Friday, 15 May 2015

The country in which I want to live

Leading up to and in the aftermath of the general election, a number of my leftist friends stated their views about the sort of country they want to live in, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to express my own values.

Primarily, I want to live in a country in which people treat their fellow citizens with toleration, decency and respect; in which there is no place for self-righteousness, sneering condescension and approved hatreds; most of all, one in which no-one tries to impose their values on others.

I want to live in a country in which outcomes are more important than intentions.

I want to live in a country in which citizens feel engaged in the political process, and in which they feel they have control over their own lives.

I want to live in a country in which people take responsibility for themselves as much as they can, but also actively assist those less fortunate than themselves.

I want to live in a country which deals with its problems instead of kicking the can down the road for the next generation to deal with.

Fundamentally I want to live in a country which builds prosperity for the long term, but shares the proceeds of prosperity as widely as possible.

As one of my friends put it:

I want to live in a country where people with ambition, drive and talent can do well, and climb to the top. But I think it's right that once they're there those people - and the businesses they run - reach down and help to pull up those who are struggling.

The irony seems to be lost on her, but is there a better definition of One Nation Conservatism?