Dick Smith might run for Parliament. Let’s hope he does.
There is talk that Dick Smith might contend a Liberal held seat as an independent. This could be good. Dick has real world experience and he actually seems to care about Australia. And they are things we cannot say about most politicians.
Sure, Dick does not have all the answers. His idea of holding a plebiscite on so-called renewable energy but only allowing people under 30 to vote seems to me to be quite a nutty idea. Issues as important as this should not be left in the hands of people with little or no experience in the adult world. What is more, the real issue regarding Climate Change is about the difference between democracy and global authoritarianism. And that is something that affects everyone of every age. And it something that requires the input of mature people who are aware of what authoritarianism can do. His naivety indicates that he might not understand what Climate Change is really about.
But that’s OK. At least he is willing to have a go. And he is willing to explore new ideas. Most of our politicians are terrified of new ideas.
And, no, he is not too old at 74, which seems to concern him. That makes him only slightly older than Donald Trump and younger than Bernie Sanders. And it is much better to have an older experienced person with new ideas than a younger person with no new ideas. And these days it is very hard to find a young person who has any original political ideas. Many of them just regurgitate leftist drivel.
He also seems to be wanting to talk to young people before deciding on whether he runs. But with his experience his job is to lead young people, not to be led by them.
Importantly, Dick seems willing to confront the big issues, such as immigration and energy. He is not pretending the big issues do not exist like most politicians. So, if nothing else, his running will help bring attention to important issues.
It might also put pressure on the Liberal Party to address the big issues. I’m not sure how much good it will do but it is better than not putting pressure on the Liberal Party.
And he seems to actually be loyal to Australia. He does not appear to be toeing the globalist line like many, if not most, of our politicians. And that is very important.
Let’s face it, many people have all but given up on the Liberal Party actually standing up for anything worthwhile. So, if the Liberal Party will not fix itself then we need to replace it. And one way to replace it is with independents and smaller parties.
If people like Dick can win seats in parliament then that means there are less lackeys of the establishment in parliament and more people willing to have ideas and discuss them.
What is more, he is usually a bit of fun. And that might help get people interested in politics.
From our point of view it is win-win situation.
So, run Dick run.
And if he does not want to run for parliament – and who could really blame him – then he should continue to be active in other ways. Now is not the time for people like Dick Smith to be silent.
Michael J. Thompson
