For the rest of the year, we might as well not exist.
I accept that this appearance on street corners is part of the ritual we must endure in order to get a handle on who is promising value for money but it would be so much easier and a less debilitating process if they all actually did what they promised when in charge of the Treasury Benches.
The problem for them appears to be that it is almost impossible to get elected without over promising which inevitably leads to underdelivering.
And I suppose this charade is the reason why the percentage of registered voters taking part in Local Body or General elections is woefully low in most countries where it is not compulsory.
Why would you bother!
Yet in a democracy, the hope that accompanies the “ right to vote” and by so doing, play a part in who decides how our hard earned money is spent, is still an attraction for those of us who believe that one day we will be rewarded for our humble existence and dutiful wait for a benefit that will somehow save us from the poor house.
Unfortunately, the modern experience in this country is that the trend is moving further and further towards satisfying the needs of groups of beneficiaries who have either exaggerated opinions of their own self worth or are in a position to use racial heritage as a ticket to the good life. Excessive expenditure on these “bottomless pits” is one of the main reasons why our budgets are almost always overspent in areas that add little to the lives of the majority who need it most.
It has become a rort.
It wouldn’t be so bad if the politicians from all parties treated us all the same when allocating funds to only needy causes that benefitted the majority of the populace evenly - hospitals, schools, roads, energy plants, telecommunications and sporting arenas to name a few of the main ones.
Obviously there are others that are worthy in themselves even if they only satisfy the needs of special interest groups - those who advocate on behalf of people with disabilities etc or those who have fallen through the cracks through no fault of their own.
But although most of us regard the allocation of adequate funds to maintain the above societal entities as the number one responsibility of all governments - even though there never appears to be enough - we could be forgiven if we react at the ballot box if we see public funds flowing to these racial and self interest groups simply because of who they are rather than the justice of their cause.
Unfortunately the rort continues and l doubt this coming election, no matter who wins, will see any significant change to this flagrant misuse of public funds.
My hope is that sometime in the near future, a government will be elected unafraid to take on these radical extremists, including many who have infiltrated the Public Sector at the highest level and tell them their services are no longer required - better still, provide them with a “one way” ticket to a country that could better use their clandestine skills!
Nothing would give me greater satisfaction even though, at 81 years of age, I am running out of time waiting for it to happen.
Maybe we should all just make a determined effort to ensure it does at least begin to happen next time round. It’s either that or hand over the keys to this democracy without firing a shot because that is where we are heading.
I kid you not!
Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.
8 comments:
Well said Clive. I totally endorse your sentiment.
Like you Clive I am on the run home in life but are starting to despair at any changes to our democracy based on everyone even. The political polls show a large portion of our population content to let the elite rule without true democratic oversight. There seems only one party who would get rid of the Maori Seats in parliament if they had the power, and they remain quite low in the polls - does this mean the rest are satisfied with MMP being highjacked by political overhang and racial based privilege in regards democracy? I fear so. My children and grandchildren will almost certainly pay the price.
Western governments fail with increasing rapidity because wants are infinite but the willingness to pay for them is constrained. Every government claims to have the magic bullet but none do. Since wants are infinite should we denigrate those who are better at getting theirs satisfied, or should we applaud their ingenuity?
Clive, you and I live in different countries; at least that is how we each see New Zealand. Just look at your language! “bribe us, this charade, exaggerated opinions of their own self worth, flagrant misuse of public funds, radical extremists, racial and self interest groups.”
And how about this gem? “…provide them with a “one way” ticket to a country that could better use their clandestine skills!” I assume that means to kick legitimate citizens that you don’t like out the country.
New Zealand is still a relatively prosperous county, highly democratic, if imperfect (what democracy isn’t?), and respected for our freedoms around the world. (A recent survey of Americans who were asked if they emigrated what county would they choose. N Z rated seventh place.)
Your attitude to our country strikes me as that of a bitter old man. Hasn’t it treated you well enough?
Non so blind as those who will not see.
It is because l have lived during a time when we were as close to becoming a truly egalitarian society that l fear for those at risk from what we have become.
The last thing this country needs is people like you who deny reality in order to appear accomodating of the race based elitist groups who think they should have access to a greater share of our natural resources than is their real entitlement.
You are the one who is living a deluded existence — in almost every sphere of human endeavour than that experienced by the average Kiwi.
Time to wake up .
I'm blowed if I can see anything that Ewan wrote that suggests he "[denies] reality in order to appear accomodating of the race based elitist groups who think they should have access to a greater share of our natural resources than is their real entitlement."
I have noticed before that Clive 'sees' things in what commentators say that aren't actually there - I've had the same thing happen several times now to comments I have had published. "You are the one who is living a deluded existence — in almost every sphere of human endeavour than that experienced by the average Kiwi" does take the cake on this occasion though. It is obvious who is 'deluded' - well, he does claim in an earlier post to be a 'seer'......... poor chap.
Well, Barend, making false claims as to the sentiments, opinions and statements of his adversaries is Clive’s stock in Trade. They’re his straw men.
Clive, you were not 'defending yourself' but hurling abuse at your critics - perfectly legitimate critics. Both are correct to point out that you misrepresent what your critics say. When you do that, you have to expect an irate response.
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