Submitted by Joseph
I am a little taken back by some of the things being said by some voters in the present election campaign. I do not normally involve myself in these political matters. I however have had to ask myself to try to make sense of what I have been hearing from some persons in the public.
I have heard on the TV and also read in the newspaper that some persons are strongly suggesting that voters and political speakers should stay away from attacking political candidates based on their past. As novel and poetic as this may sound, it is totally ridiculous. Doing just that is what gives rise to a President Trump in the USA, or other persons who became notorious as tyrants and despots in history. Being truthful and accurate about a person’s track record is the requirement.
The Social Scientists (Psychologist, Sociologist, etc.) all argue that we are the product of our past, where we came from, the values that we were taught and developed, the good or bad things we experienced and did. Now we are being told that on the verge of selecting a “King” or “Queen” to rule this fine intelligent nation, that we should select a prime minister on their ability, education, or some other nice things, but certainly not on their character which is formed from their past. One author defined character as the sum of our thoughts and feelings which lead to values formation, and values to actions. It is therefore what I think and value and do. Then on what basis do you elect someone to high office?
We do not now live in the future. We live in the present and that past is who we are. Why should we suggest that the prime minister or parliamentarian should be voted for based on who they could be and not on who they are? On what basis will they form and sign new policies and laws into existence. Do these laws represent our values or theirs? Voting must be based on who they are, as defined by their past and present characters. Would I vote a past mass murderer, rapist, thief, etc. as prime minister. Unlikely. But for me to even consider it…have they shown that their values or lack of values, their “bad behaviour” has changed by demonstrative proof and that they are now ready to receive my cherished vote?
There is a saying that “righteousness exalts a nation but sin a reproach”. This statement is not only true but it is powerful. The laws of Barbados confers significant powers on the holder of the office of the prime minister. Some say that such a person becomes legally more powerful than the USA president. A person’s tenor of life is who they are. It is important. His/ her character, values, habits, are important when it comes to my vote… not whom they are telling us they are planning to be.
Therefore if your character is very checkered even if you are competent, then step away and let better characters with competent minds lead. Remember all persons make decisions from the content of what they have accepted as their own values. These decisions become policies, laws and sometimes a new culture is created. Otherwise accept the fact that if you would be “king or queen” in the democratic “kingdom” of Barbados, then along with unemployment, economic crisis, taxes, crime, corruption, inter alia, your character, your past and present must be debated. Now that is dealing with the issues.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.