I recently did something that I have wanted to do for a long time - join a political party.
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I swing towards the right side of politics - especially how I view the economy should work. You know, free markets and minimal government intervention in business (yes, I agree with how John Howard dealt with the Ansett Australia collapse, despite how painful it was). However, this is a fair unpopular position for someone my age and it causes me quite a bit of flack. Being Australian, this means I vote for the Liberal Party - and have done so for the four times I have been called up to vote.
Unfortunately for me, my 18th birthday coincided with the downfall of the Liberal Party in federal politics, so every time that I have voted the party has had crushing defeats (well, except in the Brisbane City Council elections). It is a tad upsetting.
Anyway, I received my induction pack today from the Liberal Party, and I don't regret my decision for a moment. It is packed full of interesting facts and information - how you can make a difference and so on.
The most interesting thing for me has been people's reaction to the news of my recent membership. I picked up my mail on the way to work - so discovering the goodness inside became a public event. I have so far received the following reactions:
"You are a fucking looser - what is wrong with you." This is a popular one. Much abuse and laughs follows soon - both from me and the person commenting (though, more abuse from my end).
"Cool - how do I join?" This was unexpected. I found some right wing companions in the store!
"Good for you. You're grandparents would be proud of you." This was from my father, and the comment pleases me greatly.
Time for me to continue reading - and book in to the next meeting.