Is the PLP Imploding? Will a Black Man Gain the US Presidency?

by Craig Butler

It’s only two weeks into the New Year and we’ve already experienced four murders, one of which was carried out in broad daylight downtown on a schoolboy.

Despite the above, headlines were dominated by the fracas that has occurred in the Progressive Liberal Party over over the withdrawal of Kenyatta Gibson from the party's parliamentary caucus.

If the rumblings are to be believed, Mr. Gibson was upset at the leadership for what he perceived to be their acquiescence over incursions made by others into his constituency. The failure to cause those persons to cease and desist led to his decision.

First of all we live in a democracy and as such each and every one of us has a right to choose his own path. So Mr. Gibson was free to make the decision that he did and whether or not we accept or understand it, at the end of the day it is his right.

However, that choice must be weighed against his responsibilities to his constituents, and accordingly the ramifications demanded that he should have acted differently.

You see Mr. Gibson sits in the House of Assembly as the representative of Kennedy and let’s not kid ourselves. He is not there because of his charisma or personal achievements but rather only because he was the PLP candidate in the last general election. If you think otherwise just cast your mind's eye back a few years and remember the plight of Dr. Bernard J. Nottage.

So the actions of Mr. Gibson were not only rash but also a breach of his duty to both his party and his constituents. And when one considers the position of his party at the present time it’s not hard to understand their anger at his action.

Mr. Gibson has had to bear that brunt the past few days but some would argue that he bought it upon himself. Given the state of our society today I wish that all concerned had taken some time to reflect before reacting publicly.

We have seen statements issued by Mr. Christie, the leader of the party, and Mr. Gibson which have taken a downturn as each successive one was published, culminating in the final blow by Mr. Gibson which will make it impossible for him to ever go back to the PLP and appears to have, for all intents and purposes, finished him politically.

Mr. Gibson said of his leader: ‘I was not surprised to read the press release issued by the soon to be former leader of the PLP. It is a typical example of the kind of reptilian and treacherous behaviour of which I complained of in my press release of January 9. Mr. Christie is a master of character assassination an and expert proponent of self aggrandizement’

The statement is a lot longer than this, but you get the picture. Mr. Gibson’s attack was so complete and vehement that he can never resile from it or go back to the PLP as long as Mr. Christie remains at the helm.

The way in which Mr. Gibson chose to resign from the party was wrong as protocol dictated that he should have at least informed his leader and the party hierarchy before taking such a step. I’m sure that they would have appreciated the opportunity of trying to talk him out of his decision although a careful reading of the statements seem to indicate that Mr. Gibson’s mind was cast in stone.

I’m so disappointed at all concerned. I wish that the PLP had issued only a bare statement that it was a sad day for the party but the step taken by Mr. Gibson’s demanded that he resign forthwith from his parliamentary position.

Maybe then what followed could have been avoided. What this has done, however, is create more questions than it should have, causing issues to surface that would have been better dealt with in private.

Many a Bahamian politician has left their respective parties and made statements on leaving - Perry Christie among them. What never ceases to amaze me is how these men are suddenly filled with bravado and conviction and then have a voice to point out all the faults inherent in that party when they would have sat there during better times and enjoyed all the spoils that were on offer.

We, the public, allow this despicable behaviour to continue because we love the drama it creates. It’s like those former FNMs who lined up to attack Hubert Ingraham and threw their support behind the PLP in the last election. I’m sure many did so only to secure the favour of Mr. Christie had he been returned as prime minister. It was not right then and it’s not right now.

We have to demand a higher standard from our politicians. Mr. Gibson decided to throw one last parting shot at Mr. Christie when he compared him to Cromwell. I guess Mr. Christie can, for that matter, say ‘Et tu, Brute?’

US Politics and Barack Obama
From early childhood I have always been aware of the unfolding events around me, which has manifested itself in a keen interest in politics.

I can recall when I was seven and my father’s secretary was preparing the mailing list for Christmas cards and calendars. She asked me for the names of some ministers and my mind automatically went to cabinet ministers when in fact she was referring to ministers of the Gospel.

I can’t remember a political season like this in my lifetime that has created such excitement or interest. Of course I’m talking about the impact that Barack Obama is having on politics in the United States.

Other than Super Tuesday I normally wait until the candidates have been chosen by the respective organizations before examining them and their stance on the issues. However, with Mr. Obama it is different for me and clearly different for many Americans as well.

For the first time in history a black man has a legitimate opportunity of becoming president of the United States. There is a sense of change in the air. Just look at the numbers that have already turned out to vote in the primaries resulting in record turnout in both New Hampshire and Iowa.

The amazing thing about this figure is that young people are buying into Mr. Obama and his promise of change and they are coming out en masse. There are, of course, some white people who can’t fathom at this time a black president and are turning out only to try and ensure that he does not get the nomination.

The most interesting thing I have heard during the campaign so far is Hillary Clinton's qualification for the presidency because she has already had eight years in the White House. Well, the last time I checked she was just the First Lady and bedside talk doesn’t amount to experience. In any event, with President Clinton’s dalliances being part of the public record she probably didn’t get much of an opportunity to participate in any bedside talk as they probably had different bedrooms.

Interesting days are ahead and I shall be keenly watching.