Politics – Military or Musical?

We woke up this morning to the news that Labour have won the general election with a huge majority. The Liberal Democrats are delighted with their results. I just watched a TV analysis; they’re saying that it’s not that Labour have won, more that Conservatives have lost, and their votes have been distributed around other parties.

There’s been much adversarial and confrontational military imagery with victories and losses, allies and enemies, aggressive attacks and solid defence. No doubt today we shall hear of politicians who have fought well, those who are pleased to stand back from the firing line, the Conservative Party regrouping for future battles…

But for many nothing has changed. My friend in hospital is still sick, with uncertainty regarding his future health and care; the friend who’s got herself into a financial pickle is no closer to resolving her problems; children going to school this morning have the same anxieties, attitudes and opportunities. Many have neither the appetite or energy for political conflict.

But what if we replaced the military with musical imagery?

Melody… Life’s melody is sometimes happy, in a major key; sometimes it’s sad – in a minor key; politics needs to be sensitive to both – producing a clear melody.

Harmony… Harmony brings together different instruments and voices, bringing unity in diversity. Different political sounds are important and should be encouraged, coming together not in discord but harmony.

Togetherness… Musicians come together to play together. Each knows when to play loudly, when to play quietly, and when not at all. Political success depends on sensitivity and the ability to listen to each other.

Practice… Good political music doesn’t come easily. Imperfection leads to perfection. Hard work individually and together is necessary for good performance.

Leadership… The musical leader knows the strengths and weaknesses of their musicians. Good political leadership necessarily includes all and get the best out them.

Enjoyment… Music brings pleasure both to performing musicians and their audience. The political musician aims at whole audience pleasure, enjoyment and benefit.