If only it was possible to push a political pause button, in order to truly reflect on what has happened to Bermuda economically and politically over the past decade. Pausing to reflect with cooler heads, would enable us to confront truths calmly, instead of allowing ourselves to become embroiled in nasty exchanges.It was expected that if the Progressive Labour Party was removed from power, there would be some extremely disappointed PLP followers, who obviously have little affection for a new Government. They seem to have forgotten the previous administration had 14 years to build a respectable and close relationship with the electorate, but instead gave the impression that they had no one to answer to. A great mistake, because it is always the people and what they think in the end. In other words when a political group pleases only their supporters, democracy has a way of intervening.No need to rehash controversial issues with some resulting in the Auditor General’s office being highly critical of various Government contractual arrangements that left many unanswered questions. However the public was watching it all and with the economy in tatters and job losses occurring almost daily, such criticism left much of the public uncomfortable about the direction Bermuda was moving. The handwriting was on the wall when former PLP supporters were openly critical about their party’s performance.The political arena can be quite nasty at times, as seen in the United States, where the Republicans are not having the easiest time getting over their loss at the polls in seeking the presidency. It is certainly not uncommon for any defeated political group to reject almost anything being put forward by a new administration.In fact, President Barack Obama can expect a rough ride in trying to stimulate congress and the nation that positive change is needed in gun control without any infringement to the second amendment. The president’s objective is to keep high powered weapons generally used on the field of battle, out of the hands of criminals and the mentally challenged.The problem is that too many Americans feel that the Second Amendment to the US Constitution gives them the right to own any weapon, including military type hardware, to protect their homes. This in a sense means a citizen would be legally entitled to possess anything from an armoured tank to a guided missile. Meanwhile the death toll in that country continues to climb as a result of so many guns, many purchased without even a background check. Recent tragedies with large numbers of innocent people killed seems to matter little to the powerful National Rifle Association who support gun ownership as though it was a religion.The point here is that in politics trying to do the right thing for the good of the people can often meet with opposition from those who would rather their opponents fail, even at the expense of the people.Here in Bermuda we are facing problems that need the utmost attention and cooperation between both political groups if the people are to be truly served by those in authority. The One Bermuda Alliance will not have an easy time picking up the pieces after gaining victory to lead Bermuda.Making matters worse is that the Opposition PLP appears to be experiencing internal strife when a former Minister decides to jump ship at a time when they need those with experience to regroup after defeat at the polls. His action could easily be dismissed as a disgruntled member who did not get his way. However most observers believe it runs much deeper. It could be a sign that all is not well with the party structure, no matter how well it is painted.Sometimes a political party has to face blunt truths that arrogance and complacency along with disregarding strong signals from the people can carry a heavy price. If they learn that, it will be a step in the right direction.For instance many people were far from happy over what they perceived was PLP fear of the Bermuda Industrial Union who seemed to call the shots on sensitive labour issues without any fear of Government. It was as though the union knew they had the power to sharply reduce support for Government, if they felt they were getting a raw deal. In the eyes of most voters that was not a good situation.It is not a question of bashing the union, but Bermudians should never be held hostage over an issue that should be sorted out at the bargaining table instead of work stoppages that stifle growth.A little more reasoning is needed before downing tools or making hasty remarks that hinder progress to toward a more harmonious society. Too much is at stake to play games.