The future rests
‘The destiny of your country is in
CAN you believe, the future of who's going to be driving your country forward is all in the stroke of a simple little tick, cross or a circle. In the past, because some people got ticked off with your tick, cross or circle of approval, they decided to overturn the result creating a ticking time bomb. Put simply, they have a problem with ticks, crosses and circles. But that's what politics has come to, a simple tick, cross or a circle. Whichever simple little sign you write on your ballot paper will determine what happens next and how your country progresses and under who's stewardship. Imagine that! The future direction of Fiji is in your hands. That's simply powerful and you should feel proud that the destiny of your country is in the choice you're about to make.
As the day is fast approaching there's mixed feelings of excitement and a little uncertainty too. But one tick, cross or circle is all that's needed to send some pollies scurrying back to the life they came from. Of course some will want this one to win. Some will want that one. Some still aren't sure if they can trust that other one. Some don't know and some don't really care. And then there's this other lot who go quietly about their business doing what they've always done. And that's making a mountain of moolah while the rest rant and rave about who's going to roast who at the polls. That quiet lot of puppeteering geniuses just smile with their gleaming gold Rolex watches while stashing away a mountain of money here, there and everywhere thanks to all the hangerson they've conveniently managed to hitch to their bandwagon. But instead of focusing on the growing corruption in the corridors of power, some in the media are always spotlighting that pesky bunch who're always standing up and throwing their voices at the injustices being perpetrated against the down trodden and marginalised. At least they're doing something positive rather than plotting someone's demise and downfall, right! Which brings me to this age old question: why is there so much treachery in such a small country? You know, people who are liu muri and aagee peechae? Some would argue it's probably because treachery has been in our DNA since the beginning of time. Envy, jealousy and greed in fact. And they reckon it's probably been handed down to us in an unwanted legacy called, the sins of our fathers. It's a legacy, some believe, that's unfortunately steeped in an age old curse. Scary thought, I know! Some suggest, that to exorcise this curse and break its hold requires seeking the wisdom of the experts in Theological matters. And I would tend to agree. Either way, it keeps rearing its ugly head because politicians of the past may've never given it a second thought or a sideways glance. But on a different note, how do you separate the true stewards of the state from the wannabes? True stewards, I believe, have a servants heartbeat. You'll know them not
Members of the public listen during a recent political rally at Syria Park in Nausori.
by their fancy speeches or their panoramic promises. You'll recognise them by their quiet actions as they go about serving the needs of the most vulnerable in society. They are the ones who need your tick, cross or circle. Not the ones who've been masquerading as some sycophantic saviour. The imposters are mostly ultracrepidarians, people who're quick to judge and criticize making out they're the only ones who have the know it all expertise and authority to make a difference and to take the country forward. Now I wasn't meaning to be awkward by addressing something that could cause quite a stir to stimulate a gossip full of grief just before the big day. But please weigh up your choice with prudence as your guide. As I was looking through the huge list of hopefuls, there seems to be a lot of newbies trying their hand at this game called politics. I think you've got to be pretty game putting your hand up for this caper. I guess there's always something to look forward to other than the political mudslinging and back stabbing that's become rabidly rampant in today's political arena. And I often ask the same question you've probably been asking thousands of times: "Why are some politicians so fiercely unkind and downright rude and disrespectful towards each other when they're supposed to be having our best interests at the forefront of their debate and discussions?" There's probably a myriad of reasons why certain pollies do this. But when it's all said and done I believe it comes down to just one plain and simple word - character! People of character are generous, kind and sincere. Even though they might have strong views and opinions about a subject, they're open minded, but they're also just and fair. And people of character are empathetic, ethical and have a strong sense of moral values and integrity. They weigh and respect everyone's opinion because they believe that every single person has something to say and something to offer. Their word is their bond. Imagine if you were to have people of character serving the nation? What will your country be like in the next 5, 10, 15 years? Imagine! Now put your imagination to work and weed out the wannabes and people who are in it for themselves and their mates. Send them the message you've had
Why are some politicians so fiercely
unkind and downright rude and disrespectful towards each other when they’re supposed to be having our best interests at the forefront of their debate
and discussions?
Colin Deoki