wigs for judges?, or justice? (politics)

I found this on a Sri Lankan blog at http://blog.srilankacampaign.org/2010/09/is-colombos-middle-class-waking-up.html
an interesting parable about what we focus on for our political campaigns, is it wigs or justice itself that are important?
Perhaps a comment to be thought about for many of our daily activities!

Some things can be faked but it is dangerous to make them appear as fakes. The old fox Jayewardene who took away most of the substance of democracy from Sri Lankans made sure that all the appearances were kept intact. Sirimavo Bandaranayake’s coalition governments foolishly took away the wigs from judges and that caused such an upset that the minister of justice and his secretary later lost their civil rights. But Jayewardene virtually destroyed the independence of the judiciary while keeping all the outward appearances correct. Not many found fault with him.

But the Rajapakse regime not only wants all power to themselves they also want to make it appear that they have all the power. They not only want make elections a mere ritual without substance but they want to make them appear so. Jayewardene knew that it not wise to disturb Colombo’s middle class. The Rajapakses, on the other hand do not feel happy unless Colombo’s middle class stand to attention whenever they appear before them. They want not only to be big but also to appear big. To feel that way, they are trampling very openly on elections and courts. The two things that Colombo’s middle class attach some importance to.

That perhaps may prove to be too much of a mistake.

In the meantime, let us also remember the Sri Lankan situation and those who seek asylum here and the people who are left behind to survive in a nation after the end of the war there. Canberra has been the home for a number of people from this island over a number of generations. If the exodus from post colonial Ceylon is included then that means some very important people in my life!
And the gradual demise of democracy under the strains of tension in the society may be a worry for us in Australia as we look to the Parliament tomorrow to see how a minority government will govern. I know of three gatherings outside the Parliament that are planned for Tuesday 28th September. Our Women in Black vigil will again be at the back door as the workers come in for work. (7.30am-8.30am ish) Then a Climate Change group at 8.45 on the front lawns and at 12.30 a People's Assembly hoping to bring the plight of detained asylum seekers to the conscience of the nation. This Parliament will have a lot to do. May it work with good will, humour, clarity and do the job well. While I preach about Justice and Peace, perhaps righteousness needs another look. What is a righteous person? One who works well, with good will, humour etc? .