Posted on 7-7-2002

Democracy As Usual?
by Alan Marston

The debating season has started. Three weeks prior to an election
politicians want to talk, and talk, and talk... the action comes later,
much quieter and bears little relation to what was said. Personally, I
think talk is cheap, and we get the politicians we're prepared to pay for.
But then, that's just more talk, unless I can say something that enables
light to penetrate the fog of rhetoric.

So what can one-person do in your average election? Vote I suppose, the
action options are limited. However the inside of our heads is still free,
if we know how to get there, and I have a few pointers:

1. Detach from the media hype and reflect on political history, karma is
the one thing the universe won't ignore.

2. The future is indifferent to promises.

3. A forceful personality is the source of tragedy.

4. The economy isn't everything.

5. The Nature of politics is decisive, the ego's that populate it aren't.

6. Politicians are to society what clouds are to weather and just as reliable.

7. Trust your instinct not your intellect.

8. Don't take sides, unless its your own.

9. There's no guaranteed win in life, but there are guaranteed loses; first
of all, giving away power unaccompanied by limits.

10. Politicians are doing what they think is best ... for them.


Glaring pointer of Election 2002

Helen Clark attacks the Green Party for standing on principle.