Revolution of the mind will effect real change
A new social democratic framework based on the Scandinavian module should be introduced, where the rich pay their fair share of taxes, which are then ploughed back into society instead off ending up in some offshore fictitious bank account. We must also lose the postcolonial legacy of submissiveness, and demand via the ballot box a socialist government that has the people's interest as the main focus of their manifesto.
What we have in power at present are multinational corporate messenger boys who parade in ministerial suits like proud peacocks, posturing their feathers as they dance the light dotcom fandango to the beat of last tango in Dublin.
Revolution of the mind begins with a complete overhaul of the education system by abandoning the jug and mug method in the current curriculum where the teacher (jug) simply sifts book-learning knowledge into the pupil (mug) hoping some will remain intact before sinking to the bottom of the vessel.
It's quite ironic that after grind school when the pupil advances to third level, the first task of the lecturer is the de-programming process of grind school robotics. In turn, the students have to be taught the notion that questioning authority is part of the democratic process.
From there can begin the conception of the equalisation of economic elitism. In other words, all pay their share for the benefit of all. Then we can rid this culture of "clientism" where the rich use their privileges to get the quick-fix solution to obstacles in their path.
The human element comes from participating fully in the richness of social inclusion, a tapestry woven from the very fabric of socialism. Find the people, ask the questions and demand the truth! Otherwise the ideology will be one of "mind over matter". The elite won't mind and we won't matter.
Anthony Woods,
5 Marian Avenue,
Ennis,
Co Clare.
