Pragmatic idealists unite

Politics is the art of the enlightened trade-off. To define it otherwise would be to paint the world in one-dimension. If my current academic preoccupation is any guide, pretty much everything is linked to pretty much everything else, and the world is rendered complex because of it. In such a world it is impossible to quarantine any issue from its broader context. In this we can find an explanation for Peter Garrett's willingness to counternance US bases in Australia, despite his previously states views. He has prioritised his environmental/social justice concerns over his views on Australia's strategic relationship with the US - pragmatic idealism manifest. I loved Tracee Hutchinson's piece on this issue - HERE - in which she associates a degree of idealism with the decision of most politicians to get involved in politics. There is definately a place in the world for non-pragmatic idealists, but outcomes-based politics demands the occasional compromise. Ce la vie.

If I ever find myself in a lift with Peter Garrett I'll tell him "Sir, you are one of the main reasons I became passionate about politics. Viva the oils." 'Diesel and Dust' did so much to get indigenous issues on our national agenda - to bring the desert into our lounge rooms. I'll never forget an oils concert at the Tennis Centre in which they sang 'beds are burning.' In the middle of the song, as the mulleted many sang 'the time has come, a facts a fact, it belongs to them, lets give it back' Peter Garrett stopped the music, turned the lights on the crowd and yelled "say it like you mean it!" Suddenly a punchy song's familiar lyrics rang out as a profound political statement. It was a stunning use of rock music as a political medium - few there would forget it. There's no contradiction between holding strong views and being involved in politics. In fact, leaving the Peter Garretts out of politics would be a waste of passion and a diminution of the legitimacy of power. So roll on idealists one and all. Pragmatism is ok so long as the flame of idealism burns on.