Family Values

If I read that phrase one more time before I get on the plane, there may be real danger of my head exploding.

One of the local candidates (Robyn Peebles) has a red corflute, with her picture, and the words “Family Values“. And frankly, I am insulted that this woman thinks that she can represent the values of my family.

My family may not be representative of most families, but it’s still a family, and we have values.

We think that marriage has value, whether or not it produces children. We believe that there should be equal access to marriage rites and formalities, equal access regardless of colour, gender, religion, or ethnicity. We believe that the common denominator should be love alone, and that love in all its forms should be celebrated, revered, and cherished.

I value life as I value love. I believe that non human animals should be treated with respect, and that animal rights are the next frontier of humanity.

We value the earth, and believe that if we don’t take care of it NOW, we won’t have to worry about the future.

We value science, and an intelligent examination of our earth, and our history. We believe in learning from history, and using thoughtful analysis of fact to make decisions about the world, and our part in it.

We value diversity in our community, in our restaurants, in our entertainment, in our natural environment, and in the values and opinions of others. You don’t have to agree with someone to value their opinion, but you need to value their opinions to represent them.

So this is why I am a big Greenie. My experience of the Greens has been overwhelmingly positive. A Green may disagree with you, but she is likely to let you have your say. He may think you need an education, but he’s more likely to try to help educate you than berate you. And she’ll never claim to understand your point of view unless she really thinks she gets it.

Duck, duck, frog. Difference is inherent in humanity, and claiming that my values are universal is as insulting as John Howard claiming to represent “ordinary Australians”.

Sorry, another rant tonight, but at least this one comes with a cure picture :).