Inequality – ‘The new cause celebre’

The major schools of current mainstream political thought are – in simplified terms; neo-marxism (the new left), liberalism (individual liberty as a contrast to statism) centrism (the confluence of the four extremes) and conservatism. The missing fourth extreme – fascism (statism at its most extreme) is omitted in this essay, not because it doesn’t exist – but because it is predominantly totalitarian. Totalitarian to the right (fascists) as opposed to totalitarianism of the left (communism) – and these regimes are never democratic. The people of these regimes may suffer in silence but they seldom have a say in a free society open to selection of leadership or party.

For conservatives, moral principle is the motive force of politics. In the context of conservatism, morality serves as the foundation of philosophy, politics, spirituality and society. The moral compass of conservatism distinguishes it from the other major schools of mainstream political thought.

The major parties of the 21^st century democracies combine the four political tendencies to varying degrees however the inability of the two-party systems, such as practiced in Australia, Great Britain and US to accommodate voter appeal is creating disruption among the ranks of mainstream politics.

Political turmoil exists in each of these countries as the major platforms of governance and control (police, defence, judiciary, government) are targeted as being more and more distrusted or the voters really telling us what they don’t want! Rather than knowing or understanding the fundamentals of political philosophy.

The multiple leadership changes in Australia, the Brexit phenomenon in Great Britain, the Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton trinity in America. The public are craving for change and seeking policies of certainty. We are witnessing leadership reaction to these demands with a varying emphasis towards one or other of: liberal, centrist, conservative or socialist ideology. In NZ John Key has held sway with a majority centrist approach – a mixture of pragmatism and rational planning. His major opposition in Labour/Greens is struggling to counter yet maintain inclusion in a similar political space.

‘Social inequality’ being one of its major party pronouncements. Winston Peters like Pauline Hanson in Australia is less liberal than either the NZ National or Labour parties and would appeal to those Brexit voters or Trump supporters. Immigration being a major grassroots concern – especially among blue collar workers but also in Winston’s case the growing grey vote.

In choosing Mike Pence as his running mate, Donald Trump is seeking the evangelical Christian support (Conservatism) from the Republican party mainstream. Hillary Clinton on the other hand has lurched from centrist to Bernie Sanders socialist ideals, on the left – she wants the young supporters that Bernie has attracted with his socialist ideologies of ‘free’ education ‘free’ healthcare and ‘free’ welfare.

Whilst social media has somewhat removed the fourth estate from government and political subjectivism the political marketing spin doctors are proving successful in target marketing into specific demographics. Social media can generate a groundswell of support (or opposition) in a very short time frame -  witness Brexit, Bernie Sanders, Trump stadium worshippers. What the Brexit vote clearly displayed however was that the voting public remain, white, middle aged and middle class. The ‘young’ professional and predominantly electronic savvy remained in their lounges, café’s and bars, texting, twittering and face-booking whilst their elders got out and voted. I’m sure Donald Trump and his marketing machine will not miss this and if Hillary expects to capture the Bernie ‘young voters’ – she will need to do something extraordinary to get them off the couch.

The problem is there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. Voters are alienated and hardly in my opinion – well informed.  That’s where the Marxist inequality mantra comes in. ‘A cause’. Unlike the socialists, the conservatives, centrists and liberals had no cause to trumpet until – wham! Islamic fundamentalism provided the perfect answer. Fear. Nothing motivates like fear – it changes all the rules. Hanson’s back in reckoning in Australia. Winston will once again become King maker in NZ. Boris Johnson is Britain’s foreign minister and America is grasping for strength in leadership to bring external relationships to heel and internal anarchy to order.

Life however will never be equal; the very nature of inequality is what drives life itself:

• In nature due to a natural order of survival
• In sport due to the difference of ability
• In business due to competence and expertise
• In qualification due to intellect
• In lifestyle due to personal disciplines
• In investment due to knowledge and skill

In NZ, there is equal opportunity. It is a measure for all social democracies – opportunity. Perhaps in Britain, France, US there is unrest and unequal opportunity – the locals certainly feel threatened with leaking borders and ‘foreigner’ employment.

So the neo-marxists of NZ are beating the inequality drum. In mainstream media and at political touch points – they have to – it’s at least a rallying call.  However, we know there is equal opportunity: in sport, business, education, investment, access to the outdoors and community involvement.

 The rich and poor argument doesn’t hold water – besides, the counter political position of socialism (where all are deemed to be equal) has hardly proved a utopia – wherever trialled peaceably or implemented via force.

It’s time perhaps for the centrists, classical liberals and conservatives to unite – maybe that’s what we are seeing in US. Trump transforming world politics and bringing about a ground swell for ‘progressive’ change. Ultimately things will revert to fundamental principles of morality, liberty and freedom. The message just needs to be simplified and politicians need to once again earn respect for their philosophies, values and convictions. Until that happens voters will look for alternatives and that’s the making of revolutions