Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
What a world in which we live today? What is your world like? You have an opinion and so do I. Prior to March 2020; it was still easy to say it loud – what a wonderful world? A song made popular by the late, great, Louis Armstrong. I have always been accused of being an optimist. Some of my well-wishers at one time, even called me a perpetual optimist. I don’t think they see the level of optimism now that they once saw in me just a few years ago. We are living in the most challenging times of our generation. Although my optimism is waning, I am holding on, only because of my abiding faith in my Creator. However, I am fully convinced this too shall pass.
Life has changed so much; confidence has been replaced by uncertainty. Everybody wants to know what the future holds. Saint Lucia finds itself in an election mode with the nation anxiously awaiting a date to be announced for the national elections. All those who have followed politics should be well aware of what happens in an election year. The simple truth is that Government goes into MOMENTUM; the business class takes a back seat and await the outcome of the elections, while the electorate decides who to vote in or who to vote out.
The debates get heated but it all ends on the night of the elections when the votes are counted and the winners are declared. There are always lots of anxious moments during a political campaign. All candidates are hopeful until the winner is declared. There are many non-starters and they know it, but that is how politics work. You may ask, why then do people put themselves forward to participate in elections?
Representing one’s constituency is an honourable thing to do providing that the intention is to faithfully serve their constituents. All politicians should confirm to the motto that Rotary subscribes to “Service Above Self” and follow the four way test which is recited at every meeting. An essential aspect of Leadership is training, and going forward the KAISAN approach of continuous learning should be applied to all politicians in and out of office. In today’s world, informed leadership is vital to the success of any nation.
The political case study when it comes to dealing with leadership is how unprepared was Donald J. Trump for office. He created a new set of norms and procedures for dealing with matters of State. He broke several conventions. The United States is worse off for the past four years of The Donald, as the damage which was done will take several decades to repair. The GOP has to be reorganised, and new men and women elected to office have to put people first. It must be – We the People!
Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation aggressively promoted by the media and social platforms have become the norm. The voting pattern in the Congress and Senate are all about disrupting the smooth process of the work of the legislative branches. On the outside, the new groups such as QAnon and others are peddling lies, and stories promoted by Donald Trump, fuelling racial divide and political chaos.
This is a situation which is so entrenched that it frightens the world and affects the U.S.A.’s standing in its relations with friendly nations. President Biden greatest challenge is to get the fringe groups under control so that Representatives in Congress and Senate will not be fearful of losing the midterm elections.
The state of the current COVID 19 pandemic, although there have been great improvements in our interactions at school, work and play, there must be concerns about what’s next? Is it the end or it is just a lull? It is for this reason, the CDC is still calling for caution as we wait and see what the end game will be. There is evidence that the vaccines are working and as a result some restrictions were lifted. I call upon all influencers in our nation to reach out to those who are yet to take the first jab or to have the second jab to do so without any further hesitation. Expert advice is freely flowing on the internet with contenders for and against the vaccines. We have always followed our leaders and this is one time we should, because if the gainsayers are correct, the world will be leaderless. Is that a situation that you will like to be a part of?
Who would have thought about living in a world like what is today? Think on these things.
Keep the Faith, expect miracles, and the will of our Creator will prevail.
Stay safe!
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist/Realtor/Business Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://stluciagreatpropertydeals.com