September 20, 2012Dear Sir,There is a challenge of balancing emotions over logic, the old “brain vs heart” struggle. Couple that with the dynamics of politics and race you have quite a quandary on your hands. Within these dynamics, there is one thing that remains constant. The need for truth.That being stated, let’s examine the word truth in a charged political climate.Firstly, do we trust the current elected government? You know, the PLP. Do we trust that they have the fortitude to weather the storm and keep “Standing Strong”? Do we trust that the $1.4 billion was spent on employing fellow Bermudians, providing infrastructure and social services such as Future Care and financial assistance for seniors and families? Or was it all spent on the unfounded allegations? Do we trust that they have a plan for addressing crime, growth in tourism and the local economy? Do we trust that they will evolve into a socially conscious and business-friendly hybrid? Do we trust our ability to evolve?Do we trust the OBA? The same people who have changed their party name three times in three years? The same ones that “dumped” Kim Swan? Do we trust that they will put “Bermudians First or Put their businesses first?” Do we trust someone with zero parliamentary experience as Premier? Do we trust that they realise, as Craig Cannonier stated, white supremacy/racism truly are at the core of Bermuda’s social ills and will work to eradicate these misguided notions? Do we trust that a party of business owners will put Bermudian people over profits? Do we trust that they will not open the floodgates of foreign labour, hence further displacing Bermudian workers? Do we trust them that they even wish to be part of our community apart from getting our votes?Do we trust the traditional media? The newspapers and the television? As the saying goes, “never argue with a man who buys ink by the barrel”. The media shapes perspectives by slanting a story one way or the other. The print media has previously held a monopoly on “painting d political picture”. Whether it be, via letter writers or articles written by reporters, the print media has always aligned itself against the present government. Most of us have a healthy distrust of the print media and have found solace in getting all the facts via the internet. Yet the media exerts it influence.Do we trust that the print media will give fair and balanced views? Do we trust they will give as much positive exposure to PLP candidates as they have been giving to OBA candidates? Do we trust that they will report on the “negatives” of the OBA the way they daily report on the “negatives” of the PLP? Do we trust they will print as many Letters to the Editor from PLP supporters as OBA supporters? Do we trust their editorials will stop being so anti-PLP?The biggest question, do we trust ourselves? Do we trust that we have researched facts over fiction? Do we trust that we realise we have a bigger social safety net than under the UBP? Do we trust family that has always been here for us? Or do we trust those that won’t share their plans with us? Do we trust that we know we are part of Bermuda’s constant evolution? Do we trust each other?“So much things to say.” Bob MarleyTHOMAS CHRISTOPHER FAMOUSDevonshire