You know, regardless of how we feel about the election result (and personally I'm just hoping that Labour can combine their plans for a fairer and more responsible society with the Libs economic foundation and keep us on track), but I for one felt very proud to be an Australian on Saturday night. All over our country, people voted safely and with no coercion or force. When I voted, the Labour and Liberal people handing out leaflets joked with each other in an entirely sociable way. The vote counting was broadcast live around the country, and a fair outcome was decided. The outgoing leader capitulated with good grace, and the new leader took the reins to accolades from his followers. Sunday morning, and while the Liberal faithful moaned and gnashed their teeth and Labourites celebrated, the country continued on with not a single violent or even vocal complaint. We accepted the decision of the people and the entire government changed hands.
Is there another nation on the planet that can show leadership in how to provide fair and democratic government for the people? I don't think so. A shame that the leaders and violent narrow minded ideologues in some nations cannot see that government in this style may not be perfect but it's got to be one of the closest approximations we've seen, and we do it best in Oz.