Life of Riley: The same old routine

The same old routine

Now that the election is over, maybe we can all get back to normal.

— What do you mean "normal"?

Run of the mill existence, same old routine ... that sort of thing.

— But we've just had an election.

So?

— Well, I think you could be a little more considerate of the democratic process.

I was. I voted.

— I don't mean just that. Polling day is a special moment, an opportunity. It's a time to reflect and weigh up the options.

Which I did.

— I'm glad you took some time out of your busy schedule.

I do my bit when I'm called.

— I would have thought ... ah, never mind.

Never mind what? Australia looks pretty much the same as it did last week. Well, doesn't it?

— It shares many of the same features that were evident during the whole of the week preceding the current one.

Yes. Which are?

— You know — the same things.

Can you now drink the water in Sydney confident you won't get sick?

— No.

Can you get a hot shower in Melbourne?

— No.

Exactly.

— That's a bit rich. You know darn well that neither Sydney's water nor Melbourne's gas had anything to do with Saturday's election.

Oh, didn't they?

— No, they didn't.

So what was the federal election about if it wasn't about flogging off the family silver to the first in, best dressed? First they corporatise, then they privatise ... it's the in thing.

— I suppose you're right.

Of course I am. It's the same old routine, no matter who's running the show.

— And I had such high hopes, too.

Don't worry, you'll get over it.

By Dave Riley

From GLW issue 336