Hybris is an interesting concept. It goes, like so much of Western Culture, back to Ancient Greece, to Athens in particular. The term represents the idea of a person getting to big for their boots, not knowing their place in the greater scheme of things. Whether it be Oedipus, a man who placed his intellect above that of his fellows, or Ajax who was a bit of a legend in his own mind, Greek Literature is full of an exploration of Hybris.
In our modern world, it seems to this little black duck at least,that one needs look no further than modern politics to see a full discussion of the subject in a manner that would make Sophokles old heart quiver with pride.
Yeah, yeah, I know it sounds a bit over the top, but I do wonder whether Howard and his little cronies have spent too much time at the feet of George W, that world renowned expert on electoral dodginess.
In particular I am thinking about the pieces of legislation currently swirling in the parliamentary ether regarding immigration, voting and the decision to slash the senate committees.
Go to Poll Bludger
for a full discussion on the act designed to close the electoral roles on the day the election is called.The notion is that by closing the roles then, rather than later, the AEC will be able to better deal with the crush of new applications.The reality seems to be, that this will end up massively disenfranchising swathes of potential voters,the homeless, renters and the young. All of whom would appear somewhat unlikely to vote for the Prime Miniature and his cringing acolytes. The sheer obviousness of this takes my breath away, it seems totally apparent that the idea is just like the 2004 Ohio voter purge, or the 2000 Florida purge in the US, an attempt to entrench one party in power at the expense of the other. I could be wrong, but as pollbludger says, the AEC have had any number of years to complain about the current system, but have yet to do this.
Then, we can add the next notion, the proposal to cut the number of Senate Committees and to make sure they can only be chaired by the Party of Government (that would be Liberals for those of you who live in Neighbours land). The obvious and immediate assumption is that this is another attempt to entrench the Government in power for the forseeable future.
Whether this is in fact the case or not, one cannot be totally sure. It certainly looks that way, could the change lead as was suggested on Radio National the other day be used as a means of allowing the PM to pressure his Senators into maintaining the orthodox position? Could it be designed to limit the accountability and scrutiny of the Government? Who knows, but one wonders if the Senate Committee, chaired by the Liberals who rejected the PM's cherished Migration Bill was a trigger for this new notion. Trying to picture the weird parallel universe where the new system would have brought things like Siev X and Tampa fully into the blinking light of day.
My final thought for the moment, proves that 1984 is alive and well and happening in Australia. The simple notion that for immigration purposes, Australia would no longer be part of Australia, cannot pass unremarked. Doublespeak, nuspeak, call it what you will, but this has to be one of the most surreal ideas I have ever come across.Face it, this is right up there with the old dictation test, or the "let's tow an ice-berg from that Antarctic to sell water"idea.
Thinking as I type away, whoever said "That's a first!" dies!, I wonder if it is Howard who is the Hybrist or me. Is it the notion that if we smile plausably,send nice friendly messages to whichever sporting team is looking the goods and pillory the opposition then he can do whatever he wants. Or is it me, for thinking how dare you suggest I am too stupid to notice you guys doing dodgy stuff?
A restive nation waits with baited knees, teeth, breath and other things!
Finally, go the Socceroos!
Stop Press 2-2
