Anand's Bazaar

Politics and by extension political office, carries with it onerous burdens that more times than not is thankless. When considering running for public office one must consider this seriously and the public should also have this awareness and admire those who do. It never, ever ends well and the final price is usually public shame, ostracization, jail and sometimes, death. Just ask Bas and Patos.

Prior to the General Elections I was disappointed to see the now honourable Attorney General unceremoniously leave the COP and cast Mr. Dookeran in a discourteous and tasteless light. I saw his move as one rooted in opportunism and betrayal. Had he not done so I believe he would have still been made Attorney General.

In discharging his duties, he brings with him the same ebullient aggression he brought to his private practice. Many have been critical of his public posturing and pronouncements. His consistent approach should be welcomed and be recognised as being the reason he's been tasked to be guardian of the Constitution. His fearlessness and passion (as he puts it) expresses his righteous rage that he directs at corruption and all forms of subversion of the Republic. He promises much and delivery of such in order to prosecute the treasonous actions of those who abused and misused our patrimony is eagerly awaited.

Whilst his aggressive stance can be construed as reckless, it should not waiver. Caution though, and extra vigilance for his personal safety is required. By treading on the toes of those who might have reason to be fearful he puts his person in potential danger. Speaking on the hustings in Tunapuna last night (21-07-2010) he announced that on the morning of 27th July 2010 he will put up for auction, all the properties of Mr. Bakr's Muslimeen as retribution for the physical damage they caused in 1990.

If history is to teach us about repeating mistakes of the past then the parallels of provocation that premised the 1990 insurrection need to be vigorously guarded against lest we revisit it in 2010. Treason is absolute in nature and those who betray a nation cannot and should not be excused for any reason. And even if it has taken twenty years to reach this point those old enough to remember will remember the tremendous hurt felt by the Republic. Being symbolic in nature the gains to be had might not be worth the price to be paid and maybe we should consider forgoing it. 

Despite the histrionics, race baiting and outright hate that has been characteristic of our politics we've accepted change and transitioned into new governance without incident and peacefully. Let us not in this time take that discipline for granted and be mindful that it only takes a misguided minority to disrupt our peace.