The standards for Bahamian politics is demeaning, and degrading. It appears that stupidity is the norm of the day, and derogative remarks are the only form of communications used. The dreaded thought of such individuals, who engage in advance forms of bullying, governing a country is indeed frightening. Recently, the PLP attack on Mr Greg Gomez was indeed an all time low. Therefore, it is my premise that such actions are indeed an advance form of bullying and must cease and desist immediately. I acknowledge that I grew up in a PLP family, and voted for them during the last election.
However, I now question my actions considering, I am partly to blame for putting fools to lead our country. Reason being, I watched the horrid remarks and gestures they made about Mr Gomez, and questioned their true feelings about the average Bahamians. Due to economic hardships, many Bahamians are unemployed, and struggle daily to provide for their families. Nevertheless, just because they may not be as fortunate as others, does not means they should not be respected as human beings. Like the old adage, “Poverty is not a disgrace, it is just a setback.”
Individuals, such as Mr Alfred Gray, and Bradley Roberts were quick to highlight that Mr Gomez lived abroad, and he received government funds from the 52 weeks programme. However, there is evidently no point to their argument. A Bahamian is a Bahamian. It does not matter if he went away for a day or 50 years, Mr Gomez still has a fundamental right to present himself for candidacy. Furthermore, they have highlighted he received funding from the 52 weeks programme, my question is so what? The programme was designed to help Bahamians in need. Not everyone is as fortunate as Mr Gray and Mr Roberts; but everyone does have the right to be respected as human beings.
Reflecting on history, Martin Luther King Jr’s last speech was for a group of sanitation workers, “I AM A MAN” campaign. He is perhaps one of the most renowned civil rights leaders, but he died fighting for individuals who took out the trash. That speaks volumes of what true leadership is. Good leadership seeks to fight for the rights of all, regardless of their social class, race, or creed. With that said, I support Mr Gomez, because he is a man, trying to earn an honest living. Therefore, if the government implemented a programme to help citizens and he participated, he has nothing to be ashamed of. The only people who should be shamed are the idiots who attack Mr Gomez for his humbled beginnings. I would implore them to model the behaviour they expect society to follow. As Bahamians, we must not allow the practice of political bullying to continue.
R Strachan
Nassau, Bahamas
October, 2012
