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WE ARE GULLIBLE

Aug 04, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

There has been an increase in voter turnout over the last fifteen years in this country, and the most likely reason or simplest explanation would be that the citizens believe in exercising their right to vote and electing a government of their choice. But let’s not be fooled, not too many take politicians seriously.
Guyanese essentially see politicians as incidental or peripheral to their lives, and this may be with good reason. Regrettably, the politicians on both sides of the aisle have caused this indifference. They have chosen not been truthful or have deliberately misled the nation too many times for comfort – certainly not endearing qualities.
There have been cases in which acts of deception by politicians have been egregious. Many have come to see themselves as being above the law, especially when they have transgressed, become immoral, or fall below societal standards. They do not strive to make themselves better.
People care less about politicians because they believe that any genuine concern expressed for them isn’t reciprocal. The percentage has risen sharply over the years. This belief is based on the fact that during election campaigns, politicians repeatedly make promises that they tend not to fulfill.
Such selfishness and ingratitude by many of our politicians show that they are self-centred and totally detached from the people, who elected them to office. And even though it is not a localized problem, it is a very common trend among our leaders, which is expressed in a number of ways. It has led to mistrust by the people who feel that their elected officials are deceptive. The fact that some politicians respond angrily when confronted with a lie they may have told, or a mistake they have made, is a true test of their character. Many would lie frequently, but would come up with the most intriguing explanations to cover-up those lies. Our politicians tend to are convinced that the citizenry are likely to believe anything they say and will eternally remain gullible.
Some politicians would make-up excuses that they are so busy that they can hardly find the time and energy necessary to meet with their constituents and address their needs. Such explanations not only justify their indifference and lack of concern, but also explain their unsavoury behaviour. For example, no proper reason was given to the people to justify the sudden and significant increase in salaries for ministers of this government after being in office for less than three months, the alleged sole sourcing of medical contracts and the renting of an inadequate facility to store a portion of the nation’s drugs. Not to mention the rental of homes for enormous amounts for ministers who do not reside in the city.
In the previous administrations there were more disdainful acts. The citizens were treated with utter disrespect. It was as if the money being spent was not theirs.
Whatever the explanations being offered by our politicians for their misgivings or misconduct, the fact is, there is widespread public perception that elected officials are not as committed as they should be to represent the public’s interest. Many believe that politicians who are found culpable of alleged conflicts of interest, corruption, fraud and kickbacks should be prosecuted and jailed. However, politicians are the powerbrokers in Guyana and are not sent to jail for wrongdoing, because the justice system seemingly recognizes status when it comes to punishing them. But the same justice system is quick to lock up those among us of lesser standing, and who in many cases commit minor offences. This is, perhaps, another reason why some people do not care about politicians, but then again they aren’t bothered; we are gullible.

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