There has been some controversy in Australia recently over laws on controlling climate change. The leader of the opposition party was ousted because of his staunch stand on an emissions trading scheme. The flip side could potentially hurt the Australian economy, but they would be leading the world in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. On paper, this would seem like an obvious choice. An idealist would prefer to save the planet and improve living conditions. A capitalist would argue that a stronger economy would have more resources to address climate change in ways that don't involve cutting profits.
The events of the past few weeks reminds me of the story of Tiberius Gracchus. A 2nd Century BC Roman politician who caused turmoil in the senate with his idealistic legislation. He challenged wealthy landowners who illegally gained possession of farms from citizens who couldn't fight back. His strong sense of what is right and wrong eventually landed him in trouble with the corrupt elite and he was murdered, along with many of his supporters.
A number of Indian politicians - idealists, were murdered. Good people killed prematurely. Martin Luther King Jr. challenged white supremacy, Jesus Christ challenged religious hypocrisy. It takes courage to stand for what you believe and stand firm in the face of opposition. These are extreme examples, but I truly admire a person who despises to settle for the way things are, if something could be done to make life better.
I wonder sometimes - would I prefer to be a soldier fighting wars or a senator who calls the shots. My preference is the disposition of a courageous warrior and a headstrong senator. A combination of a fighter and a sensible policy maker. They both bear responsibility and require immense courage. It's easier to fight wars in your youth and pass laws in old age. Maybe that's why politicians are usually older. The wisdom of age has its advantages. Otherwise, we just learn through mistakes. Still, I say take a side and stand for it.
My motto for this past month has been - "Decide and do."
As part of 'decide and do,' I'm taking up an acting workshop this Saturday. I am strangely freaking out. The last time I was in a play, I forgot my lines on stage and made something up on the spot. I'm just going to pretend I'm a warrior-senator who wants to make my country a lot of money, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There, that should get me all fired up. And a block of dark chocolate to calm my nerves.
