I listened to Tony Blair on "Today"this morning being questioned by John Humphrys on the Chilcot Report published yesterday. I'm not an apologist for any politician, but I do think that we need to have an understanding of how difficult a job running a country must be.
Don't we have to accept that our leaders are simply human beings, with human faults & limitations? Do we really believe that our leaders in the UK commit their country to war deliberately & irresponsibly? Isn't it more likely that they respond to the circumstances at the time & the information & advice they are given? That is why they have military advisors, MI5 & MI6, the Civil Service & special advisors. Then we have collective government with a cabinet & 2 houses of Parliament to ensure that there is a fully debated consensus decision.
It's so easy to blame & scapegoat with the benefit of hindsight. But does it serve any useful purpose?
Tony Blair is a consumate politician who has done very nicely thank you out of being PM. He is Marmite, like Mrs Thatcher. You love him or hate him. But is it fair to put the whole of the blame on his shoulders. Well, yes, you might say. It was his ultimate responsibility. We Brits do like people to "fall on their swords".
The danger is that we make Politics such a poisoned chalice that no one but extremely ambitious power junkies want the job or can do it. What we really need is much more representative government. Intelligent & committed people from all walks of life, both sexes, different cultures, with real experience of real life. People like Jo Cox & Caroline Lucas. People who "speak truth to power".
We really do need change in the whole of our political system. It isn't fit for purpose any more. It doesn't have credibility. Just look at the mess we are in on all fronts today. A mess largely created by (male) politicians.
Anyone who stands up & really tackles the British political system gets my vote.
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