Faithfully yours - The root of the problem

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Published on Sunday, August 28, 2016

By Neil Strohschein

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As a follow-up to last week’s column, I would like to spend the next few weeks sharing some thoughts on how we, as ordinary Canadians, can use our influence to change the attitudes and actions of our leaders—whoever they may be and whatever role they may fill.

One would think that, in a democratic society, this would be quite easy. Those with grievances should be able to speak to the authorities, air their concerns and leave knowing that the issues raised will be addressed and appropriate corrective measures will be taken.

But, as history has shown, that rarely happens. In every segment of society, there is a growing gap between those who lead and those whom they have been elected or called to serve.

This should come as no surprise to us. Similar conditions have existed in every period of human history. Biblical scholars will recall how ancient Israel suffered under King Solomon. He made Jerusalem, his capital city, the wealthiest city in the Middle East. He built himself a huge palace, with annexes to house his wives, concubines and children. He also built storehouses, cities for his soldiers and huge stables for his horses—the costs of which were covered by the taxes that he levied. All requests for an easing of the tax rate were denied.

When his son succeeded him and announced that he would continue his father’s practices, 10 of the 12 tribes of ancient Israel declared their independence and formed their own country. They felt that a change in leadership would solve their problems. But it didn’t. The kings they chose proved to be just as heartless, selfish and cruel as Solomon had been. Changing leaders changed nothing—conditions in the nation continued to get worse. The gap between those who governed and those they governed continued to grow. Little has changed since then.

In our day, people are calling for “the system” to be reformed. They argue that if we change the way our representatives in Ottawa or Winnipeg are elected (if we replace the “first past the post” system we have now with either proportional representation or a preferential ballot), it will make our government more reflective of our cultural and political diversity.

That may indeed happen, but I sincerely doubt if it will change the way we are governed or the way our laws are made. What we call “democracy” has turned into an “adversarial” system of government. It’s “us (the governing party) against them (the opposition parties).” For one side to get what they want, the other side’s ideas have to be rejected; even if they would improve a piece of legislation and help it address our citizens’ needs more effectively. So it should come as no surprise that when ordinary citizens wish to air their grievances, they encounter the same form of resistance and their grievances go unaddressed—often for generations.

There is nothing wrong with democracy or a democratic system of government. The problem isn’t with the system. The problem is with the people who are in charge of the system.

As long as our leaders choose politics and political philosophies over people and their legitimate needs and concerns, nothing in this country will change. Governments will continue to do their thing. Citizens will continue to be frustrated. The gap between those who rule and those who are ruled will continue to grow. Those who seek justice will not find it; and the movements that call for radical change will continue to gain momentum. More on this next week.