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Greens deserve rational scrutiny

By Nils von Kalm - posted Monday, 25 July 2011


I have been frustrated over the years by many people who do not think about the issues and about why the Greens have these policies. To make such exaggerated and sweeping claims about them, as many critics do, just shows the alarmist position of people who haven't bothered to do their research.

What makes me angry is when influential people, both in the media and in politics, make assertions which are clearly incorrect, which other people then believe, thus spreading falsehood and wild rumours.

If these critics really want less successful drug programs, the same government subsidies for private schools, and to stop the boats, then we will end up with a more callous society with increased crime – guaranteed.

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It is fine to have passionate public debate. Any robust democracy can benefit from it. Indeed in this article I have made clear my strong feelings concerning the way in which issues are dealt with in the public. All I ask is that people do not fall for alarmist rhetoric that is clearly wrong (and which in many cases has been debunked over and over).

Do your research; read the policies. The Greens are not perfect, and there are criticisms I have of them too. For example, the first policies they went public with following the 2010 Federal election being the most contentious ones, those on gay marriage and euthanasia. I think that was poor public relations.

And there are of course controversial policies (such as the aforementioned two) that I have not discussed. But whatever your opinion of the Greens let it be formed based on good, hard evidence, and not on emotive, hysterical reactions that have no basis in fact. A mature society deserves nothing less.

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About the Author

Nils von Kalm is a funding coordinator at World Vision Australia who also enjoys writing about social, political and cultural issues. His website is at www.soulthoughts.com

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