What politicians do to our values, hopes and happiness
As world-famous environmentalist, Canadian Dr David Suzuki, says, “When we elect people to office, we give them power to make and enact decisions on our behalf. They should have a vision that extends beyond the next election and the GDP - to our children and our grandchildren.”
So we expect our leaders to have a clear picture of our world, including an understanding of looming environmental threats like climate change, pollution, oil spills, extreme weather and terrorism, all of which are taking a severe physical and psychological toll on our people.
Our most pressing needs are biological, social and spiritual. Politicians ought to know this. Their role is to protect and enhance these necessities of life, otherwise there is no vision, direction or leadership.
That is why it is absurd for a government to speak about any aspect of the economy in isolation from the essential needs of the universe for survival and the social security citizens need.
Those who act only for short-term economic gain (the budget will be in surplus at some time in the future - yeah right!), imposing destructive consequences for generations to come, must be held responsible.
Many people attempt to alleviate anxiety by grasping wealth, seeking pleasure and taking solace in achievement or status. But this strategy is increasingly backfiring.
Instead of bolstering our sense of security and wellbeing, it dominates it. Sky rocketing use of anti-depressants is a key ingredient of the growing unhappiness, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem among people.
In his book, The High Price of Materialism, psychology professor Tim Kasser shows how materialistic values undermine wellbeing, perpetuate feelings of insecurity, and weaken the ties that bind us as human beings.
People who are materialistic tend to be less interested in ecological issues, have negative attitudes towards the environment and demonstrate fewer instances of sustainable behaviour. That’s a tragedy for humanity and the rest of life on Earth.
Research in social science has identified a set of consistently occurring human values. One cluster is ‘extrinsic’, or materialistic. These are concerned with our desire for achievement, status, power and wealth. Opposite to those are ‘intrinsic’ values. They relate to caring, community, environmental concern and social justice.
Although each of us carries both, the impulse we attach to one set of values tends to diminish the importance of the other. When power values like social status, prestige and dominance come first, the universal values of tolerance, appreciation and concern for the welfare of others are suppressed.
Social change requires a focus on individual behaviour, corporate responsibility and government policy. In today’s unstable political environment, values must also be part of the equation.
So what can we say about leaders who know something is wrong and have the means to respond but choose not to? This inaction is often in the face of overwhelming evidence and pleading from other nations.
Our elected representatives deserve respect for their commitment. But the elevated status and power of politicians carries with it responsibilities. Many are abrogating those responsibilities for ideological reasons that have nothing to do with our wellbeing.
(JOHN ELLIOTT)
Comments to johnelliott@ihug.co.nz