The Bill of Rights under our Republican Constitution guarantees inter alia the right “to join political parties and to express political views”—section 4. In turn, the right of expression must be respected, with due regard to the rights of others to do likewise. Why then, are our politicians, including the wannabe politicians on the horizon, intent on demonising supporters of parties other than their own? And of course, following from our so-called appointed leaders, members of their parties and the wider society follow suit.
Why can’t the discussion be a civil one, such as what was evidenced (to a large degree) in the COP leadership debate last night? Or like when Akins Vidale of the MSJ held his own in a similar debate in the run-up to the local government elections last year? I decided to listen to the debate not because I have any particular interest in the party, but because I am starving for good discussion. So I switched to the station in hope, and was pleasantly surprised.
With the exception of the incumbent political leader of that party, Prakash Ramadhar, who often times appeared defensive and even angry towards the contributions of the other candidates who are now vying for the post of political leader, the discussion was frank, the issues were not shoved under the carpet (for the most part), with an overall healthy outcome, perhaps in no small measure also due to the excellent moderating by Joseanne Lennard.
This is the civility that seems to have taken a back seat in recent decades. The constant attacking of the PNM and their supporters by various members of the PP, and the wannabe self-appointed leaders in the country, do not bring any of us closer to focusing on the real issues, the issues that affect each and every one in T&T.
Our political culture is one that has sadly become punctuated by the cacophony of the masses, the picong, the scandalising, the hearsay-turned-fact in the court of public opinion. It is the behaviour that shouts down reason and facts, and even civility, such as what took place a few weeks ago when a town meeting was hosted on the Brian Lara Promenade.
Not surprisingly, fights actually broke out off set, while viewers expected to see fisticuffs exchanged on set during some of the exchanges between panellists and members of the audience.
There is a lot of anger, disappointment and frustration in our society. However, if we allow these negative energies to consume us, we are losing out on numerous opportunities to put our heads together to come up with solutions. It is time for us to put up and stop the shouting, and not allow ourselves to be bullied into fearful silence by the thugs that roam our streets and certain corners of the Parliamentary chamber. Members of both groups feed on each other, vote for each other, and perpetuate the vicious cycle.
All hands on deck as we are a country in crisis. We cannot continue to do things the same way and get a different result. Nothing original or mind boggling about that last sentence, but it is as valid today as when it was first uttered who knows how many eons ago.
Treat your political friends and opponents with the respect that they deserve. Resist the urge to descend into the gutter politics. Be resilient. Listen to the quiet when you succeed in blocking out the noise. You will be amazed at what you start actually hearing (and I dare say, seeing). This is the road to resilience. Resilience is not just a buzz word in this context. I submit that it is an imperative.
Renée Johncilla,
St James