by Tanian

Created on: February 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 06, 2008

The very concept of a politician, as opposed to king, emperor or dictator, depends entirely upon the existence of elective democracy.

By its very nature the concept of the 'elected representative' brings with it the shadow of corruption, the risk of and opportunity for the abuse of power.

It has been said the person most able to convince an entire nation that he should be their leader is the person least suited for the job.

This proves to be self evident. The reason politicians lie is because it is an essential part of the selection process.

To convince an adequate number of thoughtful, responsible adults that someone stands for their principles and beliefs demands a degree of duplicity. One could not reasonably agree with 40 million people on all moral aspects- and yet to elect someone we are supposed to believe they will represent us, which in itself implies a belief that they are acting for our best interests.

Democracy is a trade-off. We subjugate ourselves to the moral judgement of the people we employ to make our rules. We subject ourselves to the laws placed over us and to the decisions of the people we elect when, at bottom, they are only elected because people like them, because they are the lesser of two (or more) evils.

Politicians win popularity contests. That, it seems, is the nature of the beast. And while this continues to be the case we ensure that the elected representative is a duplicitous creature, a social chamaeleon.

How do politicians win seats? With money. With support. With backing.

And if someone believes in you they will bankroll your election campaign: But at what cost?

George W Bush is an oil magnate. He recieved his backing from big industry. He went to the G8 summit in Edinburgh and they eventually announced a 'big step back' on climate change. And why would they do this, our world leaders, when all of the preponderance of evidence around us indicates the world itself is choking to death?

Why indeed?

When we need millions and millions of dollars to secure a seat as a democraticaly elected leader, one can readily see the grave risks inherent in our system.

When someone hands out $100 million its a pretty safe bet they want something in return.

While we allow our leaders, our law-makers, our moral compasses to play x-factor games with the gross domestic product of a small nation at their disposal, we allow duplicity and compromise to enter into the very fibre of the competition.

Imagine going to washington with a dream. A roll of paper in one hand, a manifesto, a cure for all social ills and a conviction it is correct. Imagine an honest, ideal belief in goodness and morality, and the will to see it through.

And then imagine being told you just aren't good looking enough for the cameras.

Imagine being told you can have the money for your campaign- but only if you swear to return the favour 'after' the event.

Imagine the courage it would take to say 'No'.

Imagine, after all of this, losing your election to a dim witted Texan who needs an ear piece to make words come into his empty head.

And imagine the knowledge it happened because he took the money.

Politicians are liars.

And I have news: It's your fault.

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