The 3rd Edge: Essays On Politics and Policy

By Belinda Tobin

There is no more troubled occupation in today’s world than being a politician, and if there is anyone that would benefit from support in decision-making it is our government representatives. The policy choices they make, and their associated funding decisions, can affect millions of people. Likewise, the policy areas they ignore, and where they refuse to spend money, can have just as significant ramifications. The pressure on each one of our elected members and senators must be enormous. I do honour them for the burdens they carry in our name.

This volume of essays is a testament to the trials of politics and public policy. They cover such wide-ranging topics as gender in politics, economic policy, internet addiction, sex education, environmental policy, lack of political trust and the difference between acting from fear and love.

While some of these essays are openly critical of current policy directions, they are done so to bring to light the missing part of the picture. They have been written to show some examples of blinkered and unbalanced views being taken by those in power and to provide an alternative and more sustainable path to prosperity. These essays are a call from one constituent to bring more care, consideration and compassion into politics and public policy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belinda Tobin
• Release date: Mar 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005605841

Belinda Tobin

I have spent the last twenty years helping shape the governance, strategy and performance systems for organisations worldwide. I did this through roles as a management consultant and manager in state government agencies. At the same time, though, I struggled with the pace, complexity and competing demands of this modern life. I learnt the brutal consequences of disconnecting from the spirit, succumbing to alcoholism and battling this for decades. Through a gruelling process of scientific and spiritual research and a dedication to self-compassion, I have found a way back to reconnect with the spirit, and it has to lead me to a new career as a writer.After years focused on business writing, I began expanding my skills as a ghost-writer. In this capacity, I have written ten non-fiction books covering body image, diet, mental models, neuroplasticity, entrepreneurship and habits.After all of this practice, I am now compelled to use my skills to advance my passions and ideas.My first book, The Addiction Healing Pathway, solves the problem of addiction and creates a guide for others struggling with addiction to substances or activities, their carers and treatment professionals. My blog, The Third Edge, investigates the dichotomies we experience in business and personal lives. It challenges us to find a third way. My next book (currently in progress) explores the beliefs and assumptions about monogamy and challenges the reader to build deeper and more honest personal relationships.And there is much more to come as I learn how to let my true spirit shine in this world!

Book preview

The 3rd Edge

Essays On Politics & Policy

By Belinda Tobin

Copyright 2022 Belinda Tobin

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Policy Puzzles and Potential

Chapter 1 - The Economic Policy Is Killing Us!

Chapter 2 - Numeracy, Literacy and Porn – What We Should Be Teaching Our Kids!

Chapter 3 - What COP26 Is Really All About

Chapter 4 - Bringing Active Hope For A Treaty

Chapter 5 - What If We Treated Internet Addiction Like Covid-19?

Gender in Politics

Chapter 6 - The Missing Piece of Diversity – Gender Energy

Chapter 7 - The Dark Side of Gender In Politics

Chapter 8 - Quotas Are Only Half Of The Answer

They Legacy of Political Leadership

Chapter 9 - Why Are We Surrounded by Underwhelming Politicians?

Chapter 10 - The Symbolism of ScoMo in Shorts

Chapter 11 - My Wish For All Politicians

Conclusion

Connect With The 3rd Edge

Introduction

The 3rd Edge is the name given to a rim of a coin. The two sides represent competing tensions, the opposites, and the 3rd Edge is the perfect point of balance between them. This is exactly what the 3rd Edge does - understands, investigates and presents the possibility of balance.

There are so many dichotomies we face in everyday life. Here are just a few.

Most of the time though, we travel through our days oblivious to the opposites that exist. We are ignorant of the fact we are making choices at every moment about which side of the coin we are focusing on. We stride along our paths without ever wondering if there might be something missing from our map, and if it could be possible a different journey may bring more joy.

It is understandable, you only have so much time, energy and money. You can’t do everything, and you can’t please everyone. But do scarce resources absolve you from great decision making? No way! I would argue that it actually behoves you to invest in even more considered decision making. For you know that wherever you decide to allocate money, something is missing out. How often do you stop to consider what is being neglected in your decisions?

There is always another side to the coin. And where some people see these paradoxes as problems, at The 3rd Edge we see them as opportunities.. They provide a wonderful way to explore the notion of balance and to help make conscious and informed choices about where you invest precious resources - time, energy and money - for maximum impact.

The concept of The 3rd Edge though is not new. The concept is found consistently through history:

Chinese philosophy. The Yin and Yang symbol represents the opposites found in the natural world, and investigates how these contrary forces can be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent.

Hermeticism. The Principle of Polarity states that everything has its pair of opposites, but that opposites are actually identical in nature, but different in degree. Because of their common core, it is then possible for all paradoxes may be reconciled. Hermeticism also reminds us that any truth we hear is every only a half truth.

Buddhism. Known as 'the middle way' or 'the third truth.' It is the calm and steady state that encompasses the existence of opposites.

Aristotle. Called it 'the golden mean' stating that in his view a virtuous person aims for a mean between extremes.

Newton. In his third law, Newtown formalised the notion that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Jung: Stated that the existence of paradox is one of humans greatest possessions, and is a witness to the truth.

These ideas have stood the test of time unchallenged. The represent the reality in which we live, learn, conduct business and govern the nation. The 3rd Edge applies these philosophies to gain clarity about the current state and to look at the other side of the coin. We use this holistic perspective to ask is there a better way?

There is no more troubled occupation in today’s world than being a politician, and if there is anyone that would benefit from support in decision-making it is our government representatives. The policy choices they make, and their associated funding decisions, can affect millions of people. Likewise, the policy areas they ignore, and where they refuse to spend money, can have just as significant ramifications. The pressure on each one of our elected members and senators must be enormous. I do honour them for the burdens they carry in our name.

This volume of essays is a testament to the trials of politics and public policy. While they are openly critical of some current policy directions, they are done so to bring to light the missing part of the picture. They have been written to show some examples of blinkered and unbalanced views being taken by those in power, and to provide an alternative and more sustainable path to prosperity. These essays are a call from one constituent to bring more care, consideration and compassion into politics and public policy. I don’t know whether it will be heard, but I must use the voice I have been blessed with.

Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.~ Aesop

Back to Table of Contents

Policy Puzzles and Potential

Chapter 1 - The Economic Policy Is Killing Us!