From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli

Unequivocally, there is no place in our society for political violence; however, we would do well to remember: to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Former President Trump’s divisive politics notwithstanding, his attempted assassination is to be denounced. Conversely, what drives a 20-year old, with his life stretching before him, to resort to such extreme violence. Tragically, he is dead. His psychological post-mortem examination should not be prurient, but a measured, forensic, study of his mental disorder. The vox populi appraisal of the deceased by former colleagues and school friends is odious and should be rejected, summarily. There are sinister, darker issues at play. They must be handled with accurate, meaningful procedure.

President Biden has called for a lowering of the political temperature. It is advice politicians, universally, should heed and work assiduously to implement.

‘What interests people is not always good for them. What is good for people does not always interest them.’ As the world faces unprecedented problems, bilateral leadership is needed. People are discombobulated. It could be argued, voters’ overwhelming sense of powerlessness is leading to acts of public disobedience. Public political awareness is imperative. Disregarding constituents’ disengagement — be it by choose, or not – is problematic. Any democracy without politically informed citizens is precarious. Statistics suggest up to a mere 10-percent of voters are deeply interested; while, hypothetically, up to 17-percent might not vote were it not compulsory. The remainder constitute the indifferent majority.

Australian politicians of all persuasions have reason, regardless, to pause, and to ponder. The aberrant behaviour in our state and federal parliaments is, by any measured standard of scrutiny, inexcusable. Too often the language is barbative. The invective which passes for debate is disgraceful. Publicity seeking antics are inappropriate, even offensive. The lack of civility is concerning. The befooling across the despatch boxes encourages public contempt, and weakens enlightened political discourse. Personal, political point-scoring insults the office. Politicians’ persistent obfuscating, and implacable chanting of party mantras, is galling.

Distressingly, a Guardian Essential Poll suggests less than 40-percent of Australians are satisfied with our working democracy. Unsurprisingly, only 4-percent of Australians are members of a political party. Spuriously, there is a perception politicians are serving their own interests. The Nation would be better served if politicians concentrated more on behavioural standards and less on potential photo opportunities.

Technology has transformed the public landscape, immeasurably. While it is easier to connect and access information, the unrelenting 24/7 cycle regulates our lives; it has weakened the fabric of society and created a slew of emotional and financial complications. It has led to job losses, cyberbullying, and a growing sense of marginalisation. Success is measured by an accumulation of wealth. Obscene profits are being garnered at the expense of community health and workforce emotional well-being. The required healthy balance between work and play is dangerously skewed.

Corporate employer/employee interactions have never been more taut. However deleterious, there is no possibility of reversing workplace changes. It is imperative governments and community find a methodology to revise the deadly system; to redress the imbalances which are causing such chaos in our lives; and to imbue a sense of community and belonging.

Yearning for the days of yore is futile, but perhaps we should look to the past in our quest to restore the crucial balance in our lives.

Roland joins Brett Macdonald radio 3BA 10.45 Monday morning. Contact [email protected]