In a few hours the property owners of my building are invited to the Annual General Meeting. I should be happy that I have the opportunity to make decisions regarding the property. Strangely, going to the AGM is not tops on the list of things I'd like to do this evening. This has got me thinking about democracy and politics in general.The Strata Council does an important job. I need to offer sincere thanks to them for their efforts. I have no desire to serve in such a capacity though. In general, it's people like me whom we should blame when we're upset with governance at a local or national level.
I should see the need for civic duty but I cannot help but think that most people who get involved in government are either foolish, on a power trip, or out to feather their own bed. These ideas are constantly reinforced by the media. Therefore, it's a chicken egg situation: People see participation as evil and thus disengage from the system. This in turn leads to less desirable candidates who serve to exaggerate an already vicious circle.