‘Principles of Fairness’ doomed to fail

THE EDITOR: A lot of perhaps deserved praise has been heaped upon the heads of Ken Gordon, Arthur Lok Jack, Bhoe Tewarie and Tajmool Hosein for their efforts to start a movement for observance of their “Principles of Fairness.” But everyone knows that this project, like the ones previously launched by the President and the Prime Minister, is doomed to fail. The reason is simple; there is no desire on the part of politicians of whatever stripe to have any kind of equality. This obtains in every society, not only in Trinidad and Tobago. The only time any politician is interested in equality is when they are not in power. It is only then you hear them talking about equality and fair play, only to ignore all their previous posturings once they get into power.

A politician thrives on divisiveness, in deed it is their raison d’etre. The deeper the divisions, the greater the likelihood that their supporters will continue to vote for them regardless. They could afford to do and say the most outrageous things without the risk of losing support — like Mr Panday’s recent attack on the Junior Finance Minister. Many people who disagree, had no problem with the Prime Minister’s vicious attack on Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar.  Conversely, many who criticised Mr Manning for his insults now find that Mr Panday’s behaviour is justified. The only way to reconcile the two positions is to be a politician.  A politician is the only person who can have one position today and the opposite one tomorrow, and be right both times. Ask Fitzgerald Hinds.

The difference between politicians and normal human beings is their ability to defend the indefensible, to justify the unjustifiable, all the while deepening the divisions in the society in order to maintain themselves in power, or to unseat their opponents. It is a safe bet that neither of the two major political parties are among the twenty-eight organisations that have endorsed these principles. But have no doubt that both of them would pay willing and vocal lip-service to them, in public. What is agreed to in their private enclaves is a totally different matter. Both of them are tainted and cannot be trusted with the nation’s future. What we need is a grassroots rebellion, such as in 1970 which propelled young people with fresh ideas and clean hands, without the greed for power and money, and who are not professional politicians solely concerned with propagating themselves in power. Is there any such thing on the horizon? Certainly not this group!

KARAN MAHABIRSINGH
Carapichaima