Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 78 ) - June 27, 2011

Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 78 ) - Policing the Politicians - June 27, 2011

Politicians are the most cunning of all professions. They make their living by double talks and doing lip service to society. They also bend with the wind or the popular opinion regardless of whether or not it is right or wrong morally to stay in power. The most tragic thing is that we still need them to run our government despite all their shortcomings. To reduce the impact of their mischief which could be both real and potential the smart citizen must be on guard against their political tricks. In short, politicians need policing by the public.

For example, most candidates in elections will by and large promise tax reductions and more financial benefits to voters. What sounds too good to be true is usually just what it is - too good to be true ! Even if their election promises actually materialize the extra funding needed for the extra benefits will come from other hidden taxes or costs to society usually from the underprivileged because of their lack of bargaining power. In some cases, many politicians simply go back on their words and blame it on unforeseen circumstances which are, in fact, foreseeable. If they are in luck and meet their budgetary targets they will expect everyone to worship them as saviors of society. While ordinary citizens are expected to do a good job to earn their wages politicians expect both fame and fortune for fufilling their required duties. In countries under autocratic regimes the ruling dictatorship will demand total submission from the citizens as a price for the dictator's service or disservice to the country. In time, autocrats will treat the country as their private properties to be inherited by their children ultimately forming an evil dynasty.

Are we too harsh on politicians then ? In my humble opinion, we are absolutely not being unreasonable in treating them like potential criminals when some of them actually turn out to be such elements. Furthermore, politics is the only profession I can think of which bestow the followers with power, good pay as well as a chance to attain immortality in getting their names in history if they do their jobs properly as they should. Hence, I would say categorically that it is justified to police politicians as I have suggested and that no praise need be showered on them when they complete their official assignments. This is not a lopsided treatment because politicians are given the extra chance which other professionals do not have which is the chance to gain immortality in history. Moreover, it is a rare honour and privilege to serve your fellow citizens and there are plenty of capable people to do it besides the incumbent government.

In order to police politicians effectively, every citizen must use his or her vote wisely by getting oneself acquainted with the basic knowledge of how a good government should work and becoming basically well informed on current social and political issues through open debate and dialogue with other citizens. This is not only a citizen's right but also a sacred duty to do so in order to put politicians in their proper place.


JKHC.