Tag: politics

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AMERICA, IT’S TIME FOR #GUNCONTROL

#GUNCONTROL

I’m not sure if “America” will read this blog post, but I do know that there are regularly Americans who read this blog. So if that’s you, please pass it on to the rest of your country.

Whatever your opinion on the politics of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, his bold leadership on gun control in 1996 is an important legacy. In the wake of the Port Arthur massacre, when 35 people were killed, Howard brought in sweeping gun reforms. These reforms have changed Australia for the better.

It was good to hear that US President Barrack Obama mentioned Australia’s example in being tough on guns after another school shooting in the US. I’m saddened with every new report of more school shootings in the States and baffled by how easy it is to get a high powered gun. Just get rid of the Second Amendment from the Constitution, amend it out of there! I hope and pray Obama has the bullets to stand up and lead.

I’m not sure if you’ve seen these 3 videos, they were shared around via social media last year, but they are worth watching. John Oliver compiled them for The Daily Show, and they show how government-mandated gun control actually can work. He highlights the political leadership of Howard (as well as Tim Fischer and Rob Borbidge) in bringing about the changes.

See below for the 3 part series:
Continue reading “AMERICA, IT’S TIME FOR #GUNCONTROL”

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WHAT THE NEW NSW PREMIER THINKS ABOUT JESUS #NSWPOL #JESUSIS

Queenscliff (Manly)

It’s been a big 24hours in New South Wales politics with the Grange-gate affair. Barry O’Farrell is out. Mike Baird is about to become the new Premier of NSW! The Northern Beaches of Sydney is becoming a political powerhouse with the Australian Prime Minister and now the NSW Premier among our local members.

Mike Baird is a well respected politician. He is also a member of St Matt’s Anglican Church on the Corso in Manly. Mike recently wrote a short piece as part of a combined Northern Beaches Churches project: JESUS IS _____.

Jesus is my hope!

I think all of us on a daily basis have trouble focussing on what really matters. Whether it be the challenge of family stresses (heightened when teenagers arrive!!), the morning commute, an over-bearing boss or screaming customers each day appears more a daily wrestle than a joy to live!

I have to be honest that there are days when I wake and feel so overwhelmed about what awaits me that I am gripped not only with fear but a searing sense that I am not up to the job.

It is often at this point I am reminded of Jesus. Not just Him but a reminder that he died on a cross for me. As this reality floods my being I can see the way through the day and the morning haze is replaced with a steadfast purpose. Indeed the scope of hope is much deeper as not only is there an assurance of support despite my frailties there is also a reminder that I have eternal life!

Originally from here.

See more great content on the jesus-is.org.au website.

Want to hear more on who Jesus is? Find a church this Good Friday and Easter. Or you could read these short articles I’ve written:

Image (c) Saltmotion. Saltmotion are based in Manly. This image used by permission. 

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I’m Sorry Anna Nicole

“Men must have the political courage to work to end all forms of violence against women, especially the commercial sexual exploitation that is fueling sex trafficking. Male leaders have an enormous task, because their work will be done in a cultural context that has constructed their manhood around the pornification of human sexuality. Click on the link at YouTube [below] to watch an example of this leadership: Jonathan Walton reading his poem, “I’m Sorry Anna Nicole”, at a recent CATW event in New York on December 2, 2009.”

Find out more about the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW)

(h/t ben via twitter)

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3 Tips for First Time (or Undecided) Voters

It’s time to get you vote on, tomorrow! I’ve posted a bunch of politics related posts in the last few weeks. You can read them here. I know lots of Christians who aren’t quite sure how to think through who to vote for. I think this is particularly for younger Christians who are voting for the first time and working out if they will vote for their parents party or a different one. It’s not too late to take an hour or two before you vote to think things through. My 3 tips for first time (or undecided) voters are the 3 recommended reading lists below.

1. Centre for Public Christianity | Federal Election 2010 – CPX regularly do a killer job at showing how Christianity intersects with all areas of life and society. I’ve only had a look at a few of the articles and videos, but their election 2010 coverage is comprehensive and very useful. They include the following areas of discussion:  Christians and Politics; Economics; Education; Environment; Family and Community; Justice; Refugees; and Politicians. Read/view more here.

2. The Box Pop | On Voting and Jesus – Steve Boxwell is one of my peeps from College. He single handedly coached our whole year through Philosophy 1, Philosophy 2 and Philosophy 3. He’s also the “politics guy”. Because lots of people regularly ask him questions about politics etc, he thought it would be good to punch out some blog posts this week with some thinking on “voting and Jesus”. Steve puts his cards on the table and says how he will be voting. Regardless of whether you come to the same conclusions or not, this series will help you think through lots of the issues. It kinda feels like that year 6 trip to Canberra! Read them all here.

3. FERVR.NET | Series on Voting – let me be honest, I only read the first post in this series, so the whole series could be a lemon for all I know! But I’m guessing it’s useful. FERVR.NET is a youth website I help write for, so these 5 articles might be the simplest and first stop for younger punks.

Happy voting.

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Refugee Mythbusting Animation

I disagree with both major political parties regarding refugees and asylum seekers. Many Australians probably selfishly agree. Here is a short animation from GetUp Australia attempting to discard with popular myths surrounding asylum seekers.

What do you think? What would you do?

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Australia: The Selfish Country

Australia is about  to vote for a new Prime Minister. When it comes to campaigning, both Captain Underpants and The Ranga (and their respective parties) pander to the selfish vote. We want more stuff, less tax, more money, less inconvenient boat people, more comfort, less travel time. It’s all about me. Show me that you’ll maximize good stuff for me and minimize bad stuff for me… And you’ve got my vote!

Maybe it’s time to stop and think about someone other than me! I need to.

Hey politician, tell me what you’re going to do to:

  • make the world a better place
  • help alleviate world hunger & poverty
  • fight for the rights of the unborn
  • put an end to the trafficking of girls as sex slaves
  • give Indigenous Aussies the same opportunities as Anglo Aussies
  • stop the state government preying on the weak & vulnerable addicted to poker machines

I was really glad to see the way that the Micah Challenge crew have been asking politicians (from both sides) to “ask the poverty question”. Good stuff. Looks like it has been effective too.