CHARDONNAY SOCIALISM

From WIKIPEDIA:

"Chardonnay socialist is a derogatory Australasian term used to describe those on the political left with comfortable middle-class (or better) incomes, tertiary education, and a taste for the finer things in life.

I have earlier discussed the difference between talk and action.

The Internet now provides fantastic opportunities for those who:

* Want to appear as activists without making any sacrifices of time, effort or money
* Want to tell others what they should be doing without doing it themselves
* Want a nice prepackaged view on global and social issues without needing to actually become informed.

Interested in seeing Chardonnay Socialism in action? Check out:

http://www.getup.org.au/
This website is ostensibly Australian, but is merely a front organisation for an American lobby group. (www.avaaz.org)

They send out vitiolic emails of a few paragraphs defining a particular 'social issue' for their followers, closing it with an email petition to sign. They don't define the issues in any depth, nor provide links to impartial sources so their members can obtain further information.

THE RESULT- members accept unquestioningly the party-line (a very chardonnay socialist trait) sign the petition, then forward it to their friends demanding they do the same.

Personally I believe anyone should, before expressing any viewpoint, try to ensure it is a relatively informed one.

This is especially true when, as groups such as the above make sweeping demands for action impacting on others lives. I wonder for example how many people now demanding PAUL WOLFOWITZ's sacking had even heard of him prior to their AVAAZ telling them he was evil and needed to lose his job? (I hadn't..but at least have checked a few impartial sources to try and learn the issues)

Next time a Chardonnay Socialist starts lecturing you abou social issues, or how the government should be spending more money on something....ask them how much THEY THEMSELVES devote to charity and related causes.

Ask particularly about time, effort and money.

Most will get very angry at that point...or start boasting of token endeavours..

I still cringe when I think of LIVE AID in the 1980's...multimillionaire BOB GELDOF screaming obscenities demanding viewers donate more money...Even LIVE AID a couple of years back raised less money than if each performer (who dined lavishly backstage) had pledged 1% of their income.

How truly bizarre and incongruent to have people (mostly Baby Boomers) who are wealtheir than I am ...telling me I should be doing more to help the needy...when we have sponsored a child consistently for over a decade (small contribution,,,and the first time I have publicly mentioned it )...I wonder if they themselves have even done that, or have reserved their money for their overseas holidays.

Thankfully I know of many people who use their time and money to help others...without needing to highlight it to others.

An angry post I know...but one motivated by the offensiveness of such heartless self-indulgent behaviour.

Meanwhile I know many people who, instead of trying to look good, simply get on and put the work in where it counts...on both sides of the political fence.

Want to make a change in a needy world?...or merely promote your own reputation? Decide and take appropriate action...