MP's "Expenses"

In light of the recent revelations regarding U.K. MP's expenses and allowances, exposing the extent of corruption and greed within this so-called "Democracy" of our once great island nation, I have decided to transcribe 10 chapters from the Tao Te Ching to reveal how the ancient Tao Masters viewed the role of the ruling classes; describing best practice and ascribing the roles of benevolent guidance and selfless endeavours to leaders, when engaged in the governance of others.

Unfortunately, over the past 30 years, the ethos of materialism and personal gain has rippled through the entire nation in one guise or another and slowly but surely engaged itself in breaking down the social structures, altruistic consciousness and familial cohesion of the British Isles. The "I want it - I'm gonna take it," attitude of our present day "leaders" is simply a reflection, or product, of a global capitalist political agenda, which aims to put the interests of the wealthy, influential individual before that of the nation, and of society in general. The sick joke is that: the rest of society is also wrapped up in, and have bought into, this illusion as well.

It doesn't even make a difference if the governing political party is Labour or Conservative (even Liberal) because as we've seen in the newspapers and t.v. news, they're mostly all on the 'take' and are even trying to defend their amoral behaviour with insulting claims that "everything was within the rules," therefore it was all fair game and by the book. It doesn't make a difference to the politicians if the majority of people in this country have to struggle to keep afloat (and that's just with 1 house/abode) to furnish and keep up with the rent or mortgage on. Just so long as them and "their mates" are raking it in at the taxpayer's expense, that's all that seems to matter to these people..

These anti-heroes (anti-role models) will promise anything to get into power, and usually do through the use of semantic subversions and promises of more cash in the "individual's" pockets in the form of tax cuts. None of them are willing to admit they have acted immorally or in self-interest; none of them will ever admit they are WRONG. One day all this may be a distant uncomfortable fact of history, a noted mistake which helped to shape a truly democratic future, however, I sadly feel, due to human nature, that the situation will never change so long as kudos is measured in terms of wealth and fame over personal integrity and the common good.

17

When the Master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised.

If you don't trust the people,
you make them untrustworthy.

The Master doesn't talk, he acts.
When his work is done,
the people say, "Amazing:
we did it, all by ourselves!"


30

Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn't try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce,
violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself.

The Master does his job
and then stops.
He understands that the universe
is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events
goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself,
he doesn't try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself,
he doesn't need other's approval.
Because he accepts himself,
the whole world accepts him.


46

When a country is in harmony with the Tao,
the people breed oxen and make ploughs.
When a country goes counter to the Tao,
Weapons are stockpiled outside the city.

There is no greater illusion than fear,
no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself,
no greater misfortune than having an enemy.

Whoever can see through all fear
will always be safe.


53

The great way is easy,
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centred within the Tao.

When rich speculators prosper
while farmers lose their land;
when government officials spend money
on weapons instead of cures;
when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible
while the poor have nowhere to turn -
all this is robbery and chaos.
It is not in keeping with the Tao.


57

If you want to be a great leader,
you must learn to follow the Tao.
Stop trying to control.
Let go of fixed plans and concepts,
and the world will govern itself.

The more prohibitions you have,
the less virtuous people will be.
The more weapons you have,
the less secure people will be.
The more subsidies you have,
the less self-reliant people will be.

Therefore, the Master says:
I let go of the law,
and the people become honest.
I let go of economics,
and the people become prosperous.
I let go of religion,
and the people become serene.
I let go of all desire for the common good,
and the good becomes as common as grass.


58

If a country is governed with tolerance,
the people are comfortable and honest.
If a country is governed with repression,
the people are depressed and crafty.

When the will to power is in charge,
the higher the ideals, the lower the results.
Try to make people happy,
and you lay the groundwork for misery.
Try to make people moral,
and you lay the groundwork for vice.

Thus the Master is content
to serve as an example
and not to impose her will.
She is pointed, but doesn't pierce.
Straightforward, but supple.
Radiant, but easy on the eyes.


59

For governing a country well
there is nothing better than moderation.

The mark of a moderate man
is freedom from his own ideas.
Tolerant like the sky,
all-pervading like sunlight,
firm like a mountain,
supple like a tree in the wind,
he has no destination in view
and makes use of anything
life happens to bring his way.

Nothing is impossible for him.
Because he has let go,
he can care for the people's welfare
as a mother cares for her child.


60

Governing a large country
is like frying a small fish.
You spoil it with too much poking.

Centre your country in the Tao
and evill will have no power.
Not that it isn't there,
but you will be able to step out of its way.

Give evil nothing to oppose
and it will disappear by itself.


61

When a country obtains great power,
it becomes like the sea;
all streams run downward into it.
The more powerful it grows,
the greater the need for humility.
Humility means trusting the Tao,
thus never needing to be defensive.

A great nation is like a great man:
When he makes a mistake, he realises it.
Having realised it, he admits it.
Having admitted it, he corrects it.
He considers those who point out his faults
as his most benevolent teachers.
He thinks of his enemy
as the shadow that he himself casts.

If a nation is centred in the Tao,
if it nourishes its own people
and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others,
it will be a light to all the nations in the world.


75

When taxes are too high,
people go hungry.
When the government is too intrusive,
people lose their spirit.

Act for the people's benefit.
Trust them; leave them alone.


Lao Tzu (circa 5-4 B.C.)