Amid the current furore over the behaviour of political enforcers, otherwise known as party whips, I came across the quote ‘Whoever allows himself to be whipped deserves to be whipped.’ A sentiment I thoroughly endorse.
Despite being on the fringes of the political arena for almost 20 years, I have never allowed myself to be whipped, either physically or metaphorically. When I became political group leader for our district council some years ago, the first thing I did was to remove the whip. I strongly believe that if it is felt that a particular stance or course of action needs to be taken it is incumbent upon the leader to persuade, not force, their political bedfellows to go along with it. As a leader one should seek to achieve a level of respect, not grudging agreement.
Whilst it is necessary for our rulers to be able to ensure compliance amongst their political allies, particularly when wishing to push legislation through parliament, it is no mere coincidence that one definition of the term ‘whip’ refers to someone who imposes their will by violence and intimidation. When what amounts to bullying and coercive tactics are used, which in my experience happens at every level of government, we are no better than the leaders of other countries that we criticise; Russia and China spring readily to mind.
Certainly, I have seen instances of where those who do tow-the-line, regardless of their skills, knowledge and experience, tend to get offered the plum jobs.
Personally, I would rather retain a level of integrity.
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