Magna Carta

There are specific times in History that cause a paradigm shift, where the established rules are changed and the way we live is substantially improved.  June 1215 was one such time.  The Magna Carta was an agreement between the Barons of Medieval England and King John.  It was signed at Runnymede near Windsor Castle.  In it were a number of promises between the king and his subjects which established how England would be governed.

A fundamental change came as a result of the king raising taxation without consulting the people who bore the brunt of the payment.  Matters came to a head and King John was forced to compromise his position as absolute ruler. 

One of the lasting ‘promises’ that were laid down is that:

‘No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, nor will we proceed with force against him, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land. To no one will we sell, deny or delay right or justice.’

A statement that is echoed in the American Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This is a great example of a Paradigmeering historical event, where consensus, a need to be pragmatic for the greater good led to a sharing of power and a new way of government.  Sounds familiar doesn’t it, as British politics takes a new turn after the 2010 General Election?  Will this time also result in a paradigm shift and a new set of political rules? Only time will tell...