Today I realised I hardly participate in politics. How come? As a child I was told I was blessed living in a democratic country. Moreover, I should be grateful for the fact I’m allowed to vote. Voting rights for females in the Netherlands are, as in many other countries, relative new. My grandma, mom, aunts, mothers-in-law and friends always urged me never to waive my rights to vote. But here I am, showing no real interest in:
- our government activities;
- our government budget;
- its different parties;
- any form of elections (country, province and city);
- local politics
Current politics is about power and separation
In my opinion politics today, no matter where you live, is all about retaining power. Its focus is on differences instead of similarities. Political ideology also largely assumes that the people must be led. While I know that people are basically good and act ‘right’ from their moral compass. Some would argue: the moral compass of some is poorly developed and thus not much of a beacon. I don’t agree. If you look at Earth from the sky, there are no borders, no nationalities. There is only this amazing ‘floating’ globe and its inhabitants.
Everyone is family
Yesterday I remembered something from my childhood that made me want to write this post. I am partly of Indo descent (mom’s side). When I used to stay with my grandparents there was always family hanging around. Ranging from grandpas, grandmas, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. In-laws are family; no distinction made. Later on I came to realise that even (lifelong) friends where seen and treated as family.