Here at Winepunters HQ we have often noticed that when we drink, something happens on our way from stone cold sober to "I weally luv you mate!". We pass through a stage we call reflection and during this stage we ... well ... reflect on things that don't always register at other times.

So it was that the other day while enjoying a bottle of the 1996 "Premiership" Wellington Chardonnay our reflective gaze settled on the antics of our state politicians.  The Tasmanian parliament is currently considering the 'Dying with dignity' bill. This legislation, if passed, would allow people to refuse medical treatment designed to prolong their lives in certain circumstances. Like most people, we have an opinion on this controversial but important issue but what attracted our reflection was hearing that both major parties would 'allow' their parliamentary members to have a 'conscience vote'.

Now think about that for a moment. Released from the 'benefits' of party discipline they can make a judgement on this legislation based on the merits of the issue and its impact on the people they represent. Not who proposed it, not whether it matches the party platform or whether it will harm their chances of re-election. Our pollies are being allowed to make up their own minds (Oh the shock!-ed).

Call us naive or old fashioned but wouldn't we all be better off if politicians used their consciences all the time rather than just when they are given permission by their party leaders?   

Just a thought... now where is that next bottle?

What do you think?  Send us a comment

We have christened the 1996 chardonnay the 'premiership' chardonnay in honour of the fact that in 1996 the Kangaroos, after a wait of some 19 years, won the AFL premiership. We also have a bottle of 1999 Wellington Chardonnay, or as we like to call it 'the premiership again ... sucked in Carlton' chardonnay.

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