You know, I didn’t think I’d ever write this but I really must applaud the Archbishop of Canterbury. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “Who are you and what have you done with the real Richard?”
I may not agree with some of the content of the religion he espouses, but I must applaud his recent article in the New Statesman. But not for the reason you think. I am neither pro nor anti cuts, but rather I take a middle ground that regards the cuts as a tragic nessecity. From my point of view, to be pro or anti cuts, well, you may as well be pro or anti gravity. The state machinery has enlarged beyond the means of the country to support it, it really is that simple. The government blames everything on the New Labour years, but the responsibility for what happens from now is theirs and I’m hearing buck passing. As for the left themselves, I hear a lot of reactionary shouting but what could (or would) they do that was any different?
My concerns are similar those of Rowan Williams, things feel stuck. There is nobody who seems to be able to articulate a clear vision, those in charge just seem to be bumbling through. There seems to be nothing orchestrated to protect the most vulnerable, but also where cuts fall they are likely to fall in the wrong places as middle managers seek (perhaps, understandably) to protect their own positions. It seems that the axe is falling, but in the wrong places. Further to this, I humbly suggest that what’s needed is a pair of Bonsai shears not a woodcutter’s axe.
Finally, it seems that the Archbishop himself has come under attack for involving himself in politics. Those who attack him should really take a clearer look at things. Our politics has been shaped, from it’s earliest days by religion. The values espoused by a faith, its morality and its ethics have a very direct and fundamental bearing on the local politicians and some of our greatest political figures were influcenced by their faith. The political opposition seems tongue tied and an awful lot that needs to be said was not being said; our politicians don’t want to face a few very unpleasant home truths. I suspect, neither do the rest of us, but that’s a post for another time. At a time like this it does need somebody who isn’t enmeshed in party politics and special interests to speak up, somebody exactly like Rowan Williams.
