BROKEN POLICIES AND BAD POLITICS

A policy designed to solve one problem might inadvertently create new ones or worsen existing situations. For instance, some argue that certain urban development policies, while aiming for renewal, have contributed to increased property taxes and the displacement of long-term residents.

- Ravi Saini

Broken Policies are policies that:

• Fail to address the intended problems: They might be poorly designed, based on inaccurate data, or ignore the root causes of issues. For example, a housing policy that doesn't account for the needs of low-income individuals could lead to increased homelessness.

• Create unintended negative consequences: A policy designed to solve one problem might inadvertently create new ones or worsen existing situations. For instance, some argue that certain urban development policies, while aiming for renewal, have contributed to increased property taxes and the displacement of long-term residents.

• Are impractical or unenforceable: Policies that are too complex, lack proper funding, or are difficult to implement can become "broken" because they simply don't work in practice.

• Are outdated: Policies that were effective in the past may no longer be relevant or appropriate for current societal conditions, leading to inefficiency and frustration.

Bad Politics refers to political practices and systems that:

• Prioritise self-interest over public good: Politicians or political parties might make decisions based on personal gain, ideological rigidity, or the desire to maintain power, rather than what is best for the citizens they serve. This can manifest as corruption, favouritism, or the creation of policies that benefit a select few.

• Lack of transparency and accountability: When political processes are opaque and decision-makers are not held responsible for their actions, it becomes easier for bad policies to emerge and persist. This erodes public trust and can lead to a sense of disenfranchisement.

• Foster hyper-partisanship and gridlock: An inability to compromise or find common ground among political factions can prevent effective policies from being enacted or lead to the constant reversal of policies with each change in power.