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Bureaucracy at People's Service, Not the People Serving Bureaucracy
2006/11/21
In the Name of Almighty God-the All-Knowing, the Most Lovingly CompassionateI have been thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of bureaucracy for some time now. The main question is how much does the contemporary system of bureaucracy help to solve people's problems? Bureaucracy is not a new phenomenon. Powerful governments and civilizations have always had ministerial and bureaucratic discipline. In recent times, bureaucracy has come to be known as rational and scientific management. Nevertheless, we have to see how the written guidelines, instructions and procedures (in a bureaucratic system) - which have been the subject of the theoretical discussions concerning the issue of instrumental rationalism- differ from that which has practically happened. And we have to especially pay attention to those bureaucratic systems which have occurred in the name of modernizing governments in the last few decades, and indeed how these processes have rationalized government and how much they have "governmentalized" minds - meaning having made them formal, administrative, and functioning based on certain clichés. Revolutions can get entangled in the spider webs of bureaucracy and these webs have a reactionary and backward-looking character. They diffuse all the revolutionary spirit and consciousness. They would return conditions back to pre-revolutionary times. I totally believe in the positive aspects of the bureaucracy on the condition that it truly works within the course of scientific management. But for instance, in countries such as ours - which in the previous few decades had been under the dominion of a puppet regime and have experienced some type of an imposed and imported counterfeit model (of governance) - the bureaucracy has basically been made a government inside a government. In such a case, this gives the appearance that the country, its economy, and its budget are somehow appraisable, planned, scientific and transparent. But in reality, it makes many things unclear, opaque, impracticable, and in many cases it even actively counteracts projected government plans.Even more, it is better to say that sometimes bureaucracy loses its fundamental role and changes into an ideology. It creates an atmosphere that imposes an impaired, paralyzed, disabled, and stagnant condition and character on the whole system. Consequently and gradually, the procedure becomes the goal, and the goal becomes the procedure. Bureaucratic ideology would in effect cause internal friction within a system. Everyone knows his work and duties in detail, but no one knows anything regarding the whole task and its practical result. Everybody is busy with working, but the work does not proceed. They work, but no problems are solved and no ties will be untangled. In summary, one must say that the present bureaucratic system has a few prominent characteristics. First of all, it grows and multiplies rapidly, like ivy which grows in every direction. It constantly expands its domain of influence, jurisdictional boundaries and area of rule. Second, it defends itself with all its power. It does not even like to give up unnecessary equipment that it has and is not even willing to transfer them to others who might need them, and it keeps them with unjustifiable reasons.Third, it is extremely self-serving, self-centered and narrow-minded. Its fourth characteristic is that it resists any changes and reforms. It regards any reforms as a disadvantage to itself and it will resist it. And finally, its efficiency is very low and its expenditures are very high and keep escalating. What would be some solutions in such a circumstance? Some would simply give up and would receive reports and statistical studies from their subordinates and would pass them on to their higher-ups in the hierarchy. And with these statistical reports they would clear their conscience. But for a person such as me, the people are more important than the statistics. All governments and chief executive officers present these types of statistics and know how to play the numbers game. It means that based upon their official reports, everything is perfect and everyone can sleep sound, because the bureaucracy is awake. But in reality, the people's problems have not been solved. This is a dangerous issue which I have noticed since I was the mayor of Tehran and even before that time it bothered me. And I have tried to break with these erroneous customs and wrong imported "innovations", and free the government administration from the web which has tangled its operations. Sometimes I succeeded and sometimes I could not.The second way of being emancipated from the quagmire of bureaucracy is by infringing or bypassing the laws. Many people – because of the interest of their gangs, parties, political factions or their own personal interests- have followed this way. These practices and operations are not consistent with my belief and characteristic, and in no way do I believe in these types of approaches. I have come to the office for the reform of this, because I strongly believe that we can not arrive at Islamic government unless everyone is equal before the law and this is guaranteed. The third way is to have a revolutionary reform, refining, and cleansing in the bureaucratic system of the country. This is a crucial duty of the parliament and the government which has to take place immediately - even partially- in this period of time. Otherwise later on, one can not expect this to happen, because it will become more difficult day-by-day. Bureaucracy- which is the manifestation of instrumental rationalism and has to be instrument- has itself become the goal and object of the government. Instead of lowering the expenditure and making the budget clear and implementing the plans, it has become a brake on the governmental operations. Indeed, one can say that this dysfunction has escalated so far that some networks are created and established so that the public funds be spent on private expenditure - a system for stalling creativity and inventiveness and converting a revolutionary, surging and innovative river to a lifeless and motionless marsh. Now we have come to a very important junction: will the revolution be sacrificed for bureaucracy or is the bureaucracy at the service of the revolution. The other point regarding this issue (of bureaucracy) is that we must reach an equilibrium point between theory and practice. We continuously face two dangerous issues in this path. One is unprofessional and unscientific encounter with the challenges we face - without considering the problems of the country- which can be called a spur-of-the-moment approach (without considering the quality of the results). (One should note that a spur-of-the-moment approach is different than an activist approach and indeed they are opposites).The second danger is that in the name of scientific management or rationalism, and through bureaucratic excuses and hiding behind the title of "gradual reform", we justify stagnation and reactionary management and even go backwards. Some people want to justify and theorize national and managerial laziness, slowness and incompetence - under the false banner of being scientific approach. This is also a form of dodging one's responsibility and action in the name of perfectionism. Being scientific is different than an unhealthy intellectualism. One can not solve all real problems (of the people) from inside closed-off rooms. Science has to be at the disposal of actions and deeds. I am worried of the thought that the public funds and historical opportunity of the ninth government would be sacrificed for the stagnant mentality, action-dodging and conservatism of some people. I am against rashness and action-for-actions sake, but we should not let the revolution and people be sacrificed for bureaucracy. Our historical duty is to put bureaucracy at the service of the people. Our slogan should be: Bureaucracy at people's service, not the people serving bureaucrac
Written by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at 19:55
COMMENTS
Tipene Curtis
tip...@yahoo.com
Greetings Your Excellency I see that the American Military is playing the Lets Blame Iran game. Iran is apparently the reason why things are so bad in Iraq. Do the Americans think that we are all crazy and will believe their continuous lies. Will it ever end.
manrix bianchi
juz...@yahoo.it
Dear and honorable president my lasts comments not was pubblied and i admire you why this? Are messages too much for show all? Long life to you and Iran and all country that no like death but life.
freddy utensilz
I just discovered this. I would not like my political beliefs present here, but I think this forum, is a fabulous idea. What an excellent way to communicate with the masses, and have the masses express themselves here.
Kusuma
I really support you Mr.President. Keep going! Im just surprise why somepeople still prefer fist (war) rather than brain (dialogue) to solve problems in this so called modern world.
Karil Loubas
kar...@hotmail.com
I see that you choose only what you like; this is very curios to see how much you love yourself and how much you think that people are stupid to believe that you never receive any critics.
Nicolas
tra...@yahoo.com
Youre one of the most stupid president ever ! Im sure about half of the comments posted of this blog are just totally fake and used as propaganda.
Viktor Jančo
r.a...@centrum.sk
Nice blog, God bless Iran!
Gary Adamson
gsa...@hotmail.com
Why would anybody want to listen to you. youre surpressive
alexander
mr president you are a great leader...god bless you
Sami
sha...@yahoo.co.uk
in my views other countries need a leader like you too.i appreciate your courage and your stance and your bravery.you do not have place only in the hearts of Iranians but in the hearts of all freedom lovers around the world.but do not disappoint us like the other rulers,please.many thanks
Jerry Ford
Jer...@comcast.net
The only news we here in the United States hear about your country are the negative things reported in the media. I am certain there be some positive things coming out of Iran, but all we get to hear is the constant condemnations of George bush, Dick Cheney, etc. whom many of this countries citizens see as terrorists of a sort due to the war in Iraq and the support of torture (water boarding, etc), monitoring of citizens email, web sites visited, phone calls, books checked from libraries, etc. Thank god this is an election year as any replacement is better than we have now. Thank you for you time.
TAM SIK SZE
edm...@yahoo.com.hk
Dear Mr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad My name TAM Sik Sze. I am from Hong Kong. I saw your Blog. I am to admire Mr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have to pilot Iran to be heading for powerful and prosperous. I to support to Iran develop nuclear energy.
Frank Fu
f19...@yahoo.com.cn
Like the title and thank you for your time and for your words of inspiration.I think in this way more and more Chinese will know you and your country better. Thank you very much!!
han guanghui
ais...@126.com
you are very brave that you can fight against to USA ,I support you forever
Juan Pablo lla Amador
There are a very few leaders with the intelligence and courage to confront the zionism and the U.S. imperialism, my best wishes for you and all your people.
Jack Meyhoffer
kin...@yahoo.com
I hope someone puts a bullet in your head very soon.
muhammed ali demir
dem...@gmail.com
well, Mr. President firstly, nowadays, Iran does not give Turkey enough gas please solve to tis problem.secondly, according to some researches, in Turkey, Mr. Ahmedinejad ,you were selected best foreign leader and many Turks both shias and suniies love you..Please keep your performance up!
Dani California
People like you take the world back to darkness instead of bringing it forward to PEACE
Kevin
You are the type of man that would start WW3. You say some pretty stupid things sometimes.
ali khan
auk...@excite.com
His excellency, it gives me immense pleasure to visit your site and post my comments this fabulous blog of a leader of free world not only islamic world. i have been following the remarkable efforts that you are pursuing in bringing the world together and making it a more safe place to live.Standing against the bullies has proved that you are a man of grit and character.Its high time that all islamic nations leave their fixation of sunni -shia divide and work towards ensuring more prosperous and powerful islamic community.I am a sunni muslim but a strong critic of sunni capitalist politics which leaves behind the interest of common people.Iran is a true islamic state in meaning and spirit.May almighty allah bless Islamic Republic of iran and its visionary and distinguished leader imam khomeni(RA). may allah bless you,you are the voice of repressed people of the world
Nadim K
nad...@keihatsu.org
Mr. President; Congratulations on your recent victory. I dont know much about you, and what I do know about you comes from many conflicting sources, but I wish you good health.
Leonard Haggstrom
fil...@shaw.ca
I knew you were telling the truth.
George Cheng Shu
shu...@gmail.com
I think many people on the world do not really know Iran, especially for Irans long history and great culture. I will say, I hope Iran will use its nuclear for peace. Im happy to visit Mr. presidents blog. Its a good way to know Iran whitout the world powers sight.
paul sharfin
pfc...@yahoo.com
Mr. President I think the problem is not enough people read between the lines as to what you are saying. My hope is that the world and Iran come to an understanding that centers on PEACE
Colby Brown
tri...@att.net
God bless Iran, Bush and Isreal are unfair to Iran. I am sorry for the way you were treated at our university. All americans are not the same as Bush. Peace god bless Iran and the rest of the world!
jeannie sanden
jea...@yahoo.com
DEAR PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD -- I PRAY FOR PEACE , THE END TO SUFFERING FOR ALL THE PEOPLE -- THE INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE -- WE MUST RESPECT ALL OF GODS PEOPLE / CREATION ! GOD BLESSED ALL THE WORLD -- NOT JUST AMERICA !
Isis Wong
I come to your blog just for a glance, its so liberal of you to think ou the idea of setting a blog. I didnt pay much attention to international politics before, but I find you a very intelligent and smart president~ Wish Iran and you all the best!
ken mcfly
die...@bex.net
die slow ...
Bill Cumming
bil...@s0l.co.uk
I find it strange that the leader of the Free World hides so much and is afraid of free speech. While others, like yourself, offer open discourse. I may not agree with you on some things but at least you are willing to hear differences. Peace be with you.
D DuBois
dal...@yahoo.ca
Cool... are these all real comments from real people? Or planted? Anyway, your blogs are somewhat formal sounding. Why not loosen up the language a little for the American readers? And could you tell us a little about your home life and your family and what your daily routine is like. Also what kind of music do you like? What is your favorite color and what is your favorite sport?
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