Amid this crisis, we are not statues
By working together, being accountable and choosing their leaders well, citizens can drive off the feral flock of unscrupulous and self-obsessed rogues, writes Owen Skae
A flock of political leaders is playing pigeon chess across the world. In pigeon chess, the pigeon knocks over all the chess pieces, deposits its droppings on the board and struts around proclaiming victory. Pigeon leaders want to create the impression that they break the rules and challenge the status quo in the same way that innovators, pioneers and great deal makers do; that their actions will result in a better outcome. This could not be farther from the truth; they act with self-interest and rules are made up and broken as they go along. Sadly, this results in two dynamics. The entertainment value of what will happen next overrides fundamental debate about what is in the best interest of the country, parliament or organisation. Derision and scorn are the order of the day. For those who act with integrity, engaging with such leaders is challenging because the goalposts keep moving. Trust is something pigeon leaders do not inspire. When faced with pigeon leaders, we have no prece...
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