Rick Lowe (http://www.weblogbahamas.com)
The PLP is obviously in search of a mission, so here are a couple ideas for them.
There are so many policy issues they could be offering alternative positions on it's almost laughable.
The problem for them is that both political parties here are so much alike that the opposition dare not express a view too divergent from the governing party, other than seemingly silly views on projects like the moving of the port or the like.
In reality, the main difference between the two parties is little more than personalities and one appears more trustworthy than the other.
As far as fiscal and social policy is concerned, there is very little difference.
So why does the PLP seem adrift?
The disparate voices are evidence to me that they do not have a sense of purpose other than wanting to regain the political power they lost in 2007.
If they did no more than offer written responses to Bills before Parliament in order to help the general public understand them, they could inspire a bit of confidence.
How about showing the government how they could make local government more effective?
What about dispelling the myth that price controls are useful?
How about sharing ideas on where the government can save the taxpayers money in these tough economic times?
Showing leadership is important, and more people than Mr. Christie need to show that ability. Where are the so called "shadow ministers"?
In other words their desire is not to make government more accountable and responsible or they would be hammering these points home. They would be giving people the sense that they can govern should they win at the polls.
If politics has become no more than showman ship to win the personal perks, why are we wasting our time to register and vote?
To tell you the truth, I used to think there was a difference, but now I think they are ALL shadow ministers in the sense that, neither one is doing a damn thing but get their mugs on TV or in the papers.why should we vote anymore.Do they even care about the crime or Illegal alien problem. It seems to me that they DO NOT. Again,action speaks louder than words & what do their actions speak to you ?
IT is an interesting quandary we face, in that neither party seems capable of even recognising our country’s problems, never mind fix any one of them.
Nor does either actively seek anything but donations from the private sector or citizen.
If one looks at other former colonies, it becomes obvious that the only reason the Bahamas has not hit rock bottom, is the convienience with which external/artificial “props” have come along to “save” us.
Bootlegging
Drug Running
Offshore money sheltering
Human smuggling
Foreign investments/developments in land and resorts
The political leadership in our country have reduced themselves to nothing more than groups of individual opportunists, seeking personal power and wealth.
A classic case of sabotage from within.
All that remains, is to see how low we will go before the Bahamian people realize they have been duped thoroughly by their own, no matter the political stripe.