Forgive the deliberately sensational headline, but I am entering into the spirit of modern popularist politics so it seemed appropriate. No, I am not calling for a politician exterminator; I’m really not that dramatic, but I am calling for a change in the unhealthy self-serving nature of politics. Let me explain myself while you are still awake, I mean, this is politics I’m talking about, you may need a stimulant.
In sports, such as football, there are rules. An example might be if an opponent has the ball and you want it you can’t elbow him in the face to get it… that would be a different sport… MMA football (it could be a thing!). Rules of engagement are essential in sports and in life, we sometimes bend them (speeding, parking in a no-parking zone, lying about our age!), but typically, we appreciate the protection rules and laws bring. Politicians seem to live outside the norm, outside of societal abusive behaviour etc… They seem protected when they mislead (openly lie), manipulate stats or even make them up, insult members of the same profession, etc. I would suggest that politics is a testosterone-fueled, toxic, almost schoolyard-like arena of unnecessary bluster and fronting. Or at least that’s how it comes across in the media, another misleading popularist-driven area, but one thing at a time.
It’s unfair to judge politicians at face value based on only what we get to see. I’m sure that behind the scenes, they are working hard, long hours, carrying out their job, but they did choose to pursue this. More than any other ‘Job’, you actively have to want to get into politics; it’s not an advert on Monster, or Indeed, so moaning about how challenging it is gets a little less sympathy.
This is why I say they should all die, or to be accurate, the way politicians operate, act and are appointed in much of Western society should be reviewed and a code of conduct enforced as it would be in any other real job. They are not the kings and queens of old; they are voted into power to serve the people, not the other way around. There needs to be real accountability, and in turn, they need to feel safe in the position they are in, as mistakes are part of life; they are going to make them. Society has made it impossible for a politician to apologise or fix something they have got wrong, which isn’t healthy in any job and makes for the worst service possible.
I really don’t care what they wear, how they look, if they play the guitar (though I do like people who appreciate art, such as music) or who they sleep with (as long as it’s consensual), (is my need to regularly qualify my statements a good thing or do I need to see someone!) I just want to see someone who is competent doing their job, with expertise, working with other experts and seeking the best solutions for the people of the country that elected them and the world of which we are all a member, and not pandering to the rich and powerful, no one should become that rich or powerful.
Some leaders of the world have an almost cult-like, religious, pope-like status, which isn’t what they are supposed to be at all. The lead, they are not Kings or Queens.
I’d say the following questions are justified to ask:
- Should there be age limits on elected leaders of the state? I often argue that anyone over 55 should not be running for President or Prime Minister, but really, I am talking about the close-minded, cynical bias that comes with age. I do, however, think they should draw the line at electing pensioners into office, retirement should apply to all at some point (says the 60-year-old). You have to be in touch and relevant to lead a country, which I believe is harder to be as you get older. I think elder statespeople should be seen as a council, offering advice, holding historical memory, still MPs, but guiding policy, not making it, a bit like village elders.
- Do we want politicians and leaders who are rated by their ability to sling mud and insults? I am sick of the TV coverage of parliament, which looks like a schoolyard shouting match; being able to insult isn’t a requirement; getting things done is to learn to discuss and debate, but know you are being paid to find solutions, spend the time doing that in collaboration. The opposition should oppose, but you lost, you are now part of the government machine, make your point, then make it work, democracy demands it.
- I would we like politician job descriptions/requirements? Every job I have gone for has requirements and a recruitment process so why not the same for some of the most important (debatable) jobs in the world? Where is the competence check, or the skills check, or the relevant training? We managed to get Boris Johnson and Donald Trump in charge. How the hell did that happen?
- Would the money spent on political campaigns be better spent elsewhere? I don’t think this is debatable; it is, of course. The pursuit of power, the stroking of already inflated egos, and flim-flam bullshit roadshows offer no benefit to anyone but those in pursuit of their goals or the goals of who support them.
I don’t have the full answer here, but i think the question, ‘why do we have unaccountable leaders in a democracy’ is a valid one. We don’t need celebrities or fake drinking buddies (Nigel Farage) that lie to us and tell us what we want to hear so they get what they want; we need effective policy and change to serve the people and save the world, well the world of man, the world will keep going on happily without us.
Ok, so this began as a rant, and I think I need to stop. I’m just having an ineffective moan about fairness, and the world isn’t fair, is it?