We all get our fair share of criticism, Mr Editor, and JB is no exception. Nor should he be. Readers should have their say, too, and I appreciate the dialogue. But there are a couple of points that have arisen recently in conversation that are worth sharing.

Point Number One: I am too critical of the Government, says one reader. I should take on the Progressive Labour Party, too, and more often. Well, that sort of criticism largely depends on who is speaking. But in my defence, I told him this: my approach to “columnism” most likely dates back to my days in journalism and more recently to my years in politics, when for 13 long years I was consigned to the Opposition benches.

It is simply this: truth speaks to power. Not that I necessarily believe that what I have to say is always the gospel truth. The truth is that they are just my honestly held opinions; no more, or no less. It is those in government who have the power: the power to make decisions, the power to lead and the power to change the way in which they conduct our business. Not to mention the power they have to deliver on their promises.

I try only to influence and persuade in this small way — if not those in power, then those who in turn may be able to influence and persuade, ie, supporters and ultimately voters.

It is also the way in which governments can be held accountable. That’s the theory anyhow and I’m sticking with it.

Point Number Two: Could I not say something positive about the America’s Cup, or more positive than I have to date? First, I am a columnist not a publicist. That said, I have commented once or twice already in the column on the potential benefit of the America’s Cup to Bermuda and its economy. Two weeks ago, we saw tangible evidence of that potential benefit.

Even if you caught only a glimpse of what was happening over that weekend, few can have failed to have been impressed by what money can do — when you have it. The crowds, the boats and Front Street (a clue of what more we can continue to do to make the city more attractive to visitors) was all pretty impressive. But I want to be careful not to rain on the parade — or be seen to be, I should say. Or, better still, misconstrued. There was some criticism, for example, when I agreed with Opposition members of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC), who thought they should scrutinise planned spending for America’s Cup. This is what the PAC should do and should continue to do. This is the role it is meant to play when it comes to major government expenditure (minor, too, if members think appropriate).

Review and scrutiny by the PAC should in fact become standard operating procedure around here; accepted as part of the practice of holding the Government to account — an integral part of a system of routine checks and balances.

It isn’t simply political. Nor should it be viewed as such. Arguably, this is just this sort of parliamentary oversight that has been MIA in Bermuda, and for far too long.

Public hearings that feature public answers to public questions makes for transparency, too, and even more than that, the public become better informed and, hopefully, reassured that their money is being spent wisely; that it is going where it is supposed to go and with the right results.

There is no harm in that, Mr Editor. In fact, it could be quite helpful — especially with the America’s Cup. The recently announced economic impact study is a good start.

I don’t think I am about to tell you anything new, but there’s no question there are those who view with some suspicion, er, scepticism, how money is being spent and just who is benefiting from the uptick. There is one sure way to find out and that is to follow the money. The refrain was the same when the “other guys” were in power; only the roles of the actors and the critics were reversed.

Some think this is driven by race; some by politics. Still others think double standards; probably a combination of all three in my books.

The classic definitions of capitalism and socialism come to mind. Capitalism is where man exploits man. Socialism? Just the reverse.

Just the reverse, all right, depending on who is in government. When what we need is a consistent, thorough and even-handed approach that works for us, the taxpayers and voters, and no matter who is in power.

One final thought: I wonder, too, how much different it might be if coming together meant that the Government invited the Opposition to join it in the organisation of the America’s Cup; that is to give them a meaningful place at the table, thereby demonstrating what we can do when we unite for a common purpose.

Trick or treat, you think?