If our default is to resent politicians, we’re doomed
More and more voters — and some journalists — approach politics like sport. Social media has made it worse. But viewing politicians with a blind hatred and distrust will eventually leave us all worse off, writes Annika Smethurst.
NSW
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For as long as I’ve had a space on this page I have longed to write a column in defence of politicians.
Not to cheer for their policies or politics, but for putting themselves out there to represent the rest of us who ridicule and resent them.
Each week that I’ve thought about making this argument, one of them has cocked-up so royally that it has been impossible to ignore.
But this week is my last week in this role and I thought I’d give it a crack.
I have been a press gallery reporter for almost a decade now and it’s given me a unique chance to see these strange beings up close.
And it’s left me wondering, why would anyone want to do it?
They are criticised, mocked and often face real threats requiring security protection.
Their private lives are exposed and they never see their families — although for some that’s a blessing.
Sure, the money and perks make it easier, but most of them could get a similarly-paid position without the hectic schedule and constant abuse.
I have found most politicians — not all — to be a mix of funny, vain, kind, eccentric and committed to representing the views of their constituents, whether you agree with them or not.
Yet, our default position is to resent them merely for agreeing to do the job.
Sometimes that’s justified. There are some doozies.
But approaching politicians with a blind hatred and distrust will turn good people away from these jobs when we need them the most. Politics has become increasingly personal.
More and more we are seeing voters — and some journalists — approach politics like sport. Social media has made it worse by ensuring we no longer connect with people who don’t share our views.
All of this is fuelling a greater distrust in politicians and driving us further apart.
It doesn’t mean we must always agree, but this blind hatred is dangerous and will discourage our best and brightest from putting themselves forward for office.
To get the most out of our Parliaments we need to fill them with good people.