Clive Bibby: Real change requires compromises from all of us

When you look at the Nation as a whole and our region on its own, it isn’t hard to see why we face serious challenges and yet always seem to have difficulty finding answers to problems that in the main are the result of self inflicted wounds.

It is probably because, no matter who we are or where we live, we generally tend to approach all problems in the same way.

In mitigation, we do the same things over and over again, expecting a different result.

Sorry folks but that formula is rightfully described as “madness” and is the reason why those attempts have in the past and will in the future, inevitably fail as well.

I’m talking about an inability to work together for the common good.

To be successful human nature suggests that cooperation usually requires compromise from all entrenched positions on any one issue.

And that appears to be the one reason why we fail - at least in our attempts to reach the objectives that are considered attainable by those who should know.

So, let’s examine what we have done in the past and see what we could have done differently.

I’ll bet you 5 dollars that there is a common theme running through all those exhaustive  exercises that have failed in the past.

We always seem to accept that compromise is essential to reaching agreements that will last but when it comes to the crunch, too few of us are prepared to move an inch on issues we hold dear. Stalemate is the result and the problem gets worse, Change for the better will only come when we sit down together, hold our tongues in times of provocation and focus on the job in hand - trying to find a solution that accommodates the key points of most positions but not all.

Only then will we be able to celebrate achieving a breakthrough that on balance, is in the best interests of the people we serve.

Watching the nightly TV news has become an exercise of mind blowing frustration.

Every crisis is dealt with in the same way and of course after all the talk and consultation with so called “interested parties” we are no further ahead.

The crime and homeless statistics and avoidable deaths are a constant reminder that those with the ability to make a difference are either not listening or not prepared to compromise.

This intractable stance can’t continue.

And the irony in all this is that when people of good will collectively discus these issues focused on the vision of a better world for all, the results will astound.

There will always be a way where people committed to change can achieve most of what they want but it will always come at a cost to them personally.

The trick is to find out how many of us are prepared to pay the price of progress.

Unfortunately, it would appear not enough in order to make it happen.

Surely, we are better than that.

Our forebears have shown how to deal with problems that at first glance, seem insurmountable. They found a way that often required the ultimate sacrifice.

At this stage in our history those sorts of selfless actions are not a prerequisite for change but if we carry on in the same manner, it won’t be long before they will be.

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.