‘Does anyone else think this is weird?’: Young woman receives an unexpected birthday letter from local MP
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A young woman's unexpected birthday card from her local MP has sparked curiosity and debate.
While some see it as a thoughtful gesture, others are questioning the timing and intentions behind the card.
What seemed like a simple birthday wish quickly became the talk of the internet.
A young woman recently turned to social media after receiving an unexpected birthday card from her local MP, sparking confusion and intrigue.
The card, sent by Colin Boyce, the Coalition MP for Flynn in central Queensland, arrived just days before the federal election.
The woman, unsure about the gesture, posted on social media: ‘Does anyone else think this is weird? Received this the day before my 21st, no one else I know has seen or heard of this.’
The card was signed with a message from Mr Boyce: ‘Happy Birthday. Congratulations on your 21st birthday.
Turning 21 has always been a significant event for young Australians as much for what it recognises as for what it expects.
I am confident that this milestone will be the continuance of a life well and truly lived.’
The post quickly generated a range of reactions, with many offering possible explanations.
One user shared: ‘Every MP has access to the electoral roll (and therefore all their constituents’ dates of birth). Some send out birthday cards on special occasions.’
Others were less certain of the intentions behind the card.
One commenter recalled receiving a similar letter from their local member: ‘Although if I remember my local member sent me a letter that tried to get me to vote for them. This seems more like a nice gesture than that letter.’
Some users pointed out that such cards were not unusual.
A Queenslander shared their own experience, recalling a personalised 30th birthday card from federal Longman MP Terry Young.
The card, which congratulated the recipient on ‘reaching this milestone on this journey we call life,’ also included a factsheet about events from the year of their birth.
Others mentioned receiving similar birthday cards from their MPs, with some receiving fact sheets containing fun facts about their birth year.
One user wrote: ‘I got a handwritten one from Terry for my 21st (so did my sister) and for our 18ths we both got printed letters with stats about our birth years.’
Some pointed out that this was simply part of a common tradition, with one person writing: ‘My dad got one from his MP for his 80th. Kind of a regular thing I gathered.’
Despite the widespread nature of these birthday cards, some users expressed frustration over what they saw as a waste of public resources.
One commenter remarked: ‘Why can’t MPs do something useful, rather than spending tax collected on junk mail?’
Another added: ‘Seems a total waste of money to me.’
Some, however, took a more sarcastic view, with one person saying: ‘Lucky for you, your birthday was during an election. After the election, you’ll get nothing.’
Mr Boyce, who was seeking re-election for a second term in Canberra, sparked a wider discussion about the role of MPs in personal milestones and how these gestures are often received by constituents.
In a previous story, we explored how small details can turn a seemingly perfect celebration into something unexpected.
If you thought a birthday card raised some eyebrows, wait until you hear about this hilarious birthday mishap.
To find out more, check out the full story here.
Do you think MPs should continue sending birthday cards to constituents, or is it just a waste of resources? Share your thoughts in the comments.
While some see it as a thoughtful gesture, others are questioning the timing and intentions behind the card.
What seemed like a simple birthday wish quickly became the talk of the internet.
A young woman recently turned to social media after receiving an unexpected birthday card from her local MP, sparking confusion and intrigue.
The card, sent by Colin Boyce, the Coalition MP for Flynn in central Queensland, arrived just days before the federal election.
The woman, unsure about the gesture, posted on social media: ‘Does anyone else think this is weird? Received this the day before my 21st, no one else I know has seen or heard of this.’
Woman questions unexpected birthday card from local MP. Image source: Reddit
The card was signed with a message from Mr Boyce: ‘Happy Birthday. Congratulations on your 21st birthday.
Turning 21 has always been a significant event for young Australians as much for what it recognises as for what it expects.
I am confident that this milestone will be the continuance of a life well and truly lived.’
The post quickly generated a range of reactions, with many offering possible explanations.
One user shared: ‘Every MP has access to the electoral roll (and therefore all their constituents’ dates of birth). Some send out birthday cards on special occasions.’
Others were less certain of the intentions behind the card.
One commenter recalled receiving a similar letter from their local member: ‘Although if I remember my local member sent me a letter that tried to get me to vote for them. This seems more like a nice gesture than that letter.’
Some users pointed out that such cards were not unusual.
A Queenslander shared their own experience, recalling a personalised 30th birthday card from federal Longman MP Terry Young.
The card, which congratulated the recipient on ‘reaching this milestone on this journey we call life,’ also included a factsheet about events from the year of their birth.
Others mentioned receiving similar birthday cards from their MPs, with some receiving fact sheets containing fun facts about their birth year.
One user wrote: ‘I got a handwritten one from Terry for my 21st (so did my sister) and for our 18ths we both got printed letters with stats about our birth years.’
Some pointed out that this was simply part of a common tradition, with one person writing: ‘My dad got one from his MP for his 80th. Kind of a regular thing I gathered.’
Despite the widespread nature of these birthday cards, some users expressed frustration over what they saw as a waste of public resources.
One commenter remarked: ‘Why can’t MPs do something useful, rather than spending tax collected on junk mail?’
Another added: ‘Seems a total waste of money to me.’
Some, however, took a more sarcastic view, with one person saying: ‘Lucky for you, your birthday was during an election. After the election, you’ll get nothing.’
Mr Boyce, who was seeking re-election for a second term in Canberra, sparked a wider discussion about the role of MPs in personal milestones and how these gestures are often received by constituents.
In a previous story, we explored how small details can turn a seemingly perfect celebration into something unexpected.
If you thought a birthday card raised some eyebrows, wait until you hear about this hilarious birthday mishap.
To find out more, check out the full story here.
Do you think MPs should continue sending birthday cards to constituents, or is it just a waste of resources? Share your thoughts in the comments.
