For a long time I could be nothing but negative about the English system: about the government and MPs who don’t care, and let the once-great country deteriorate: from education to health, from crime to transportation. But most of all I was negative about the English public that remains silent and uninvolved despite being treated so badly. Public who use the right to remain silence, rather than exercise their democratic rights and obligation and express their views and dissatisfaction.
But all this has now changed.
Now we know that the entire political system is corrupt. Now we know that most politicians care about themselves, and use us, the people, to take care of their own pockets. But this was no surprise. We have known it all along. Only now we have a proof.
But now, unlike most other times, the free media is fulfilling its role as the guardian of democracy. Now the public is waking up, and politicians have nowhere to hide.
Unlike most other times, this time we didn’t buy into their excuses, fake regrets, or meaningless apologetic gestures. This time the media and the public demand justice. And the way that thing progress, there will be justice.
Democracy is not about getting things right; it’s about changing them when they go wrong.
So whatever happens next, we must make sure that transparency, accountability, and most of all free speech and media remain part of the English culture. This is the only safeguard we have, and neither anti-terrorist laws, nor any other ill conceived policies should limit this right. This is something we must always fight for.
This is a great moment in English democracy. Let’s make sure that neither the public nor the media give up. Things can be much better – but only if we cared.