For the Good Times |
There is a slight possibility that Godzone is turning the corner. Kiwis have
had thirty years of privatisation, bureaucratic and corporate idiocy but it appears that old fashioned commonsense and decency is reemerging. Bureaucrats and politicians are being held accountable and asked to publically justify their actions. Previously, official edicts ruled and the emotional needs of the public ignored in the name of we know best. New Zealand has graduated from well-paid employment in the fifties, sixties and seventies, to one of low pay and under employment today. And the 'experts' have the impudence to imply it's in the national interest that school leavers and older people have trouble finding meaningful work. Perhaps it's no wonder that the intelligent depart Godzone for greener pastures? Despite a nationwide shortage, I know a sixty-one-year-old carpenter who has applied for more than four hundred jobs and has yet to achieve an interview. Unofficially, he's regarded as overqualified and it's cheaper to hire young people with a degree in non commonsense from the University of Stupidity. There are many examples of prejudice against those with a life time of nation building experience. But there is hope. One older politician in the right-wing National Party has queried his leader's judgement and has been suspended for creating dissension among the unthinking, ladder climbing ranks. Another from one the ruling coalition parties, has been stood down pending investigation for fraud. Guilty or not, it shows that some Kiwis no longer accept political rhetoric at face value. I have a ball questioning political motives in the local media and now and again a Minister of Everything will issue reassuring statements designed to placate yours truly. Like a red rag to a bull I get stuck in, follow his lead and twist words around to suit my purpose. I'd make a good politician but I doubt whether I could lie without a smile. Naturally, I'm held in contempt in the depths of our political mausoleum. Sadly, they don't understand that truth always emerges and that good times always follow the bad. For the good times, is what human existence is all about. A current political issue will be enlightening. Some of our Maori are claiming the foreshore and sea beds as their own. Although commonsense indicates that foreshores and sea beds were in existence long before the Maori had arrived in Godzone and will continue to exist long after the human race has died out. Neither side in the argument realise that of all the species that have ever existed upon earth, 99.9% are extinct and that mankind is merely another species and subject to Mother Nature's moods. So apart from cupidity, what is the point in claiming ownership when we are but temporary tenants? Does emotional insecurity creates bad time arguments? Wouldn't it be easier to realise that none of us are perfect (apart from me) and reading the classics will show that the follies of human nature have been written about for many centuries? But my experience shows our kids aren't taught to think for themselves and very few can comprehend the fantasies of Hollywood on the map of life. Sadly, there's no political agenda for expanding human consciousness. Avarice ensures civilised slavery is regarded as more befitting to government's bank balance. You never know. For the Good Times, might be infinitely more stimulating and rewarding. |
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