Framing . .

Words. They can have different meanings to different people, to different groups, in different contexts and in different languages. When you start to learn another language you need to understand the basics of your mother tongue before you can learn something else. It is the same in politics, with politicians and political commentators especially in Question Time shortening their words, using acronyms and in general seeming to speak in another language. Politicians always have reasons behind their weird and wacky ways, and sometimes in order for us to see them one must be immersed in it. Small insignificant words to some people may hold great meaning to other, conversely big policy ideas may mean next to nothing to the regular person who blows it off as another lie from another politician. We can see examples of this every day in life, saying 'I'm Sorry' these days has become a 'thing' we just say and not a matter of actually believing it. However to the Indigenous Australians 'I'm Sorry' holds a great deal of importance, and the fact that John Howard could not come out and say it, highlights a major flaw to his conscience and government. This idea can be seen in modern day politics, with politicians using certain phrases and words that they know will evoke a response, either good or bad depending on what side of politics you are on, and what position in parliament you currently hold. Mr. Abbott, has continuously used the phrase 'world’s biggest Carbon TAX' ahead of July 1st. Question Time has become quite entertaining, waiting to see how long it takes the Opposition to use the phrase and how long it takes the government to list the benefits of the Housing Assistance Package (HAP) which are a result of the Clean Energy Future scheme, or otherwise known as the ‘carbon pricing scheme’. Language has the opportunity to make or break a government, or else determine the popularity of one. Polls released today show that Government is staying steady in terms of PM prefered, and (finally ?) Mr. Abbott dropped slightly. What will happen tommorrow? Next week? Next month? Only time will tell, and if the Government has any hope at winning the next election they must use their actions AND their words to show what they hope to achieve in the next 3 years.