We all know that governments make mistakes, but when a blunder cuts leaves many of our seniors scrambling in troubled economic waters, something is terribly wrong.The Future Care health programme was launched as though it would be the second coming for our seniors in ensuring that they would receive care and benefits to make their sunset years smooth and secure. But there was always scepticism on what it would really cover.Compared to the old health insurance programme, HIP, it sounded like a breakthrough in providing better and affordable health coverage for those who gave so much of themselves in building Bermuda. That may have been the intention, but even at the outset, Future Care was too expensive for some seniors; in fact, many were having a difficult time holding on to the less expensive HIP while trying to pay for medicine, food, and shelter.Governments hate criticism and Bermuda’s is no exception. However, anyone who felt strongly that Future Care was not fully worked out, is entitled to express disappointment in having seniors now discovering that they have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for something they thought was covered all due to a so-called technical administrative blunder to the tune of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.The situation has the potential for becoming a hot political potato, especially with election fever mounting and the Government of the day wanting to convince the public that they are the only ones to steer Bermuda to success and prosperity.At this stage, any Government stumble, big or small, is not helpful and they know it. What is troubling to many seniors is Government’s reluctance in coming clean about how such a blunder could occur and whether steps were taken in the first place to protect citizens against this type of misstep. The Health Minister Zane DeSilva should leave no stone unturned in restoring some degree of trust among those who rightfully question how Future Care could be both helpful, and misleading at the same time for our seniors.Although sensitive, this matter should never see personal attacks being made on anyone, despite strong feelings on both sides of the political arena. What matters most is that the people are told the whole truth about what happened, even if it is not complimentary to the Government’s role.Governments in democratic settings have the responsibility to protect the interest of the people as their highest priority. Too often, defending the party, even when they falter, takes precedence over doing just that.A glowing example of this is how the current United States Congress is viewed as putting political interest ahead of critical matters in trying to resolve America’s debt problem compounded by massive job losses. The issue of raising taxes on the wealthy to ease hardship in the middle class has Republicans fuming, while Democrats remain steadfast that those making millions and billions should be willing to pay more to assist the country out of its crisis. The American people are disgusted over the two political groups constantly at each others’ throats over what should be a straight forward solution.Here in our small society, many Bermudians are also disgusted over how political exchanges on important matters often result in who can issue the most impressive statement to keep a particular party in good standing.Our seniors are not looking for some technical language with words such as configuration system error when all they want are clear answers on how it happened and who was responsible for allowing such a blunder would not occur.Many of our seniors already face terrible health and financial problems and are not in position to publicly confront Government. But if there is the slightest hint that full disclosure in how this came about is being shunned, for political protection, our seniors will be far from pleased.