TO ALL YOU WHO COMPLAIN OR NAME CALL, YOU ALONE ARE RESPOSIBLE FOR BAD GOVERNMENT!

IF YOU WANT TO RAISE THE BAR IN POLITICS, THEN LOOK AT YOURSELF...YOU'RE THE ONE TO BLAME, NOT PP OR JT.

WE OWE OUR MOTHERS AN APOLOGY FOR LETTING THEM DOWN

DON'T READ THIS IF YOU PREFER BAD GOVERNMENT

MORE WOMEN IN POLITICS COULD BE AN IMPROVEMENT

Amid global turmoil encompassing wars, economic crises, pandemics, and the rise of artificial intelligence, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. Yet, amidst these challenges, one glaring issue exacerbates the situation further: the lack of constructive collaboration and unity in governance. Instead of rallying together, governments and political parties are often mired in a cycle of name-calling, criticism, and point-scoring, leaving little room for creative thinking or meaningful progress. The division caused by populism aggravates the situation.

History provides numerous examples of how cooperation and compromise during times of crisis have led to significant breakthroughs. For instance, the war cabinets formed during the Second World War, where political adversaries set aside their differences to work towards a common goal. Such instances highlight the power of unity in overcoming adversity.

However, in contemporary politics, this spirit of cooperation seems elusive. Rather than focusing on generating innovative solutions, politicians engage in a relentless game of one-upmanship, trading barbs and making empty promises without providing concrete implementation plans. This detrimental pattern stalls progress and undermines public trust in the political process. It's based on fear and discontent and attracts attention where cooperation achieves little brownie points for a particular party but serves the public well.? That is why minority governments usually achieve more social improvements than solid majority governments.? History speaks truth.

As citizens, we are responsible for holding our elected representatives accountable. Instead of passively accepting divisive rhetoric and partisan bickering, we must demand transparency, honesty, and tangible solutions from our leaders. As parents teach their children to play nice and resolve conflicts amicably, we should expect our politicians to engage in civil discourse and work towards common goals for the greater good.

Moreover, we must recognize our role as enablers of this dysfunctional behaviour. By rewarding sensationalism and negativity with our attention and votes, we perpetuate a cycle of toxicity within our political systems. It's time to break free from this cycle and prioritize substance over spectacle. Examine all the writing in this media.? How many words are directed toward useless complaining, and how many are directed toward creative planning and ideas? Most of you will read this essay as a critical comment rather than a drive for more creative thoughts.? Few will read it because it holds you and me accountable for our politics.? You would rather blame the leaders.

Furthermore, just as social media influencers and users can serve as role models for positive behaviour and interaction online, we, too, can set an example for our politicians and younger generations. We demonstrate the importance of respectful communication and cooperation by collectively advocating for civil discourse and holding politicians accountable, regardless of party affiliation. The divisive rhetoric akin to a Trump-like rock concert approach only serves to deepen the rifts within our society, fostering an "us versus them" mentality that erodes the very foundations of our democracy. We must take a hard look in the mirror and recognize that our online and offline actions contribute to the health or decline of our democratic institutions. It's time to acknowledge our responsibility in shaping the political landscape and commit to fostering a culture of unity, understanding, and constructive dialogue.

Diversity in representation can play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and empathy in politics. Women, in particular, often bring a different perspective to governance, emphasizing cooperation, consensus-building, and long-term thinking over short-term gains. By encouraging greater gender diversity in politics, we can inject fresh perspectives and approaches into decision-making processes.

I am reminded of the subtle and not-so-subtle power of women.? Our mothers had much influence on our lives. Unfortunately, some of us grew up, forgot their teachings, and became brats.? As mates, Trump’s wife had little impact on “Being Nice,” but the Greeks had an idea for misogynistic husbands. In ancient Greek mythology, one notable tale that illustrates the power dynamics involved in withholding sex to influence outcomes is the story of Lysistrata by Aristophanes. In this comedic play, the women of Athens, led by the titular character Lysistrata, decide to withhold sexual relations from their husbands as a means of ending the Peloponnesian War. By denying men access to their desires, the women effectively seize control over the situation and force the warring factions to negotiate for peace. Through their collective action, the women demonstrate the potential for nonviolent resistance and the ability to effect change by leveraging their agency and unity. This story serves as a timeless reminder of the strategic use of sexual agency to challenge existing power structures and achieve desired outcomes.

One natural solution is to encourage more women to enter the political venue. Sensibility would return.? As mothers, they would remind everyone to play nice, share and not name-calling.

Ultimately, the onus is on us, the voters, to demand better from our political leaders and ourselves. We must actively reject divisiveness and demand a politics characterized by respect, cooperation, and genuine problem-solving. By starting conversations, raising awareness, and holding our representatives accountable, we can work towards a more constructive and inclusive political landscape where creative thinking and unity prevail over petty squabbles and partisan gridlock.

We, as individuals, can set an example for our politicians and younger generations. We demonstrate the importance of respectful communication and cooperation by collectively advocating for civil discourse and holding politicians accountable, regardless of party affiliation. Starting a discussion by dumping on the other person instantly terminates any sharing of ideas. The divisive rhetoric akin to a Trump-like rock concert approach only serves to deepen the rifts within our society, fostering an "us versus them" mentality that erodes the very foundations of our democracy. We must take a hard look in the mirror and recognize that our online and offline actions contribute to the health or decline of our democratic institutions. It's time to acknowledge our responsibility in shaping the political landscape and commit to fostering a culture of unity, understanding, and constructive dialogue.

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Populism, emphasizing simplistic solutions and the exploitation of grievances, exacerbates politics' "us versus them" dynamic. By painting complex issues in black-and-white terms and scapegoating certain groups or individuals, populist leaders fuel division and hatred within society. This approach thrives on demeaning opponents, promoting conspiracy theories, and fostering an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility. Instead of engaging in reasoned debate and seeking common ground, populists resort to inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks, further deepening the rift between different population segments. By appealing to emotions rather than facts, populism undermines the very fabric of democracy, eroding the norms of civility and cooperation essential for effective governance. As such, combating the rise of populism requires a concerted effort to promote critical thinking, respect for diverse perspectives, and a commitment to democratic values.

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In this context, social media's role cannot be understated. While it has the potential to connect people and facilitate dialogue, it also serves as a breeding ground for abuse and division. Influencers and users alike are responsible for modelling respectful behaviour and promoting constructive engagement. By advocating for civil discourse and holding politicians accountable for their actions, we can counteract the corrosive effects of populism and polarization.

Furthermore, we must recognize our responsibility to shape the political landscape. Pointing fingers at politicians and leaders is easy, but actual change begins with introspection. We must acknowledge our role in perpetuating the "us versus them" narrative, whether through our online actions or interactions in the public sphere. By fostering empathy, understanding, and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives, we can begin to bridge the divides that threaten to tear us apart.

Ultimately, the path forward requires a collective effort to reaffirm the values of civil discourse and democratic governance. We must reject the politics of division and embrace a vision of a society built on mutual respect, cooperation, and inclusivity. Only then can we hope to navigate the challenges of the present and create a brighter future for generations to come?

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