Amid the noise and haste, there is hope

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Three heroes of democracy Max Ehrmann wrote the poem Desiderata in 1927 noting the purity of human actions and spirit and pointing out in simple terms hope there is in truth and kindness. The first line is quoted by many at all levels of the international community: “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” Earlier this week three gentlemen stood up for their truth, for what they believed in, knowing full well there may be tremendous repercussions to their actions. Members of Parliament Hon. Muagututi’a George Meredith, Hon. Palusalue Fa’apo II and Associate Minister Hon. Hans Joachim Keil were the three gentlemen. Their actions displayed bravery of the spirit and a strength of conviction that extend way beyond daily successes and superficial achievements of the modern day Parliamentarian. The cross over of the three Parliamentarians signified a new era in Samoan democracy. Amid the recent undercurrents of social discontent, of democratic dilemmas of simmering anger in Samoa, there is a glimmer of hope. The era of political freedom, of moral diplomacy and ultimately of truth has arrived, in the form of three very brave and admirable men. Their change over is likened to that made by Neil Armstrong when he stepped onto the moon saying: “This is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” This however is a few steps for three men and a giant leap for politics in Samoa. Perhaps the one who stands to lose the most of the three is Keil who is currently holding the portfolio of Associate Minister of Tourism. His brave stance this week will go down in Samoan history for years to come. The move these men made is not just reflective of the current Right Hand Drive debate but rather on the hope that Samoa is finally practicing the western model of democracy untainted by cultural and political obligations. This is the most significant turn over of membership from HRPP since its inception, it is also the most publicised. In the original context of the Westminster system, there was no opposition. According to Dr. Professor and Director Governance at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, the original system ensured that there was a balance without the need for an opposition party. “The point that is misunderstood about Westminster is that it must have an opposition, what it really says is that you must have freedom of speech, and with the freedom of speech you have the right to oppose and this was the breakthrough of the British Parliament,” Hassal said. The brilliant political idea of the Westminster system according to the Professor is that a Member of Parliament could say to the King: “I am loyal to you but I do not agree with this proposal.” Because before that, to disagree applied disloyal to the King and you would be prosecuted. Such is the essence of democracy, freedom of speech. However there is the irony in Samoa in that we want to promote freedom of speech but we are doing it by constraining people. According to Hassal this concept encourages members of Parliament to tow the party line for the name of stability. “But in fact we are actually inhibiting the voice of our members of Parliament,” he said. Hassal points out that the essence of a democratically arrived at decision is that everybody freely gave their opinion and then they willingly agree to the voice of the majority, however it is fair to say that current Members of Parliament are not necessarily given this freedom. By defying locally mutual Parliamentarian rules, the three MPs have in fact given hope for the exercise of true democracy, and ultimately of freedom of speech. They deserve great recognition for this, and for exerciseing their strengths of conviction. For them, may this line from Ehrmanns masterpiece be reminded, that despite the trickery and drudgery of life: “let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.” Manuia le Aso Comments (1) Subscribe to this comment's feed What is Viture?, Who is Free?-- written by Democracy, March 16, 2008 The perfection of Democracy from cradle to grave is practice openly, refined infinitely and declared daily. The form of Democracy is really a tangent of many institutions within-- a little bit of absolute power, a pinch of monarcy, a form of oligarcy, some autocracy, and a lot of representation, all within the rule of law. This I wish to say, We have found these men are the FEW and FAR The Bravest of All Parliamentarians of Samoa to date. Mark your dates to the date these men walked out of the fear of One Party Absolute to Representation Democracy we have enjoyed. These men deserve a round of applause, for now this tells the world and the South Pacific. Samoa is all right in how it defines itself within the family of governments and of men. Stability, Transparency, Open Debates within Government is now a future must. We must not Lie or Hide our intentions. If your hands are full of joy, let the world know. So that your right hand knows what is on the left hand. A Representative Democracy increases stability and should define Samoa for the future. Other discussions to be laid out is the danger of a One Party Government. Desire to see what the future holds for Samoa-- I stake a future on the Act of these men. Their is HOPE, If that is all we have left, then I place my hope on just that alone. Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Sunday, 16 March 2008 )

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