Frankly Speaking…By A.A. Fenty
*In the year I was born…
Come bear with my brief waffle on a subject which might well-find me out of my depth on this anniversary day.
But I’m bound to provoke your own reflections and views on the subject. Especially if you still exercise your right to choose some “leader”. My respect however, to Jehovah Witnesses who choose not to choose or elect. Then again, you might be a chosen leader already. I hope that if you are a leader chosen by people you are not the type I’ll focus briefly on today.
I suppose that “in the beginning” there was no sophisticated electoral system to throw-up community or national leaders. Primitive man, however, apart from the physical strength and violence of the “survival-of-the-fittest” syndrome, must have developed some more cerebral criteria for spotting those who could guide him along life’s journeys. It had to be relatively easy to recognise some relative, friend or neighbour who made the best wooden wheels or who told the best stories or who constantly made the best suggestions to improve the group’s quality of life. That’s how “natural leaders” were identified, I suppose.
From the ruler to the elected
My detractors could be understood when they feel my narratives on certain subjects or issues are too simplistic. But I try to be simple. (Others may proceed to the more scientific and tertiary levels of research and scholarship.)
Now imagine, as societies developed, how Eskimos in their winter villages, Shaka Zulu or other warriors imposing their leadership in an African province, native Indians asking the Gods to assist in their choice of leader, then Europe’s feudal system, serfs and everlasting over-lords and rulers over the slaves and common folks.
Slowly, then institutionally, rulers by all types of titles appeared to dictate the lives of others less equipped, sophisticated or inclined to lead, but merely to follow. Leaders then would rule, not govern. They were hardly accountable, never caring really about what their “subjects” thought-or needed. Monarchs became Autocrats, Dictators, Tyrants. Family dynasties from Asia to Europe to Latin America often prevailed for centuries.
But history and people’s majorities had to demand a say in who led them along. Elections, governments and forms of governance evolved. Students of government and constitutional development still study these matters. Political Science students and researchers find out even more about mankind’s leaders, I’m sure. What motivates someone, to want to lead or govern the rest of us? Should we always want some specific group to guide, even control, how our country and lives proceed? These are not simplistic questions. They might even be more profound than they appear given the frequency with which leaders abandon their people and constituencies these days.
Power abandons the poor
Chosen by some electoral system which, in turn was decided upon by experts at the top, leaders, however originally well-intentioned, frequently turn away from the people and from their responsibilities. “Republics”, whereby and wherein the People choose their leaders and have sustained representation in Assemblies and Parliaments, soon become “Banana republics” which throw up Hitler-like despots and one-partly, exclusive leaderships. After elections, the people’s priorities are made to fade away from the Party’s or the government‘s business eight months into the administration or rule.
Yes, I know that fluid, ever-changing circumstances “beyond the leaders control” often influence change of course or pauses, whereby the leaders listen to their charges.
When I observe the attitudes and general behaviours of our elected officials, I embrace the concept that “power corrupts”. And I’m closer to electing no one anymore.
So next time friends, you hear of the tussles to lead the cricketing fraternity, the boxing, basketball or football association, ask yourself, what element of human nature is being manifested “on your behalf”. And if you still vote, enquire within: will your MP (your Parliamentarian) remember why you put him or her in the Assembly? Will your Party’s MP’s abandon your interests for only their salaries, pensions, perquisites like firearm licences, visas, et al? Think on these things – leaders who don’t direct or lead by good example but merely rule!
Anniversary time! 17 not out!
Drums and Dancing girls are in order! This man-in-the-street column completes seventeen years, non-stop, today. Thanks first, to Doreen de Caires whose sense of humour combined with foresight to allow it to flower. With the blessings of then Editor-in-Chief and founder David de Caires.
The current executive also allows an unlettered commentator to share his views with Guyanese and others. (Overseas Guyanese do read and look forward to this piece. I have the proof.)
Never claiming to be most profound, cerebral or intellectual, I do choose issues that resonate with a cross-section. I thank you all for allowing me this journalistic record – the only discipline in my indisciplined life!
And a birthday too….
What? I’m supposed to write birth anniversary? Well, Birthday or Birth Anniversary, I complete another year on earth this week-end.
Ladies are shy to reveal their age especially after, say 35. Funnily some men are reluctant to divulge their age also. I never understand that. But public figures should hardly keep their chronological age secret. Your public deserves to know your fitness, capabilities – and some of your business.
So the only reason I’ll not write or type my actual figure here is because I want you to indulge in some escapist trivia. Do the subtraction from the obvious clues.
I was born in the year the Second World War thankfully ended! It was also the year that an army bomber crashed into New York’s (USA) Empire State building; that microwave ovens first appeared; that Mussolini was executed; that Hitler committed suicide and the United Nations convened; that ball point pens and frozen orange juice were introduced and it was the year too that the Andrews sisters first sand “Rum and Coca Cola”. Wait a minute. Is that last item the reason I like…?
Ponder (at 17…)
*1) Refer to my main piece above on leaders abandoning their people or sections of their society, it happened in poor but proud Haiti after Toussaint L’ Ouverture’s successful take over of the whole of Hispaniola by 1801.
After Toussaint was eventually seized by the French and had died in France in 1903, his General Dessalines mimicked Napoleon and crowned himself as Emperor (Jaques 1) of Haiti. His comrade Christophe, who helped to murder him in 1806, also proclaimed himself King (Henri 1) in 1811. King Christophe Henri built lavish edifices and created nobility like the Europeans! Talk about drifting away from “the people”?
*2) We are blessed geographically. No earthquakes or hurricanes. Except our political parties. But will Haiti be reconstructed before we progress? (Pity though, Haiti’s location).
*3) Let’s admit it: Caricom faltered!
*4) Don’t keep your letters short. Look at Emile Mervin’s correspondence on most of page 22 in this Tuesday’s Stabroek News. So much to say…
’Til Next Week!
Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com