Just wanted to note here that I've rewritten my study plan and changed my Major from Communications to History and Politics. I'm still going a bunch of Communications subjects as well as some Sociology. I'm happier about it. It feels much more like me. But I'm not going to feel embarrassed if I that's not the last time I fiddle with my course.
I've enrolled in my next two units:
GEN11 - Gender, History and Culture
HST110 - The Making of Australia
If I follow this plan, I don't need to do the Liberal Studies degree but will fit right into the Griffith BA program. The student advisor thinks that's a better place to sit for post-study vocational kudos. I'm not sure it matters but I'm happy with that.
I'm excited!
I also want to note that there has been some interest in another blog I keep. The moderator of the internet's largest blog on that subject has asked whether she can crosspost some of my writings and run them weekly as a series. I was reluctant at first as I don't want to editorialise that blog to suit others but she's assured me she'll take the posts as is.
It's a nice feeling that my writing is improving and that there are people apart from friends and family who are enjoying it.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
dipping her toe in the water
As part of my News and Politics subject I've had to conduct interviews with various people. For my current assignment I needed to speak to at least one politician about a political subject. I found it's not so easy to get to these people as you might think.
Initially I had trouble getting through to ABC political journalist, Annabel Crabb, one of my heroes but, I thought, much to famous to talk to me. I wasn't able to reach her by the usual ABC channels so in the end I tweeted her. She replied quickly and called me for a chat. I was so excited I could hardly breathe. Silly I suppose but after 20 years at home with my kids, it was a red letter day for me. Annabel was, as I had expected, intelligent, articulate and absolutely gracious. I got a really good interview and have high hopes for this assignment.
Getting to a politician proved harder. Bob Brown's minders wouldn't let me near him and Malcolm Turnbull wouldn't even reply to my emails. I decided I needed to downgrade. As I am writing about politicans using Twitter, I tracked down Shayne Neumann, one of only six Qld federal politicians who uses Twitter. Parliament is sitting this week but I managed to book an interview and, yesterday, Shayne called from Canberra.
Former lawyer and second-term ALP member for Blaire, Shayne Neumann is a very interesting fellow. I quickly got through my 10 questions and that was all good. But Shayne generously allowed us to wandering into other conversation. We talked about same-sex marriage, euthanasia, refugees, Tony Abbott and party politics. We discussed the undemocratic nature of conscience voting, the hung parliament, feminism, feminists and social justice issues. I learned a great deal about the Labor Party and have a renewed respect for hard working MPs.
Actually, talking to Shayne was a real thrill. It was encouraging to converse with such an intelligent, articulate, political moderate. I'm feeling more and more encouraged that there may be some way I can understand and participate in the world after all. And for someone who is trying not to have too many opinions, I found I have quite a few. I'm starting to really enjoy this.
Initially I had trouble getting through to ABC political journalist, Annabel Crabb, one of my heroes but, I thought, much to famous to talk to me. I wasn't able to reach her by the usual ABC channels so in the end I tweeted her. She replied quickly and called me for a chat. I was so excited I could hardly breathe. Silly I suppose but after 20 years at home with my kids, it was a red letter day for me. Annabel was, as I had expected, intelligent, articulate and absolutely gracious. I got a really good interview and have high hopes for this assignment.
Getting to a politician proved harder. Bob Brown's minders wouldn't let me near him and Malcolm Turnbull wouldn't even reply to my emails. I decided I needed to downgrade. As I am writing about politicans using Twitter, I tracked down Shayne Neumann, one of only six Qld federal politicians who uses Twitter. Parliament is sitting this week but I managed to book an interview and, yesterday, Shayne called from Canberra.
Former lawyer and second-term ALP member for Blaire, Shayne Neumann is a very interesting fellow. I quickly got through my 10 questions and that was all good. But Shayne generously allowed us to wandering into other conversation. We talked about same-sex marriage, euthanasia, refugees, Tony Abbott and party politics. We discussed the undemocratic nature of conscience voting, the hung parliament, feminism, feminists and social justice issues. I learned a great deal about the Labor Party and have a renewed respect for hard working MPs.
Actually, talking to Shayne was a real thrill. It was encouraging to converse with such an intelligent, articulate, political moderate. I'm feeling more and more encouraged that there may be some way I can understand and participate in the world after all. And for someone who is trying not to have too many opinions, I found I have quite a few. I'm starting to really enjoy this.
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