Let us mature politically.
Introduction
It will be almost 50 years when the People Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Progressive National Party (PNP) were created. One would think after being in existence for 50 years, we would have matured politically. Unfortunately, we have not grown up politically. Now I know the lack of political maturity not only exists in Turks and Caicos but also in many other countries. However, it does not mean that it is right or should be accepted.
It is time for us to grow up politically and part of growing up is to accept responsibility, stop blaming others and to respect the political choices that people make. Let us focus on the issues that are affecting our country. Tackle the issues not the individuals.
Everyone will not agree with what you are saying, and you should not be assassinating the characters of individuals or fabricating stories about individuals. These acts are signs of insecurity and childish behaviours. These acts are also creating hatred and division among our small population.
Attacking individuals is a sign of political immaturity
We do not have to attack or assassinate the character of individuals to win an election. In fact, it is a deterrent to many. If you are in the habit of attacking individuals, then you need to grow up.
It is time we stopped attacking individuals. When you attack individuals, you are also attacking their family and friends and creating further divide. Furthermore, some of these same individuals you attacked may be a member or candidate in your party in the next election.
Work with people despite their political maturity
There are some individuals that refuse to work or associate with others because of their political affiliation. Any individual that can work with anyone despite their political affiliation is a sign of political maturity. If you cannot or refuse to work with someone due to political differences, then you need to grow up.
Likewise, when a politician appoints the best people on a board no matter their political affiliation then that is a sign of political maturity.
Do not let politics destroy friendship
If an individual cannot be friends with someone because they are on opposite sides of the political fences, then that person needs to grow up. It should not matter if you and your friends disagree politically. Learn to accept the disagreements as I am sur you and your friends do not agree on everything. When you can be friends with someone who is not on the same side as you, then that is politically maturity.
Accept the constructive criticism
Once you put yourself up to run or in the public domain, expect to get criticized. Do not take criticism personally especially if you are not being attacked personally, if you cannot accept constructive criticism and you must respond to every attack or set up anonymous names to attack, then this is a sign that you are not politically mature.
When you stop talking to someone
Some people avoid or stop talking to others because of their political affiliation. If you are in this category, then you are not politically mature. Grow up and accept the choices of people. Talk to them. You may need some of these, the same people as your clients. If you stop talking to them then they will not want to support your business, and your business cannot survive with one set of people.
When you are on one side, you are politically immature
A politician can come up with an initiative and because it is coming from one side of the political fence, some people will not support it or have the worst things to say. However, if a politician of their party comes with the same initiative, they will support it. If you are in this category, it is time to grow up.
Moving away from family traditions
So many people are voting for parties because of family tradition and somehow, they justify why they vote the way they vote even though there are no philosophical differences between the two main parties. When you are to move away from your family choices and vote for people based on your own analysis rather than your family tradition.
When you can critique your own party fairly and publicly
Some people find it hard to criticize their party publicly as they feel they are betraying their party. When you are a supporter of a political party, and you can openly criticize then you are growing up. You are politically mature; some people know their party is doing wrong but still do not criticize them but are quick to criticize the other party.
When a leader tells the truth and makes decisive decisions, it is a sign of political maturity
Some leaders do not tell the truth. They tell people what they want to hear, or they fabricate stories to make things look good to win an election. Some leaders are also afraid to make hard decisions because they do not want to offend anyone. These types of leaders are not politically mature. They need to grow up, tell the truth and be decisive.
Conclusion
I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of the political immaturity that is taking place in the country especially with regards to the attacks. It is time for the leaders and candidates to be bold enough and publicly condemn the actions of their supporters. Of course, there are some candidates who are also engaging in and promoting these attacks. It is time to grow up and be politically mature.