Jeff Burgar
“People, or nations, get the government they deserve!”
An old quote. Variously attributed to Aristotle, American founding father Alexander Hamilton, and mostly, to a philosopher and politician in Italy’s island of Sardinia, Joseph de Maistre. de Maistre did most of his work during and after the French Revolution of 1789-99.
He had many ideas. Among them hereditary monarchs, kings in particular, are probably the best form of government. One Peace Country philosopher often says, “the best government is a benevolent dictatorship.”
Great minds?
The “deserve” idea today is interpreted in somewhat basically similar ways. Some take it to be criticism. If people won’t trouble to educate themselves, they deserve lousy governments.
Others say it means if people don’t get out and vote when given the opportunity, they deserve any government, good or bad, that comes down the road.
Most times, the quote is not interpreted as meaning if people won’t defend their country and their ways of life, the nation will likely be taken over by opposing forces within or outside. That can indeed be the end result of a public that won’t vote. Or votes badly.
Typical voter turnout in municipal elections as are coming Monday, Oct. 20, ranges in our communities from as little as 30 per cent, to sometimes as high as 66 per cent. And that is when there is actually an election. In a majority of our northern Alberta communities, as in the entire province, many councils are going into office by acclamation.
As with de Maistre, this is interpreted in different ways. One argument is, the old guys and girls are doing such a good job, there is no need to change course. Another argument counters that by saying the public is so stupid, they don’t even know their government is also a bunch of fools.
Some of our communities have 15, 20 or even more candidates running for office, not just once in awhile, but in every election! Why?
Just a few observations: First, I’m not happy with four-year terms of municipal offices. The argument new councillors need more time to learn the ropes is junk. Councils prove over and over again some of their members with years of experience can’t read a financial statement, or don’t understand the Oath of Office or the Municipal Government Act. If we are going to keep four-year terms, we need a more robust method of recall.
Second, a nice paycheque for being a puppet does attract. As does the perks of power, even if that is just paid trips once in awhile.
But we also agree that unhappy communities do indeed make for many people running for office.
Third, it’s good to see young people stepping forward. Youth by itself does not make a person qualified for pubic office. Neither does a school degree, wealth, or years of experience. We all know a few examples of such who should be nowhere near public office. Equally, being a harmless, mediocre or friendly person is also not a quality for office.
Do vote. Wisely. Stuck with what we “deserve” can really suck.