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! – November 10, 1998.
Money for Everyone! A Rant!
We are deepening democracy by giving nine hours of air time the Progressive Liberal Party to air their convention over ZNS television. What an admirable gesture? Absolutely not! There is just a small catch. The Free National Movement will also get nine hours of free air time. Presumably the Bahamas Freedom Alliance is also entitled to this air time. What about Rick’s movement for less government, and the PFHT (Party for Higher Taxes). Are they all entitled? Where will it end?
What is Democracy?
Democracy has been defined as a “system of government which recognises the right of all members of society to influence political decisions, either directly or indirectly.” If we agree with this definition, then we cannot believe that democracy is being deepened by taking taxes paid by all to support political parties. In my not so humble opinion, this will lessen democracy and force higher taxes on the general public.
It has also been recently stated that by providing this assistance from the treasury influence or pressure that may be placed on government by its financial backers will be removed.
However, my experience shows that the influence of party supporters (and in many instances the few) is what politics is all about. Take a look at the recent PLP convention. Only 293 people voted Mr. Christie in as leader of the party. This from a party that gained over 45,000 votes in the last general election. In other words less than 1 percent of the people that supported the PLP in the last election voted the leader into power on October 29.
I would say the will of the electorate is controlled by the few. Wouldn’t you.
Why Should We Pay!
I think it is absolute bunk that our Prime Minister should be allowed to write a cheque for the PLP from the public treasury for what amounts to their propaganda. I do not think the FNM is entitled to it either. If the Bahamian public cannot see the wisdom in supporting the party of their choice, our politicians have accomplished very little over the past 250 years or more of “democracy.”
In the free market, if a business cannot find the money to advertise, they don’t. What makes a political party any different? If Mr. Christie and Mr. Nottage and their supporters could not find donors, then they should not have a televised convention.
But We Need a Viable Opposition you say
I agree that we need a viable opposition, but in my view this all becomes a farce if when one political party is in trouble, we just charge a few more taxes, or go further into debt to fund them. Particularly when we look at the social decay all around us. Decay I might ad that has been created by successive governments who think talking sweet and going further into debt a people makes.
Over time the political parties should be able to develop a base of support to sustain the party with both finances and volunteers. If not, one or the other will fail and a new party will begin.
Where Will It End?
I can envision every politically active group in the country lining up for their “free” air time. As I alluded to earlier, what happens when the Abaco Independence Movement gets rejuvenated, do we fund them from the treasury. When a politician cannot raise the money to fund his or her campaign, do we say, oh Hubert’s a nice guy, he has done a lot for the country, let’s pay for his campaign expenses?
Come on Parliamentarians, PLP’s and FNM’s alike, you can’t be serious. If you are, I think I might start a new party just in time for next convention season. Just to deepen democracy of course!
