Wherefore, honest and wise men and women should be sought for diligently.

(The day before the Septmber 2013 Australian Federal Election, I made the following post on Facebook. I post it here for my own historical records.)

I was asked by a friend yesterday - and so there is no misunderstanding, Dermot, I still consider you a friend - "Are you a Labor voter Colin?" I guess recent comments I had made suggested to him this was the case.

My immediate response was a somewhat flippant "I am not and have never been a member of the Communist party. I do not and have not adhered to the tenets of the Communist party. * * * I have never followed the Communist party line." If you don't get the reference, look it up.

However, it has since got me thinking. In my lifetime I have had the opportunity and privilege of exercising my democratic right in this great country, and this great state, nine times on a national level, seven times on a state level, and I believe I have never missed a local council election during my "Eligible to Vote" lifetime.

During that time have I ever voted for a Labor candidate?
Indeed, I have.

During that time have I ever voted for a Liberal candidate?
I have, yes.

During that time have I ever voted for a Green candidate?
Yes indeed.

During that time have I ever voted for a Democrat candidate?
For sure, and I miss them!

During that time have I ever voted for an independent candidate?
Certainly.

So what does that make me, politically? It makes me someone who endeavours to follow this (to some, familiar) tenant:

"Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil."

For those who recognised this tenant, you would understand why I believe this to be a God-given mandate, so:

During that time have I ever made a donkey vote?
Absolutely not! That's not seeking diligently! Has it been easy to find such persons? Sometimes, sometimes not. But I believe God expects it of me to diligently try. It has also resulted on occasion voting for a candidate in my electorate who does NOT belong to the party I'd prefer to win, due to the fact that they match the mandate, but the candidate in my electorate representing my preferred party does not!

Is someone who is honest and wise to me going to appear the same to someone else? I certainly don't expect that to be the case.

So, I hope that that may shed some light on my political stance.
And just to clarify for you literalists out there, champing at the sexist bit regarding the above tenant:

During that time have I ever voted for a female candidate?
Absolutely!

May you all seek diligently your honest and wise candidates before you vote tomorrow.

Cheers!