Family First success rests with Democrats and ALP

It is no shock or surprise to many people (other than the Democrats and ALP) that Family First are close to winning at least one seat.

I hope that I will lose my bet with WA Democrats Senator, Brian Greig, and that FF do not obtain a single seat. But regardless of the outcome I believe that the fears that I, and many others, raised have rung too true. We are, unfortunately, vindicated.

The Democrats and the ALP should be suitably ashamed. I note that many ALP members have noted their mistake. The Democrats, especially Andrew Bartlett, remain ludicrously defiant.

It is all well and good to preference minor parties ahead of the ALP and Libs for the sake of self-preservation and support for democracy (in encouraging wider representation), but a degree of sensibility should have prevailed. It didn't.

The only way that One Nation were thwarted was through preferences. The only way that Family First can be defeated is by the same mechanism.

The Democrats and ALP were caught up in their own self-interest and refused to heed the many warnings that Family First would be a significant force. The Democrats clearly were ignorant of their own political demise (something I have been warning about for more than three years, and fighting against up until the end of last year) and the abilities of Family First.

However, I am also beginning to see the silver lining on these dark clouds.

With the conservatives having control of both houses Australia will face a certain political shift away from small 'l' liberal philosophy. I hope that, in turn, it results in the true liberals and lefties combining forces to oppose the conservatives.

That means nothing less than a multitude of miracles.

1. The Dems and Greens cease their idiotic divisiveness and tit-for-tat rivalry.
   
2. The Dems can regroup and, after much soul-searching, return to its strong principles and re-engage with its disaffected membership and supporters. (I'm ready if they are)
   
3. The ALP realise the better judgement of supporting a left-leaning base, rather than flirting with religion for short-term benefits.
   
4. All three parties learn and commit to support each other over the next three years with the express purpose of regaining control of at least one house of parliament, if not two.
   

These minor miracles are going to rest heavily on the Democrats. They need to shape up or face being shipped out, in 3 years time, to a desert island by way of a political 'Pacific solution'.

It isn't too late for the Democrats and it isn't too late for our community to fix the problems that have led to this predictable disaster.

I'm predicting a massive grass-roots revolution on the left to counter Australia's flirt with a conservative theocracy. Which party(ies) will be the beacon(s) of light through this new political phase? I dare say the Greens will be one. I hope that the Democrats and ALP will also heed this new call.

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