Stuck in Campaign Mode...

In the United States of America the handover of power is complete and final, with no room for excuses and much opportunity to fail and be fired.

The Office campaigned for is being sold 'As Is Where Is', and the newly elected benefits from all of the successes of the previous Administration coming down the pipe, but is also responsible for all the failures, regardless of under whose watch they began.

There is a one hundred day 'honeymoon' extended by the media to the newly elected to familiarize themselves with the realities of the Office, after which time it's open season on everything said and everything done.

This probation allows the newly elected Office holder to stumble with some immunity while they cancel what needs to be cancelled and begin what needs to be begun (policy wise), so that by the end of the one hundred days they are expected to be fully in charge and well on their way up or out.

Government in a Democracy is interrupted for mandates (to incumbents or for personnel change) that best reflect the will of the people at the time, but the system of governance and the administration of services is not meant to be disrupted by electioneering at no time.
The idea is to force a seamless exchange of power and responsibility with little room for interruption of services to the people, and to provide a clear opportunity to evaluate potential performance or to begin removal and replacement proceedings.

As harsh as that sounds, one needs to remember that Public Office is less about glamour and more about service, less about individual and more about Government as a team sport in service of the electorate.

That is how election to Political Office in a Democracy is supposed to work.

Barack Obama in his first one hundred days inherited a collapsing US economy (heralding a world wide recession), a major war being fought on two fronts, a possible swine flu pandemic, and a United States despised globally for its foreign policy under George W. Bush.

At no time could he or did he blame his predecessor publicly (one may never know how he felt privately) because it serves no purpose for a country intent on moving forward, and he also knows that at some point he will be handing off to someone else all of the successes and failures of his Administration.

He would have also been mindful to protect the legacy of a former President of the United States, (regardless of his personal feelings) because symbolism, tradition, respect for Office and courtesy among rivals at the very top sends a strong message to those being led, that the Government is stable and the system of governance is strong.

Since our General Election on May 24th the opposite has occurred, with politicians and their activists working hard to tear our democracy to shreds by demonstrating the worst kind of pettiness and foul behavior in full view of the public.

Where is the Leadership? The sober decorum? The desire to preserve history and observe traditions? The calm assertive policy making and governance?

Instead of such high ideals the people have been treated to back biting, name calling and so much 'shiny coat' 'banana republic' posturing as if there exists no regard for the continuity of our democratic system of governance.

Those elected need to be reminded that they are supposed to be about the people's business, not engaging in silly squabbles and vendettas.

Anil Robert's behavior is embarrassing to watch and his silly antics in Parliament is pulling the Parliament down into the gutter.

Jack Warner's physical undermining of the Parliamentary Code of Ethics by his presence is being overshadowed by his lack of respect and regard for decency, diplomacy and good manners.

Anand Ramlogan's behavior does not reflect the esteem the Attorney General's office is held in by both the Constitution and the people.

Were it not for the calming assertiveness of Prakash Ramadar and Winston Dookeran and the serene authority of the Prime Minister, I would not be surprised if the country was plunged into violence as antagonists sought to settle problems with their fists.

Those elected to hold Office need to respect those Offices or be asked to demit before causing further harm to the national mood and psyche of the people.

The feeling on the ground is not as upbeat as one would hope coming on the heels of a 'populist' ouster of a disliked leader, and I strongly suggest that real Leadership be demonstrated by those who would be leaders as a matter of some urgency.

It is time to stop the posturing, campaigning, bad talking and hooliganism and settle down to the business of governance, the job you applied for and for which you were hired.

Do not believe for one minute that election to Office is a permanent condition.

Something to think about...