“If we think that we
can secure our country by just talking tough without acting tough and smart,
then we will misunderstand this moment and miss its opportunities. If we think
that we can use the same partisan playbook where we just challenge our
opponent’s patriotism to win an election, then the nation will lose. The times
are too serious for this kind of politics”. Barack Obama
Indeed as a people we wake up every morning with various
expectations from a country we live in.
Having a job should mean that almost basic needs are met with the income
that’s earned and so is starting a business.
But most importantly there should be progress; people should
have their vision fulfilled and have time to reflect the past and hope for a better future. History should always be told of the
generation that missed the opportunities created by their struggle. Visitors
should go away with life time memories and frequent visitors should be able to
witness prosperity.
The world has witnessed the defunct communism, dictatorial
rule of all sorts and democracies. Democracy triumphed over and above all the
systems of governing. Its victory is characterised by its strictness of having
a constitution that is followed to the letter and begs its leaders to upholding
the rule of law. Respect and due regard to basic human rights and realise that
human beings are equal.
Giving its real meaning of collective involvement and even
distribution of wealth and opportunities; destroying all elements of favouritisms
and nepotism which are inimical to its mission.
In the words of Barack Obama, “The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate, but
they endure when people of every background and belief find a way to set aside
smaller differences in service of a greater purpose”.
We will only be there if laws of the land are applied
indiscriminately, respect for and due regard to human rights, wealth and
opportunities evenly distributed. Political opponents encouraged and not
silenced, freedoms safeguarded, life without trumped up cases and arbitrary
arrests of adversaries.
Senior Ministers held responsible for their actions and held
accountable regardless of their background because they are appointed in
service of a greater purpose.
Citizens should be given an opportunity of being heard
through free protest and demonstrations as is required by the constitution. The
question should not be what is expected of the people but what is expected of
those elected to represent them. Blaming culture should not be tolerated and
independence of the judiciary high on the agenda. Due process and full
independence of the judges are fundamental to our democracy.
The powers that may be should provide for an environment for
academic freedom, this should be of right not of privilege and never discourage
youngsters who are keen to join the race for leadership. Young people have a
role to play and therefore should be made to feel useful in order to invest
their potentials. To manipulate them is to discount what the future holds for
them and the nation at large.
One even wonders why
we say “future leaders” when we cannot give a meaning to it, how can they become
future leaders when we are not prepared to pass on the baton and there is
nothing to prepare them for its challenges. To deprive the young of this right
is just a disincentive to their success in the
near future.
In my world and that of Robert F. Kennedy; “A young monk began the Protestant
reformation, a young general extended an empire from Macedonia
to the borders of the earth, and a young woman reclaimed the territory of France New
World and 32 year old Thomas Jefferson who proclaimed that all men
are created equal. Give me a place to stand, said Archimedes and I will move
the world. These men moved the world and so we can all”
The times are too serious for this kind of politics indeed, and
until we live up to it and bring about real change I will never feel that we
are there yet, are you?
Special dedication to
my friend the late Abdul Karim Bosco Mwalabu who died on 11th
February 2012
