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We need to know and apply more than history

Apr 29, 2015 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Much of the Guyanese population and the Guyanese diaspora is inordinately concerned, some to the point of obsession, about history of the behaviours, practices and policies of previous governments.
Yes, it is perfectly right for Guyanese to be fully aware of history, especially past misdeeds of political parties in order for them to decide from whom they should vote. Indeed, history is important. Without knowledge of the past we cannot chart the future. Any party that advocates that we ignore history is foolish.
However, in order to move into the future it is not enough to use history as our only compass. Understanding politics and planning the future is more about governance of the polis – the citizenry of the city-state, economic and social development, and a wholesome cultural and moral development of the citizens, and involves more than knowledge of the past.
History, while a necessary prerequisite in understanding the past in order to chart the future, is not an adequate tool in understanding the dynamics of society. It does help us to avoid the mistakes of the past, but if we were to rigidly follow it, we would vote for none of the parties. Basically therefore, we need the best choice from a list of parties, none of which is perfect. Planning for the future is about goals, objectives, aspirations and dreams of the people, for the people and by the people; and giving support to a party whose manifesto and honest intentions come closest to making these goals, objectives, aspirations and dreams a reality, is what elections are all about.
For us to make a rational choice we need to know and apply more than history. We need to know about politics also. There is one particular tool in politics that helps us to come to a clearer understanding in order to make a decision.
Modern politics, Marxian as well as non-Marxian, make full use of the scientific tool of historical and dialectical materialism. This concept alone distinguishes the difference between history and politics.
It rests on the principle that the world, the universe, everything is constantly changing. Nothing remains the same. The basic concept in historical and dialectical materialism is the existence of a thesis which is confronted or presented with an anti-thesis. Out of this fusion comes the synthesis. This principle is scientifically universal and especially applicable to the physical world. I am certain the PPP dialecticians Clement Rohee, Roger Luncheon and Gail Teixeira will (however reluctantly) agree with me.
Everything is changing, including PPP and PNC. Nothing is static. We cannot therefore derive a conclusion by comparing one static situation to another and apply that conclusion to the future. To be fair, we cannot compare the history of PPP with a history of the Coalition. The Coalition has no previous history of governance. We can compare (or contrast) PPP with PNC. But the AFC is equally important.  This is the catalyst in the equation, and that is what makes all the difference. And what is important is that the AFC has put all the checks and balances in place to make sure they do not go the way of the United Force.Which brings me to the second important tool to use in our decision-making. And that is, because everything is changing – in particular, the subjective and objective, local and international conditions, and because there have been drastic changes since the sixties and seventies, things will not be the same in the future.  I can assure Guyanese that Burnham will not return. And sadly, neither will Jagan.
Both major parties have changed, especially the past ten years or so, and whether for the better or worse, the Guyanese people must be the judge. This, to me is the bone of contention.
It is good to know the past; to reminisce, reflect and grieve and to avoid pitfalls. But grieve we may; move on we must.
Gokarran Sukhdeo

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