 |
| source |
There is a strange and unwelcome odour about many political
debates particularly from the traditional left. The atmosphere is forever tainted
by a barely audible whine of complaint, often disguised as a call for social revenge
justice.
It is much like the muttering of servants from an earlier
age. Faint rumblings from behind the green baize door, a hum of ineffectual
discontent which often dries up at the approach of master or mistress.
The whine changes volume and tone as one ranges up and down
the political spectrum. Flavours and nuances come and go. The muttering becomes
strident as one approaches a political extreme but fades to a muted murmur once
the centre ground is regained.
It reminds me of tuning an old fashioned wireless, searching
for interesting stations, trying to hear exactly what the airwaves are saying
amid the crackle and distortion.
Unfortunately for political debate, this incessant whinging adds
an undignified note which just won’t go away. Those above stairs aren’t much
better with their cringing smiles, lies and apologetic demeanour. If anything
they encourage it, the creeps.
Supposedly in a modern democracy we are not servants of the elite, but the green baize door seems much the same as ever. No doubt
the muttering of servants is much the same too.
5 comments:
I do like that wireless analogy particularly.
Very true. I've just returned from the local hustings, where six hopefuls answered questions on what they would do if elected. The more "established" and therefore realistically hopeful candidates had that strange tone. Aggrieved, but rehearsed; slightly irritated by something, but in a manner dictated by the party and polished by repetition. Not an edifying experience overall.
Sackers - I enjoyed roaming around the stations on our old wireless especially at night.
Sam - I think only two of our hopefuls are actually hopeful. It's very much a two horse race - or so we think.
Whoever "wins" it will be a strange bunch in power and even stranger what they will find themselves having to do.
Demetrius - they are a strange bunch already. Two came round to our house. Very quick with the answers which weren't very good but quick seemed to be their preferred approach.
Post a Comment