Round about the time I was cutting class in high school, Aristotle proclaimed, “Man is, by nature, a political animal”. He must have dearly hoped that this was true. Politics, after all, is the means by which we participate in matters that should concern us most. Still, the depths of self- service that most politicians and parties sink to these days have so disaffected the citizenry that no one wants to admit to being political. The word has become contaminated, which is, of course, a good thing – if you are in charge.

No matter how you may disgrace yourself by implementing the anti-democratic double- dealing of the status quo, just maintain your laughable objectivity and no one will question your motives. You will be lauded as above politics like all sound-minded adults.

In fact, there is a bullyboy swagger to the highhanded way dissidents are admonished as ‘political’ by those who frankly are quite political themselves but just a whole lot better at turning it to their advantage. It may seem a howling hypocrisy but the best way to be pilloried as ‘political’ is to disagree with the prevailing notions about decision-making and say so. If you are on board with the ‘program’ than you are safe from ever having to endure the insult of being dubbed political.

No less revered a person than Albert Einstein stated that – “ It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs.”

He did not say, you will note, that you should only do this if you are loyal to the ‘stay the course’ traffic wardens who dominate our communities. And we all know that ‘duty’ is something you should perform even in the face of discomfort.

In the midst of the bewildering concerns around the very word ‘politics,’ let’s take a breather and examine the meaning of this menacing term. Politics is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as – “a: the art or science of government b: the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c: the total complex of relations between people living in society.” Doesn’t really sound so bad.

But here’s the rub: The culture that surrounds us has declared that taking a political position (which apparently means anything that smacks of actually having a pro-people viewpoint and stating it openly) is the act of the terminally uncooperative and mischievous. We have allowed ourselves to be lured into quiescence and submission to arbitrary authority just to avoid appearing contrary.

Those who rule us have distorted our very perception of language. Their unsavoury behaviour has contributed to our sense that ‘political’ is a four letter word. They have even seized our best words and transformed them for their own purposes. We should take them back: Words like ‘honour,’ ‘responsibility,’ ‘duty,’ ‘principle’ and, oh yes, ‘political.’ To be political should mean a selfless pursuit of what is collectively best for the community in an environment of debate and informed decision-making by those the decisions affect most. If this does not sound familiar don’t blame the word; blame the folks who have tainted it.

Home Features David and Goliath Stop smirking, Bettman Books this week Essays & Reviews The Big Sellout Operation Filmmaker Salud!