THE AGE OF DIS-ENCHANTEMENT

In the 17th and 18th Centuries was the Enlightenment, then in the 19th John Stuart Mills wrote on Liberty. Society changed for the better. Overall it became the Age of Reason. Belief was superseded by science, fact and empiricism.

Then in the 20th Century much of Europe and the Pacific was almost destroyed by the rise of Tyranny under Hitler's Fascist Nazism,  Stalin's Communism and Japan's blind devotion to Bushido. Millions were slaughtered by these States. In Soviet Russia almost 30 million died by 1938 alone under Stalin's dictatorship. (Unbelievably, this included hundreds of the Army top General Staff, because of Stalin's paranoia). In the 1950's McCarthyism rained supreme over reason in the USA and many were jailed or ruined by his paranoia over alleged Communist activities by American citizens.

Now in the 21st Century, coddled societies and voters have drifted into an Age of Disenchantment. Democracy is being challenged by both major and minor parties in Britain, Australia and Europe. In Australia, both the cross bench and the major parties have more concern about self interest than the National interest. Have we descended into the mire of an Age of Selfishness? With the aid of so called Social Media and the Me, Me, Me society. Would it be better named - Anti-Social Media? Despite electronic globalisation, many societies are turning inwards. If you stick your head in the sand, you will get your rump kicked!

In the USA, Trump's Tweeting Tantrums appear to have overtaken the rule of law and common sense. We ordinary citizens have lost count of high officials who have been sacked for doing what appeared to be their rightful duties, many have left their official office because of a clash between perceived right and wrong. Some, who were offered positions in the Administration, have said "no thanks"!

Newsreaders in the TV Media these days, appear to be voicing their own opinions versus reporting facts. None of whom are accountable for their views.

Mills would be shocked by the growth of the blind excuses of Racism, of mindless Political Correctness and the sad death of common sense. Citizens are sent to the PC sin bin for expounding their own opinions in a democracy which once believed in Freedom of Speech.

Sir Winston Churchill once said: "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others!".

What is the solution to allow society to be adequately governed ? For our Nation to develop and prosper in a Society that cares more for the disadvantaged rather than for the cult of apparent self advantage. 

It's time for both the elected politicians and the electorate to intellectually and ethically grow up! There is a world out there beyond your mobile 'phone screen!

Wherefore art thou Democracy?