When attitudes do not change

By Tilly Barrie

The reality of our political landscape is that it has failed to move with the times. Far from being progressive, far from providing a true political lead, it is retrograde and decadent, corrupt in almost all its activities.

Lies and deceits galore by our politicians and leaders have dominated most of our political and economic life since this country gained its independence.

What has brought about the decadence and corruption is the failure over the years to provide a meaningful and conscientious political leadership? Let us examine what role the politicians have played and what advice the religious heads have provided in the search for Change and Prosperity. In the advent of independence on to the present “ four for four’’ days, we shouted and still keep on shouting “ We are free at last” and that better days are coming. But, are we now better off? I dare say NO!!!

That was an illusion and believe me we are still day-dreaming and window-shopping. We are living in an “Animal Farm”, where some animals are more equal than others. Year in year out we are being hoodwinked and brainwashed by politicians. They are the pied pipers and we are the rats. In our presence, they pretend to be adversaries, but behind our backs they dine from the same plate and make mockery of our intelligence.

If politicians preserved the dictates of their election promises, the state of their constituents would be more united, happy and more self-asserting. But no! They window-dress the constituencies for no reason other than their selfish ends. They lick honey from the pot on the short man’s head.

Years gone by, politics was not a career and the priesthood was for the elderly and god-fearing. These were people of integrity and high morals, who had gone through life were experienced, and were not “Lords of the flies”.

It is now a common knowledge that the short cut to power and wealth is to be either through politics or priesthood. Brainwash and mesmerize people. Get what you want from them and hold them spellbound and in ignorance in perpetuity.

Moral lapses by those in authority be it in politics or religion have become commonplace. In the religious houses one is not recognized for regular attendance but for financial contributions. If you are a woman, without money but with beauty, well you will be welcome all the clergy as much as by the politician.

In politics, just keep in touch, make noise, gat-crash at meetings, put in appearances, blow your horn, insult the opponent favour is yours.

The shameless display of wealth by most politicians has reached fever pitch. They have adapted themselves to the “all eyes on me attitude”. The grassroots whose votes they sought and received to gain political prominence are grumbling and only the radio stations and newspapers are treating it with seriousness.

But it seems as if the executive and the legislature have ignored or are discouraging any real efforts to address the complaints and abuses which are rampant in the country.

Dissatisfaction with political the elite has rekindled the sentiment that yesterday is better off than today.

Mind you the grassroots do not have access to the presidency. Those who do are grossly dishonest and are a disappointment to the electorate. They pass on information or give advice that seeks their selfish means. These close aides and advisers are responsible for all the upheavals to all leaders in the world.

Sadly and unfortunately, as if under a curse, politicians always turn their back on all those who helped them to gain prominence.

(C) Politico 10/09/13

Tilly-Chat: With Tilly Barrie

Attitudinal inexactitude