Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Breaking news. Cameroon gets new PM

Fuatabong Achaleke "You scratch my back, I scratch your own/ Politics na njangi" ". The real meaning is people are appointed to ministerial positions not only because they are qualified, but to reward those that scratched the backs of the powers that Be. This is done at the detriment of the country and the common man suffers as a result of that. It means the old guard will not be replaced until death do us part. It means the playing field does not need to be level, as long as we blindly support the ruling party. It means recycling the same people over and over, since these individuals are those who are actually scratching the back of the “big man”. It means the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual is the norm of the day. Since power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual who can do and undo everybody must dance to the tune that individual plays. You are not appointed to serve the people, but to appease the people. Appeasing the people helps maintain the present statuesque. Since those who are appointed do not know what will happen next, most of the time is spent taking care of their own wants. “Bellytics” becomes the norm of the day.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is part of the problem and not the solution. Do those who claim are representing us actually do that? If they are representing us, why is it that they are not interested in leveling the playing field for all of us? I mean making sure that we have a good constitution that is respected by all. A constitution that sees beyond their time in office.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is a faulty way of thinking and those propagating it can not be trusted. That is why those waiting for any benefits from such a flawed system are in for a very long wait.
Instead of asking for our own son or daughter to be appointed, we should be demanding for better laws and a level playing field for all. The interest of the entire country and its people irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliation should determine appointments to all office in the land. Those appointed or elected should be those who are qualified and are willing to serve the people and not those who are only interested in scratching the backs of those who appointed them.
Does it surprise us that little is being done to move our country forward? Things will change when we stop operating by the principle of "You scratch my back, I scratch your own". For this principle is pregnant with a lot of deceit and is an instrument of manipulation, domination and control. No good is going to come out of this. At its best "You scratch my back, I scratch your own" will benefit a few individuals and those closest to them.

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