Carl von Clausewitz wrote: “War is the continuation of politics, by other means.” These days the reverse seems more the case, in that politics is the continuation of war, by every means at a politician’s disposal.
Were von Clausewitz alive today, I’m sure that he would add the following qualities, all of which are marks of well-trained soldiers: “He or she is professional; maintains established codes of conduct; accepts responsibility and accountability; always bears in mind the welfare of lower ranks; accepts that repeated exercises precede all operations; obeys orders from higher ranks in the chain of military command; and honours courage, especially at the cost of personal sacrifice.”
If we could number more former soldiers among our political leaders and fewer union officials, it would help lift the esteem of voters for those representing them in Federal and State parliaments. Please note these points, and when elections come around, vote accordingly.
Lastly, do not vote for minority groups with extremist views that undermine or trash the values of our social, political, and religious systems — all gained through lifetimes of hard work and personal sacrifice.