Let's bring back motor racing

and solve all our economic woes with it? The Leader of the Opposition in this state went racing off to the capital of Downunder's largest state to tell the motor racing people that, if elected, of course he will reinstate the motor race which is held on a CBD circuit. 

It was an act of nothing more than populist political opportunism. He carefully did not talk about the problems associated with this - and they are many. 

It is one of those election promises made to get people to vote for a particular party. It is not one which is made for the benefit of the state - although it is wrapped up in "this will be good for the economy" tissue paper.  

A lot of other election promises seem to be the same. I remember a former Treasurer of this state telling me "I went into politics thinking I could make a difference. Being Treasurer has taught me that isn't possible." 

I don't know what is being promised by the candidates in the US election. It is unlikely that big changes are ahead. Who will control their lower house - the House of Representatives? Who will control their Senate? Imagine a government in which, as like the one just gone by, where there are opposing parties in control. And what would happen if both houses were of one mind but the President was of an opposing mind? 

Our federal parliament was designed on an idealistic idea that there would be a House of Representatives to serve the people and a Senate which would serve the states. The Senate is not supposed to be a party political chamber - but that is what it has become. The notion that Senators represent the interests of their state has long since been lost. "Independent" and minor party Senators can wield power far in excess of their electoral support. A hostile Senate can make it impossible to govern. Democratic? Of course not but we put up with it because, for the most part, it suits the major parties not to change things.

It will be interesting, very interesting, to see what happens in the US. This time tomorrow we may know a little more. I will be thinking of my US friends and readers. Will they have to wait until Inauguration Day to be sure of who they are getting? I hope not.