Why do we put up with politicians?

Why do we put up with politicians?

It's an infuriating question and one that has never seemed more relevant.

I say it's an infuriating question because there are usually infuriating answers. For the past few years here in Ireland, we have been complaining consistently about our elected representatives. They earn too much, they don't do what they said they would, they're liars, they'r corrupt etc. etc. And yes, that stands true for many politicians not just in Ireland, but around the world.

But when you ask people "Why do you putup with it? Why don't you go and do something about it?", their answer is often, "well, what could I do about it?" and " Why? Whoever we elect will be just as bad or worse".

That's not the answer we need. People need to believe that whomever gets elected will do the best for the citizens that they are supposed to represent. But people alone cannot change things. The system and the political mindset must change if we are to progress.

Especially in Ireland, politics is seen as a last resort for people who can't get a real job. It is seen not as a privilege, but as a right because their father or mother or uncle held the position. They instantly assume that the seat will one day be theirs. Indeed, some TD's seats are even referred to as the 'family seat'.

Democracy and politics must be restored to it's original purpose. Itmust be seen as nothing more a public service, nothing more, nothing less. It was the Ancient Greeks who came up with the first democratic method, choosing 300 citizens to make laws throughout the year. Afterwards, they would go back to their farms, having done their service. The same was through of Rome, at least at first. When their was a crisis, one man was appointed to lead the empire. It wasn't seen as an honour, or a chance to impose their will. It was seen as doing their duty for their empire.

If we had that mentality here in Ireland, perhaps we would not be in this crisis. And even if we were, then we would be better-suited to come out of it in good shape. But politics has become nothing more than a job to people, a way to squeeze the people for everything they can.