The Art of Politics

“Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give the appearance of solidity to the wind.” George Orwell [English Novelist 1903 – 1950].

It had been my intention to write solely on the issue of the Caribbean Court of Justice [CCJ] which was recently launched in Port of Spain on April 16, 2005. For the record, I support the CCJ in principle, but the extravagance displayed two weeks ago was totally unnecessary and ill timed. I will deal with that in a later issue of this newspaper. I, however, was mesmerized at how insanely stupid a leader could be. In the United States, quite a few of the comedians make fun of President George W. Bush because he has been known to make verbal gaffs from time to time, beginning with his 2000 campaign for the White House.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we have a Prime Minister who unmistakably dwells in the “otherworld.” I listened to the address given by the Honourable Prime Minister at a PNM Rally in front of the Tunapuna Discount Centre on Friday 22nd April 2005, and perhaps, well at first thought, I didn’t know what to make of it! What immediately came to mind was a statement attributed to Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill [1874 – 1965] in which he said “A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.” The Prime Minister couldn’t even explain why his policies have so far failed to address the problems facing society, particularly the crime menace. His only answer was “Who don’t hear will feel…” Come on Prime Minister, you could do better than that!

I am positive that Mr. Manning has been following the late Harry S. Truman [33rd President of the United States of America] where he said “If you cannot convince them, confuse them.” This, Mr. Prime Minister is not the Congo, Rwanda or Tanzania, and if you want to adopt such outdated and outlandish policies, you would do well to rule in some nation deep in the Central African jungle where you can proclaim himself not only father, but king!

Recently, I came across a saying, a joke perhaps by an anonymous writer. It stated: “Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing for the same reason.” At a PNM political rally, the main topic of discussion was the split within the UNC. Before making pronouncements about the internal affairs of another party, the Prime Minister and his cohorts should engage in some meaningful introspection because all is not well within the PNM and one should not throw stones whilst living in a glass house.

On the matter of the UNC, I have concluded my investigations into who leaked the information from the Party Caucus of April 7. I have confirmed the culprit and even I was surprised at who it was. I will keep that information close to my chest because these are dangerous times and I am not about to show my hands yet. My time will come! The only message I have for the UNC at this time is that it should heal itself quickly and get its act together and get it together right now with both Independent UNC MP’s included. As currently configured and managed, the UNC, with a lack of “cross over” appeal can only hope to win 17 to 19 seats in a 41 seat House of Representatives. The house of the rising sun needs to be put in order if it is to present a credible alternative to the PNM in the next election which according to my sources at Whitehall will be no later than November 2006.

Meanwhile, the PNM talks about unity yet there is discord and discontent within the party between the Black and Indian factions. It’s not so much a race war, but more a grab for power. Many belonging to the Black faction see Chairman Franklin Khan as an upstart and opportunist and view his chairmanship as simply a gift from Patrick Manning for his loyalty.

Instead of commenting on what was essentially a UNC matter, Cabinet Ministers would do well to concentrate on whether they will be retaining their positions in the Cabinet after an impending reshuffle. My sources at Whitehall have indicated that a reshuffle is imminent and that Dr. Keith Rowley is to be reassigned to another Ministry. In order to create a diversion away from any perceived fallout, my sources have also informed me that Education Minister Hazel Manning will be reassigned as well [Hazel is campaigning hard in the new seat of Princes Town South and is set to contest it in the next election].

Indications are that the Prime Minister is allegedly unhappy with Health Minister John Rahael and is particularly peeved over the SuperPharm issue [Syrian Connection again]. Internal discussions within the top brass of the PNM have yielded decisions that will have serious consequences. My sources have confirmed that a plan has been designed that would see the eventual phasing out of Members of Parliament Eudine Job, Fitzgerald Hinds, Diane Seukeran and Pennelope Beckles [I like Penny- She has charisma and works hard]. They will not be returned as candidates in the upcoming general election! Speculation is ripe that Franklin Khan will be returned through the Senate, but I have yet to confirm this bit of information.

With some Government Ministers not on speaking terms, all cannot be well within the PNM. Before they talk about morality and anyone else, they should also put their house in order. I was in a fit of laughter when someone once told me that a few of the Cabinet Ministers refer to Lenny Saith as “God”- jokingly of course! This was a result of the fact that he wielded and continues to wield a tremendous amount of power over the Cabinet, both he and Joan Yuille – Williams. Senator Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has been described by his colleagues as the laziest Minister and Satish Ramroop is simply an upstart, with all talk and no action.

Performance is key to political success and thus far, this Cabinet has failed on several counts. Many people look down on the profession of politics as cheap, vulgar and full of hypocrisy. Given the examples we have here in Trinidad and Tobago, one can understand why some have this view. This, by no means, is exclusive to this country. According to American Actor Robin Williams “Politics: “Poli” – a Latin word for “many” and “tics” meaning “bloodsucking creatures”.” In fact: Doug Larson [1902 – 1981] stated: “Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.” Such is the skepticism that exists in the public domain. We must, however, know the difference in the hearts and minds of people. We can tell this by their behaviour. “The difference is that a statesman thinks he belongs to the State, and a politician thinks the State belongs to him.” [Anonymous]

I write this column not to chastise the PNM and its supporters, but to put things into perspective. When your neighbour’s house is on fire, make sure to wet your own! It’s good advice, trust me.

Finally, I refer to one of my personal heroes for the last quote: Emperor Marcus Aurelius [Roman Empire AD 121 – 180] “If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.”