the axe.

In the run-up to a generation-defining election in the U.K., there has been much pandering by politicians in the form of short, vague slogans.

A gentle reminder that the preservation of self-interest runs deep into the foundations of the Palace of Westminster, and despite the wielding of power being less tyrannical compared to centuries gone by, the desire of politicians to reach the seat of power by whatever means necessary has not faltered.

The disingenuous representations of those needing our democratic exercises to fall in their favour is simply a smokescreen. There is a reason that politicians are seen to have broken promises time and time again, and they’re able to do so by advertising their best selves in the run-up. Some have good will fastened neatly in the front seat, only for it to be locked in the boot of their political machine once the ballot box has been sealed. It is well-documented that dishonesty is rife and remarkably commonplace during election season, so maybe to describe such blatant political tactics as a smokescreen is slightly incompatible. It resembles an axe; strong and effective, but results in the decimation of the very foundation that brought about its existence.

Ultimately, it is our own individual assessments of what we deem will serve us best, yet strangely, it is almost impossible to critically analyse anything when we know that these politicians are rarely interested in serving us. It is not entirely their fault, I suppose. They’re only stretching the confines of a unfit system that long preceded them.