{"id":40188,"date":"2015-04-03T15:36:33","date_gmt":"2015-04-03T19:36:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dbsjeyaraj.com\/dbsj\/?p=40188"},"modified":"2015-04-03T15:36:33","modified_gmt":"2015-04-03T19:36:33","slug":"politicians-are-beyond-reform-because-they-constitute-a-unique-trade-union-which-determines-its-own-emoluments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dbsjeyaraj.com\/dbsj\/?p=40188","title":{"rendered":"Politicians are Beyond Reform Because they Constitute a Unique Trade Union which Determines its own Emoluments."},"content":{"rendered":"

by<\/p>\n

Dr U.Pethiyagoda<\/strong><\/p>\n

A<\/strong> simple reason for politicians being beyond reform is that they constitute a unique Trade Union which determines its own emoluments. Fiscal discipline and proportionality are of no concern, – and why should they be? The cry is “Blow you Jack, I\u2019m alright!!” <\/p>\n

Consequently, politics continues to be the most lucrative employment. Bountiful rewards for little substantive output. A field full of myths and falsehoods, a conglomerate of ill-equipped and non-performing members. It will remain thus forever.<\/p>\n

This is not a phenomenon unique to Sri Lanka, nor are there no notable exceptions. Of course there are – but they are remiss in exercising a major responsibility – that is, of not ridding their ranks of criminals and other misfits. Passing this responsibility solely to the electors, is but one of many deceptions.<\/p>\n

Why are politicians such a reviled species – despite being surrounded by a circle of insincere sycophants, who will abandon them in defeat as readily as they swarm around them in success!? <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

I believe that a root cause for attracting undesirables is that the rewards of politics are too high. Take the pinnacle of the Executive Presidency. How could any single being justify an annual allocation of some seven thousand million? Along with the attendant limitless power (to do wrong) even the word “obscene” is insufficient. Not a single incumbent of that high office has avoided leaving an oppressive stench and a hugely hated image. Nor can a mere mortal be expected to not indulge in profligacy, nepotism, dishonesty and all that is ill, when endowed with such inordinate power. If reform was truly desired, step one should have been to publicly declare and eliminate the obnoxious provisions that cannot be entrusted to any imperfect mortal. Mere transfer is not an option and, indeed runs the risk of a return to that very miscreant to whom many are eager to bid farewell!. Resurrection is not impossible – considering the oft-touted “maturity” of our electors!<\/p>\n

Considering that Parliament and the attendant training schools (PC\u2019s and DC\u2019s) represent textbook examples of the poorest cost\/benefit ratios, a continuance of the vicious cycle that ensures sinecures for murderers, narcotics peddlers, deviants of various types, liars, thugs and other despicables is all but guaranteed. Reform can only come from within. Sadly therefore there is little chance of change.<\/p>\n

The vicious cycle of high rewards> fierce competition> excessive election spending that only drug dealers, people smugglers or gambling den operators mainly can seriously contest. The degradation of quality and standards is inevitable. The only point at which the cycle can be broken is the starting point. A drastic reduction of the present luxury emoluments is therefore urgent. A true revelation of all the perks and privileges will shock anyone!<\/p>\n

It is in the matter of Ministries that the farce reaches its extreme heights. Never is a word spoken about either the need for a particular portfolio, or the competence and efficiency of an appointee! It is all about criteria not even appropriate for a horse deal! Naturally, hilarious juxtaposition of subjects, replication of responsibilities and geriatric revivals seem in order. One remembers that a recent promotee prostrated herself before the ex- and is no doubt also waiting anxiously to kiss the toes of the new found boss! Promises of restricted numbers at election time succumb to the dictates of intra-electoral necessity. Little wonder that our Sri Lanka is where it is. The Buddha had two main disciples, Christ had twelve apostles, Dutugemuna had ten Yodayas, Mahadenamutta had eight acolytes and even Ali Baba had only forty thieves! What is our need for a hundred and more?<\/p>\n

There are many representatives who have rapidly progressed from rags to riches, from bicycles to Benz\u2019s and from hovels to high rises. The advocates of corruption eradication have forgotten to even ask for declaration of assets! Properly, all whose names have surfaced in petitions of some credibility should be given a short date – possible even within the touted hundred days to declare their assets, local and foreign, movable and immovable and including those of their immediate families The declarations to be final and irrevocable and any concealed, mis-stated or distorted assets be made liable to confiscation into State Funds. A reward system for those helping substantially in detection should also be considered, covering a percentage of the finds. It is gratifying to note that legal provisions for such actions already exist. The problem is willingness to implement. Otherwise, the obvious conclusion is that honour operates among thieves.<\/p>\n

Some attention to the mythology that engulfs politics is needed. There are both subtle and coarse techniques adopted. One is an implicit view that things go better if a Ministry is created. Nearer the truth would be that a Ministry is merely an unnecessary intrusion that makes matters worse. I am particularly angered by Ministries for Culture, Sports and Language. What constitutes my culture, what sports I play or am interested in and what language I speak or read are entirely my business and not open to intervention by anyone else. All three areas have suffered immensely by “Ministerial” interference. Ministerial Committees, Tender Boards and Parliamentary Committees are meant to impress by their lofty titles. As Parkinson (or Peter?) has it, the “higher” one goes, the less its competence. True and unnecessary to labour. The surrounding rituals of dress codes, modes of address, formal congratulatory and condolence sittings, Budget Teas etc. are all part of the charade. No great harm but should be seen as light comedy. <\/p>\n

Now, I come to my main point – what to do? As for me, I infer that apart from creature comforts, politicians hanker after recognition and obeisance. I believe that if this is denied to the unworthy, they will eventually reform or wither away. I repeat that there are exceptions to the generally dismal scene who deserve appreciation. Personally, for instance, I use the term “Honourable” with discretion. Who deserves gets. Those below my threshold – bad luck! Meanwhile, politicoes are quite free to bow and call each other by honorofics – that is their privilege! <\/p>\n

Generally, one has two options – ignore or lampoon. The absurdity of inviting political high-ups to every conceivable event – private or public is ridiculous. Weddings are an example where both invitee and invitor would be glad to be relieved of this burdensome nuisance! Funerals (where television crews are in thoughtful attendance ) are another example. It is also tiresome to see daily, displays of religiosity – trays of flowers, robes draped on Bo trees and Atapikaras needlessly gifted to those who must already have a surplus – are displays of “religiosity” that the public could well do without. It is good to have pious leaders, but their piety should be private, discreet and personal. So, it is senseless to continue the present practices. <\/p>\n

When it comes to an official function, attendance (usually at State expense) is virtually mandatory. In fact, anecdote has it that a former President had front row seats labelled and had spies noting vacancies for future action! Little wonder that the christening of a nearly useless port cost the exchequer some 600 million of direct costs! Letters of appointment can go by post. If not, economizing by having one portfolio of “Posts and Telecommunications” suppressed. would be justifiable.<\/p>\n

To lampoon is even easier. So many political doings are hilariously inapt that poking fun (usually good-natured) is not difficult. Parliamentarians are of this, an inexhaustible resource!<\/p>\n

Nobody need take themselves too seriously. Politicians and officials at all levels are no exception.
\n
\nCourtesy:The Island<\/em><\/p>\n

Tweet<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Dr U.Pethiyagoda A simple reason for politicians being beyond reform is that they constitute a unique Trade Union which determines its own emoluments. Fiscal discipline and proportionality are of no concern, – and why should they be? The cry is “Blow you Jack, I\u2019m alright!!” Consequently, politics continues to be the most lucrative employment. …<\/p>\n

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