A Government for the Common Good. Is it possible?

Thoughts of consequence swirl around me like autumn leaves caught in a gust of wind, compelling me to invite the reader to linger a little longer in this contemplative space.

I believe that at the very core of any political philosophy should lie a profound commitment to the common good. This notion beckons me toward the concept of “commongoodism”, a term that has taken root in the fertile soil of my internal debate. While it may seem idealistic, this vision of the common good certainly warrants a deeper exploration.

Conservatives, for instance, may find it challenging to reconcile their inherent scepticism towards equality with the ideals of a common good. It feels more aligned with the sensibilities of the left, yet politics is a landscape rich with ideas and negotiations.

One of the most striking contradictions within our voting system is that individuals frequently cast their ballots for parties that are the least likely to champion their rights or deliver any semblance of equality. It’s as if voters, despite their yearning for fairness, are drawn to options that ultimately perpetuate the very disparities they wish to overcome.

The traditional ideological divides of left and right may be losing their relevance in contemporary political discourse. Over time, these divisions can become exhausted and less impactful due to ongoing debates and voter fatigue. There is potential for a new political ideology to emerge from the current political climate, particularly in the wake of recent elections worldwide. Moreover, a society grappling with political negativity and widespread disillusionment has the opportunity to establish a commitment to the common good and foster renewed enthusiasm for collective engagement in civic matters.

Might it still embrace the fundamental elements of a robust democracy, capable of applying a thoughtful standard good test to all policies, perhaps even with certain guardrails in place?

Have the ideologies of the left and right intertwined so seamlessly that they no longer provide clear distinctions? Could the principles from both camps converge to breathe life into “commongoodism”? Who would hold power and authority within a common good society? It would not be capitalism. We will probably not see a Coalition Government for another 5 years. If at all.

By what measure would a common good be articulated? To what extent would a Labor government be prepared to go, given its present status? What existing political philosophy is better suited to incorporate a common good philosophy? Unless a new party were to enter our politics, there is only Labor to introduce the ideal of a common good.

Does it require a significant overhaul? Or even a new party. Could conservatism, which emphasises individual responsibility and opportunity, be reconciled with this vision? What values underpin this elusive concept of the common good? Some might argue that such a thing does not exist at all.
A society that prioritises the common good is built on the foundational principles of equality in education, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to quality learning opportunities from an early age. This commitment to educational equity involves providing resources, support, and programs that cater to diverse learning needs, thereby fostering an environment where all students can thrive and succeed. It is the education from which all things start.

Additionally, such a society emphasises equal opportunities in various aspects of life, including employment and social services. This means creating fair practices and promoting initiatives that help marginalised groups overcome barriers to success, thus enabling everyone to pursue their ambitions without discrimination.

Fairness in taxation is another critical element of a common good society. This entails creating a tax system that distributes the financial burden equitably, ensuring that those who can afford to contribute more do so, while also providing relief for lower-income individuals and families. Such progressive taxation helps fund essential public services and infrastructure that benefit all citizens.

Lastly, a truly equitable society strives for a fair distribution of the nation’s wealth and resources. This involves policies designed to reduce economic disparities, ensuring that all members of society, from the most affluent to those struggling to make ends meet, have a stake in the nation’s prosperity. By actively working towards these ideals, a common good society can cultivate a sense of community and shared responsibility among its citizens.

As I stroll through the vibrant landscape of my neighbourhood with my spirited dog Bubbles, my mind dances amid a whirlwind of philosophical reflections – akin to a tumultuous plate of political scrambled eggs. Each step pulls me deeper into the conviction that our contemporary political discourse must rise above the murky waters of self-interest and the relentless pursuit of power.

This significant transformation is not only crucial for our nation, but it also has urgent implications globally. In Australia, there is a growing sentiment that the political landscape is diverging from the genuine aspirations and expectations of its citizens. This situation presents a valuable opportunity to cultivate meaningful dialogue and establish authentic connections.

By amplifying the voices of ordinary Australians, we can bridge the existing divide and work collaboratively towards a more promising future. Let us seize this opportunity for positive change and cooperative engagement.

I have long harboured the belief that the political establishment has encased itself within a system that ought to serve the populace but instead prioritises its own interests. This self-indulgence reflects a blatant disregard for the very people it claims to serve, revealing a profound lack of transparency. These sentiments may challenge conventional political paradigms and could be deemed controversial, but as I see it, the form of politics we currently practice appears to have no viable future.

On one hand, Albanese seems content to only fulfil his promises from the last election. He doesn’t have any plans for significant new policies unless he intends to announce them before the next election. On the other hand, the two conservative parties are to busy trying to save themselves, let alone thinking about a common good society. Anyway, the common good isn’t up their alley.

I repeat. At the centre of any political philosophy is the common good. In saying this, my thoughts often drift toward a better way of doing politics, and the term commongoodism is central to my internal musings. It sounds idealistic, this common good, and it may not in itself be suited to all political persuasions, but it is worthy of examination. Conservatives, for example, may never be able to overcome their dislike of equality. It is probably more acceptable to the left than the right. But politics, after all, is about ideas and compromise.

Have the isms of left and right gone past their used-by dates? Many questions arise. Do they suffer from the tiredness of longevity? Could a new politics emerge from the ashes of the last election? Can a society deeply entrenched in political negativity and malaise rise with a renewed interest in the common good and still retain the essential ingredients of a vigorous, but fair democracy where a wide-ranging standard good test could be applied to all policy? Even have a caveat placed on it.

Have left and right so fused into each other that they no longer form a demarcation of left and right ideas? Could the ideologies of the two somehow come together to create this commongoodism? Who would decide the common good? How could one define it? Could capitalism embrace the common good, or would it need a workover? Could conservatism, which empathises individual responsibility and opportunity, embrace it? What would common good values be? Some might even say there is no such thing.

That’s all a bit like political scrambled eggs, I know, but they are the sort of philosophical questions I ask myself on my daily walks. You see that, although I still value my left-leaning views, I genuinely believe that modern political thought and practice need to move beyond self-interest and the pursuit of power for its own sake. And not just nationally but internationally. But particularly in Australia, where politics no longer meets the needs or aspirations of the people and is held in such low esteem that politicians are barely relevant.

I have long felt that the political establishment has taken ownership of a system that should serve the people, but instead serves its own interests. It is self-indulgent, shows no respect for the people it serves and lacks transparency. These thoughts I know challenge established political norms. They may even be controversial, but politics, as we currently practice it, has no future as I see it.

I ask myself if my suggestion for a politics of the common good is outdated, and if so, do we need something better? Conceivably, you could help me.

There, I have finished my dummy spit, my dose of idealistic medicine.

My thought for the Day

A commitment to social justice demands the transformation of social structures as well as our hearts and minds.

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