An Alien ThoughtMost of what I post here is a reflection of the duality I feel as a Brit Abroad. However, comparisons between London, my hometown, and Jakarta, my adopted home, are generally unfair in that, apart from a brief inter-regnum during the Thatcher era, London has had an elected government for much longer.
The citizenry has expectations of their representatives, unlike here where as yet there is little access to the corridors of power, and those in power appear to ignore suggestions coming from the street.
For example, I wonder if Jakarta Fauzi Bowo will ever to chase off a bunch of muggers as
Boris Johnson, the cycling Mayor of London, has done recently.
It takes a certain kind of balls to be seen on a regular basis by a public which may not have voted for you. After all, if you're aloof from the public then attempts to ingratiate yourself could well backfire, as
David Cameron, leader of Britain's current opposition party, the Tories, may now know having travelled on the Tube, London's underground mass transit system. Once.
It's possible, of course, that our not-very-esteemed Guv'ner is shy. Well, so am I, yet I do use public transport several times a week. I also attempt to navigate the city's streets on foot - attempt being the operative word.
If he's willing, I'd gladly accompany him one day on a mini-tour through the streets which surround City Hall. It would have to be on foot or bicycle and a public bus or two, mind you, as I get claustrophobia in one of those luxury limousines he has at his disposal.
There are just two caveats. First, I get to choose the route so that the sidewalks aren't repaired beforehand and that none of his security goons get to 'sweep' the area free of sidewalk vendors.
And, most importantly, the day chosen is not one of those
cosmetic car-free days.
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