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Wednesday 6 May 2015

The muttering of servants

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There is a strange and unwelcome odour about many political debates particularly from the traditional left. The atmosphere is forever tainted by a barely audible whine of complaint, often disguised as a call for social revenge justice.

It is much like the muttering of servants from an earlier age. Faint rumblings from behind the green baize door, a hum of ineffectual discontent which often dries up at the approach of master or mistress.

The whine changes volume and tone as one ranges up and down the political spectrum. Flavours and nuances come and go. The muttering becomes strident as one approaches a political extreme but fades to a muted murmur once the centre ground is regained.

It reminds me of tuning an old fashioned wireless, searching for interesting stations, trying to hear exactly what the airwaves are saying amid the crackle and distortion.

Unfortunately for political debate, this incessant whinging adds an undignified note which just won’t go away. Those above stairs aren’t much better with their cringing smiles, lies and apologetic demeanour. If anything they encourage it, the creeps.

Supposedly in a modern democracy we are not servants of the elite, but the green baize door seems much the same as ever. No doubt the muttering of servants is much the same too.

5 comments:

Sackerson said...

I do like that wireless analogy particularly.

Sam Vega said...

Very true. I've just returned from the local hustings, where six hopefuls answered questions on what they would do if elected. The more "established" and therefore realistically hopeful candidates had that strange tone. Aggrieved, but rehearsed; slightly irritated by something, but in a manner dictated by the party and polished by repetition. Not an edifying experience overall.

A K Haart said...

Sackers - I enjoyed roaming around the stations on our old wireless especially at night.

Sam - I think only two of our hopefuls are actually hopeful. It's very much a two horse race - or so we think.

Demetrius said...

Whoever "wins" it will be a strange bunch in power and even stranger what they will find themselves having to do.

A K Haart said...

Demetrius - they are a strange bunch already. Two came round to our house. Very quick with the answers which weren't very good but quick seemed to be their preferred approach.