of Africa now. Brilliant !

Joe