"We must achieve the character and acquire the skills to live much poorer than we do. We must waste less. We must do more for ourselves and for each other. It is either that or continue merely to think and talk about changes that we are inviting catastrophe to make. The great obstacle is simply this: the conviction that we cannot change because we are dependant on what is wrong. But that is the addict's excuse, and we know that it will not do."
—Wendell Berry

Thursday 12 January 2017

Who serves whom?

I know I do not usually make comment upon current politics. Nevertheless I feel compelled to voice my opinion in light of the behaviour of our current crop of political simians. This problem does not appear to be isolated to Australia either as even the most cursory glance at the news will show.
In short it appears they are pleading poor while ensuring big business gets bigger and their own pockets are well lined. Instead they wish to punish the people who have worked hard all their lives and paid their taxes accordingly.

In my opinion they appear to have forgotten they are the servants of the people, not the masters.

Recently I was reading about the history of my own people- the ancient Celts and came upon a very interesting form of leadership. In some tribes the King was chosen by the people and would rule with almost absolute authority with a couple of exceptions. It was his responsibility to ensure the prosperity of his tribe. Should the harvests fail or sickness affect the people it was his fault. The only other law was that he rules for a set term of ten years only! At the end of this time, or sooner if he failed in his duties to the tribe, he was put to death. No exceptions. This was considered a great honour and the men of the tribe would apparently eagerly compete for the chance to become the next king.
This was a society where the ruler was truly committed to the job! How far we have fallen.

1 comment:

  1. Agree - politicians seem to forget that they are elected to REPRESENT us, and not to rule us.... such a sorry state of affairs at the minute.

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