Once every 4? election cycles, the NZ elections fall at the same time as the US ones.

Given that both countries appear on the brink of major change (in my opinion, one for the better, one for the worse – it’s up to you to decide which is which ;)), and that the world is in a fairly dire financial position, these elections are shaping up to be very exciting.

I read a newspaper article the other day about the 4 US presidents who have been assassinated and the other 8 who managed to survive attempts on their lives. I then watched this movie (below) today and could almost visualise the gunshot.

I also went to the demonstration I wrote about yesterday and became increasingly angry at our ability to BELIEVE we are living in a free and democratic country, while the very principles of both those concepts don’t always seem to be present. One key to democracy is the ability for every voice to be heard and for majority to rule.

In New Zealand, we believe wholeheartedly we have this right. And one thing that has really been brought home in the past few weeks is that we have in the past and will continue to KILL people to defend our ideals. So we better be pretty sure of what we are claiming to defend and who we can trust to uphold these things both nationally AND on an often daunting international stage.

If we get the wrong people in, for the wrong reasons, then two years down the track, we can’t be assured that we will be listened to. In the US, we can’t even be sure at least one candidate will make it.

That’s not to be downhearted, I think it’s just that it hit me that underneath the political backstabbing, this stuff IS a life and death situation for a LOT of people. I’m not sure if we always understand quite how important our role is.

Anyway, if anyone wants to get an idea of which party best represents the issues and beliefs you have, take this quiz. From the looks, many people are horrified to be faced with who their beliefs aligns them with!