The situation with regard to our democracy is really quite serious.
Ongoing concerns with the local, and international drift away from democracy go back many years. Control of our representatives votes by party leaders is destroying democratic government, and the wellbeing of the people. That is why we are establishing the Secret Ballot Party, to pursue the only real solution - the rule of the ballot in our parliaments.
The party's main need at this early stage is a few hundred members - no money or further involvement - to gain the attention of the people to this reform, the merit of which will make its own momentum amongst 'non-political' people, and arrest the slide away from the rule of the people, and the pernicious doctrine that neither we, nor our opinions are needed.
People often say: "I'm not politically inclined." This fairly common view, leaving it to the politicians, is causing a drift away from democratic government. (Let's never forget the Reich.)
Leaving it all to the 'government' is not democracy; nor is being merely content to vent our spleen at an election. As someone has said: However you vote, all you get is the 'government' - which is not 'by the people'.
To counter this drift we need the change in the operation of parliament so that all decisions are made by ballot so that representatives, as a body, decide the laws and courses of action, not a Prime Minister, or ministers exercising control of party members' votes.
The question of accountability worries some. There is no cause. All party politicians will be effectively dis-endorsed, reducing them to independent status, entirely dependent upon their constituents for re-election. Their logical, and only feasible response will be to conduct regular monthly meetings of, and for, the people, who will quickly sense their vulnerability, and not be backward in making their
views known, with all the insistence deemed necessary.
Woe betide that representative who treats the constituents lightly. Any deviousness will quickly bring down the wrath of the people on the representative. And suitable rivals for the seat will always be close at hand.
It is obvious that cultivation of the constituents will be a first priority for all representatives.
Turmoil? No. Both representatives and constituents will quickly see the way to cooperate, to further their mutually dependent interests.
The Secret Ballot Party offers to the uninvolved the opportunity, with an absolute minimum of action, to anyone to arrest this downward slide into dictatorial government.
Meanwhile, what of the operation of parliament? Obviously the ministers will behave, or be displaced by ballot. They will each be required to give undivided and serious attention to the administration of their departments, as delegated by parliament. And, without the distraction of party conflict, they will be without excuse for any inadequacy of administration. And, public servants will replace party appointments of
ministerial staff.
Cabinet? Elected ministers will be required by parliament to pull together in an orderly and constructive team, carrying out the decisions of parliament.
'Thy will be done on earth, as in heaven.'
Now about us Christians. We are witnesses, in life and word. Are we not 'the light of the world'? So, we must 'Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven'.
We, along with others of sincerity and goodwill, will always have a significant role in the community - not by preaching, and having no authority beyond the wisdom which God may afford.
I am reminded of the dream of the English poet William Blake, and the words so often sung in schools.
Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold,
Bring me my arrows of desire,
Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold,
Bring me my Chariot of Fire!
I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England's green and pleasant land.
It is the dream of Abraham: "A city without foundations whose builder and maker is God."
I am further reminded of a saying on the wall of my old Presbyterian
Church.
We believe in a Christlike world.
We know of nothing better.
We can be content with noting less.
May God bless and encourage us all.
Basil Smith
for the Secret Ballot Party.
(the party to end party politics)
Email: secretballotparty@fastmail.net
03 9800 2561
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