Even the most well-meaning and generous spirited politician will baulk when it comes to really advocating for and speaking up publicly on behalf of the most disadvantaged in our society.
Now in fairness – some politicians – to their great credit – work behind the scenes in a low profile manner supporting unpopular causes, and do not ask for much publicity.
This is laudable but does it not demonstrate that 1): politicians will always chose popular causes for their high-profile work and 2): speaking up for the most disadvantaged in our society is not what we, the general public, want to see politicians spending much time on!
Generally, in the mainstream, politicians hold a short term election-to-election view and as many people in the Focus Group do not vote there is nothing to be gained from arguing strongly to alter the structures of society so that they can be included in a real way in decisions that concern them.
The norm for politicians when questioned about very difficult decisions like homelessness, imprisonment, children at risk and such important matters is to make the aspirational statements which have little or no impact in the long term.
It very easy to find examples of this, and I believe that it is very important for community workers who are passionate about protecting vulnerable children not to blame ………. but rather to remember the limitations of politicians and politics in general in his respect!