Life experience vs youth

c_c said :

Obvious question: does repeated posts about Zed Seselja and The ACT Greens equal an infatuation with Zed and the Green’s MLAs?

Of course not. What we have here is what Labor tried and failed to do in Queensland last week. Smear.
The Labor folk at ANU don’t like seeing their own criticised so hey go on the attack, just like Anna Bligh did against Newman before admitting she had no proof. It’s disgusting, and it adds nothing to the actually issues, which is the classic question of youth vs experience.

And writing ANONYMOUS articles on RiotAct attempting to wound Ben Duggan’s council run is not a despicable attack? Mate, I’m using my real name.

I’m calling you out for the strange obsession you have with certain ANU students – which has been observed by most Rioters who have seen your threads.

Finally I want to make something very, very clear. My comments about Fleur Hawes on here came only after she began that remarkably stupid campaign against the ANU Library merger.

Initially, I tried to give her advice on how it should proceed. She wouldn’t listen. For her, it was all or nothing, she had no concept of negotiation with the Vice Chancellor or consultation with students. It was this way or no way. After repeated attempts behind closed doors, still my advice fell on deaf ears.

It was only after that that I chose to use a public forum to try and get the message through, that students needed to negotiate and make a more compelling case.

The Vice Chancellor even sent a letter out to the protestors saying the same things I was saying, that they needed to put a case to him and basically grow up.

Because she didn’t listen in person, and because she herself was fond of using the local media to get messages out, I decided to do the same. Initially about the library merger, and then other issues on campus such as the elections and housing.

There was never a personal interest, I want that very clear.
She was an immature, narrow minded person who didn’t listen and couldn’t look critically at something.
She’d ask for ideas but only accept those that fit her narrow vision. Surely her getting booted from the University after not listening to repeated academic warnings demonstrates that.
It’s harder to ignore comments on policy and electoral choices in a public arena, and that is my sole reason for commenting.

Now if you don’t mind, I want to get back to commenting on Zed Seslja latest crackpot announcement, before someone accuses me of having a thing for him. After all, a dozen or so comments, must mean something.

i rekkun there should be some youth voice in the political debate and don’t at all want to see obstacles in the way of any elegible folk standing to run; but any thought of mandating a youth quorum, some positive discrimination, would water down that input. so if this davis chap[?] is the right stuff, eloectors will elect. but i fancy most voters want something tangible for their vote and that would include some world and life experience.

that said, there also needs to be competition for the vote and a lack of this might see him get up! there is a dearth of talent in australian politics at the moment and perhaps a ‘youth team’ philosophy will give us some traction in coming terms…

Obvious question: does repeated posts about Zed Seselja and The ACT Greens equal an infatuation with Zed and the Green’s MLAs?

Of course not. What we have here is what Labor tried and failed to do in Queensland last week. Smear.
The Labor folk at ANU don’t like seeing their own criticised so hey go on the attack, just like Anna Bligh did against Newman before admitting she had no proof. It’s disgusting, and it adds nothing to the actually issues, which is the classic question of youth vs experience.

To come at this from a slightly different angle – is there any way this Davies character could possibly do a worse job that the current bunch – even if he tried?

I mean seriously, life experience, youth, qualifications, I think the first criteria should be a basic IQ test before we start worrying about aspirational qualities such as competence or experience or knowledge.

Micky_P said :

The only reason the name Ben Duggan appears on this site is due to the OP C_C or otherwise known as Creative_Canberran

The only reason his name appears?

Check your facts: http://the-riotact.com/a-new-name-for-the-anu-bar/38887

Article written by Johnboy.

I have no interest in the individuals, only the issues and arguments they make.

c_c said :

Among the candidates, 20 year old University of Canberra student, real estate agent, drag queen and comic Johnathan Davis.

When I first read this, I thought it was listing *all* the Greens candidates, not the hobbies of one of them.

el said :

No, sorry – Due to my personal beliefs there’s no way I could possibly vote for a real estate agent. It’s just disgusting and immoral!

I feel the same way.

Ben_Dover said :

You damn kids get off my lawn

The only reason the name Ben Duggan appears on this site is due to the OP C_C or otherwise known as Creative_Canberran (and I do know his real name) has a fixation on him and his love interest Fleur Hawes (also of similar ANU political fame – but for other reasons)

It is public knowledge at ANU that the OP has updated websites like Uncyclopedia to reflect his ongoing infatuation with Ben Duggan, reflected in the Canberra article of the aforementioned website. The article formerly read ‘the Union Char slinkering away from Unilodge at 3am’ and after Ben’s resignation has been changed to political broker.
Some have formulated that this ongoing interest in Ben Duggan is due to jealousy of his love life and his success in student politics, C_C as most of you will know is a keen commenter on student politics (even bragging about articles on unknown websites) but has never actually run himself, denigrating the activity from his ivory tower. Whilst some view sniping from the unpopular edges as a commendable activity, others view it as a petty act and one that has garnered attention around ANU for the wrong reasons.

There is merit in having both younger and older members of parliament. But common sense usually dictates that they are sensible people who reflect the values and views of their constituents. The selection of Jonathan Davis as a candidate shows how seriously the Greens take the electorate, like a bunch of clowns. The statements and comments in the media show that he’s not a real candidate, but just someone to make up the numbers and be an attempt at a profile raiser or the Greens. Anyone even remotely considering voting for him should to Canberra a favour and donkey voting instead. I will make an exception for his mum and dad, relatives and his mates. They’re a given already.

buzz819 said :

Some young people might have a better pulse on society then older people, adversely, some young people might have a more idealised view on what society wants, but you can say the same of older people as well.

Yeah, I think back to when I was a 20 year old and I really had no clue, not to say that others won’t.

But then I look at some older pollies who can’t use a computer – seriously how can run a country in the 21st century without understanding computers.

I guess you need diverse abilities and views.

sophomoric said :

Duggan did indeed have the bar revamped, which was what he was elected to do. A google search will reveal where his charity efforts are up to. I have no interest in his campaign for council, but your obsessive focus on a gaggle of ANU student politicians is bordering on creepy.

I said rebrand, not renovate, try to read more carefully.

He announced plans for the Union to rebrand the bar, new name and identity. It was reported on RiotACT (http://the-riotact.com/a-new-name-for-the-anu-bar/38887), which is where I heard about it, and was also in Canberra City News.

Never happened.

As for charity efforts, as I say in my post not sure where that’s out. A Google search brought up their Facebook, but no longer shows their website.

When I finally found it, and clicked on “What we do” – every initiative says “Coming Soon”
http://www.raisinghope.org.au/#!what-we-do

I did do some checking before I posted, own website can’t say what they’ve done. Their Facebook thanks someone for helping them make a promo film, but otherwise is just links to articles around the internet. Again, no insight about there it’s at. If you know more, please share.

But look these two people just happen to be the most prominent local examples.Article isn’t meant to be about them specifically, but about the broader question.

At a time when party elders are both saying the two parties need younger blood, and are also saying they need more people with real world background, not just people moulded by the machine.

broudie17 said :

@c_c, I’ve noticed a very, very strong pattern in your Riot Act postings of making critical or dismissive comments about Johnathan Davis since his preselection, which makes me suspect you have some undeclared motivation in writing posts like this.

To give but a few examples, you made: the first comment in response to the Greens preselection annoucement (immediately critical of Johnathan Davis’ preselection); a sardonic comment about there being no transvestite comedians in the Liberal line-up (again, the first comment); and now a story directly criticising JD for his lack of experience and, as you describe it, his “various and colourful extra curricular activities”.

Given the examples given which suggest you have an unusually focused motivation on Johnathan Davis, I feel I’m entitled to ask you: what is your real agenda? Are you a politically-motivated young Liberal or young Labor member? Are you the member of any political party? Or are you just a disgruntled individual who has an axe to grind against Johnathan? Lay out all the cards on the table so we can examine your postings with the full information.

Firstly, calm down. Secondly, you’re kidding right?

In the past month, I’ve made several comments on RA about Zed Seselja being a “low altitude flyer” with no ideas, little community involvement, who makes rather nutty suggestions about what he would be capable of in power.

Several of those comments attacked Zed Seselja’s criticisms of Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury’s refusal to speak against the attacks on the CSIRO and Pace Egg Facility.

A number of other comments referred to Zed’s statements about Cotter Dam, and just today his comments about ACT power costs.

I would also direct you to comment #1 on a recent article critiquing the Liberal’s choice of candidates: http://the-riotact.com/liberals-officially-announce-their-team-for-the-act-election/68497

Right or left, gay or straight, blue collar or white collar, I don’t care. It’s what a candidate brings to the table, their experience, professionalism and focus among other things. Personally, I don’t think age is a key factor, because some never grow up while others grow old before their time.

Let’s consider Johnathon,

Did he make a compelling statement about feeling ready to represent his community? No.

This is what he said:
”I don’t like to say no to an opportunity,”

A commendable notion but it’s a more eloquent form of the teen phrase “like, whatever.”

He’s a first year policy student, so if he did get elected, he’d be a part time MLA or have to quit Uni (since I don’t know any Unis that allow 4 year deferments). He’s not serious about it, he’s doing this for a laugh, which the Canberra Times goes on to clarify:
“If he does make the preselection cut, his goal this time around is simply to support Ms Bresnan’s re-election by campaigning on policies including affordable housing and childcare in Brindabella.”

So he’s not even a real candidate.

Territory elections roll around every 4 years, meaning the next election would be around the time he’s graduated and maybe done honours.

Much smarter to wait till then and put in a proper effort, because admitting upfront you’re not really running is as stupid as Val Jeffrey saying he only ran on CAP’s ticket last time to prop up the Libs. A good way to not be taken seriously.

And being a fair, non partisan person, I’d also say repeat candidates like Gulia Jones should take a hint.

student, real estate agent, drag queen and comic Johnathan Davis.

No, sorry – Due to my personal beliefs there’s no way I could possibly vote for a real estate agent. It’s just disgusting and immoral!

Duggan did indeed have the bar revamped, which was what he was elected to do. A google search will reveal where his charity efforts are up to. I have no interest in his campaign for council, but your obsessive focus on a gaggle of ANU student politicians is bordering on creepy.

@c_c, I’ve noticed a very, very strong pattern in your Riot Act postings of making critical or dismissive comments about Johnathan Davis since his preselection, which makes me suspect you have some undeclared motivation in writing posts like this.

To give but a few examples, you made: the first comment in response to the Greens preselection annoucement (immediately critical of Johnathan Davis’ preselection); a sardonic comment about there being no transvestite comedians in the Liberal line-up (again, the first comment); and now a story directly criticising JD for his lack of experience and, as you describe it, his “various and colourful extra curricular activities”.

Given the examples given which suggest you have an unusually focused motivation on Johnathan Davis, I feel I’m entitled to ask you: what is your real agenda? Are you a politically-motivated young Liberal or young Labor member? Are you the member of any political party? Or are you just a disgruntled individual who has an axe to grind against Johnathan? Lay out all the cards on the table so we can examine your postings with the full information.

And in the interests of disclosure and fairness, I am a very good friend of Johnathan, and admire him for his hard work and confidence, and for his energy in putting himself into the public area. This posting, however, is a personal initiative and has no connection to Johnathan Davis.

When people make a big deal of ‘life experience’, all I hear is ‘unqualified’.

buzz819 said :

Some young people might have a better pulse on society then older people, adversely, some young people might have a more idealised view on what society wants, but you can say the same of older people as well.

*than

Did you really mean to use the word adversely? Do you know how to use a dictionary or a thesaurus?

Some young people…

carnardly said :

a part time real estate agent only scraping by and living at home with the wrinklies?

I’d wait till he gets into the real world I think.

You obviously don’t read the Canberra Times. I would suggest this young man has been out in the real world. He has looked after himself quite well after leaving home at an early age. He works, studies and is standing for election in the ACT Assembly. Even though I don’t vote Green, I wish him well in his endeavours. I admire anyone who stands for election no matter what side of politics.

If you’ve seen the young liberals in action you’d support any call for banning under 30’s from representative office.

I don’t know Jonathan Davis but I wish him all the best in his endeavours. He has alot of drive and I believe that he will be a bonus in the Assembly.

Holden Caulfield said :

Give the kiddies a voice. Why shouldn’t the concerns of 18-30s be represented in this way?

When I vote for a representative, I vote for someone to represent my views.

Having a token kiddie MLA may be a good thing theoretically, but would you want one representing your constituency?

Having a MLA for the Uni may be feasible.

I’d definitely want a more serious and grounded MLA than some 20 yr old flibbertigibbet representing me.

Some young people might have a better pulse on society then older people, adversely, some young people might have a more idealised view on what society wants, but you can say the same of older people as well.

Give the kiddies a voice. Why shouldn’t the concerns of 18-30s be represented in this way?

I agree an over representation would probably not be a good thing, aside form that I think it’s good to see.

The point about inexperience may have some merit, but no more so than the theory that if you’re deemed mature enough to be given the responsibility of voting you should be mature enough to be elected.

a part time real estate agent only scraping by and living at home with the wrinklies? I’d wait till he gets into the real world I think.

I don’t think that youth should exclude one from politics. I do, however, despair at the modern form of professional politician that we have seen emerge, predominately on the left but also on the conservative side, of student unionist, turned political staffer, turned Member for Upper Apparatchik.

johnboy said :

Roslyn Dundas was an excellent MLA during her tenure for example.

That’s true, and impressive to see what she’s done since.

She later described her time in the Legislative Assembly though as a learning experience, which set her up for other roles including ACTCOSS.

I guess one has to wonder whether she would have enjoyed more longevity had it been the other way around? She only lasted one term, with the phrase “inexperience” often used, even by herself I believe, after she lost her seat.

As a youth, I’m far too busy thinking about interwebz, petty crime and how often I’m going to change my job to worry about politics.

johnboy said :

Although the idea that there’s a monolithic “youth” political viewpoint is incredibly insulting to young people.

+1

I think a small number of young politicians is no bad thing.

Although the idea that there’s a monolithic “youth” political viewpoint is incredibly insulting to young people.

Roslyn Dundas was an excellent MLA during her tenure for example.

But there can be too much of a good thing.