When people have that “joined at the hip” political syndrome, which is to be found in just about any democratic country, insufficient attention can be paid to those who find themselves in the middle; those who yearn for true justice, fair play and transparency from authorities of the day. This gives assurance that whatever is being done is in the best interests of all.

It will always be those in the middle, drawn from every facet of life, who will worry politicians because it is their vote that very well could be a deciding factor when it comes to elections or various policies that affect the daily lives of people.

Under dictatorial regimes, there are no middle people, only those who call the shots, making it clear that disapproval is to be met with harsh consequences. Many in today’s world suffer under such regimes.

Democracy may have its flaws since nothing is perfect, but it remains an accepted system that provides the opportunity to express concerns over how business is conducted by the authorities of the day. Governments in free societies have the awesome responsibility of performing in a manner that leaves no room for speculation that political interest is placed ahead of concerns of the people.

Caught in the middle are journalists who have the responsibility in their profession to ask questions about any issue, no matter how controversial, so that they may report accurately, especially when it involves millions of dollars.

The real test for a government committed to keeping transparency out front is to communicate on all matters in a manner that the public can comprehend without having to second-guess whether they are being given the full picture. This creates confusion, along with potential loss of confidence, which is not good for any administration.

Bermuda is in need of a new airport and few people would disagree with that.

We also need more people to boost our economic machine, which would create more jobs and that is an immigration issue that needs calm, clear and deep thinking from the One Bermuda Alliance government, and the Progressive Labour Party in Opposition, plus input from those supporting a particular political group, but also people in the middle who also want progress instead of wave after wave of political confrontation.

Those people in the middle are often taken for granted as though their views don’t count.

Most politicians know that preaching to the converted is easy, but trying to reach those who refuse to adopt blind allegiance for any group can be more than a challenge.

It is not confrontation most people are worried about, since that is a part of democracy; many simply want more transparency on sensitive issues, even though most are aware that no government can solve crucial problems overnight.

On the other hand, action always speaks louder than words, and when teachers and educators feel obligated to demonstrate publicly over the condition of some schools, it could create a problem of what is deemed as a priority in tackling day-to-day issues. No government wants to be seen as falling short in providing our children with the best, as they begin their journey towards becoming solid citizens.

It is not the number of problems that Bermuda is confronted with, but how we as a people can collectively approach each issue: with logic and common sense, with the single objective of making Bermuda a place for growth and stability.

Despicably bold robberies, illegal drugs, umemployment and speeding on our roads are issues that affect us all.

Everyone is important in this struggle, and that includes the people in the middle, who also want what is best for the people of this beautiful island.