Remembering what it was like to be Australian

REMEMBERING WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE AUSTRALIAN

Let me indulge in a little plagiarism by borrowing a well known phrase and bringing it up to date.

“There are those whose glass is half full, those whose glass is half empty and regrettably, those who have no glass at all.”

I am a proud Australian by choice, not accident of birth having emigrated here in 1950 at the age of four. Australia was a land of opportunity with a national character that believed in ‘giving it a go’. We were encouraged to be innovative, to tear apart mountains building the base blocks and opportunities for future generations. No challenge went unaddressed and failure meant rolling up the sleeves, tightening the belt and trying harder. That attitude, community spirit and work ethic built this great nation of ours.

Could we say the same today?

Between populist politics, politically correct speech, a desire to be recognised, to be liked, a fear of failure, of change, even success, our national character has atrophied.

The parameters have changed. You don’t have to be tall at all to be a victim of the tall poppy syndrome. Put forward an idea today and it attracts more knockers and negativity than support. That negativity and criticism comes under the guise of community concern and protection of the environment or future generations. Vexatious claims are the order of the day and objectivity is lost in an avalanche of misdirection, speculation and dare I say it, outright lies. 

Critics pour out of the woodwork making broad sweeping statements based on philosophies rather than substance and a hungry media gobbles it up in a social environment where controversy is high entertainment. Just look at the so called reality shows that dominate our television screens as an example. These manufactured dramas, even in cooking shows demonstrate how much our society has changed.

Even the simplest political decisions are relegated to an overflowing too hard basket. Heaven forbid that our political representatives offend anybody and with that mentality, please nobody. Backed by a growing number of advisors whose main concern is to protect the reputation and image of their bosses and not necessarily the welfare of the community, is it any wonder we get the over cautious and decision adverse representation we have. There is so much control over what is said or done that considered movement in any direction becomes a major hurdle.

Of course, we have the knee-jerk reaction, an ill considered statement or position taken under immediate pressure. Sadly, under reflection and the nature of politics such a decision is difficult to reverse no matter how beneficial the outcome. While some would consider it good governance and a sign that the politician is human and prepared to maturely and rationally address an error in judgement, others would call it a back flip which brings us back to a choice between community representation and saving personal face. 

From my perspective, as sworn to do, it is far better to redress a wrong and be respected for representing the community rather than to be liked. Not all so called back flips have negative repercussions.

We are all too busy with our lives to look too closely, to question or simply leave it to others to do so, consequently, the silent majority is subjugated by a vocal minority and a stifling political landscape. Mind you, like a breath of fresh air, there are exceptions but sadly not enough to break the malaise.

Deep within us that spirit of ‘giving it a go’ still resides. To build a better future for our children and theirs, that spirit must be awakened if we are to give them the opportunities we were given by those who came before us. Rather than give in to the knockers and negativity, challenge their assertions, become objective, become involved, speak out publicly and become the vocal majority to take this nation, its people back to the future we were meant to have. Our silence is our downfall, our voice is our redemption.

© 2016 Bob Janssen | BobJanssen.com.au

Has the Law Supplanted Justice

Has the Law Supplanted Justice?

One should never confuse Law with Justice. The law is carved in stone while Justice is a perception governed by the moral outlook and expectations of a society.

Society calls it the justice system. It’s a misnomer. In fact we are all subject to the legal system which society expects to meter out justice. Increasingly we are disappointed.

Based on the British system, Australian law works under the presumption of innocence where the burden of proof of guilt without reasonable doubt falls to the crown.

Over time, the law has changed. Nowhere is this change more apparent than in sentencing. The courts, for a variety of reasons have moved from punishment to rehabilitation of offenders. “Let the punishment fit the crime” no longer carries the weight it once did. It is not unusual to witness repeat offenders strut from the courts displaying utter contempt for the legal system after receiving community service orders, suspended sentences or a mere slap on the wrist. Watching this daily parade, liberally served up by the media, it is little wonder that the society has lost faith in what is unfortunately described as a justice system.

Putting offenders behind bars comes at a high cost. Be that as it may, cost is an economic consideration that should have no bearing on justice. In allowing some of these criminals out into the community because the jails are full or it is too costly to imprison them, the legal system is giving those criminals the opportunity to reoffend. That same legal system is telling society that the courts place a greater value on cost than community safety. This is not good enough!

The highly emotional Baden-Clay case would seem to be the proverbial straw that ‘broke the camel’s back’ where public outrage is demanding a review of a legal system that society no longer believe serves justice and in that context presents a real danger to the welfare and safety of the community.

We may not like what legal spokesperson Bill Potts has to say but in respect to the letter of the law he is correct in his statements. In his professional capacity as a criminal lawyer, Bill must work within the framework of the law in preserving and adhering to it. 

Clearly, society believes that the law has become a law unto itself and that those who interpret and administer it do so in a cloistered environment that is detached from society’s rightful expectations to have the law serve them by assuring justice is done and seen to be done.

Compassion, tolerance and understanding are worthy human attributes but there are those within society who use them against it to deflect the justice they deserve. Justice may well be depicted as wearing a blindfold but if she is blinded to her purpose, that blindfold should be removed.

© 2015 Bob Janssen | BobJanssen.com.au 

Balancing Social Economic and Environmental Issues

Balancing Social Economic and Environmental Issues

Social, economic and environmental issues, especially when related to development are three elements often found in conflict. Adding political will to the equation regularly lead to an extended period of paralysis by analysis and navel gazing in finding an acceptable balance if ever.

As society has correctly become more environmentally conscious, some sectors within the broader community are inflamed with what can be described as ideological fundamentalism and a anti-development mindset. These well organized and dedicated minorities dominate the debate and political decision making process. The silent majority by its very silence is subjugated.

Regardless of the many social and economic benefits a development may deliver, overreaching environmental objection often results in lost opportunity.

No one can afford to ignore the importance of environmental protection, especially in what is an increasingly shrinking planet. But neither can we as a species ignore that we are also an indivisible part of that natural environment. Along with that truism we must consider the realities of the social and economic structure that supports us.

While current and future generations should work to guarantee environmental stability the same demand applies to social and economic security. This will require a pragmatic approach in balancing our expectations between these three elements along with the political will to resolve the challenges, make informed decisions and implement a way forward.

The reality of modern day politics is that it has predominantly become a profession immersed in the maintenance and pursuit of power influenced by public opinion. The silent majority while comfortable in privately expressing its opinion must find its public voice and engage with government in expressing its expectations forcing government to act in a manner based on the principle of majority interest and wellbeing.

In a balanced society all relevant points of view should be equally weighed and measured to determine a realistic course of action. Our elected political representatives should be reminded that without an equitable balance between these three critical challenges, collapse of our social structure becomes a real possibility.

Change may prove difficult, perhaps even an anathema to some, but change remains an inevitable journey connecting our past and potential future. Having the courage to accept this inevitability and acting accordingly will determine what that future brings.

© 2015 Bob Janssen | BobJanssen.com.au