Knowing full-well this is a US American holiday and is not celebrated in Australia, I thought it a good time to reflect on just what the US Americans celebrate today and why they do.
The Declaration of Independence (principally authored by Thomas Jefferson with four others) was launched on 4th July, 1776. The separation of the American colonies from Great Britain actually occurred 2 days earlier on 2nd July. John Adams, on 3rd July, wrote to his wife suggesting that it would be the 2nd July that would go down in history. As it turned out, the separation and independence were destined to be celebrated on 4th July. Just goes to prove that things into the future don’t always go according to plan!! Today marks the the 234th anniversary of the ‘liberation’ from old traditions and the birth of a new direction.
With that in mind, it’s about celebrating a break from old ties and building new directions forward for me too. My political campaign is designed to achieve a similar outcome. The electorate of Greatorex has only ever been held by conservative members (one independent and two CLP) of the legislative assembly since it was created in 1987 (replacing the abolished electorate of Sadadeen). Whilst acknowledging that the constituent demographic is largely more conservative than liberal, I strongly believe that I have established enough of a positive public, professional and business profile across Alice Springs to secure enough support so that I will become the Member for Greatorex in the next Legislative Assembly.
I am contesting the election for the people of Greatorex; I’m not running against anyone. The only two candidates thus far are the incumbent and myself. I fully expect that the ALP and the Greens will also field candidates. Clearly, the more candidates the better. I won’t be allocating preferences to anyone in particular – that is a judgement each voter can make for themselves. It’s their vote to cast in whatever manner they choose. If some voters are committed to vote along party lines, as is their entitlement, I would simply ask that they allocate me their second preference. I understand that the incumbent is more likely than not to preference me last of the options on the ballot paper. That’s how it works!! If I can yield enough of the primary vote to be combined with ALP and Greens voter preferences, I believe there is enough support out there for me to get over the line!
It’s about being part of moving this great town forward in a positive and proactive manner . A focus on strengthening the social capacity and frameworks of this town by celebrating success, thinking and acting and believing that all great things are possible if we just work together to achieve them. Encouraging people to see themselves as survivors living in hope rather tand victims living in fear. It’s really easy one people are able to change the way they think.
Of course, between now and the proposed election (just over 2 years away) there is much work to be done in those domains through the work I engage in with clients, organisations, groups, political allies and friends. It’s pretty amazing all the learning that comes with this ‘journey’. And at the end of the day it is about the journey and not just the destination.
Well said Phil. As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge
Hey thanks Sarah. Nice to have you come visit the web-site. You’ll be back in The Alice next month. Let’s catch up!
Sure thing Phil