“Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun”
Mao Zedong
Senator Ralph Babet of the United Australia Party (UAP) held a members meeting on Saturday 6th May. He started off by informing us of what he has been doing in the Senate, giving us the inside scoop on operations within parliament and the importance of numbers, and sprinting in a process called “divisions”. Followed by a “how to” on what the citizenry can do to effect change within the system. Overall, it was worth attending if only for cheap entertainment purposes.
Ralph Babet has an interesting history. A brief look at his Wiki page says he immigrated to Australia at 7 years of age from the Indian island nation, Mauritius. He has also claimed to be part Chinese on his dad’s side. Growing up in Narre Warren, he is of working class background, and even has a criminal record of unlawful assault. Most interestingly, he used to be a Greens voter, which in and of itself is not alarming, but unsettling, none the less. However on Saturday, he seemed to have cleaned up his act slightly and even managed to turn up in a 3-piece suit. It seems his $200,000 senator’s salary is paying off. A far cry from his “woke” green days. But he ticks enough of the right boxes to rustle up support from a multicultural electorate. The people love a feel good, rags to riches story from our beloved minorities.
According to Babet, we are the peaceful revolution, if such a thing exists. The duty of all citizens is to lobby government, sign petitions, write letters of concern daily, and participate in the voting process. The pen being mightier than the sword, at least when it comes to political solutions. Not only do politicians like to bury themselves in red tape, but they like to bury us in it too. “Send me an email” is code for “I can’t really help you now, get in line”.
He is also not above collaborating with the likes of Lydia Thorpe to attempt making amendments to Bills or get them passed. Apparently, in order to get member support on important Bills, one must be willing to compromise and negotiate, and if that means playing political games with other members, Ralph is ready. Perhaps he is in his element. Having run a real estate business, his salesman skills might actually come in handy when it comes to wheeling and dealing for the people. Or maybe, he is swimming with the sharks.
Ralph might be swimming with the sharks, but he is not alone, there are maybe four or five other independents swimming with him. A coalition is necessary, but is a lifetime away yet. Nevertheless, Ralph seems well equipped for his position. An experienced public speaker, he has taken to political grandstanding like a fish to water. His two-minute parliamentary speeches make for great entertainment, and easily keeps the people lulled into a false sense of hope that there may finally be a political solution.
Listening to them voice their concerns and experiences that afternoon, was almost heart-breaking. Many are disgruntled, unhappy, and oppressed. Looking for a saviour, and justice in this troubled world, they seek it in government. Oftentimes, it is difficult to feel sympathetic towards such people, but I have to remind myself that they don’t know better, that we all are sheep gone astray, in need of a shepherd. But that shepherd isn’t Ralph Babet, nor will he be found in government. That shepherd is Christ. He is the panacea.
So whilst I don’t believe there is a political solution and I’m obviously cynical about every new suit in town, the take home message was to get involved. So if you think there is still hope in politics, and you want to feel like you’re doing something, maybe get behind Ralph Babet and the UAP. He seems to be one of very few voices of reason in parliament today. Attend local council meetings, join a political party, volunteer to support them at the next election, and yes, write those letters.
Beauty For Ashes, Restoration 