Categories: uncategorized
Date: 22 April 2005 13:48:41
Fascinating debate on Radio 4's ‘Today' programme the other day. One of the guys interviewed was Theo Zelden, Professor of Great Cleverness (or whatever) of Philosophy at Oxford. He was saying that politics is drab because it's no longer economic issues that we care about - we care about relationships and happiness. This is a Good Thing in general he says, but it makes politics drearily dull.
The Greasy Pole salutes Professor Zelden's ideas of politics making people happier and suggests the following ideas to policymakers from the different parties. I know the manifestos are published now, but you could squeak one or two of the following in to your campaign if you try. Especially if you're struggling to get your core vote to turn out (Tony).
1. Compulsory readings of The Pig of Happiness
Let's start with the classic text on the subject. No excuses, it costs £4.99, you read it in 5 minutes and it's available from any bookshop. Written by Edward Monkton, ‘Poet, Philosopher, Storyteller, Interesting Fellow' as his write-up on the flap of the book says. It can be part of the National Curriculum.
2. ‘Don't worry, be happy' to be sung at the start of every Cabinet meeting.
3. A chilled-out day for everyone. Yes, alert Christians among you will notice that God had this idea first. But the Sabbath needs re-branding for a modern age, so let's call it a Chilled Out Day.
4. Instead of making links with economic trading partners, make links with Happier Countries. This may require us to do some initial research as to which countries are the happiest. Then set up some exchange programmes, town twinning and so on.
5. I gather that the Natural Law Party are no longer standing, so Yogic Flying needs some political representation. Unsure about its spiritual benefits, but leaping cross-legged across a padded room whilst wearing your PJs sounds good to me.
Where do I end? So many possibilities. Please leave any ideas you have in the comments section.