Idealism
When I growing up in the late 80’s early 90’s their was a scene of idealism. Part of that idealism was music that was influencing me at that moment. No one knew much of U2 at Bendigo High except a few Christians thanks to John Smith and his Bono connections.
Then their was the ‘Oils. Most teenagers knew of the Oil’s. They sung of justice, concern for the environment, sticking up for Aboriginal rights, and telling the US forces to basically go home. No love songs.
Then I look at the picture today. Ross Garnaut giving what could be the biggest environmental report in Australias history. In the background is Peter Garrett who used to be the lead singer of the ‘Oils. The same man who sung such idealistic lyrics. Yet Garrett has transformed himself into a politician, and I know from his lyrics that there must have been compromises along the way. Like Garrett I suppose I’ve gone from idealism to realist.
Christian faith isn’t as black and white anymore, like it was growing up. Working as a nurse has shown me the extremes of human emotion. The fragillity of life. Becoming a father. My reading of scriputres are now much more of a realistic, to the environment around me. There are many shades of gray. Maybe there are compromises in how you work as an instrument of Gods. An idealism with the rough edges taken off.
Hi Scott
Good article, I used to love the old ‘oils’.
This picture paints an interesting contrast, there is a certain look of resignation on his face, (using a little bit of poetic licence) he almost looks like he is saying… “damn if only I had said that” The passion, anger, rage, has well and truly been contained, the furnace is now a flicker, I guess when one is reduced to ‘towing the party line’ this is inevitable. I think your right honesty within politics will always be in the form of a well written researched paper with the long term longevity of the party as a primary concern. In the photo he reminds me of a caged tiger staring into the distance thinking of better times, where he could run riot on the open plains. Maybe the old TV ad is wrong ‘oils ain’t oils’
Regard Bob