Today is a big election day in The Netherlands. Today we vote for our lower house, the Dutch equivalent of the House of Representatives or the House of Commons. Our situation is a bit different from most other nations in that we have not just 2 parties to choose from, but many more. Today we can choose from people from 21 different parties, which might or might not all end up in the house. But I, and with me many many others, do not feel a connection with any of those 21 parties. Some are religious, some are too left, too right or just proposing dumb things. So that got me thinking. If you have to start a new political party, what would a Stoos party look like?
First of all, it wouldn’t be a traditional party of course. It would be a network of individuals. It should not be one public figure with up to 35 yes-(wo)men, but real people with strengths, weaknesses and opinions. But still united by a shared vision.
It should be open, transparent and trusting people instead of processes. It should promote delegating power and decision-making down to a local level where ever possible, so that civil servants in government agencies have a chance to delight their customer, the citizens. It should find ways to create and connect tribes and build a network of interested people. And it should stop playing the zero sum game current politicians are playing.
Now that is a political party I could identify and connect with!
Which reminds me of a great quote:
“If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Johnsen, William H.
That means I (or you if you are in a different country) would have to go run for office.. who’s with me?
