Rann agrees to televised debate.

Rann agrees to televised debate. :

"The South Australian Premier Mike Rann has confirmed he will accept a challenge from his opposition counterpart Rob Kerin for a debate ahead of the state election on March 18."

I look forward to it. Forget the slogans, annoying ads, letter box drops...just give me some good discussion. Save time, save energy and save money and show some real leadership. I have recently been impressed with the level of political discussion in SA. Politicians haven't dismissed, discounted or bad mouthed anyone or each other. They have been there discussing their problems, airing discrepancies and asking some pretty pointed but reasonable questions. For me it has been a massive relief from all the jargonistic, catchy "spin" and media messages which have been ringing in an increasingly hollow fashion. What's the saying? Empty vessels make the most noise and we have had too much rattling and not enough substance. I've liked how we have looked at all the issues of pensions, bushfires, hospitals, schooling, airports, gambling. All sorts of issues have been discussed and it has been inquiry, information sharing, genuine concern. Wouldn't it be nice to ditch the jingoistic approach and just get into some honest and solid appraisal of political issues and be privy to some down to earth political debate? I think Mr. Kerin and Mr. Rann would do us all proud because they both take their politics seriously and they both are men of substance and experience. It could only benefit our state to have leaders who are prepared to discuss issues rather than points score and that is the thing we haven't had but it will creep in with the election , sad to say. Wouldn't it be nice to go back to hearing people talk, air their views, get some real debate and thought going and then grant us the intelligence to make up our minds. Spin and slogans have delivered us some pretty wobbly returns around the world.