The word “politics” is derived from the Greek word “politikos” which means the practice and theory of dealing with and influencing people. In most people’s minds, the word politics is connected only with governments and governing bureaucracies. Most people believe it is about manipulation, trickery and lying. Actually, personal politics is about how an individual communicates and connects emotionally and intellectually with another or others. A person’s honesty, mood, eloquence and deportment are all integral components of a successful life. These are usually developed by what the Greek philosopher, Plato, referred to as educating the complete, whole person, intellectually, morally, aesthetically and spiritually. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to be involved in a New Age holistic re-treat at Sirius, www.SiriusCommunity.org in Amherst, Massachusetts, called, “The Personal Side of the Political and the Political Side of the Personal”. Since then, I have evolved a seamless life-style in which there is no separation at any level between my personality and my politics.
The early Greeks, who invented democracy, maintained that true democracy is not possible without a high quality education system that nurtures and informs the whole person. In our modern day society, this includes a public broadcasting system, such as the CBC, the BBC and PBS. The very first thing that a tyrannical, oligarchical or monarchistic politician does when they get into office is attempt to marginalize or dismantle the education system and the public broadcasting system. Some examples are: Nazi Germany, the U.S. under the Bushes, and more recently Donald Trump. Such “leaders” use propaganda and highly manipulative advertising to “dumb down” members of the general public to the point where they either do not vote, or if they do vote, they do not have enough knowledge to make an informed decision. This is not government by, of, and for the people. It is mind-control by an elite. This is the opposite of a well educated population in a democratic country. If the founders of Greek democracy were here now they would be dis-heartened!
Richard M. Haney, M.Ed., Ph.D. (Counselling and Mediation) Richard has been practising Wholistic Counselling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy and Mediation for the past 25 years in Ottawa. To contact Richard please call (613) 234-5678 or send an e-mail to richard@ottawacounselling.com
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