Kate Stewart: Strength in numbers

Everything is only worth what somebody is prepared to pay and therefore it stands to reason that should enough people stop paying, prices will come down.

I've made no secret of the fact that I'm a strong believer in common sense, which — as it turns out — isn't quite as common as one would think. Some may even think it's a rarity.

I'm also of the belief that, as people, we have strength in numbers — more strength than we give ourselves credit for and the sort of strength that can bring about dramatic change, if exercised wisely.

History is full of examples of how a radical minority can have a major impact.

Take the nearly 3000 killed by a scant 19 terrorists in the 9/11 attacks in 2001 that brought America to its knees. It was a terrible tragedy but it highlights the power of people when they are united by and fully committed to a cause.

If that can be achieved by a focussed minority, imagine what the more moderate majority could accomplish if they were on the same page, supporting one another in the fight for a common goal.

To some, it may sound naive but, for me, it beats the alternative of just sitting there in silence, moaning about our lot and waiting for someone else to come along and fix the problem for us.

This is why the radical minority win just about everytime. They have the passion, as misguided as it may be, and they see the bigger picture and believe wholeheartedly in their mission — the commitment to their end goal is unquestionable to the point they are prepared to die for it.

The silent majority, not so much — we tend to be more selfish in our actions; we do what serves us best. The greater good doesn't always feature in our thinking.

But imagine if it did ... if we had the fortitude to endure some short-term pain for some long-term gain.

We could set aside our own immediate wants and needs, and the instant and short-term gratification we have become accustomed to if it resulted in lifelong changes for us all.

If enough people banded together and refused to pay the asking price for houses for long enough (the key phrase) to affect property values the result would be more affordable housing.

Yes, it would require patience and a dedication to the cause and could easily come unstuck if the greedy self-servers took advantage and jumped ship at the first sign of lower prices. But the longer we stuck to our guns the greater the reward ... it is do-able.

The same argument could apply to outrageous property rental prices or a simple pound of butter at the supermarket. Everything is only worth what somebody is prepared to pay and it stands to reason that should enough people stop paying and prices would come down.

Could it really be that simple? Yes, it could. But humans are so complex and inherently selfish that many inadvertently contribute to the problem they want solved.

All my life I've been told the majority rules ... apparently not when they choose to stay silent.

I was also told that actions speak louder than words and this is where, dare I say it, we need to learn from the radical minority.

We need to find our voices, step out of our insular boxes, band together, commit to a cause and show our strength in numbers.

Radical change can be made in a positive way, and it is time to recognise our strength and exploit it for the common good.

*Kate Stewart a politically incorrect columnist of no repute who is making a noise for the silent majority — feedback to investik8@gmail.com