The 24/7/4/12/5 Campaign

Christian Volney wrote

Rags,
I must admit that your observations will be construed as being astute by some (as rebutted by Tony), nevertheless worthy of discussion. Whilst it paints a bleak political outlook, and a ‘suggested’ DLP win due to primarily, a ‘non-existent’ or viable opposition alternative (the overall consensus of the electorate based on the overwhelming mandate at the polls); it does validate the legitimacy of this government by democratic standards, regardless of their ‘perceived’ performance of governance by opposition critics. I wonder how bad it could have been?

Parry,
Clayton does raise some valid points (and yes, any political partisan bias to these points could be challenged as indicated by your validated comments); they are also worthy of discussion, and debate. Is this not what democracy is based on, and are we not a democracy? Equality and freedom of opinion have ‘always’ been identified as important characteristics of democracy. These principles ‘must be’ reflected in all citizens, and as such, ‘must’ have equal access in the questioning of government, when concerned;
Remember, when democracy is not carefully legislated – through the use of balances ( such as these mediums, since the opposition has failed in its mandate, and for the wrong reasons) – an uneven distribution of political power, such as the ‘separation of powers’ could become evident and disastrous to everyone. 

This discontent for the Skeritt government by many of our scholars is a disturbing indicator; nevertheless a characteristic feature of democracy. Should we be of a ‘panic stricken’ concern, I think not. Should we continue to monitor the situation with vigilance, absolutely; my ‘being suggestive of’ is based on the reality that constitutional protections of individual liberties in Dominica have not ‘somehow’ been suspended, or ‘somehow’ curtailed. I am not of the ‘suggested opinion’ that some foundation of state conspiracy is being orchestrated by this government with disastrous consequences to our democracy. Sorry, I am not convinced!

It is however conceivable for a minority of individuals (as is evident) to consider themselves as being oppressed by their perceived ‘Tyranny of government”; a consideration of suggestion which should ‘not’ be construed as being undemocratic.

Have we ‘somehow’ relinquished our constitutional right to petition our elected officials for redress of grievances, and somehow are being victimized as a result of? I think not! Are the rights of our citizens being compromised and civil liberties being suppressed? I think not, hence my argument we are still democratic by intent.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister and cabinet have some very serious ‘negative’ perceptions (by both internal and external citizens of economic influence) to overcome if we are to prosper, economically as a small developing country. We are no longer within the throes of  the IMF or the global economic meltdown; the Diaspora is a medium (if harnessed with seriousness and sincerity by government) could kick start our stagnant economy.

Our failures to date are ‘self induced’ by our ‘combined’ reluctance in recognition of’. Our current political initiatives for economic advancement are based on ‘short term’ gains without tangible gains to our people; induced as a result of our combined stubbornness and ‘shared’ short-sightedness.
Our people (both at home and in the Diaspora) are the most ‘valuable and under-utilized resource’ of our country; and for selfishly motivated reasons that continue to entwine us in this negative warped continuum of meaningless results of relevance! What a waste, totally reflective of a society driven by a blinded  ‘passion’ of  indifference along  political ideologies!

In conclusion’

Is this truly how we want our legacy to be written? Without political emancipation, or a united willingness to compromise our ‘difference of ideology’ for the greater good, our country, we will continue to weaken any hope for unification and remain to be no more than ‘crabs in a barrel’.
I think our Prime Minister should lead by example (rise to the occasion and seize the opportunity) and initiate meaningful dialogue with the Diaspora and opposition; he later need to recognize that the government is a legitimate representation of the citizenry and not dictate or demand during dialogue. Can we overcome for he greater good? Hell, they put a man on the moon!
My opinion