Why Should Australians Follow American Politics?

With an Australian election over, and a U.S. one on the horizon, we asked our members: What’s the point of caring about ‘Merica’s impending vote?

Imagine if you had a small loan of one million dollars. What would you do with it? Get a better haircut? Possibly change your fake tan from Oompa Loompa Orange to Bondi Sands Liquid Gold? Not if you’re Donald Trump, the often-comical, more often-terrifying U.S. Presidential candidate.

Needless to say, the 2016 American election sometimes seems like a skit you’d see on Comedy Central rather than an actual political event. However, even though the arguments between Democratic contender Hillary Clinton and Republican challenger Donald Trump are cringe-fests of epic proportions, it’s still important for us Australians to trot along with them.

I hear many people around me, especially those around my age, asking, “Why should we care about what happens in ‘Merica?”

Well, frankly, even though some may argue, America is still pretty much the King of the Western World. Whoever sits on its throne gains access to its gross economy and military; not to mention the fact America is also greatly influential in international politics. Australia also has numerous valuable ties to America, particularly when it comes to trade, culture and tourism.

Therefore, it would be ignorant to believe that just because we’re a whole ocean away, we shouldn’t at least be mildly interested in what is going on overseas.

To be honest with you, I am absolutely terrified about who’s going to win. I am scared for the country’s people; that those who are already oppressed will have their voices completely muted instead of just muffled; I’m scared egalitarianism will just be thrown out of the window, with the rich getting richer as they drain the lower income households of all that they have; and I am petrified that nothing will be done about their gun laws and that many people will continue to die daily because firearms are legally accessible everywhere.

But the question still stands. Why should we, as Australians care about another country’s election? The answer is simple: change.

If we show that we care - a party completely separate from their own - by some strange miracle it might ingrain in Americans’ minds that they should open their eyes and consider a president who’s best for the whole world. It might convince them to choose someone who will provide help for those who really need it.

At the very least, watching the American election reminds me of how fortunate we are in Australia. Even though it may not seem like it, Australia is a country lucky enough that one of the most controversial issues regarding our Prime Ministers, besides budget cuts, is getting a sandwich thrown in their face.

Congratulations to Kara for winning this writing challenge, answering: Why Should Australians Follow American Politics? Kara wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Photo: Twitter.