The Democratic Process

The Federal Election has been called in Australia. In a few weeks we will go to the polling booths to vote which result in one of two people becoming the Prime Minister of Australia. One of them is currently in the job. Australia is one of the only (if not the only) Western Democracies where it is compulsory to vote. If you are over 18 you are suppose to register to vote. If you fail to vote a fine will be imposed. If the fine is not paid further legal action can be taken. So basically there is a penalty for exercising your democratic right to choose. If you choose not to vote then you are penalised. They way around it is not to register to vote but eventually through various data bases and you will be tracked down. You can always register to vote, turn up on the day, get your name ticked off and walk out.
Why did I mention this? Well punks have been yelling about politics and politicians since day dot. But has anyone else noticed the watering down of lyrics when it comes to politicians? Well mentioning anyone specifically doesn’t seem to happen much these days. There are generic lyrics on more records than I care to mention. That mysterious "They" that seems to oppress and piss people off the world over seems like an easy scapegoat on many a lyric sheet. I understand stating names in songs can date the song but doesn’t that just give it more of a point? Not being specific seems like a pretty safe cop out to me. There can’t have been that many lawsuits or defamation cases over the years to scare people off saying what they really mean. Or has fear caused lyric writing become complacent.
Take note of the lyrics "Memories of Menzies" by Civil Dissident, "Dead Rock & Rollers" by Detention and The Stains/M.D.C. "John Wayne Was A Nazi". No mythological boogie man there that keeps you down and makes you eat out of bins is there? While you’re at it get the Extortion Lp for blazing songs about actual serial killers.