I don’t usually get into discussions/arguments about politics, either in my blog, on my f/b page or anywhere else on the Net. I like a quiet life. I do all my seething in the shower. I download my angst to the long-suffering Old Boy, who raises his eyebrows and makes non-comittal grunting noises. And, I tell Rex the Wonder Dog how the world should be ordered and, wise canine, he always agrees with me. That’s as far as it goes…usually.

I know that politicians work long hours and most of them have the good of the community at heart. (Please don’t burst that particular bubble; it’s the only way I can sleep at night.) So, unlike most of my compatriots, I don’t spend a lot of time having fun at their expense …tempting as it is.

But I have to say, I’m extremely disappointed with our current state government. They’re spending billions of dollars revamping our city’s main oval. Ok, it’s a beautiful cricket ground, much-loved by sports fans around the world and it’ll be nice to also have Australian Rules Football national and state games there as well. But, (brace yourselves, as this will sound strange coming from a passionate Australian who loves sport; it’s part of our national identity, after all!), I think their priorities are up the wattle. There; I’ve said it.

On the highway between my state and the next is a series of signs begging for the state government to save a hospital at Keith (a rural town). If it goes bust the people living in that region will have to travel several hours to get to the next hospital. That could be the difference between life and death. Upgrades on oval: several million dollars. Save the hospital: several thousand dollars.

The South Australian Writers Centre, which has been the only major support network for the plethora of writers living in this state, as well as a promoter of literature in schools, conferences etc, may have to close down because the government is considering axing the small grant its given in the past. We’re only talking in the thousands. Obviously football is the only thing that matters in this state. Forget health. Forget education. Forget thinking and communicating well. Kill off the arts. Just make sure you’ve got a new oval.

Remember the Romans with their campaign of Bread and Circuses? Let’s learn from history. All they succeeded in doing was to weaken the moral fibre of their citizens so that when the barbarians invaded, the empire folded with barely a whimper. But, hey, they didn’t play football so what do I know.