“It’s [Still] the Economy...”
By Felix Bethel
jonesbahamas
Well might it be as true today as it was some years ago in the United States, “...It’s The Economy, Stupid...”
As we now recall – and quite vividly so - "It's the economy, stupid" was a phrase in American politics widely used during Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 campaign against George W. Bush.
[As we recall] For a time, Bush was considered unbeatable because of foreign policy developments such as the end of the Cold War and the Persian Gulf War. The phrase, made popular by Clinton campaign strategist James Carville, refers to the notion that Clinton was a better choice. And so it seemed to be, Clinton was victorious.
While the times might have changed, the principle inherent in slogan remains.
Indeed, as we look at what passes for political debate in our country; particularly as that ‘debate’ is played out in media and in the House of Assembly, the fact remains, that“...It’s The Economy, Stupid...”
Whether the reference made has to do with Baha Mar and its fate; the public debt – or the level of unemployment and its attendant Misery Index, the fact remains that this conversation is all about the economy.
Evidently, therefore, we can and will extrapolate that –as night follows day – the next general elections will be hard fought; that the outcome of the contest in question will necessarily hinge on what is happening in and on the national economy.
Our current surmise is that this contest will take place –as it were – in the very heart of the nation’s political ring – as each and every candidate fights for a space in the heart of the nation’s electorate.
Here we are suggesting that, precisely because the Great Recession will still be a fact of life, the working poor will have one superlative moment to bend reality in their favor.
Evidently, those who come looking for votes need understand –even now – that they had better come looking better and talking better than they have done heretofore.
We would also suggest that, no matter the name or fame of the party that ultimately prevails; those who come to office in the aftermath of the next general elections should understand that, they will face an unprecedented set of challenges.
As such, therefore, they should know and respect as fact that the road ahead will be especially hard for any and all Bahamians who are not prepared to do more for themselves.
In addition, no matter the name or fame of the party that ultimately prevails in the aftermath of the next general elections; the public is today thoroughly disenchanted with a politics where tribalism and cronyism are seen to pervade things.
And so, while we take it for granted that, the most important sources of economic growth over the medium to long term are likely to be the tourism industry, financial services sector, transshipment services, and other services; we are also persuaded that Bahamians should be actively encouraged and supported when they seek to play large roles in these industries.
Yet again, this principle is grounded in the notion that, "It's the economy, stupid."
Take note that when we recite this pithy piece of political wisdom; we note that reference to the economy and its myriad of implications for the well-being of the Bahamian people, the notion ‘economy’ must be so re-configured that the term “economy” is used to cover the relationships the Bahamas has with its neighbors, the United States of America – and the world far away as in the case of Brazil, Russia, India and China; among other such rising powers.
But, indeed, as America goes, so goes the Bahamas.
So today, it is a fact that, as one order of things ends; and as another is set to be birthed; the Bahamian people and their Caribbean counterparts are set to be called upon to revise some of their accustomed ways of making money.
They may well have no choice but to venture further and further from home, sweet home.
Evidently, these prospects reflect some of the realities of their current relations with a United States where the world-spanning capitalist system is itself currently mired in one of its periodic crises; thus much of the distress now being experienced at all levels in our Bahamas and throughout the region.
By necessary extrapolation and on the basis of sheer logic [and no matter how the proverbial cookie crumbles; it turns out to be quite true that, "It's [still] the economy, stupid."
While we seem to be citing the obvious, there is every reason to believe that, there are still some Bahamians who need to be disabused of the notion that, money can somehow or the other conjure itself up.
When all is said and done; it is only purposeful work that can make any real difference in the life of a people concerned with nation-building.
jonesbahamas
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
