The ever-present two major parties

Feb 10, 2019 Editorial

Circumstances increasingly confirm what was anticipated, and boldly predicted. Every presence of potential strength and meaning, of hoped-for difference has petered out, before the overwhelming presence of the two colossi that stand astride this politically and racially drawn and quartered (it is more accurate to make that halved) nation.
Look around; one does not have to look too far or listen too hard, but it is down to two. The same two. Third forces and third parties and third ways have all virtually disappeared before the mighty presences of the two groups.
So, have the pretenses and séances involving that particular selected third candidate, now relegated to third string water carrier, third tier bridesmaid, and third-rate comedy presence.
First, ANUG is now almost nonexistent for all that its once refreshing presence brought to the table. It did promise to bring some level of civility and comportment to the circus. Rather regrettably, and as surmised and feared, and from all public indications, this well-meaning body has already been discarded in the racial hysterias paralyzing this land.
One would hope to be wrong on what instinct and intellect dictate; but that appears to be both longshot and foregone conclusion. Even before this first group of possible political swingmen could register some presence and impact, they are history; condemned to the dustbin of racial rejection and refuse.
Second, it is the same ugly sickly story when there is consideration of the proudly unveiled, well-intentioned indigenous party. Like ANUG, where is it? Sure, and they ought to be recognized and encouraged, there is Mr. Jonas and Mr. Shuman valiantly making the public rounds in the media wards, but they encounter the same environments, atmospherics, and mentalities.
They are of a universe of patients (and the electorate should not be mistaken for anything else), who are terminally diseased (race-based); indifferent to advice (settled in their sorry self-destructive addictions); and unheeding of the new medicine that forms part of the rehabilitation regimen (determined to continue with toxic traditional herbals, along with the crafty, self-serving herbalists that feed off of them.
The message of the new people and new groups is the same to all Guyanese with conscience and commensurate will: separate and amputate from what has devastated. It is tough bitter medicine. Thus, it is, once again, travelling along another racially intense and racially powered election road with the same old racially-envisioned destination, result, and ugly aftermath. It is probable that there could be some racial defections to one side.
These may include those who had a rewarding time during the freedom days, but now find themselves (and pickings) subject to scrutiny and restraint, and who desire the easy honey of previous times. Should not amount to much of a difference.
Third, the much advertised and trumpeted youth caucus and youth vote is quickly turning out to be more imaginary than reality. The youth vote, once touted as that independent influential group of difference-makers, has grown old overnight.
It never possessed the spirit to immerse in the daring and adventurousness of the truly young; that bloc of votes is so old as to resemble the grizzled intransigence of tribal ancestors. It is why the ANUG(s) of the Guyanese political world are a nonevent.
Finally, matters are so sharply focused on the two race majors, that even that unhappy presidential candidate has melted before the sun comes out: a has-been, the forgotten man, a cypher: An embarrassment providing testimony and billboard as to convenient pawns and cheap expendables.
This is the fanaticism that is all about race, and those on that express track to power and its perils.

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