I will not be lectured on misogyny!

WOW! So for the last couple of weeks, the major theme, that has been an integral part of federal politics, has been females, feminism and men, trying to appeal to females for their vote (among other things). Increasingly, since the era of the suffragettes, have women fought for equal pay, rights and job opportunities, and as I look into the past, and into history, I can see a whole range of strong females that have paved the way for me. For me, to have a right to an education, and fought for my right to vote, and to be able to do anything I desire. I sometimes take what I have for granted, but I must be humble and remember what my female sisters did for me, and for other girls like me. Since the infamous comments of one, Alan Jones, regarding our Prime Minister, (which for the record, I believe his comments to be completely disgusting regardless of where they were said, and under any circumstances,) female politicians have been forced into the spotlight, to defend their rights, and to defend unimaginable comments that should have never, ever, been uttered. But alas, alack, they were, and so the strong women in our public, political domain, stood up and made us proud. 

Whilst women have fought for the right of equality, currently in Australia we, females, are in, quite a unique position, with all the 'top jobs', so to speak, being held by females. The offices of Prime Minister, Governor General, Attorney General, Speaker (and Head of State despite that being a hereditary position) all are held, by strong courageous women many of which are a first, especially in Australian Politics. Prime Minister Julia Gillard, has had to overcome adversity in the face of many 'faceless' power brokers, string pullers and sexist people, and with out losing her cool. The Prime Minister and Attorney General, in particular have been at the epicenter of discriminating comments from the Opposition Party and outside sources, but other female cabinet ministers have not been left out of the abuse. It seems disgraceful when nobody in politics, can be criticized on their policies, and not their gender, what does it matter if you are male, female or undecided? It should be the policies and ideologies you believe in,  that are debated, not whether or not having a penis makes you more entitled to utter hurtful and disdainful comments.

In the last month or so, Julia Gillard, has come out with fire and fight, defending horrendous claims against her made by a whole range of sources, and in a range of different mediums. For me, it makes me proud to be woman, when she comes out, 'all guns blazing', and even if you do not agree with her political ideologies, one must commend her, on being tough and resilient. Remarkably, this week also saw the metaphorical bashing of frontbencher, Kate Ellis MP, on the ABC's Q&A, on monday night. The actions of the male majority, on the panel, which included Christopher Pyne MP, Lindsay Tanner and Piers Ackerman were disgraceful, and horrible to watch but also sent shudders into many people, at the lack of humanity seen by some politicians, and public figures. Social media, during the hour long television show, went into total meltdown with public outcry at the treatment given to Ellis and the total overstepping of Pyne.  It seems that in the current political landscape with the 24 hour news cycle, social media is playing a large part in the formation of the people with similar ideals. Particularly during Q&A, on Twitter the hashtag #destroythejoint was being used as was the topic of resignation of the Opposition Leader (and Jones himself) during the Gillard/Jones saga. 

The one thing that has become apparent, since the introduction of alternative media, is that normal, regular people get to have a say, in events that are taking place, in real time, as they are happening. Even a few years ago, the events that took place in the last few hours would not have reached the amount of people it did tonight. Using tonight as an example, within just a few mere hours, has the former Speaker resigned, the acting speaker been instated as Speaker permanent and a new deputy speaker has been elected. This much action, in such a short period of time has not been seen since the introduction of the Asylum Seeker legislation after the Houston recommendations were handed down, just prior to the commencement of this parliamentary sitting session. Lyndal Curtis from the ABC, and host of Capital Hill, seemed especially glad that her long day and night was over, but the question still remains, during Question Time today, was it necessary to go into so much discussion about the Slipper case, and by doing so, bring up issues about Gillard's supposed lies and family? While it was not really a surprise given the no-issue-is-off-limits-in-politics-anymore attitude that the Opposition has been adhering to lately, it is still causes people to shake their heads and groan at the low standards put to the parliament by some members. And finally, we must remember that some politicians are kind and decent people, who truly want what is best for the country, and that on most issues gain bipartisan support from the Opposition and the Government, it is just the select few, which polarize the parties that make it into the news. So with us gawking and being horrified at events transpiring, let us channel our new Speaker and hope that all members can work in a  "dignified, effective manner," and, we as outsiders  are reminded that "It is indeed difficult challenge," and may we wish her luck, heaven knows she will need it.