Sham, Shambles and Schtum.
A twiddle; of no import at all.
Reading through Doc. Gates very good, logical submission, one is left to wonder why government and their agency’s are so concerned about the tax paying citizens getting the truth about this and that; or at least the media’s version of that truth. Mind you, the ‘way’ the media handle a story often leaves an even greater credibility gap than the ‘official’ version; I’ve never read one media report into an air accident that was not the biggest load of tosh.
But, government must have its secrets; these may range from the latest military science to the bonking of a secretary by a minister. Some of these secrets must, and should be made public. For others, which directly affect national wellbeing etc. there is a case supporting a shroud of secrecy. However, there is not an open system in which the public may be represented; i.e. privy to and part of the decision making process regarding what may or may not be scrutinised. The Hoi Polloi must rely on the mandarins to make those decisions, which is fair enough – provided said mandarins are working in the best interests of the nation.
There is no democratic process which allows Joe Public to have a say in who actually runs the country; non whatsoever. We may have a limited power to select a government but there is no public control over who runs the nation – absolutely non. Yet there resides the true seat of real power; isolated, independent and beyond the reach of any man. History consistently proves this lesson, but for proof positive, just watch any Estimates video; or, examine the results of any ‘inquiry’. Sound and fury from the Pollys, signifying por nada. Sneering responses from mandarins as they treat inquiry with contempt, obfuscation and no discernible positive result. Such is life.. in a democracy.
Occasionally, there is an escape of truth, someone with a conscience dares to speak out – immediately declared a ‘whistle-blower’ alongside a name change to Robinson Crusoe; for they stand alone – every time. You will never witness, for example, a whole department backing up a colleague on a matter of principal or public interest. Never, not ever throughout history has this happened; words like sedition, anarchy, treason and ‘state secret’ are used. The unfortunate ‘whistle blower’ now a pariah. Such is life.. in a democracy.
Without drawing too long a bow, you could parallel the system to any of the criminal organisations; ‘snitches get stitches’ or worse. The code of silence rules supreme, even seen as a badge of honour; a thing to be proud of, a thing on which a reputation may be built, even legend in some cases. At least the underworld is honest about their rules of engagement; there’s not too much bullshit floating about when it comes to keeping Schtum. No prissy confidentiality agreements in that world.
Apart from the elegance of the departmental system, I see very little difference between the local car stealing racket and the parliamentary system. Whistle Blowers need to consider their options. Or; as Grand Papa used say – engage brain before opening gob.
Toot – toot.
A twiddle; of no import at all.
Reading through Doc. Gates very good, logical submission, one is left to wonder why government and their agency’s are so concerned about the tax paying citizens getting the truth about this and that; or at least the media’s version of that truth. Mind you, the ‘way’ the media handle a story often leaves an even greater credibility gap than the ‘official’ version; I’ve never read one media report into an air accident that was not the biggest load of tosh.
But, government must have its secrets; these may range from the latest military science to the bonking of a secretary by a minister. Some of these secrets must, and should be made public. For others, which directly affect national wellbeing etc. there is a case supporting a shroud of secrecy. However, there is not an open system in which the public may be represented; i.e. privy to and part of the decision making process regarding what may or may not be scrutinised. The Hoi Polloi must rely on the mandarins to make those decisions, which is fair enough – provided said mandarins are working in the best interests of the nation.
There is no democratic process which allows Joe Public to have a say in who actually runs the country; non whatsoever. We may have a limited power to select a government but there is no public control over who runs the nation – absolutely non. Yet there resides the true seat of real power; isolated, independent and beyond the reach of any man. History consistently proves this lesson, but for proof positive, just watch any Estimates video; or, examine the results of any ‘inquiry’. Sound and fury from the Pollys, signifying por nada. Sneering responses from mandarins as they treat inquiry with contempt, obfuscation and no discernible positive result. Such is life.. in a democracy.
Occasionally, there is an escape of truth, someone with a conscience dares to speak out – immediately declared a ‘whistle-blower’ alongside a name change to Robinson Crusoe; for they stand alone – every time. You will never witness, for example, a whole department backing up a colleague on a matter of principal or public interest. Never, not ever throughout history has this happened; words like sedition, anarchy, treason and ‘state secret’ are used. The unfortunate ‘whistle blower’ now a pariah. Such is life.. in a democracy.
Without drawing too long a bow, you could parallel the system to any of the criminal organisations; ‘snitches get stitches’ or worse. The code of silence rules supreme, even seen as a badge of honour; a thing to be proud of, a thing on which a reputation may be built, even legend in some cases. At least the underworld is honest about their rules of engagement; there’s not too much bullshit floating about when it comes to keeping Schtum. No prissy confidentiality agreements in that world.
Apart from the elegance of the departmental system, I see very little difference between the local car stealing racket and the parliamentary system. Whistle Blowers need to consider their options. Or; as Grand Papa used say – engage brain before opening gob.
Toot – toot.