It is acknowledged, however, that such a radical change would require a new generation of politicians dedicated to the concept of participation and allowing ordinary people say in the affairs that concern them. It will not suit those who think they know what is best for us: leave it to them. We are unlikely to see such a generation of politicians until the more elementary aspects of their integrity are cleared up as by the No Other Wage campaign.
14) The war and peace argument hinges on the social polarisation that occurs around monolithic dogma tending to conflict on dividing lines. This phenomenon is apparent in religious, ethnic, national, cultural and political divides where “membership” is a form of identity - as with Party allegiance to a “manifesto”. By the same token, allowing individual “say”, by preferendum, on the several issues breaks the polarisation, involves people in things which concern them and exerts a peaceful sanction on the leadership. It is also a truer and more viable form of democracy.
15) The gravy train argument is based on the now established fact that, in monetarist economies, government money is deemed to come from taxpayers. From this one can infer that the taxpayer can, and is often encouraged to, feel resentment about others receiving benefits. Politicians can also find themselves on the receiving end of this popular sanction and even though it may be due to misunderstanding or to the taking part in legitimate activities which have no particular interest to some, there is the perception of unwarrantable indulgences at our expense. The No Other Wage procedure scotches such sentiments.
16) What is the No Other Wage concept? A Member of Parliament's only income and reward is to be derived exclusively from parliamentary funds which are deemed to be those funds set by Parliament and under parliamentary scrutiny. There are no exceptions whatsoever end expenses, also to be paid only from parliamentary funds, have to be approved under parliamentary rules as wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred on parliamentary business. There will therefore, for example, be no perks, no broadcast fees, no speech or writing fees, or other royalties from publications, no retainers, no consultancy fees or any other form of income, no gifts, gratuities or paid trips, no payments to spouses, relatives or associates related to an MP’s activities, no obligations, no deferred benefits, no contrived or above-average capital gains, no fund-raising. In short, an arms-length approach to personal and material reward and to any personal involvement concerning third party money transactions. The No Other Wage rule applies from the moment of election and runs for the whole period served in elected office.   *****END*****