The Bible says that it was the son of God who visited Earth 2009 years ago. Whether He’s ever coming back is a question for theologians of many persuasions; but given the infinite size of the universe, it could take some time to keep an eye on everything.

I think it’s fair to say that the argument for ‘God’s wrath’ has been disproved by science. There exists a rational explanation for every event in the physical world, although the smugness of scientists is tempered by their inability to answer the really big one: “Why are we here?”

The point is, we’re on our own. The continuation or termination of a sustainable ecosphere on this planet is dependent on the choices we make. Petitioning any other universal force to intervene in our fate is a futile exercise.

A universal force, God if you like, must by definition be as far from local government as you can get. The pecking order, so to speak, would be God, the United Nations, Federal government, State government, down to the lowliest of the low, your humble local councillor.

While it’s true that people have been known to find God in the supermarket, it is more likely that you will find a local councillor. What you say in your prayers is known only to you and your God, but what you say to your councillor is known to everyone who happens to be in the cereal aisle at the time.

There’s a lot to be said for starting at the humble end of the political spectrum. The effectiveness of local government is dependent on how many people expect it to achieve a desired result. Local government is often on the receiving end of directives from above, usually from the State government.

The ability of local government to stand up to the higher spheres is bolstered by active community participation at a local level. It may not always suit the State government to take the wishes of the Council in to account, but it will always be mindful that it has constituents in common.

This is particularly true in New South Wales right now. The State government is battling local councils and communities on many issues. But it knows it’s on the skids. There has never been a better time to get involved in local politics.

As it becomes increasingly obvious that many of our politicians have a limited vision for the future, the onus shifts to communities to come up with their own vision. A network of strong, active local communities will lead to better government at all levels.

You never know; if we all work at it, the message might go right up the line and our prayers will be answered as well.