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Politics is short-term and self-serving
Page 28
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READERS OLD ENOUGH to remember Michael Bentine will recall a zany and talented comedian. In one of his many serious moments he memorably said that in a crisis one might call upon all manner of experts but never a politician.
I was reminded of this by reading your leader (CM 19 July). A long time ago, politicians stopped thinking of themselves as servants of the public, but as its masters. seeking to control even those matters that are entirely of individual concern.
And as you point out. the rush to push out ever more legislation inevitably results in contradictions, confusion and much waste.
Those of us living in the real world think long term. Politicians think only as far as the next election. We taxpayers pay the price for that dichotomy.
Anthony Phillips Salisbury, Wilts