I did a bit of a straw poll the other day, asking those around me whether they knew who their local councillor was.
Crickets.
I then asked if those around me knew which division of council they lived in.
More crickets.
The good news was that most knew who the mayor is, although one suspected Luke Smith still had “something to do with things”.
The room wasn’t filled with fools, but it had the local political IQ of a peanut.
Things improved when we repeated the process for state politics. A few had their electorates mixed up, but most knew where they belonged, if not by whom.
Never mind, if your interest is not driven by boundaries, we’re at least starting to throw a few recognisable names on the table. The political IQ of peanut butter, maybe?
And no, contestant Number 4, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk isn’t the member for Waterford. Apologies on your behalf to Shannon Fentiman.
Federal politics resulted similar damning evidence to that of the state poll.
But things became interesting, if not fascinating, when the conversation moved to US politics.
Granted, nobody really knew too much about Senators, members of congress, or similar. Most however, knew the leaders, their deputies and intricate detail of how votes are counted. The political IQ of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – you knew it was coming, right?
I understand it. The reality show that is US politics and all its fabulous cast – it makes amazing viewing. I too was glued to it.
But why don’t we carry that interest of politics into our local lives? Why don’t we care who is making decisions about our futures, what decisions they’re making, and how we might be able to play a role?
Apologies in advance to those in the room that day, but we’re an apathetic lot.
I just wish we could give ourselves a good rap over the knuckles, and start talking about things close to home that really matter.
