A Monsoon Wind of Change

BRIGHTEVERYDAY A Monsoon Wind of Change

We have endured the most challenging and disturbing times since the Coronavirus pandemic invaded our lives with such destruction. That changes in thinking as individuals and as leaders of Government is inevitable, it will be of great interest, to see how these will be assessed and validated, and how much will be in joined-up writing! A test in understanding and analysis, then the implementation of erudite measures required to change direction in the fundamental tenets of political, economic, and social life, will define society in the years ahead. How bold and how brave, but more so, how acute, and informed will the main protagonists be, in steering a new course away from old flawed, ill-conceived and outdated political, and economic incursions in projects often immersed in vested interest groups. Such investigations and appraisals, demands a philosophical and erudite approach, transcending the dogma of the narcissistic hedonism of an outdated, and self-serving elite. We are tired of the same old clichés and ineffectual, neglectful, governance.

In times of crisis, as witnessed in the covid-19 Pandemic, it seems prudent to have decisions driven by facts, and concise, accurate analysis, whose parameters are set by a code of conduct, audited by specialists in crisis management and logistics. Decisions of State, demanding incisive specialist knowledge, are all too often taken by partisan leaders acting out their own political agendas, supported by self-serving, myopic, minority groups, with no base in democracy! This is particularly clear in the allocation, distribution and indeed. mismanagement of colossal public funds over the last several years. One worries that the Office for Budget Responsibility has been “caught sleeping” so often, how we can possibly trust their judgement and propriety, and avoid economic cataclysm.

The last Twenty years has left a trail of utter devastation, in the wake of political and economic ineptitude, discordance, and corruption at home and abroad; notably, an illegal and immoral murderous war, proliferation of arms sales, support of rogue and pariah states, indefensible deregulatory dogma, corruption in the banking and finance sectors, social and economic inequality, and child poverty, nationwide; We have witnessed, and endured a period of austerity, though not for the rich, and together there exists a toxic, destructive, mixture, degrading integrity, human spirit, and the democratic process. Those embracing and perpetuating such inequality, division, and rancour, have little respect, or humility, rather they assume an air of invincibility! When will our elected governments, legal system, and fiscal policy catch up with current events and time, set fair and just laws and rules for all, not ones that discriminate and penalise by class or wealth!

One wonders if a new administrative government sponsored department called “WHY”, should be formed, an independent body responsible for questioning, understanding and “testing” complex issues, apply due diligence, analysis and processes, to include the validity, economic viability, and sustainability, of large, or complex public funded projects. They may “ghost” policy decisions, in distribution of public funds to “bail-out” unsustainable, environmentally damaging businesses or industries, those now outdated and irrelevant in a new “Green” progressive economy, and set new criteria and frameworks for public-funded and owned infrastructure projects. Such projects should not be the exclusive responsibility of politicians or civil servants, but a group of resolute professionals from a wide range of disciplines outside government, principally historians, philosophers, sociologists, mathematicians, logisticians, ecologists, technical, and accounting professionals.

It bodes well for the future. No more interference from extraneous influences, lobbyists, vested interest groups; no more expansionist airport wet dreams, irrelevant grandiose baubles, expensive IT failures, or divisive geo-political, egotistical gestures, which all suggest a vanity and disconnection from reality, but more tragically, from the long-suffering population. We deserve so much more; a connectivity, democratisation, and realignment of politics for all share in, to include those who ultimately bear the responsibility, and cost, of successes….and failures!

There is a desire and a wind of change about, undoubtedly fuelled by a public who have had time to reflect, to re-evaluate and give consideration, to a new world of hope and opportunity. This is the world of Post-Capitalism. Most people do not have lofty visions or desires for untold wealth and riches, rather a comfortable and decent life, not one of servitude, but of understanding, mutual respect, fortitude and honour We should all enjoy the fruits our hard work, ingenuity and endeavour, and a shared belief that equality and inclusivity are the basic pre-requisites and tenets of a modern democracy. It is in our hands, as individuals to demand, and implement change, and to steer a new course before it is too late. Be unmistaken, for it is we who hold the power.