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Malaise
by cleaves Wednesday, Jan 19 2005, 7:33am
international / social/political / opinion/analysis

(Physician, heal thyself)

The model of rule (government in the hands of the few) hasn’t changed since the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt! Eliminating the voice of the people at the community level is a mistake. If community leaders – elected by the people and representing the people at all times – were able to keep our leaders in check and in accord with the wishes of the majority we would prevent government taking a course that nearly half the population oppose. In this way government’s actions would truly reflect the wishes of the majority or be adjusted in a balanced compromise when necessary. To allow a government to rule unchecked for a number of years is the height of folly.

At various times in human history quantum leaps in social evolution have occurred. They follow a cyclic pattern set by universal or cosmic harmonies. These forces are irresistible and any disharmonious tendencies are eliminated – and that includes the extinction of any species or society that does not adjust to the New Harmony. Take no comfort in myths of "subduing the earth," and the arrogant assumption that we are able to contend with nature’s limitless force. At these crucial periods the only choice is life or death. We are now faced with such a challenge.

When human society is confronted with major evolutionary change the characteristics of human nature are agitated and brought to the surface – as can easily be observed in the world today. Current world trends are far from life endowing. People become acutely aware of their state of being and the social condition; a clear presentation is made regarding which course to take. In view of this, it would seem that the majority of the population prefers death and destruction – and so it will be! However, life and harmony are available options at all times. Have you ever wondered why people would choose ‘death’ in favour of life? The simple answer is ‘death’ is disguised and always presents as the easier option; life requires effort and taking responsibility for ourselves and the social circumstances in which we live. Relinquishing our responsibility will always lead to chaos and ruin. If we do not make a determined effort to avoid the looming catastrophe, we would be entirely responsible for our own demise.

The personal and social reflect each other, an analysis of one will reveal the other and vice-versa. Society is an expression of its component parts – each one of us! Need we wonder why suffering, disharmony and torment prevail in the world when we are acutely aware of our internal torment? When discord and violence rage in the world it is an external expression of the rage and discord within each one of us. In universal terms "as above so below", what is within is without. Should we endeavour to determine who or what is culpable in order to rectify the many problems that beset us. This would seem a sensible approach. Equipped with that knowledge we could then eliminate the problem/s – correct? Possibly, but all depends on how we focus our approach and whether we would continue the ‘blame game’ of avoidance. It is far less painful to externalise our problems and project them elsewhere rather than face the unpleasant truth about ourselves. One person/group (nation, religion, tribe, fanatic, etc.) in conflict with the other. The more troubled and frightened we are the more violent our aggression toward the ‘other.’

The initial step in overcoming destructive habits is to confront and resolve these negative behaviours within ourselves; only then are we able to see clearly. A person who has achieved clarity easily determines the lies and deceit of fanatics and politicians and does not become emotionally involved – the triggers of response (nationalism, religion, and the negative selfish aspects of human nature) have been eliminated. Be acutely aware that no external force, person or agent can effectively resolve our internal problems. It is our sole responsibility and part of the process of earning our station or place in this glorious universe. We need to confront and overcome selfish and destructive tendencies and heal ourselves, as there are no other effective means. Faced with this difficult task it is little wonder that people choose the ‘easy’ option. However, there is no escaping the fact that easy options always lead to ruination.

The evolutionary challenge we face is simply to realise that we are one human family and to confront (within and without) those tendencies that would create division. Where there is division, there is conflict. Where harmony prevails there is peace. The evolutionary challenge we all face is to establish harmony within ourselves and by con-sequence in the societies in which we live.

Are we so stupid that we do not know that our leaders are liars? Every person, literate or illiterate knows that their leaders are liars and thieves – yet we tolerate them and happily adopt a slave mentality to avoid any action that could be regarded as courageous. And that is just one example of the paralysing effect of fear. Never forget that Fear is the mother of all other problems and conflicts.

I offer the following as examples of populations that opted for the ‘easy’ path:

The Australians have a much used ‘slogan’ and that is, "she’ll be right mate," which means it will all turn out well. Australia is also the most apathetic nation on the planet; as a result, the current news is ‘she won’t be right at all.’ The result of Australian apathy is John Howard, who will go down in history as the coward Prime Minister. Never has Australia seen the likes of such a lying, cringing, coward. That lackey jumps when the US says jump – never mind a proud national identity just rely on having no identity at all and be a good little coward Mr. Howard. Australian men groan when they see him – but he is the Prime Minister; the result of apathy, "she’ll be right..", and do not forget Fear – that little flea (Howard) plays fear politics for all its worth (he is the living embodiment of fear.) The nation was emerging from its racist and xenophobic past but along came Howard and now South East Asia hates Australians. Years of creating good relations in the region ‘go up the chute’ due to Howard and his conservatives appealing to fear (racism) and the lack of identity that plagues some Australians. The female Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clarke, is more of a ‘man’ than Howard could ever be – and I cast no aspersion on Ms. Clarke’s femininity! The point is Australia deserves John Howard, who is nothing more than a reflection of the majority of Australians and the US deserves everything it gets for allowing the Bush family (Jeb Bush in Florida) to subvert the democratic election process and hijack the Presidency. Failure to act decisively in both instances has resulted in a nightmare for both nations. The Iraq debacle and becoming targets for terrorists are prime examples. In Australia’s case it became a target as the result of fear, as opposed to American aggression. I would hope that Australia has learnt its lesson regarding acquiescing to fearful government. The Bali bombing is a constant reminder regardless of the Howard government attempting to deflect attention elsewhere.

The model of rule (government in the hands of the few) hasn’t changed since the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt! Eliminating the voice of the people at the community level is a mistake. If community leaders – elected by the people and representing the people at all times – were able to keep our leaders in check and in accord with the wishes of the majority we would prevent government taking a course that nearly half the population oppose. In this way government’s actions would truly reflect the wishes of the majority or be adjusted in a balanced compromise when necessary. To allow a government to rule unchecked for a number of years is the height of folly. History testifies of the numerous instances where a few lunatics, with the skill to steal government, have led nations to destruction. The people must have the means to intervene at any time if government ceases to be representative. This new paradigm could apply on a global scale. People are essentially similar in their desire for peace and stability.

The major evolutionary challenge today is whether the people of the world will unite and implement peaceful and harmonious solutions or be led like sheep to their demise. True freedom cannot be granted it must be earned. Personal liberation is the prerequisite for social liberation. The success or failure of our endeavours will be known by all in the not too distant future.