I could not believe my eyes last Wednesday night as I watched the usually smooth-talking President Barack Obama get a verbal whipping from Republican challenger Mitt Romney in their first presidential debate. His lacklustre performance was embarrassing, but I consoled myself with the hope that in the next two scheduled debates he would redeem himself.
That’s when it struck me: could Obama have allowed Romney to hit him with his best shots in order to find out just how hard he could punch, knowing there would be two more debates in which he would be able to counterpunch and floor this challenger? You know, beat him rope-a-dope style like Muhammad Ali did with devastating effect against George Foreman.
For those unfamiliar with the term, rope-a-dope is a strategy in which one party purposely puts himself in what appears to be a losing position, but when he gets the measure of his opponent, he counter-attacks and wins.
As crazy as this idea seemed even to me, when I checked the Net a few commentators were suggesting a similar thing. Whether all of us are in the category of fools seldom differing, rather than great minds thinking alike, I’m certainly hoping Obama recovers in the next two debates and knocks out Romney.
Romney’s view that more people should be self-reliant and pull themselves up by their own bootstraps ignores the often complex reality of life for the poor, chronically sick and indigent. Without government assistance, such people have little or no chance of making something of their lives; and this is millions of Americans. The Romney philosophy contributes to greater inequality in society as the haves continue to prosper while the poor tend to languish. And worse than that, it often breeds resentment and violence.
Though a prominent local businessman told me if Romney wins it would be great for Barbados – as rich Americans will start spending and that economic boon would trickle down to us – I can’t support his candidacy. From Romney’s mouthings, he is clearly of the belief that the United States is about the strength of its economy and not the cohesiveness of its society.
Realistically, no country can be progressive and at peace with itself if sound social programmes from a central authority are not in place to ameliorate the inherent inequities within its society. Adequate assistance should be in place to help those who fall through the cracks without cultivating a mendicant society as seems to be happening here.  Â
And I’m not a socialist to believe this. I’m an unrelenting capitalist who recognizes that for business to flourish all segments within a society must feel they have a stake in it and a chance to improve their condition. This is what contributes to building a vibrant economy and a progressive society.
Another vital component to building such a society is communication involving lively debate, where issues can be discussed and critically analyzed, particularly when confronting political matters and the need to speak frankly. This is the hallmark of western democracies, which many of us admire.    Â
Yet, here at home, quality debate on political issues, in particular, is lacking. Instead of analysis one often gets partisan diatribe, grandstanding and personal attacks.
This is why town hall meetings in which Barbadians are allowed to question policymakers and get answers are healthy. Tonight’s NATION Talkback is such an opportunity, and as it is expected to deal with the hot button political issues the country is facing, it should be informative and instructive.
That the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has opted not to officially participate in this debate by being on the panel is a real disappointment. As the party forming the Government, its officials have a responsibility to attend fora to discuss issues of national import to ensure such deliberations have the benefit of the reality of the circumstances in which Government parliamentarians must function.
Abdicating this responsibility allows opposing views to gain currency which, in some cases, a simple explanation would be able to clarify.
By not attending, Government is robbing the public of their perspective. At such a meeting, quick interventions are not possible like on a call-in programme, where someone can call in to defend a position or explain a circumstance.
Their official non-attendance also makes light of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and other ministers’ assertion that Government has done well in their four years in office and have a case to put to the public. If you have much to say, come and talk! And if you feel you may be outgunned, walk with your supporters.
The DLP’s actions make me wonder if its front-line members are into rope-a-dope politics, and they’re just waiting to floor the Opposition Barbados Labour Party. Time will tell.
• Sanka Price is the SATURDAY SUN Editor.
