Ivory tower leaders don't understand us
Mark Pavilons

"What has destroyed every previous civilization has been the tendency to the unequal distribution of wealth and power."

Henry George

All major economic indicators and studies are showing a widening gap between the haves and have-nots in this great land of ours.

If we take George's comment to heart, we're all doomed!

And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I've often thought about the positive side of starting from scratch on a national, or even global scale. There are many science fiction novels and movies that depict a desolate planet with remaining humans starting over. Other than the radiation and lack of vacation resorts, such a scenario would provide a very interesting next level for our species. Of course, there's always the Second Coming and subsequent decimation to look forward to.

If that's somewhat delayed, there is always natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and stray comets.

You'd think, given the tremendous amount of wealth on this planet, our smartest and brightest would be finding ways to cheat death, delay the inevitable and hoard even more millions. Maybe that will be the topic of the next best-seller.

Last week's provincial election really stressed the point for me (not the end of the world, but about wealth).

We are governed by the elite; the privileged; the wealthy. Most party leaders and MPPs (and MPs) are from the upper crust. Many are lawyers, high-profile business types or self-made millionaires. They hold their pinkies out when sipping tea and wear shoes that cost more than my first car. I don't know of many rags-to-riches political sagas.

So, let's agree that we're all governed by the rich. How does that help the average taxpayer? Would such ivory-tower dwellers ever be able to sympathize or empathize with the plight of the poor, or middle class?

"The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all."

G. K. Chesterton And there's the rub.

During election night, typical voters gathered to complain about this party's policies or that party's mistakes. As supporters, we'd like to think we're part of the solution - that our opinions do matter in the big picture.

But, alas, that just ain't so.

Political leaders surround themselves with intelligent, successful advisors who can offer wisdom in economics, social issues and appeasing the masses with charisma.

These advisors utilize their innate talents, likely honed at some ivy league school. They call upon their consultant colleagues, inlaws' financial firm or friend-of-a-friend's contractor to achieve expected results. Favors are extended and cashed in, literally. The circle of influence is small but mighty and those involved are likely already members of the wealthy elite. There are more overpaid retired civil servantsturned consultants than you could possibly imagine.

I haven't heard of any speakeasies at local pubs, or seen political power brokers standing on street corners, soliciting advice from the common man or woman.

Those outside of politics - the movers and shakers of industry and commerce - are very powerful in their own right. When the occasion calls for it, they get involved in political action, and often get what they want.

But if their actions are motivated by obtaining and increasing their own wealth, and they persuade government to follow suit, what type of governance does that leave us with? Is that democracy?

"In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of."

Confucius

I've heard the expression "the blind leading the blind," but what about a new one? How about, "the rich helping the rich to lead the poor?" I know, too wordy for a bumper sticker.

Talking about leadership, the Dalai Lama of Tibet is speaking at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on "the art of happiness" Oct. 31. I have found his writings to be the most interesting, insightful and inspirational of any I've read in recent years. The best seats in the house for his talk are $50! Compare that to a couple of hundred bucks for tickets to rock concerts and sporting events, or $1,000-a-plate black tie political fund-raisers. Anthony Robbins can lead to you to riches for one large, and the Dalai Lama can cleanse your soul for the cost of a dinner for two.

Convince me we don't have our priorities mixed up in a big way!

"In some countries too much attention is paid to external things and very little importance is given to inner development. I believe both are important and must be developed side by side so as to achieve a good balance between them."

The Dalai Lama

There's a guy who really gets it, in a big way. And he's more than willing to share his "secrets."

Personally, I wouldn't pay $50 to get the meaningof life-speech from any politician, spoon-fed bureaucrat or industry leader that reeks of old family money.

Lower voter turnout (50%) reveals a great deal. It means half of the eligible voters in our midst - our friends, neighbors, colleagues, barbers, mechanics, doctors and priests - simply don't care enough about the process to exercise their democratic privilege.

Perhaps that should be among the priorities of every politician - to eliminate apathy by instilling faith in the system and the impeccable character of political leaders!

Am I asking too much?

Maybe one of McGuinty's first orders of business should be to buy tickets for his entire gaggle of MPPs and send them to hear the Dalai Lama Oct. 31. Take the money out of my health tax!