by Rick Lowe
On Second Thought was a weekly column this blogger wrote for The Bahama Journal from July 7, 1998 through September 7, 1999. Some of them might be dated by now, but I republish them here for what they are worth.
On Second Thought! July 6, 1999.
A year tomorrow for "On Second Thought"
Some hopes and dreams.
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Secondly, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”
Arthur Schopenhauer, German Philosopher.
Believe it or not July 7th marks the first anniversary of On Second Thought. It is somewhat fitting, to me at least, that my foray into editorial writing should share the same birthday as our country. I don’t wish to sound trite but when Mr. Jones asked if I would consider this column I didn’t think I was up to the task. Like a lot of people didn’t think the Bahamas was up to the responsibility of Nationhood. Besides at the time I was asked to do this I had even begun to think that my view was extreme. My friends and others used to call me a white, right wing extremist because of my growing enthusiasm toward Libertarianism and the ideas of Liberty. I am pleased to say that after a year of sharing these perspectives most people I talk to tend to agree with most of what I have to say.
What is Liberty?
Clinical Psychologist Edith Packer probably put it more succinctly than I could when she said, “The essential psychological requirement of a free society is the willingness on the part of the individual to accept responsibility for his life.”
We must somehow begin to believe in our own ability and see the evidence that Government is not the answer to our ethical, moral and economic challenges. If we do not change ourselves we cannot expect to succeed.
As The Advocates for Self-Government put it, “How can we reduce the risk of war? Unemployment? Drug abuse? How can we eliminate racial hatred? Can we reduce poverty? Stop AIDS? End sexual discrimination?”
“- Some call for more political government. But all systems of “OTHERS-government” seem to cause injustice, strife and poverty. That’s why there is no immigration rush socialist or fascist countries.”
“- Libertarians call for more “SELF-government.” Societies with high self-government stimulate innovations that help feed, shelter and cure people. With more self-government, people produce enough for themselves and a surplus to help others.”
“What is self-government? Tolerance combined with personal responsibility. From tolerance comes justice. And peace. From responsible behaviour comes abundance.”
The political landscape
I am certainly not a clairvoyant but I sense a change in our political landscape. A growing feeling of dread of more government is evident and time will prove this to be right or wrong, but the FNM’s policy of privatisation is correct for the time. The benefits will be seen in the years ahead.
In addition, I believe we will see a shift from political parties back to independent candidates. While political parties were successful in seeing us through many important stages of our development I don’t think they are the answer for our future development.
I also hear a louder cry for meaningful local government…not symbolism without substance. Sharing power should be desirable for the Central Government. We have grown as a people and deserve to participate more fully in the process.
An agenda for 1999 – 2000
My wish list for the coming twelve months is how to make sense of the following issues:
a. I would like to see an analysis of the laws on the books to determine how many of them are useful…and removing those that are not.
b. I would like to see us enter debates from a less emotional point of view so people will be able to discern what our position really is. We should discuss more facts and ideas and less fiction and emotionalism.
c. I would like to see a serious review of our educational system to ensure that every citizen has the real privilege of leaving school with an education…not twelve years of social promotion.
d. And I would like to understand how people expect government to be “fair” when its whole reason for being is coercion.
If I have achieved nothing this past year, I hope I have helped dispel some of the myths about our politicians and their well-meaning policies, about how we need to depend on each other more than on the government.
Ours is a wonderful little nation, with a bright future if we can move toward more self-reliance.
I wish each and every one you a happy and safe Independence holiday.
