How to build the societal resilience that matters

Even when democracy works poorly, we still regard it as being holy. It would be better to regard the truth as being holy. If we did, our democracy will work more effectively and be more secure. When media barons can decide what political party will form government, then democracy becomes a delusion.

Evidence seems to have no value when our politicians speak into a microphone

Leading up to the last federal election, it was through the ABC that Julia Gillard informed me that: "If Tony Abbot is prime minister by Sunday - we will have work choices by Monday." Why did the prime minister make such a silly statement? It was because she believed that our culture had reached the level that it is preferable that rubbish comes out of a politician's mouth than nothing at all.

Why won't the ABC take a stand against political spin and refuse to interview all politicians? Why does the ABC bring the likes of the raving Christopher Pyne and chronically hyperventilating Barnaby Joyce into our living rooms? As Edward de Bono defines "rhetoric" as culturally acceptable lying, then the ABC probably fears to step outside the culture.

Rhetoric is only harmless when it is an intelligent person who is listening to it. But when it is continuously washing over the masses, it must be nibbling away at our society's resistance to moral decay.

Conclusion

Almost every person is resilient when one's back is to the wall. But, we are not resilient to delusion - and this weakness threatens our way of life. Our children must be made aware that it is human nature to ignore evidence contrary to an established belief. Our children must be made aware that a structure based on a foundation of lies will inevitably collapse.