The State doesn’t act out of principle. They respond to risk

Photo by Vony Razom on Unsplash‍

This aphorism was inspired by my battle in the restorative justice area as I tried to get my contract reinstated. I think many citizens will have an idealised view that the state acts in a principled way in the best interests of citizens. I have battled various state agencies in my time (ACC was the worst) and, in general, they have the principles, ethics and morals of a scud missile.

“They” does not refer to the individuals, who have principles, ethics and morals. “They” is the collective state apparatus which cannot and does not.