January 15, 2013Dear Sir,A healthy and helpful New Year to all, as 2013 provides continued opportunity in recognising and exercising the truth that each and everyone of us is important in shaping a Bermuda we dare to imagine. With the slimmest of majority rule now present within our Parliamentary process following the electoral outcome of December 17, this delicate balance of power challenges our community in pursuing cohesiveness within the collective energies of both political entities. In our times of challenge, our community may be better served through committing to perhaps, unprecedented levels of bi-partnership. Shared governance? I recently heard it said that “politicians look to the next election, stateswomen/men look to the next generation”. We may be compelled to examine the aspirations of our politicians and statesmen/women relative to the statement above. Both roles are necessary in the day to day business and long-term goals of government. Looking at what motivates politicians/statepersons, might be useful.David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama stated that are basically two types of politicians, “those who want to make something of themselves, and those who want to do something”. Axlerod’s “Those who want to make something of themselves”, may simply be defined as individuals who interpret serving in public office as having reached the pinnacle of personal achievement. Maybe further described as caretakers of public office, in that they keep the ink flowing and the streets paved. A necessary honourable duty! “Those politicians who want to do something!”, maybe best characterised as servants of the people driven by an ideal worked at over the course of time. A mission shaped and reshaped by the needs, concerns and dreams of the society. An individual who engages in creative thought, collective activism, a willingness to challenge the status quo and take risks.Barack Obama for example, graduated from Harvard School of Law as a top student and turned down many high paying job offers on Wall Street. Having studied labour law, he chose instead to become a community organiser in Chicago. Driven by a desire to serve people least served, he embraced and assisted these unheard voices. His work continues. Barack Obama epitomises the qualities of selflessness through self-restraint. Perhaps best spoken to by the relevant Biblical verse that challenges “gaining the world and losing your soul”. In essence politics is one means to an end the future of our community rests not only on the shoulders of our past and our leaders. It’s in the present as well, being shaped in the hands of all of us willing to do a part in creating history. Living change! Let us all be encouraged in extending our borders of comfort. Let us begin with one change that challenges our daily routine. Something small and significant that will stretch our thinking and actions just a little bit further in realising the Bermuda we dare to imagine. Quote: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’LYNN MILLETTHamilton Parish