I recall the African leader of a new democracy some years back who locked up all of the opposition and when questioned by the media as to his motives, he basically said that he didn't see any sense in paying the opposition to to argue with his brilliant ideas. That's one take on democracy! Then you have the Italian parliamentarians who get so impassioned, they revert to fisticuffs. At least they feel strongly about it. We see passion too in the Arab spring where people put their very lives on the line, to do away with dictatorships in their longing for freedom and the opportunity to take some ownership and control over their future. Remember NEDA, that beautiful young woman who was shot in the streets of Tehran and her blood-spattered body was held in her father's arms, as she died. One wonders how the Iraqis and Afghans view the blueprint of democracy, that they've inherited, when they see how ineffective it appears to be right now in the United States, the so called 'beacon' of democracy. The concept of an opposition is a superbly effective and practical one: The opposition challenges the ruling party on their proposed legislation, and in the process, the ruling party are forced to prove their ideas and inevitably, come up with a much improved piece of legislation. The system works, and the public can see that both parties played an equal part in designing a more sensible and cost effective solution through rational negotiation. It's a win-win situation. Top business companies and corporations do the same; They engage in 'cut and thrust' ideas sessions in the boardroom, on new directions and concepts, recognizing that 'The hotter the flame, the more tempered the steel'. In other words, out of discussions and reasoned argument, comes a much better model. There was a time when someone going into politics, did so with the idea of serving the needs of their constituents and their country. They sounded out and collated the needs of their particular city or area and brought these forward for discussion and possible implementation at an appropriate and opportune time. It also meant maintaining a modicum of respect and regard for other people's views, interests and opinions, within the overall elected government. Today, once an election is over the concentration is on one thing only: Winning the next election... at any cost. If that means stonewalling or obstructing proposals that would benefit the country, or the people who elected you, tough. If that means destroying the character of your opposite number in Government, that's fair game. The needs of the unemployed, sick, poverty stricken, veterans, or the myriad of casualties that result from dysfunctional leadership and bankrupt ideas, are totally ignored... swept to one side. Will it take 'An American Spring' to bring people to their senses? Why not just lock up the opposition? At least it's 'Honest!'
1 Comment
Melissa Bowerstock
10/13/2014 08:01:07 am
Russ, your observation of us is dead on; we (the US) are engaged in somethiing very close to an American Spring. Only time will tell if it erupts into a full-fledged revolution, but it's definitely broiling. I certainly don't remember in my lifetime any time when politicians have been so selfish, mean-spirited and just plain greedy, not only content to see the country suffer for their own ends, but actively encouraging it. I feel sure this sort of thing has happened in the past and that it's all part of cycles that come and go, but I do wish it would hurry up and cycle out of existence!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Transform Your LifeThe Transform Your Life Journal came about when I was involved as an international life coach for 15 years. A number of potential clients were contacting me from various places around the world. I obviously couldn't visit all of them so I designed the Transform Your Life Journal which would act as a blueprint for future success in their lives. Basically, it's like having your own personal life coach. If you truly want to change your life, this success journal will do it for you... abundantly! Archives
January 2016
Press:"Newcomer to Penticton introduces his action adventure character to Okanagan audiences"
Penticton Herald October 29th, 2015 Russ on YouTube: |