TO GET ELECTED, politicians normally convince us that their solutions to national problems will be effective. Once they are elected, it is in each citizen’s best interest that national problems be solved.
If the implemented solution does not provide the expected results, then citizens expect that their leaders will try a better solution.
When implemented solutions are not effective, parliamentarians in opposition tend to accuse parliamentarians in government of mismanagement, and then advise them to resign. While parliamentarians in government appear to dismiss such charges and advice, their behaviour suggests that they have “taken them to heart”.
Why do politicians seem driven to pursue obviously failed policies regardless of their foreseen harmful consequences to citizens? One plausible reason is that our politicians seem to have convinced themselves that admitting to a policy error is fatal to their political careers.
A mature electorate should appreciate politicians who are humble enough to change policies when they are clearly ineffective. Unfortunately (for us), the age of the humble politician remains distant, and to request policy advice from the public is interpreted as a sign of weakness that opposition parliamentarians seem compelled to exploit.
What is the recourse of citizens who live in this age, and are destined to suffer the consequences of failed national policies? The most responsible action is to offer unsolicited advice. If it is accepted, then we may benefit. If it is not, then at least we would have done our national duty.
Increasing taxes on citizens to reduce the national deficit and debt is a proven failed policy. A better solution is to grow the national economy. Unsolicited advice on how to achieve this is provided at SolutionsBarbados.com. The Government is urged to ignore Opposition calls for premature elections, consider the unsolicited advice given by citizens who care, and govern responsibly.
– GRENVILLE PHILLIPS II
