The political waters in Bermuda have become so muddy that it is troubling to a good portion of the electorate, since key Government objectives have become obscured in murky political posturing that seems to detract from what is really needed to tackle the many issues and to remain focused.

I am reminded of a B17 Captain during a raid over Germany during the Second World War, when his squadron came under heavy anti aircraft fire, causing some bombers to fall from the sky in flames, often without any of the crew escaping. Although his aircraft was damaged, but still on course, he calmly ordered his crew to pull themselves together, and settle down.

He knew there was not much they could do about losses, but remaining focused on their mission was essential for success.

British pilots also knew the importance of remaining focused during fearful odds, when they took on the full might of Hitler’s air machines over British soil, and through remaining focused, a clear message was sent to the enemy that there would be no surrender, no matter what they came up with.

All that is history now, but there are lessons from those events, that could benefit situations in our world today, including Bermuda.

As Bermuda struggles to climb out of a dark economic hole, it is becoming critical that unless we learn to paddle in the same direction toward logic, common sense, and respectability, the journey ahead could be similar to a merry-go-round, where you can ride all day, without getting anywhere.

No Government is perfect, and the Opposition Progressive Labour Party should be fully aware that they faltered during their lengthy run in office, to a degree that weakened support needed to retain the Government.

The political arena can be quite tough, and even though not every member of the PLP administration should be blamed for some of the issues that corroded public confidence, unfortunately the electorate has a fairly broad brush when too many mistakes occur.

Voters also have a good memory, and this should be a warning to politicians on both sides, that they must conduct the peoples business with dignity and respect, and most of all the people should never take second place to party interest.

Bermuda still has a long way to go, in regaining our footing with more jobs, and an economy that needs revival through increased tourism, and stepped up international business.

The One Bermuda Alliance, has taken up the challenge after receiving a mandate from the electorate, and although their public relations skills could be improved, they continue to press ahead with initiatives to hopefully turn things around.

With the huge debt they inherited their task is mammoth to say the least. On the other hand a pledge the PLP made to be a more constructive Opposition, following their defeat at the polls, seems to have fallen by the wayside.

Everyone expects them to be critical when there is justification, but many are wondering whether they would prefer the OBA to fail, even it meant failure for Bermuda.

There is still room for healing in this area, because if we fail to collectively paddle in the direction of common sense and logic, along with transparency, we could be in that merry-go-round syndrome.

It is accepted that during sensitive debates in Parliament things could become quite heated.

However at no time should parliamentarians lose sight of the fact that apart from adults, many young people are watching and listening to elected officials slicing each other up, with less than dignified words when tempers flare.

When this happens, the business of the people takes second place to scoring political points. That is not what the people want.

It probably would be a good gesture if for once, members attended a session with a button on their jacket that simply said, Bermuda first.

Maybe they might feel a little more closer to being members on the same ship which will only stay afloat with full cooperation from the crew.

Perhaps than we too, could settle down and stay focused on the issues at hand.