Newt Gingrich obviously has a point and in our context it points to the dissatisfaction of government by the half million that voted for Pauline Hanson. To bad Pauline does not appear to have the knowledge or instinct to steer the tiger she has helped to uncage, unlike Margaret Thatcher. The US system has layers and layers of politically determined public service appointments which is a driver to their system. We used to have a more publicly minded public service but this has been eroded by the creation of the likes of CASA and a myriad of other government 'corporate bodies', sometimes referred to as 'quangos'. Or quasi autonomous government organisations, these bodies have been in vogue now for thirty odd years, they were created with the good intention of being the 'independent umpire', removing decision making from the dubious and possibly malodorous machinations of politics. Added attraction for governments that these bodies could deflect criticism from the Minister and be at least partly self funding, or the complete untruthful delusion, government business enterprises, GBEs. Hey presto government by remote control, and a new paradigm of technocratic efficiency.
So what's the verdict? Has government become less expensive? Are these corporate bodies more responsible and efficient? Are they respectful of citizens and their rights? Do they work hard for moderate pay to benefit society? What is their natural incentive in all these possible areas of motivation? Should public monies be expended by those not directly employed by government?
Government should be built on principles, principles that have been tested, considered and shown to be sound and economical. The quango movement, a failure of gigantic proportions, has never had the spotlight play on its ugly mass. Just a few people lighting matches and hoping for a controlled blaze.
We might not like politics, and our system is far from perfect and certainly needs upgrading with a much greater emphasis on personal liberty, responsibility, private property and justice. How to make it work better? Your representative is there to represent you. If your representative doesn't know your opinion then the system falls down. End of sermon, see if I can negotiate down the pulpit steps without tripping on my gown.
So what's the verdict? Has government become less expensive? Are these corporate bodies more responsible and efficient? Are they respectful of citizens and their rights? Do they work hard for moderate pay to benefit society? What is their natural incentive in all these possible areas of motivation? Should public monies be expended by those not directly employed by government?
Government should be built on principles, principles that have been tested, considered and shown to be sound and economical. The quango movement, a failure of gigantic proportions, has never had the spotlight play on its ugly mass. Just a few people lighting matches and hoping for a controlled blaze.
We might not like politics, and our system is far from perfect and certainly needs upgrading with a much greater emphasis on personal liberty, responsibility, private property and justice. How to make it work better? Your representative is there to represent you. If your representative doesn't know your opinion then the system falls down. End of sermon, see if I can negotiate down the pulpit steps without tripping on my gown.