If there were microphones at the dinner table of every Bermudian home, and things said could be heard by members of Parliament, there might be a different tone when representatives gather to conduct the business of the people.

No one is perfect in this world, and striving for the highest standards of decency, is an endless endeavour for all.

With so many critical problems facing a changing Bermuda, there is little room for negativity, which overshadows positive qualities that form the core of our Bermudian culture, and provide hope for a return to prosperity and success.

The road ahead is going to be far from smooth, but Bermudians must face those rocky patches collectively, if we are to negotiate our way to greener pastures.

Instead, we behave like people in a crowded life boat, locked in a bitter fight over who should sit where, when the ultimate goal should be about survival.

In the world of politics, progress is often stifled by constant fights to either gain, or sustain power.

Whether our politicians are aware of it or not, a growing number of Bermudians are far from satisfied with the constant display of open hostility with demeaning nasty exchanges that fall short of respectability, resulting in further divisiveness.

Just as there are disagreements within the best of families, it is expected that politicians will not see eye to eye on a number of issues.

However they are expected to exercise the highest level of reason in seeking common ground, to work out complex problems, in the interest of serving the people with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Our island home is our life boat, and If there is a serious leak, everyone on board is in danger.

This concept needs to be foremost in the minds of all of our leaders, as we try to merge our skills to move the island away from job losses, and an economic state that urgently needs strengthening.

There are extremely delicate decisions facing the OBA Government, and careful consideration is essential in order to move forward in doing what is right for the entire community. Hasty decisions are not easy to reverse.

We need our best talents and skills in handling illegal drugs, education, healthcare for our seniors, and at the same time boost our tourism business, plus hopefully expand our existing international business.

In this highly complicated process, there will be conflicting view points as to how to achieve this.

That is to be expected, but having a disagreement is no reason to lose respectability for decency toward each other.

Our young people are watching closely, and poor examples send the wrong message.

We should refrain as much as possible from mudslinging tactics that break down rather than build the unity Bermuda needs to move forward.

Emotions run high at times during debate on controversial issues, to a point where friends and family members are often divided over what should or should not be done.

Whatever solutions are decided on should be based on solidifying good values for Bermuda and its future.

Bermuda is in need of rebuilding in many areas of community life. and that cannot be accomplished by bypassing the golden rule of life, which is to respect each other despite disagreements.

In a mudslinging encounter no one comes out clean.