WHAT AM I TO DO?

The Bright Side

As you view the media, more and more people are airing their concerns about the path of our nation is on.

Each voice is different. Jobs going to Chinese nationals in La Brea and other places while locals idly lime; environmental and health issues surrounding the construction of the aluminium smelter; the exercise of absolute power; arrogance in leadership; these are but some of the many issues.

One of my correspondents commented on all the talk and the even the calls for action but noted there were few substantial suggestions as to what can be done.

I agree completely that calling for action without an action plan is akin to spitting into the wind.

Please allow me the opportunity, over a period of time, to offer a few suggestions.

I believe that there is a Chinese proverb that says “A journey of 1,000 miles must begin with one step.”

To extend the allegory, the first step is, both figuratively and literally, to stand up. 

So, you say, there many already doing that. What is my response to that? There persons are far from enough.

At this stage, the ‘silent majority’ quietly accept and grumble. There are feelings about not being able to make a difference. 

These may be driven by fear but there is also an unwillingness to be counted.

History shows that it is the ideas and philosophies of the one or the few that really effect change and not the ideas of the masses.

I do not recall any instances where the masses, without leadership – noble or otherwise, rose up and changed the course of history. 

Such instances of change by uninspired masses resulted in anarchy. Right now, we are experiencing the anarchic uprising of the criminal masses.

The French Revolution was inspired by the ideas of the few.

In Trinidad & Tobago, the inspired ideas of Eric Williams and others cut the road for internal self-government and “independence.” Makandal Daaga and his few lead the changes in the 1970s.

Like it or not, today, it is the one or the few who inspire the masses in Trinidad and Tobago.

The change process then, is simple in concept but difficult in implementation. 

The brain plans but it is the body that acts. The few develop the ideals, the concepts and the plans. I must admit that this in itself is difficult enough.

The far more difficult step is communicating with and harnessing the raw power and energy of the masses.

Things can change!

I will discuss some more practical but difficult ideas in future blogs.