The ANZACs, Churchill and a Lesson for our Politicians

Seen in this light, personal accountability is liberating. We should insist on accountability in our political and business leaders, and we should demonstrate it closer to home.

Changing our culture of irresponsibility may not be something we’ll see trickling down from the top of the social tree. It may first require the development of critical mass at grass roots level. Once that mass is achieved, social movements are often born and it is these that bring fundamental change to a society – from the ground up.

If enough of us form the habit of taking reasonable responsibility - and downright insisting that politicos do the same - who knows, we may actually begin to turn from a culture of evasion and mistrust into one of constructive engagement and confidence.

In so doing, we may also indirectly honour those who, like the ANZACs, took responsibility on our behalf.