ARE PDOIS AND HALIFA TO BLAME FOR THE BELLICOSE OPPOSITION?

“Getting Yaya Jammeh out; that is the easy part, the real work lies in the aftermath of his ouster.” The aforementioned has almost become a cliché among The Gambia’s political commentators.

There is no doubt that the current Gambian political environment is a polarized one, at least online and sadly; amongst very familiar and outspoken Gambians who were happily in the same camp in the fight to uproot the tyrant. There was unity of purpose and all who stood in opposition to that found out they were swimming against the tide. Maybe the current toxic environment could be blamed on the newcomers who feel the need to be heard or be seen to be outspoken, the fact remains that the toxicity is there and should not endure.

Another fact is that most observers and commentators familiar with The Gambian situation know that the level of division engineered by Yaya Jammeh for political gain was so deep and so far reaching that people feared the aftermath of his ouster, be that by the ballot or the bullet. The fear mostly premised on the notion that there will be reprisals towards his supporters and enablers for the years of tyranny; or, on the other hand; the denial of his defeat by supporters and enablers to the extent that they will resist his ouster violently if they had to.

Relief and hope came with the emergence of the coalition of opposition parties. In the midst of such a divided political environment, a powder keg awaiting a spark, the nation could not afford a divided political leadership in the opposition camp as well; and so the Gambian people demanded unity of purpose with much thanks to the diaspora indeed. Unity that has for the past election cycles eluded us and handed the tyrant easy victories at preceding polls in succession. It was evident to all observers that at that point it was unity at any cost or doom for that generation of politicians, and united; they did. As President Barrow rightly pointed out in New York; “It was a do or die moment.”

With that unity of purpose, the political leaders and the parties they represent said to The Gambian people without any ambiguity that “although we may have differences in ideology, approach, strategy and vision for the country, there is no issue more pressing now than saving the country first.” The chances of ousting the tyrant increased exponentially and those in doubt of the dire straits we were in, got awoken to the reality and the grim future that lie ahead should the status quo continue. The response was overwhelming. It was a show of patriotism by all in an attempt to save the nation from the impending doom. The voices were one, the purpose was one and the march was unified. Politics of ideology suspended, the nation needed all of her children under one banner.

With the decision by the PDOIS to break camp and not take up any executive positions, political loyalties re-emerged. The self-assigned role of keeping the executive in check and holding them accountable through the National Assembly, that amongst other issues gave rise to the bellicose we are witness to this very minute. Issues get cloaked in personalities and relentless bickering and cynicism only seems to widen the fissure into chasms, at least on the surface of things.

The argument that the National Assembly is an equally important institution and that they are needed to keep the executive in check is a valid one. But taken at face value it fails to recognize the other mechanisms that could also be as effective if not more so; and that is the power wielded by the citizens directly without going through any representative. The Gambian people broke free from a decade long repression that cost so many so dearly, and to think they will let their guard down for once and let things slip back to where they were is showing a great deal of lack of faith in our collective capacity, or at the very least underestimating our collective resolve to consolidate our gains.

In this new polarized political space (as far as social media is concerned), two camps are seemingly locked in a battle of wits without much regard for issue centered discourse. On one hand are those who took a sigh of relief that the tyrant is banished and in his wake, mature, measured and sincere leadership whose goodwill they are willing to put to the test by being vigilant and cautious but optimistic and accommodating of flaws.

On the other hand are the wary cynics (for the most part) who see remnants of tyranny and potential for its re-emergence at every turn and with every word uttered. They will not let up on even the most frivolous of issues and they let their cynicism take the better of them to the point that they will label their comrades in the former camp as turncoats just for being optimistic. The belligerence within this camp is amplified in the name of democracy, freedom of speech, and holding “them” to account.

Truth is, the PDOIS is endowed with brilliant minds who could, at this very minute be helping deliver the goods to The Gambian people if not for the political ideology they subscribe to that prevented them from joining their compatriots in transitioning us to the ideal political space. Even if it be one ministry, they could help transform one aspect of the executive into what could be a pilot department for the rest to emulate if their theory could be translated into tangible results. But sadly, their sympathizers and supporters, and those self-proclaimed independents find it reasonable to give excuses or complain of being victimized or marginalized in the “doling out” of executive positions to warrant their breakaway, accusations yet to be substantiated; so much for patriotism!

We have seen members of the PPP, NRP, UDP and other parties come out in open opposition to a certain decision or other by the current executive even though their parties took up roles in the executive. The narrative therefore, that if all parties joined the executive it’ll prevent effective oversight is invalid.

At some point in every politician’s career they make certain errors in judgement and make mistakes politically. This decision by the PDOIS to not assign a single member of its entire party to take charge of any executive function is one such error in judgement. Party members, supporters, and sympathizers alike can defend the decision all they want, but fact is we would have been better off with them in the executive than outside of it projecting the voice of an opposition party. That is not say without them it cannot be done. Many disagree with the party and Halifa out of disappointment emanating from that decision and nothing else. The expectations were high, the outlook into the future was good but that one decision left many disillusioned and disappointed.

As soon as we start looking at issues for their merits or otherwise, use our media outlets and public spaces for constructive criticism aimed at helping the government succeed for all of our sakes we will make progress much faster. Anything short of that will only engender more disagreements devoid of substance and in the process costing some very dearly, politically speaking. If you must attack someone, attack them on ideology, but even there, great caution is needed and attack them based on superior (arguably) ideology. Accusing someone of all manner of perceived ulterior motive is distasteful.

Promote your party and her agenda by all means, and tout your ideas as superior based on their merits. Truth is, all parties have a vision for a better Gambia, whether we agree to that vision or not, and all political player within those parties sacrificed in some way or the other for the sake of The Gambia; some more than others of course but sacrifice they all did; so…

Let us remain To The Gambia Ever True, and that calls for sincerity.

Mr. President; Remain Focused

Your Excellency,

While some citizens may feel the need to condemn, criticize, or attack your every move under the pretext of patriotism, love for country, and holding public officials to account, do not let them derail you.

Remember, not many were happy with your ascension albeit by popular choice; they said as much. They questioned your competence and your loyalty to country. Their disappointment they masked in a new crusade of ‘national’ duty to hold you ‘accountable’. Whatever you do, in their eyes will never be good enough, if deemed as good at all. To them you will always fall short or you could have done it differently. Wonder why no commendation comes from that camp? They hide behind the mantra that they do not want be sycophants or promote sycophancy.

Remember your base; The Gambian people that saw hope in you, that trusted you and the majority of whom thus far have not been disappointed and are grateful for their choice. Being the grateful people that we have been raised to be, you get lots of commendations for the good work you initiated; that commendation they call sycophancy.

To them, what your responsibility is should be carried out with no thanks for you have been hired and paid to carry out those responsibilities. There is no greater responsibility than that of a parent to a child, but a show of gratitude from a child to a parent is always appreciated and the lack of it is disheartening. We have been raised to show gratitude and be polite to all, especially those who show concern for our welfare. We have been raised to say Abaraka, Jere jeff, Ajaraama; it doesn’t fill the stomach with food but it gladdens the heart.

Even observing you from a distance, it will be insincere of anyone to not acknowledge your humility and sincerity, but even for that we will be labeled sycophants. “they all start out like that then turn into monsters” they say; “so do not encourage him toward that path.” It is true that power corrupts and that you are human, which means you are not immune, but we take solace in your good nature and your choice of advisers; the people you choose to surround yourself with. Humble, upright, sincere and patriotic men and women who gave it all for country and people in various capacities; it will be an insult to them and their various comrades who succumbed along the way that we’d think them capable of steering you towards being the very thing they gave their lives and liberties for; we remain hopeful. Your predecessor said it in public that he does not have any advisers, you do and so we believe you’d be different from him by miles, you have already proven that.

You recently commissioned the Security Sector Reform project aimed at what you termed “reset[ting] the direction of our security service into a functional and effective one that delivers for THE GOOD OF OUR PEOPLE.” You have effectively disarmed yourself of a weapon you could effectively use to entrench yourself if you so desired and surrendered it to the people. We know how it obtained under your predecessor and under tyrants elsewhere; Abaraka!

The Ministry of Justice and the courts are staffed with intent of making them impartial and competent. You have restored dignity and faith in our judicial system. In succession we are expecting constitutional reforms that reflect the aspirations of the Gambian people and takes away from executive excess; another move to entrench democracy. Jere jeff!

Mr. President, we understand these reforms take time and that undoing decades of entrenched decadence will require baby steps, but we will be patient and optimistic rather than cynical. Like a baby taking its first unsteady steps, we will be there alongside like that proud parent urging you on and helping you get back where you may stumble. Let the mocking jealous neighbors shout from their balconies that our baby is old enough to take steady strides.  Ajarama!

For that optimism and commendation of the good steps you take you have been cautioned to be wary of the people who take that route as they are sycophants. Any right thinking person should be wary of sycophants for they do not bring out the good in you but the good you serve them, so naturally a right thinking person would like to distance himself from such people. In your case, such people are your support base, the majority of The Gambian people. They are not sycophants, just proud grateful people in the majority. Isolate yourself from them and you stand alone to be at the mercy of those who from the very beginning never saw you to be good enough. Don’t fall for the narrative that it’s not you, it’s those around you; same thing. Bring down the walls and what lies within is exposed vulnerable, easy target.

Their stance is of course their right, do not suppress it, do not command loyalty from anyone, and do not shut them out. I am in no doubt that you will strengthen democracy and expand the democratic space, as uncomfortable and outrageous as some of their claims may be let them express their views; keep your eyes on the price and march on, we are here with you.

BULLETS; NOT CHAINS

The truth shall not be sacrificed for convenience or compromised in the face of mendacious propaganda; it is too fresh in our memories to let that happen.

To every action of man, there is a reaction. The change we are celebrating today has been in the works for many years. Yaya Jammeh’s comeuppance was inevitable, and with it would be born a New Gambia, that was inarguable. The catalyst to that, the final straw that broke the camel’s back was placed in April 2016. 

When the late Solo Sandeng and co dared to stand in the face of the tyrant in defiance of his ways; the ball was set rolling and the events that ensued would be the snowball that only grew in size the further down the hill it rolled aimed for Yaya’s big head.

The notion that the very Honorable Ousainou A.N.M Darboe should be grateful for the formation of the coalition is peddled by those ignorant of the facts leading to his incarceration or those deliberately trying to deny the truth in an attempt to vilify the man and besmirch his reputation for want of political gain.

What followed Solo Sandeng’s cold blooded murder was a show of sincere; strategic leadership, bravery, and above all responsibility on the part of the UDP under the leadership of Hon. Darboe. If one does not understand the statement he made prior to taking to the streets, find someone to interpret his words and see the sacrifice and brave stance the UDP leadership was about to take. In sum, Hon. Darboe knew first-hand the beast he was about to confront and was expecting nothing less than bullets raining on him and all who braved the call to march with him, he stated as much. We do not need to dwell, for those loudest in criticizing him today showered so much praise on him few months ago that our jalibas would have fallen short if they tried.

Prison was not an option he would have betted on. That show of leadership and courage was what got the masses out from behind their veils of fear, at least those not so front and center within the UDP. The fact that Yaya Jammeh would so brazenly kill Solo Sandeng and dared the UDP leadership to do something about it, turned around and arrested the entire executive and threw them in jail re-echoed the words of Hon. Darboe the previous election cycle; ENOUGH was finally ENOUGH. For Yaya Jammeh to put his hands on the entire leadership of the biggest party in the country and nothing to come out of it was a dream too farfetched; but first the democratic route had to be exhausted. Can you imagine if Darboe and UDP decided to take the route of the courts to seek redress in the case of Solo Sandeng?

That defiance; that leadership was what spurred the call for the coalition to finally emerge or spell doom for every single politician in The Gambia as far as relevance in the Gambian political landscape was concerned. They felt the pulse of the citizenry and chose not to be relegated to the dustbin of political history; and we are grateful for their foresight.

The Coalition was not formed with the goal of freeing Darboe and co from jail; it was formed to end tyranny in The Gambia. Of course with a new dispensation all political prisoners would be set free as was the case. But with all previous attempts failing despite the efforts of the tireless diaspora, this was an opportunity not to be missed at any cost and that fact was made vehemently clear. In the face of such heavy handedness and daring moves by Yaya Jammeh, no single politician stood a chance at winning the hearts and minds of Gambians if they refused to join the efforts and be part of a united front at the upcoming polls; that fact was not lost on any of them. So partly, it was to save face or save their political careers, but mostly because the Gambian people DEMANDED that they do before we sink into anarchy. Who owes gratitude to whom then in that case?

The same peddlers of this mendacity would turn around and say that had Hon. Darboe not been in jail the coalition would not have emerged; silently wishing misery on a man who gave so much for his country. Ask the diaspora movement that made several attempts at bringing the political parties together for unity talks; one party was consistently absent from most talks, so for the others at least we can say they showed goodwill.

What the Gambian masses wanted at that point was unity at any cost, whatever it took. Our only guarantor of a peaceful transition was increasing the chances of the opposition against Jammeh in our first past the post system by uniting them. That is the reason why for weeks on end, Mama Kandeh was everyone’s villain, and rightly so; the one person that posed a threat to any union by going solo. His praise singers today were his loudest critics few months ago; how times change!

The narrative that Gambians were sold the articles of the MOU as a pretext to them voting for change is another fat lie. Gambians voted for one thing and one thing only: get Yaya out! So no one is betraying them based on the MOU adherence or lack thereof. Gambians were not privy to any terms order than the mode of the union; Party led versus a convention to select a flagbearer. The suggestion of the later made people grew disillusioned and despondent. With so little time to the elections and so short a window for campaigning, the PDOIS was proposing a convention to nominate a candidate; not saying it was the wrong approach, but many felt there was not enough time.

In a nutshell, the Gambian people have grown wary and impatient. All Gambians cared about foremost and made such feelings known was a united front at any cost.  Priority #1 was Jammeh out; after him the house would be put in order. That haste and lack of time was what resulted in the oversight on the modalities of contesting the national assembly elections as it came to pass. All anyone (including the politicians) cared about was how to rid us of the tyrant.

So why is it that all of a sudden everything is supposed to be hinged on that MOU? Even if that should be the case eight parties, including the independent candidate were the parties to the MOU, all eight by all indications are on one side save one. It was an understanding between them, the constitutional provision is already clear as to when elections are to be held. Even Mama Kandeh; anaa la kung bay recognized that there will be no constitutional violation if they decide to stay together for a five year term. “Three years or five years; GDC is ready to go for elections anytime.” – Kandeh.

If they decide that at this point the agreement should be revisited and scrapped in the interest of national unity at this crucial stage of our new democracy, what constitutional provision are they violating? None; that’s how many! If they do not agree at scrapping it then the logical thing will be to vote on which direction to take, in which case the majority will carry the vote as is supposed to in a democracy. So why should the entire coalition bend to the will of the breakaway PDOIS camp. If there is any violation of the terms of the agreement of the MOU, they authored that by refusing to join the executive arm in any capacity, but as usual we made excuses for them.

Say what now; it will be an honorable thing to do if they uphold the agreement? Then lose faith in them. Rescind your non-existent support for them, campaign against them and rally voters around the honorable ones; how about that for a democratic option. That narrative is insincere and serves the interest of a minority, a very small minority.

All that aside, let us be sincere in our fight to win hearts and minds. Hon. Darboe is not a flawless human being just like any of us gracing this beautiful earth. He makes decisions based on his best judgement; both from experience and from theory. Do not vilify him because he saw an alternative route to contesting the national assembly elections than Hon. Sallah did; that is just strategy. You can disagree with his approach, with his politics, or simply with his person. But do not try to take away from him what he earned with sincerity; his reputation and his leadership. The man literally laid down his life and shouldered the responsibility of answering for the lives that may have been lost alongside his should Jammeh decide to use bullets instead of chains. That responsibility will weigh on any man, but he took it on nonetheless because that was what he believed to be right. The Gambia today owes him so much; and he has expressed his gratitude to The Gambians for answering the call of national duty when it was made; please do not try to take that away from him and the UDP leadership; they earned it; politics can be messy but it shouldn’t be THAT messy. We can do better and we should.

SOLDIER ON

Politics is war, albeit a war of ideas. Like any war, it is fought on many fronts; and like any war, some battles you win, some you lose and in some your troops surrender or desert your camp. But ultimately, wars end with clear winners in the realm of politics.

So, lick your wounds, pick yourselves up, learn lessons from the lost battles and re-strategize for the next, for if you stay down and feeling beat, you lose permanently.

Your opponent that won a certain battle may have had greater strength, wisdom, better strategy, undue advantage or simply may have had the odds stacked in their favor. That one victory may be a morale booster for the opponent’s troops and leave a bitter feeling and a sense of defeat in your camp; but the fact remains that the war is still ongoing on other fronts and that must not be lost sight of. Ultimately, the stronger, more motivated, better equipped and better trained troops prevail over the rest. Apply that strategy of war to the war of ideas and you will dominate.

In fighting a war, it should not just be about the glory of winning; that is just a perk. The goal should be to make lasting positive impact since lives will be affected in several ways. The greatest goal is to bring the greatest welfare to the greatest number of people possible, that way the lives lost (in conventional war) or those impacted by time, resources, and sacrifices made (in politics and activism) would have not been in vain but for the greater good.

Drawing that balance can be tricky because one does not want to give the impression that one is opposed to the mission of one's group or that one is a renegade, but then again one must not yield to every viewpoint without question for that only engenders a false sense of righteousness and the false believe that there are no flaws within. That is why sycophancy is self-destructive but so too does an unyielding rebellious stance; moderation, critical thinking and a sincere desire to be better should be the guiding principles.

When you criticize a flaw or weakness from within, the attempt should be to forestall an impending avenue for opponents to use to their advantage. Make no mistake, they are always on the lookout and it takes the devil’s advocate from within to see where potential weaknesses lie. They, more than anyone else help the army maintain strength and be a step ahead all the time.

Take for example the case of the floods in the Central River Region, those saying the government was slow to respond are just echoing the feelings of the people. If it is just politics like many are playing, we can defend the government in a million different ways with a million different excuses, but how does that help the government do better? The greatest good in this scenario is to get the needed help to the victims in a timely manner. The victims do not want to hear excuses, they want reassurance and help and an admission that that help should have arrived sooner. The sycophant in this case will say it’s all good, can’t cast any blame here at all. The overly rebellious will say this failure is a projection of the entire system failure and we need to hit the reset button; both are in the wrong.

We will take a critical look at issues and acknowledge where we could have done better as supporters with the aim of making ourselves better. Do not be fooled into thinking that such a critical look is an indication of apathy towards the government or that those thinking critically like that are potential deserters, you will be disappointed to know that is not the case; we’re seeking to improve.

Instead of dwelling in self-denial about a failure or shortcoming, we learn from it, commit to not repeat that misstep and move on. The goal is, and will always remain at getting better, which can only be achieved through learning and new experiences. Take no prisoners, harm not the innocent (leave opponents parents out of discourses). That is how we seek to stay relevant and by delivering on our promises as well as creating lasting positive impacts where needed.

So troops, do not see those within your ranks with critical eyes as disloyal, they are strategic and are much needed. Stay united and march on to greater victories.

Aluta continua!

WHAT A TRAGEDY

Our New Gambia; one can’t say if it is tragic, sad, or both; that we seem to be taking on issues with such frivolity and lack of depth in our thinking. We are so sentimental with a flair for the dramatic that we cannot separate issues from personalities or vice versa. Or maybe the New Gambia is a call to shun all manner of intellectual maturity in our discourses as far as social media is concerned, at least for some; or are we deliberately seeking to enthrone our saints and cast others out as villains so much so that basic decency is thrown out the window?

Everything, until now seemed fine and normal until certain personalities associate themselves with it, personalities that we disagree with on one or two issues and so by extension everything they are associated with has to be cast in bad light regardless of who else may be associated with that issue or who benefits from that issue. Judging by the average age of social media users, our future looks bleak indeed. But it is not all bad news, there are very mature and intellectually sound youngsters that make you smile when you hear them speak up. You smile with optimism and hope, certain that not all is lost. Let us hope and pray that they seek public office and beyond to shape the future we would all desire for our progeny.

The hallmark of Gambian, and indeed African culture is the respect for elders; respect so great it borders on reverence accorded the divine. That respect in tone and approach seems to be lacking in many a discourse these days all in the name of 'free speech' and 'democracy'. How tragic!

I was appalled to read somewhere on social media that President Barrow and the officials that accompanied him on the trip to Mecca for the Hajj were “busy with idol worship while floods ravage the country.” How low can one sink? Spare me with the notion that not everyone views the Hajj as devotees of the Islamic faith do, or that they have a right to express their views; how could expressing one’s views with respect be anything anti-free speech?

Of the thousands of scholars and saints (in the literal sense of the word) that traversed that land, transforming lives and improving people’s conditions, one so lacks respect for their efforts and their memories as to cast them as unworthy just because they subscribe to an ideology that you cannot fathom due to your blind hatred and bigotry towards Arabs due to the false narrative that they forced their religion on us.

The greatest self-deprivation is to reject the truth because of one’s blind hatred engineered by a mind fed with false narrative, and one that refuses to research facts because he presumes the notion of guilt by association.

Along those lines of finding fault with the Hajj because President Barrow and some government officials embarked on it, some made assumptions of corruption on a grand scale; the moderate ones suggested the passing down of the Hajj package to the poor who could have benefitted from that magnanimity. This stance, after it was established that the entire Hajj package was sponsored by the Saudi government. Even then, some went on to lecture us on how Saudi Arabia should conduct its foreign policy decisions that should favor the poor.

Logically, since it is an obligation on all believers who can afford it to perform the Hajj, is it not prudent that one that can afford it goes first before extending the opportunity to others? As a culture though, we give preference to our parents and elders, a commendable gesture that should be encouraged.
On the other hand, it is said that “sorri faano buka werren dendeh”. 

The power players in the Muslim world are Iran and Saudi Arabia (sadly, considering unity is a better approach), each tries to corral Muslim majority countries to their side through foreign policy gestures, the Hajj package being one such attempt. Saudi Arabia cozying up to The Gambia in that fashion is not new or unique, but it is sad that we live in times where matters of faith are used in power play games.

On that note, say President Barrow decides to go the route of giving the package to poor farmers who never dreamt of making the trip; judging by The Gambia’s political climate, is it farfetched to say that such a gesture will be viewed from a purely political perspective? Some will interpret it to say he is trying to make a name for himself like Yaya before him. Here’s a better one that would even generate more ill-informed sentiment…

…The Gambia is a secular state, why would the president use our tax Dalasis to sponsor a purely religious affair at the expense of other religions in the country? As if claimants believe anyhow themselves. 

Gambians with terms and their meanings/implications needs a revisit. What democracy means, secularism, freedom/free speech, dictatorship, tribalism etc. have all become bastardized words so frequently abused and misused; I’d like to think mostly deliberately for sentiment.

YOUR MISTAKES DO NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE

We can all agree that when despair and distress strikes, we should empathize and be moved to action to better the conditions of those in distress as quickly as we can. In this lies the disappointment many felt towards the government, especially the National Disaster Management Committee. Granted the chief executive was indisposed at the time of the floods up country. A statement of solidarity and reassurance from a representative, preceding any action geared towards relief efforts should have been forthcoming nonetheless; this many felt was unduly delayed and rightly so.

It is refreshing though, to see that a day after their return, a high powered executive delegation made its way up country with needed aid to help the victims of the flood, who no doubt were greatly appreciative and grateful of the assistance.

The greater tragedy though is people jumping on the incident as political opportunists and parading the narrative that the government does not care about the plight of the suffering people. To use a people’s state of despair and distraught for political gain is tragic. This does not amount to failure on the part of the government and certainly is inadequate as a yardstick to measure other aspects of governance as some would like us to.

Having acknowledged the not so rapid response from the government, we should also acknowledge the response and show of solidarity by individuals and groups that came to the aid of our fellow citizens in despair.

What we must all condemn without ambiguity is the attempts at politicizing a tragedy for political gains; that is despicable and insulting to the suffering citizens of the affected regions. National unity should be demonstrated at its highest during such times by having all rally around one thing; bringing relief to those in need. Moments like that should be devoid of politics and partisan praise. But sadly these days, it seems everything is done with the aim of sanctifying some and bedeviling others based on political affinity. We shouldn’t be looking to enthrone some on the seat of saints while making villains out of others, a new obsession it seems in the New Gambia.

When Mama Kandeh responded with much needed aid, some high ranking surrogates; party assigned or not, took to social media praise singing him and mockingly calling out to other political parties and their heads as being absent from the scene with the aim of projecting him as the savior we need.

“Congratulations Mama, we hope and encourage other citizens to emulate this kind gesture to bring much needed help to the victims.”

“We expected a more prompt response from the government, and hope and pray such tragedies are few and far between, but should they strike again, we hope the government has learnt valuable lessons here and will respond better next time.”

Wouldn’t that or something along those lines have sufficed? These are responsible positions we expect within our new political dispensation, but it seems we can’t help ourselves but be overly dramatic and sentimental bordering on condescension.

Trying to gain political capital on the back of people’s misery is the classic definition of dirty politics. Beyond that, it is disgusting and I sincerely hope we can learn an important lesson; that in times of disaster and despair all that is asked of us is EMPATHY and SUPPORT.