I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek about it all, but I very much understand what you’re saying and I do agree. I know the odds are very much not in favour of anyone who would attempt to “Lone Wolf” it, and expecting that too happen and solve all of the current issues plaguing the US isn’t feasible.

I really do hope y’all can get through and past this, from one citizen of the world to another <3

I’m a foreigner, but the gun to attempt ratio surely doesn’t add up statistically, surely? Those are rookie numbers, y’all gotta’ pump those up!

Look, you’re not wrong that we did you (and the rest of the world) pretty dirty with Rupert Murdoch and I do apologise on our behalf for that - but the USA’s problems are it’s own shitty foundations; and have been around longer than we’ve been founded (re: colonised).

You do realise he took over 99% of our news/media outlets as his own personal mouth piece, before he ever came your way? We didn’t just vote in a Trump though, quite the opposite to be honest, so…uh…hm.

Might wanna’ dig a lil’ deeper

Don’t get me wrong, I am by no means under the impression Labor is a sinless, flawless, perfect party; or that Albanese is some Saint of a man who can do no evil.

Disclaimer: I am no political expert, and this is all my personal opinion based off my understanding of the bill. (I am also (usually) pretty pessimistic myself, increasingly so these last few years) but this is honestly the brightest spark of something that could not only help Australia in a way that prevents/could help shield us from the worst of the Mad Max timeline, but could also potentially help the rest of the world (how this all plays out, well I suppose we’ll see).

But the “Future Made In Australia” Bill (I know, a little nationalistic sounding for my liking as well… wait, don’t leave yet, plez ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ) is a massive step in the right direction - especially in comparison to the current state of Trumpastan.

The “general gist” of the bill (along with committing a $22.7 Billion Dollar government investment over the next decade) is:

• A net-zero economy, and aiming to utilise it to set Australia as the "Renewable Energy Powerhouse" of the future. They've realised to do this, public investment will be needed.

• Recognising the importance of domestic capability, but instead of you know, starting tariff wars as a "solution"; they're forcing the tying of our Mining Industry's (known for bottomless pockets, and literally zero fucks given for Australia's people or it's future) money, with the Manufacturing industry (known for being one of the most unionised industries in the country) and using it to bankroll this net-zero development. AKA: tying some of our largest private sector money to renewable energy only and investing it in the people and working class - as well as ensuring it's to the benefit of future generations. This also makes it INCREDIBLY hard to undo in the future.

• Investing in it's people and future by promoting safer, more secure and higher paying jobs with better working conditions, as well as developing more skilled and inclusive workforces (by investing in skills development and creating more job opportunities through building this net-zero goal and the steps it will require).

• Supporting First Nations communities and traditional owners by engaging collaboratively to ensure a positive outcome for their communities; while also encouraging their participation, and ensuring that they share in the benefits of, the transition to net-zero (this also includes any other communities directly affected by the transition)

• Strengthening our domestic industrial capabilities for the future, through strengthening our local supply chains.

• Increasing transparency and compliance of tax affairs, including  benefits received under supports provided by this bill.

People see or hear the word “Private Investment”, stop reading, and jump straight to “neolib”, in turn weakening the word. I believe in this case, it’s also missing the forest for the tree’s.

Is it driven by the noblest of values? Probably not. Will it work? Like I said at the beginning, we’ll find out, but even if it doesn’t - at least we’re finally trying something different for a change, something positive. If that can’t provide any optimism, I’d argue that’s bordering on doomerism and gives a whiff of “why even bother am I rite lol”.

The bill has passed both houses, Labor won by a landslide, the Opposition Leader lost his own seat and quit politics; leaving our conservative (opposition) party leaderless. Murdoch’s propaganda machine failed spectacularly.

Trumpet of Patriots spent millions, and (thus far) for their efforts have… 0 seats and less than 1.9% of the vote).

Australia has spoken, and we have said “why the fuck would we want anything to do with that, cunt?” to The Art Of The Deal US-brand of politics fascism.

The bill as passed, if anyones curious to read more.

Rainbow line must go up

(For reference: I am cishet, but have family & friends in the LGBTQ+ community and consider myself an ally.) Usually just lurk, but I feel you so badly.

I’ve been saying it forever as well. They’re spending millions, to specifically target/advertise/appeal to the community… out of the goodness of their hearts? Right.

Then as soon as its “over”, the facade drops and its on to the next big event/target market. Rinse and repeat.