Silencing Dissent
October 25th 2007 09:36
In 11 chapters an impressive variety of authors patiently explain how we have slowly let the reins slip on our government’s accountability. Covering all the key institutions – universities, the research community, NGO’s, media, public service, statutory authorities, military and finally the Senate, it is explained how participation, knowledge and criticisms have been systematically halted, with-held and silenced by the Howard government.
To have your own views on this is part of living in a democracy, so I have no problems with anyone disagreeing with me here, but any leadership that attempts to silence opinion from its people does not get the thumbs up from me (I have other issues with Howard but won’t get into them here). I am not one of Howard’s ‘mainstream’ Australians who does not want to know what kind of politics my government is embracing.
I have read Hamilton’s other books – Growth Fetish and Affluenza and find his writing easy to read and illuminating, even for a politically inept person like myself. I wish every politician could explain things as well as he does, instead of talking circles until you are ready to grab them by the throat just stop them saying “Let me reiterate …” once more!
To say we have become complacent towards our leaders and their responsibilities is to under-state our own part in all of this. History has shown us time and again that to allow a leader or government too much power is only asking for trouble. We need them there, that goes without saying. But we need them to be working for us. All of us, not just those that agree with their policies. To disagree is our prerogative and should be respected, not only by our peers but by those meant to be upholding the ideals of our democratic society.
I’ll get off my soap box now. Although opinionated, I am never comfortable grand-standing. I have to admit to being lazy when it comes to watch-dogging our politicians, so I am thankful for dissidents such as Hamilton and Maddison for … how does the saying go … “Keeping the bastards honest!”
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