Its election time again in NZ and Esther, being a nerd, is excited.
Now, I know many don't share my sentiment (nerds are used to flying solo), but perhaps by the end of this you might, just a bit.
In our comfortable 21st C lives, we take democracy for granted. But somewhere along the line, someone bought our right to vote. Some paid for it with their lives. In other countries this right still doesn't exist, so fighting does. They are dying to vote and we find it hard to drag our butts down to a polling booth on election day (even harder if its raining)1. We're so reluctant to vote, yet so willing to criticise and complain about the government.
I also feel we too easily, and unfairly, label politicians as idiots and liars and [insert other descriptive term here]. Now, I'm not saying they are all angels (but then, I don't claim to be one either). But no matter how much I disagree with their policies, ideologies and behaviour even, hey, at least they have a vision for the country (do you?), and they obviously care enough to do something about it (do you?). Your barista has a huge responsibility to get your daily coffee just right...to say nothing of those responsible for running the country (hence the salary difference). And it must be hard trying to be popular with as many people as possible... I find it hard enough impressing my peers, patients and clients.
I guess guess at the end of the day, if we want to live on planet earth and our respective countries within it, then we have a responsibility to be good citizens. You know, like: work hard, be honest and flush after going. The Good Book2 says if you owe taxes, pay them. If you owe revenue, pay it. If respect and honour - likewise3. There is no order without law. Politicians are called to serve, we are called to show respect. We're privileged to have decent politicians and a system that works so lets not treat it lightly.
Come on Kiwis, lets vote.
2. Tevye's ref to The Bible in Fiddler on the Roof
3. Romans 13:7
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