Yes but no but yes but no….
May 17th, 2009 | by Robert Fletcher |
“Ora ilLegale Clock” by Denis Guidone
So WA didn’t get daylight savings for the fourth time. The result doesn’t really surprise me, considering the results from the last three referenda. I’ve noticed such a backlash on the internet this morning from people saying how WA is “backward” and “the laughing stock of Australia”. Here’s a tip. If living in WA is so annoying, then fuck off somewhere else. Every city in the world has its good sides and bad sides. For instance, I love Melbourne’s 24 hour lifestyle of cafes, clubs and shopping, but the weather is complete shit. Perth has a great climate, but isn’t as “vibrant”. Whatever city, state or country you live in is not going to be perfect for everyone. You just make the most of what you’ve got and get on with life.
I’m amazed at how the whole daylight saving argument brings out the “stupid” in people. The No camp were saying that daylight saving contributed to more road deaths. Excuse me? That’s up there with fading curtains and cows giving sour milk. I was also amused at how the Yes camp was bleating on about all the new young voters (around 370,000 of them apparently) who didn’t get a chance to vote last time, and would probably vote Yes now. So what about all the “new voters” in 1975, 1984 and 1992? They obviously didn’t want it, and neither did the “new voters” in 2009.
Personally, I voted Yes because it suits my lifestyle and the lifestyles of a lot of my friends – but I knew the Yes vote wouldn’t get through. It never does. All I kept thinking about at the polling place was how the money the whole thing has cost (around $9 million) could be better spent on health, education, aged care etc. When will we learn?
WA has always been against permanent change – every State referendum ends up with a result of no change, with the only exception being in 1900 to enable Federation. Daylight saving – shopping hours – prohibition – secession – whatever the topic, the only way WA will see any kind of change will be if the politicians make the decisions and enact them in law. Making the people decide will only result in a huge financial cost to the taxpayer and no change. We elect politicians to make decisions for us. If we don’t like their decisions, we vote them out. Simple.
Now I better go and walk the cats before it gets dark.
By Leo on May 23, 2009
yes i agree. ahem. more importantly, from where can i get these adorable clocks. i just want one or three and i have heaps of cash since the recession hit. ups to ya.
By Polemic on Jul 15, 2009
Small correction – the secession referendum in 1933 was successful, being supported by 68% of voters. Unfortunately it was held at the same time as a state election and the voters also chose to change governments.
The incoming Labor Party was against seceding and as referendums were not binding in WA at the time (and only a handful specific referendums are binding today), instead of simply committing to the cause they ignored the will of the people and instead begrudgingly sent a delegation to Britain to argue the case.
After many months of deliberation, the British House of Commons committee that looked at the case finally decided that they could not consider the matter, nor make any judgement.
What a different place it would be today if the new government had supported the will of the people wholeheartedly.
By Robert Fletcher on Jul 15, 2009
Thanks for that Polemic – I didn’t realise that was the case back in 1933.
It would certainly be a different place if secession had gone through. Imagine needing a passport to go to Melbourne!
By Rick on Sep 21, 2009
6 Months of daylight saving is good but I think
the current set dates are out of proportion.
I reckon DLS should start 2 weeks earlier and finish 2 weeks earlier, to coincide with the equinoxes.
I don’t think that extending DLS into April was necessary, the mornings are far too dark around that time.