by Darren Robertson

Created on: August 05, 2010   Last Updated: August 06, 2010

When the question is asked, who needs politics?, the immediate answer that comes to mind is politicians, of course.

The reality is politics does play a role in the daily lives of many.  When one is granted a new position over another, there is generally politics at play.  The difference is many of us don’t need politics in our lives, but it is present.

Politicians on the other hand crave politicking.  This is what they do, it is who they are.  To rise to one’s feet and poke the eye of the opposition is what politicians live for.  Even in a sleepy part of the world such as New Brunswick, Canada, our politicians sling mud at one another. 

Politics is a burden because it is so expensive to pay for.  We change governments all the time, thinking we are electing someone special to replace someone not so special, but we still end up with politicians. 

If we think of the U.S., all that money was spent to change governments after Democrat Bill Clinton left office, only to get a Republican in George Bush who further indebted the U.S. with his war initiatives.  Then it was all topped off with the election of a Democrat in Barack Obama, who has further indebted the country with his pro-socialist agenda.

All the while, some less fortunate person is waiting in line for a bowl of soup at a shelter.  They don’t care if the person who allowed them that soup was Democrat or Republican, all they know is they are hungry and need that bowl of soup.  One government allows them that soup, and when that government is defeated, the new government might not see the need for the bowl of soup.

Government can do great work.  There are thousands of people who rely on the work of government.  There is a distinction between government and politics though.

Consider that one role of the government is to be distributor of services to a section of the population.  Policies are initially drafted and acted upon to help these people relying on the service.

When these policies become influenced by elected officials, this is when politics comes into play.  What is deemed an essential service by one elected official might not be deemed so by another.  Thus begins the game of politics.

Politics affects all of our lives, from the boardrooms to the schoolrooms.  When asked the question though, who NEEDS politics?, all I can answer is those who enjoy playing its game.

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