Democracy Again

Years ago when politics began to change ,I remember looking up democracy with that great thing called a search engine.

There was change afoot and I felt the very basis of democracy was being challenged .At that stage I was not too concerned but concerned enough to refresh my thinking .Refresh my thoughts on my job as an elected representative.

Yes I did believe in democracy .It's the best option we have even with its flaws and distortions with the introduction of MMP.

I remember talking to a colleague about the situation and he agreed that democracy as we knew it , was indeed being challenged.

I think my observations at that time were  accurate .

The last twenty years has seen a gradual erosion in democratic principles and a replacement with a dictatorial bureaucracy. I say this with Local Government.in mind.

There has been a massive shift in power from elected members to unelected , unseen, invisible, university indoctrinated elite.

There used to be a healthy balance where elected members could challenge and change unwanted rules and regulations promulgated by impractical servants.

Now we have wishy washy elected members with a permanent tick in their hands .Many with no practical knowledge of life or challenging experiences to call on and a personal agenda in their back pocket.

I was shocked and elated to hear these words spoken in Europe in the weekend.

Quote "To believe in democracy is to understand that each of our citizens has wisdom and has a voice"

and " dismissing people , dismissing their concerns ,shifting people out of the political process -this protects nothing, it's a sure way to destroy democracy."

These words from JD Vance on a world stage .

This is what has been happening even in our own little backwater .Our small community here in Hawkes Bay.

I mention these quotes as they explain something that has become even more apparent since Gabrielle. Maybe it was like a catalyst that exposed what really has happened to our institutions  .

It was confirmed to me after a wonderful get together on Friday to meet up with fellow flood dwellers who had major problems dealing with various bodies since the cyclone.

Their experiences since the flood told the story.

I will expand in the next post.   

  

   

 Two Years

Here we are .Two years down the track. 

Hard to believe two years have passed since that day that changed our lives.

The day that set new challenges and stretched our emotions to the limit .The day that thrust us in to a new world. The day that tore so many lives part and caused anguish and pain.

Last year I didn't want to have a meeting to reflect on the year but this year it fits better.

The weather is fine, calm, an absolute cracker of a day. This is like the February of old. Long days  of hot sun,  hard work and BBQ's, beers and wine.

Who can reconcile such contrasting years. It doesn't make sense.

Today I think of all those who had to deal with the disruption, the turmoil, the utter destruction and the aftermath of natures fury.

We have all come a long way.

I am always thinking of the outstanding crew who appeared out of nowhere and cleaned up my nightmare. My mess. My share of the silt that invaded every nook and cranny and is still reappearing when no one is looking.

 My very special friend appeared today and gave me an immediate lift in spirits. Someone with a special place in my heart.

So many people to thank and they left me with a change in attitude to this day. 

How can I ever thank you.

I also reflect on all the donations that came in from people I didn't know, friends and old friends, organisations and again churches. I reflect on the immediate help from family after the evacuation and in the following days. I reflect on my special friends who offered their less flooded house for me to live in for many months . 

I would never have made it without the combined effort and help of so many. You gave me the strength to carry on.

Thank you , thank you ,thank you., 

My brain is full of moments and people. Moments all contributing to the effort toward a life again.

Everyone who contributed to my resurrection from a type of hell, has a special place in my flood bubble.

Love to you all.

 

   

 Money

When you lose everything you enter a phase where nothing matters.

Well of course your health matters, friends family and community matters. 

But you enter a reality where the things that matter most are things you cannot replace. You soon realise the photographs you have accumulated over the years and  heirlooms and special items in the cupboard or private drawer , paintings or other art pieces and silly little bits and pieces you have added to amongst the clutter are all gone.

It is hard to look at photos that are stuck together , books that are smudged and crinkled and dirty never to be read again . 

It's just hard to look at those things .

You have to rely on memories that reside in your mind alone as you cope with these rare losses.

Initially you don't care about money. It doesn't matter anymore. It's prominence fades fast.

As time passes money creeps back in to the daily life of fun , fixing up, food  and financial hardship.

When you have never asked for anything in your life and have the ability to use resources to solve problems and overcome challenges ,it is so hard to accept gifts and minor financial help to tide you through.

You have to do it .After a disaster the climb back to normal is too hard and a major obstacle.

My give a little page was a help but their is a long way to go. Somehow I will find a way to survive and return to some sort of reality.