Dear Editor,
There are sober calls from various responsible sources for a return to parliament and to let democratic processes prevail. This is thoughtful, as well as constructive, because at the end of the day, and after whatever ensues in between, the table of dialogue is where inevitably all roads must lead. There are, however, several near insurmountable problems with such meaningful calls.
For starters, the timing of such calls is wrong, all wrong. The mood and emotions are too unsettled, too sharp. Citizens are impatient and furious, which is a dangerous combination any time.
Next, any scintilla of trust that came with credibility has dissipated. It would take incredible effort, an equal amount of willingness, and a long time to restore what vanished with the PPP’s action.
Then, and if such a return were to be contemplated, the operative questions become: return to parliament with what as an agenda, to communicate (and possibly partner) with whom, and with what specific objectives in mind?
Moreover, if such were to be the case, there must be preconditions; preconditions that are clear, ironclad, and enforceable, or else, the fallout could be worse than today. The thorny, still irremediable issue centres around trust once more: Can those who agree to such preconditions be trusted to comply to the fullest in both letter and spirit?
Further, the opposition, whether single or joint, is now the beneficiary of an unmatched gift, compliments of the PPP. The opportunity and circumstances have been presented that enable the establishment of traction, and the development of momentum with citizens. This will not be readily relinquished. Like any meaningful opposition, this gift will be leveraged to the hilt. I can visualize the retired Brigadier moving pins on his wall map to pinpoint new emotional and psychological ground gained.
Even further, and along the same lines, the PPP has signalled first its weakness, and then its desperation. If its actions are not those of a contestant on the ropes with eyes glazed and guard down, then nothing else is.
Last, I think that citizens – many not enamored of the opposition – are too disgusted with the heavy-handed, dismissive way in which the recent parliamentary developments unfolded, and so much else. The mental seesaw, the never ending vacillation, dissembling, and outright deception have all gone on for too long. This has to stop. Things have to be purged and shaken out fully. Then a new fresh start can be made.
Therefore, rather regrettably, but for all of the foregoing reasons, I think that the calls for a return to parliament are premature and out-of-step with harsh realities, especially the political ones.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
