This morning as Julia Gillard announced her flood levy and called it a ‘mateship tax’ I couldn’t help thinking that was one of the most bizarre oxymorons I had heard in a long time. When do ‘mates’ legislate a ‘tax’ upon one another?
There’s no question it has been a devastating time for the people in the eastern states. It’s been difficult watching the flood reports, so I can only imagine how heart breaking it must be for those in the middle of it.
By contrast, it has been inspiring to see the way in which so many Australian people have either dug deep financially or have given physical assistance. Last night on the news I watched the story about the entire Swan Districts Football Club who had flown to Brisbane to lend a hand and spent their time shoveling mud out of a woman’s backyard, followed by a ‘good night’s sleep’ on mattresses in a community hall. It was a wonderful story of selfless giving.
Spontaneous generosity is a beautiful thing and offering genuine ‘no strings’ help to people in need is a sign that there is much goodness in this world. Jesus would say this is a sign of God’s future kingdom – of a coming day when there will be no pain, suffering or inequality – of a time when everyone has enough and when the whole world is restored to its original beauty – what the Bible calls the ‘new creation’.
Until that time comes we live in the original, now broken creation, where there will be trouble, when evil will sometimes prevail and when some will suffer because others are greedy. It’s not what God intends for his world but he invites us to be part of changing the landscape and inspiring a new way.
We can’t legislate generosity and love for one another, but we can encourage it, champion it and maybe even reward it in some way. The destruction in the East may require some kind of tax to help restore things back to normal. I think I can swallow that. But to link it to the word ‘mateship’ is likely going to sabotage much of the good that is being done by people simply from the generosity of their own hearts. How much healthier would our nation be if there was a prevailing attitude and desire to give rather than take and to think of others more than ourselves. If we got that right then we wouldn’t need a tax at all.
May your kingdom come on earth…
You’re right – the title is stoopid (‘mateship tax’) and the govt will be hard pressed to get it through the house.
Likewise, it’s been great to see different individuals and groups just get up and do what they can, simply because they see a need. As has been the amazing amounts of $$ put forward by individuals and corporates in order to see things happen.
It’s been interesting to see that people have responded to Anna Bligh’s appeals… i suspect she comes across as somewhat more genuine and heart-connected than Gillard… and it shows in the results!