Less is more
"A government that intrudes the least governs the best," a wise man has said. Apparently, the basic problem afflicting many countries may be described in one word: Government. The solution prescribed: Do without.
In this context, the statement by the honorable Minister for Information that his ministry might one day become obsolete comes like a fresh breeze. An administration which administers the least will be found to be more effective in the ultimate analysis.
A quote from Cullen Hightower is worthy of mention here: "Without a government, a nation would instantly collapse. With too much government, it takes considerably longer!" Obviously, as in all bottles, bottlenecks are always at the top.
Governing without government might be the answer. This means that the bureaucracy should only play a supportive role, imbued with a spirit of service. Excessive controls lead to what Indians used to call a "License Permit Quota" Raj. Government servants should not make barriers to activities, instead they should build bridges to people's aspirations and needs.
Most of us are aware of the famous statement of President Kennedy on the eve of his inauguration: don't think what the government can do for you, think what you can do for your country. What we all missed then was a cool rejoinder from a columnist, "Mr. President, we haven't elected you to tell us what we should do for the country. We are interested in knowing what you, as President, propose to do for our beloved country!"
Thomas Green, English political philosopher very nicely described democracy as "where everyone feels he is the author of the law he obeys".
As far as the media is concerned, self-regulation with a code of conduct and ethics would be beneficial to all concerned. The media, on its part, should act with a sense of responsibility, projecting a positive and constructive view. Negative news must not be blown out of proportion. "Good news is no news" should not become the motto of the media world.
By way of closing, "being informed" was a winning factor previously. These days, "being informed" is downright stressful. "Being fully informed" of the current events and news of the world is a sure ticket to becoming insane.
D. CHANDRAMOULI
Jakarta