VINCEs RANT: POST ELECTION RESULT
With each and every election I struggle to understand how many vote for a corrupt and cruel regime that pampers the few and exploits the many.
At the weekend I was fortunate to watch Lighthouse Theatre’s production of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. It was an absolutely brilliant production, I’m sure most of you have seen the film with James Stewart. It centres on George Bailey, who as a young man is desperate to leave his small town, go to college, see the world and move on to bigger things. His father and uncle run and own a small building society ( our equivalent) and help ordinary people to realise their dreams of owning their own homes. George’s father dies and it is soon apparent that the company can only continue if George will give up his dreams and take over the firm. The villain of the plot is old man Potter. He lies, cheats, whatever it takes to control and take over the town. And the only person and business that has managed to stand up to him is George and his building society.
George gets married and has four children, they’re far from wealthy but are happy in their lives. But just before Christmas his uncle loses 8,000 dollars he’s meant to deposit at the bank and foreclosure, bankruptcy and even prison beckon. His world falling apart, George, realising he’s worth $15,000 dead decides to take his life. Enter Clarence, an angel (2nd class) looking to earn his wings. He shows how the world would look without George. Potter, totally in control. His children unborn and all the people that he helped buy their homes living in damp squalid conditions. George returns home to find his wife has been collecting from friends and neighbours – all keen to help because he has helped them and it’s a Happy Christmas for everyone. It’s a good story, it was a brilliant production and one I know I haven’t done justice!
But at the end of the day it’s a classic tale about decent, honest people putting community and morality before profit. And we all see it and love it. So how come when we have the same choice, many cast their vote for a Party that continues to follow policies that protect the rich at the expense of the poor. Why do we vote for a leader who we know lies constantly and has proven himself to be totally untrustworthy.
And conversely, how do we allow the press to depict Corbyn, who more than any other MP, has fought racism, as anti-semitic? How do we allow him to be seen as a terrorist sympathiser when he has dedicated so much of his life to peace?
Somehow millions of decent people choose a Party that works against their interests. Is it the fear of real change? Although they can rationally agree that the present system is corrupt and unjust they’re frightened of choosing an alternative. A History of of subjection is somehow comforting. And although we might admire the ‘Gordon Baileys’ of this world we have a strange respect for those that have bullied and cheated their way to success. Perhaps we haven’t really cast off our serfdom and although we despise our masters, feel comfortable having them. It’s easier to blame, then take charge.There’s a couple of lines from a brilliant Al Stewart song Nostradamus that come into my head every time there’s an election.
Oh, the more it changes, The more it stays the same
And a hand just rearranges The players in the game
Happy New Year – Vince
