Greetings to all friends. Even critics, detractors attract my best wishes and blessings as I really endeavour to make today’s piece the briefest. Let’s see hereunder.
I wonder if I was/am that prescient? You see I wanted to pen a simple outline with respect to what I hope the two major opposition parties should try (their mightiest) to do to confront their (our?) common enemy. As usual, my menu would be simply written and drawn from my little political experience – and just plain simple, necessary common sense.
Then, as this was being written (early this week) it was announced that the parties – APNU and AFC will indeed sit down to hammer out strategies inclusive as to what should happen in the National Assembly on the first day (s) that it convenes. (Why am I remembering – as I write this sentence – that thousands voted for the PPP/C too? And that is why it enjoys the single largest bloc, the Presidency and government? What a Constitution?)
Anyway here is my understanding and thinking regarding the approach to peaceful confrontation against the excesses and bullyism of a seemingly desperate government.
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Opponent, enemy, commonalty
I think that it was the American politician Bob Dole who, during one by–gone Presidential election campaign described his rival as his opponent and not his political enemy. I was so impressed by such political integrity.
The point was since both candidates wanted what was best for the American people and country – even though they articulated (sometimes slightly) differing policies and philosophies to achieve that which is “best”, they could not be irascible venomous enemies. They were merely political opponents each hoping to be the candidate the people would choose to serve them competently and productively.
Today, I do feel, Frankly Speaking, that the local. Opposition regards the ruling Party and its government as political enemies! Enemies of all that is good for our national well-being – from their mismanagement of resources to atrocious, corrupt governance to immoral leadership. And obviously, enemies are continuously confrontational – moreso than gentlemanly, moralistic opponents tend to be – Frankly Speaking, I do feel that this PPP/C version of government has earned the wrath of the opposition and the People.
“Commonalty” refers to the “common people”. I’ll use common cause even common enemy to mean a combination but single entity or force to be confronted and defeated. But how?
I’m hoping that this past Wednesday’s joint opposition session began some strategic effective process. The Parliamentary opposition, other political groups and militant civil society must implement immediate robust programmes, almost daily, to oppose, expose and hopefully, depose.
The thing is the APNU, AFC, Rights groups with real membership, churches and big business must define and implement! (1) Parliamentary action, (2) Visible peaceful civic Gandhian non-co-operation with governmental evil (3) Active invitation to the international community and the Guyanese Diaspora to assist.
The opposition has no choice but to collaborate fully if they do have a common foe. They must submerge temporary differences and political egoes. Leaders there must accept their human frailties too: Ramjattan, Trotman, Nagamootoo all have some sort of baggage, skeletons. Granger just acquired some post congress baggage too. So they must fess up to the people and “co-join”. The best opposition to this administration with their own scandalous baggage is to persuade and mobilise all the people. Show all poor people how and why they are all victims whilst corruption spawns its own victors.
Finally if the Retired Brigadier is to be believed, the opposition should outline publicly how it will include the few good PPP/C politicians in any new government- united for national progress. After all the PPP/C is bound to attract certain voters still. They remain Guyanese.
Meanwhile, keep at your awareness/protest demonstrations. Can you dear opposition, mobilise five thousand youths? 16-35?
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Gunfire within Sunday Mass!
Okay I know that no actual gunshots rang out during the three young bandits’ assault and theft against peaceful elderly worshippers at St. Phillips on this Sunday morning past.
Thank heavens! But the gunfire was ominously silent. Bullets were unspent ammunition in the heads and hands of youthful robbers, probably lost to our society. No parenting, Pauperised circumstances; moralistic standards never known; rogues at the pre- twenties partly because of kleptocracy at the very top of the Guyana corruptocracy.
A few months ago I recall there was a brutal attack by youths on an 80 plus years grannie at Ann’s Grove. Sociologists, welfare workers will tell of lack of parenting, absentee and young teachers and pastors in reggae “churches”. Drug Lords are role–models even as local decision– makers and others crooks “explain” that teen crime is “a worldwide problem.”
Our police boast only a few “good cops”? Can’t they – and we – blunt the sources of the illegal firearms the youngsters easily acquire? But I repeat myself. So I won’t ramble on to remind that with less than a million souls, “poor” Guyana’s resources are enjoyed by a mere few. I tire…
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Hope springs eternal…
Absolutely! Sure! Reform the assembly’s standing orders. And the constitution! And GECOM’s composition too!
Again I enquire: How come the Parliamentarians become honourable? Including the telephone member?
Til next week!
(comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
