Global capitalism in turmoil

We lost our vision for Australia and forgot our history – or were never taught it. We no longer fight for the underdog. We're too busy fighting among ourselves.

As Leonard Cohen sang in 'Democracy':

From the homicidal bitchin

that goes down in every kitchen

to determine who will serve and who will eat…

Economic change also creates organisational change. KPIs have replaced collegiality. Bullying is rife. There's a raft of middle managers who make Richard III look like Kimba the White Lion, as workers toil in institutional psychic prisons.

Neoliberalism can't take all the blame. The funeral pyre of the liberal democratic tradition has taken on a life of its own.

We rage against our politicians and their Punch and Judy antics but they are glove puppets. We can see the dismal future of democracy. Elections are held, governments are formed but the system fails to deliver. Democracy has become impotent and decrepit.

What will replace it? I have no idea. I suggest it may mutate with a stronger focus on grass roots issues. But having seen how local councils work, I'm not embracing that idea with gusto.

In the meantime, I have dug out my Mum's copy of the Green and Gold CWA cookbook, on making cheap meals. The belt-tightening may take some time.