FALSE GODS

Sure, there are a few politicians out there who can string the right sentences together on a podcast.

But I have no faith that they can affect real change. And I don’t think they should be lionised and worshipped as if they were a demi-god.

Because it’s so obvious that the West’s salvation won’t come from its bloated, corrupt government.

(Indeed, there is a question mark as to whether that salvation will come at all.)

And, ultimately, it’s just a poor strategy, making your happiness conditional on a particular politician getting into office. You have no control over that outcome.

Why would you place your destiny in fate’s hands like that? You need to create your own future.

And the more I think about it, the more I’m beginning to see why Russell Brand advocates for small communities governing themselves. People need (and crave) agency over their own lives.

This is why I think the Americans had it right (in theory) by allowing the states the flexibility to function in the manner they consider most appropriate, with minimal interference from the federal government. Citizens want to be “governed” by people they know and trust. But instead we're living as serfs who are ruled over by fat career politicians on the other side of the country. No wonder there's record levels of discontent.

Also, a more localised government would (probably) increase accountability on the part of the politician: it’s a lot harder to tax someone at 80% if they live down the road from you. And it’s obvious that modern technology could facilitate self-governance at a community level. But this isn’t even an option in any country. Not that I'm aware of.

Why is that?

Well, I don’t really know. But, from my perspective, it does seem that all government effort is focussed towards amassing power and control. Handing power over to communities would be antithetical to this goal. It also appears incredibly profitable for governments to promulgate countless volumes of convoluted, ill-conceived legislation. Because this creates a bureaucracy, which requires public servants to run it, and consultants to pontificate about it.

The gravy train must go on!

And, whether you like it or not, the politicians that you idolise are passengers on the gravy train. They can say all the right words on the podcast, but when it really comes down to it, people will always act in their own self-interest. This fact might be difficult to accept, but nobody can cheat human nature. On the odd occasion an altruistic individual will come along, but these people are exceptions to the rule (and should therefore be treasured).

So, instead of throwing your support behind a political party as if it were a footy team, perhaps formulate and execute on a plan that will make your life as excellent as possible - regardless of election results.

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