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gilly@tstt.net.tt
Getting
it wrong
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No political leader proving that
he is capable of changing the mindset of the people.
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Country confronted with men who stubbornly hold reins
of party control to peril of the people.
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Because few are brave enough to tell the COP leadership
the truth, the country is left to suffer.
Leaders
in our country claim that they practise Obama-style politics
but after thorough forensic analysis, it is clear that this
popular catch phrase is merely a spouting of words to add
to the already overflowing pot of political propaganda.
No leader is proving that he is capable of changing the
mindset of the people. No person in charge has convinced
the population to put petty politics aside and act, in this
moment of economic and societal crisis, in the interest
of the State.
President-elect Obama did not run a one-man show nor did
he pretend to be humble. His political conduct throughout
his campaign, especially when under the greatest attack,
was the subject of international debate. And he passed with
flying colours.
That President-elect Obama has openly called for assistance
from all qualified individuals, irrespective of party allegiance,
proves that he puts his country first and places party politics
in second position. There is no denying that his detractors
have been pleasantly surprised with this display of leadership
skills which have been tested very early in the game.
And even better is the important lesson that he is teaching
to all around the world, that after one is elected and is
the recipient of tremendous power, there must be no victimisation
of or vindictiveness for those who might have been formidable
opponents in the long and heated political battle.
In this regard, Republican presidential nominee, Senator
John Mc Cain, gave his best speech in his most disappointed
hour, when he not only conceded defeat on the election night
but called on his supporters to rally behind President-elect
Obama as their country weathers the difficult storms ahead.
Change the strategy
In politics there is little room for error although some
mistakes are deemed forgivable if there was no reasonable
foresight or contemplation of the type and kind of damage
sustained.
In this regard, one would have thought that after a blistering
defeat in November 2007, and gaining no seat despite obtaining
a commendable 148,000 citizens giving their support, the
COP leadership would have recognised that it is time to
change the strategy.
No one is asking for compromise of principle, policy or
integrity but the fact is that the population is too politically
fragmented for any further development of cracks.
It is clear that certain leaders, who spend time out of
the jurisdiction, are unprepared to entertain any views
or adopt any strategies that will auger to the benefit of
the masses.
Leaders who are elected or selected share the common deficiency
of an insatiable appetite for power. Some however are able
to disguise it well until the truth is unearthed by those
who do not wear political blinders.
So instead of stepping aside and letting others who are
capable lead the troops, we are confronted with several
men who stubbornly hold the reins of party control to the
peril of the people.
Left to suffer
Has the COP leadership conducted an objective, extensive
and independent survey to determine the majority view of
the rank and file of the party as it relates to unity?
Does the COP leadership recognise that its arrogant and
stubborn refusal to merely engage in meaningful discussion
about accommodation has resulted in a weakened opposition
and a run-away dictatorial government?
Nobody expects the leadership of the COP to sleep with the
devil but maybe marching into hell for a heavenly cause
will be acceptable to those who are afraid of the imminent
demise of the welfare of our country. And because few are
brave enough to tell the leadership the truth, the country
is left to suffer.
But why should anyone be surprised? The more things change,
the more they remain the same. So when a leader feels comfortable
to leave his troops at critical times for personal “time
out” and foreign academic interaction, how are those
left behind expected to react?
The blatant attempt to appoint deputies to speak on behalf
of the leader in his absence is consistent with the approach
of having others keep the mirage alive while the desert
continues to dry up.
For those who wish to foolishly protect individuals who
are unfit or not up to the task and expect them to perform
admirably against aged but revered lions, that is their
prerogative.
Others like me will refuse to prop up people who are undeserving
of such weighty support. There are sufficient citizens who
exude the virtues of honesty and integrity but such characteristics,
without more, do not automatically make them good leaders.
This country needs competent individuals who lead the country
through a storm and ensure that there will be very few casualties.
Instead, we are forced to accept second-hand leadership
which is driving the country in reverse gear.
Leader will emerge
And how thrilled the Government must be that despite the
Rowley factor which has made serious allegations against
the conduct of this administration there is no serious threat
to its continuation in power.
If the Opposition had its house in order, it would only
have been a matter of time before the population showed
its disapproval for this administration by voting against
its candidates at the local and general levels and in the
upcoming THA elections.
But the fact that the Opposition is engaged in cat fights
that have brought to the fore some names and faces which
will not attract popular support means that the way is clear
for the PNM to move us recklessly, full speed ahead into
the troubled and dangerous waters. So, once again, all the
failed ministers and corrupt men who belong to this regime
can breathe an almost permanent sigh of relief that their
bread will nicely be buttered for a good time to come.
And those of us crying out in the wilderness for change
will have to wait a little longer before a true leader emerges.
We can only hope that when that time comes it will not be
too late to set things right.
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