Heather Robinson
Heather Robinson
AS THE debate continues about who should lead the People's National Party (PNP) after Party President P.J. Patterson retires, and also who should succeed Edward Seaga in a couple of months, delegates of both political parties seek to identify the person they consider best suited for the positions. Many have identified what they consider to be important characteristics or personality traits that are necessary prerequisites to assume this enormous responsibility.
Today I wish to spend a little time on one such political prerequisite the importance of having a heart in dispensing political leadership.
Over 2000 years ago the Christian world experienced God's divine intervention here on earth with the birth of his son Jesus Christ. Today Christians worldwide still follow him, even though he is no longer with us here on earth. During his life here on earth, his work was focused on demonstrable kindness and goodness, to the point where he eventually was crucified so that we would have eternal life. The many acts of kindness which Jesus accomplished have in some cases been referred to as miracles, but without doubt he cared about people and was willing and able to prove this.
MUCH EXPECTED
As we approach this the season when we commemorate Jesus' birth, much is expected of our political representatives. The first expectation is that of Christmas work and the second Christmas treat or Christmas package. Many MPs will go the extra mile to ensure that the work is properly distributed and that those who are most in need and able to do the work, do in fact get the work.
Some MPs who have less time for constituency matters will merely sign the letter typed by their assistant or secretary without even perusing the list. Those who are able to organise treats and packages will do this from non-government funding, in other words from the generosity of private citizens. Some will visit their constituencies and ensure that those who do not normally have a good meal, will have one on Christmas Day.
But during the other 11 months of the year, constituents are constantly analysing the heart of their MP. There are two unpardonable errors that an MP can make. The first is to be accused of being supportive of criminal behaviour and the second is being called 'Titus'. "Titus" is the name given to persons who are tight with their money and who are generally considered as being plain and simple mean. These MPs develop a poor relationship with not only those who want and need, but also with those who need nothing, as they watch and see how the really needy are treated. They have no love for persons with small and weak hearts. They are looking for someone who has a good heart and who they know genuinely cares about them and their children's future.
GOOD HEART
Good heart is demonstrated in many ways. It is seen in how you respond to the suffering of the very poor. Does your MP willingly embrace yes, literally hug up such persons to reassure them in their moments of need? Or does your MP remain removed, preferably in the confines of a motorcar during such visits? Will your MP make the same sacrifices he made for his own children's education for the very bright but the very poor child in the constituency? Does your MP boast that he spends none of his salary in the constituency and will never spend any?
What are the programmes that have been put in place that prove beyond a doubt that your candidate for leadership of your own political party has a really caring heart? Do you have feelings of doubt about the individual's capacity to care and not only talk about this? Is this desire to lead more about their own personal egos than about wanting to serve us? Is their heart big enough to accept that this job requires the support of other persons with equally and in some cases better and more caring hearts? If your candidate has not been an MP since 1997, then you need to visit the constituency he last represented and get the reading on his heart from the people there.
Christmas is about demonstrating a good and caring heart. So too is politics.
Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and a former Member of Parliament.
