Dear Sir,

When I first read Andrew Simons’s most recent op-ed on Monday morning, I thought that it was interesting.

Nothing special; just interesting. By the time I got home that evening I wanted to give it a second reading to get a better grasp of what was being communicated. Then, later that night, I figured I would read it one more time to crystallise my thoughts.

After having read it several times, I must say that I truly appreciate Simons’s broad thinking and methodical approach to addressing healthcare problems. He presented hard data instead of leaning on emotional buttons.

He flagged problems and identified some solutions. I didn’t get a sense that he was trying to manipulate me or sell me some snake oil. I got a sense that his focus is on solutions instead of on politics, and I support his attempt to engage readers in a manner that respects our intelligence.

His approach was not only refreshing, it is needed desperately. It’s all too easy to comment on the genuine hardships in this community. It’s all too easy to invent new problems and point fingers as well. What really matters is whether or not our leaders truly understand the depth of a problem and if they have the will and talent to fix it. How are you to fix a problem if you haven’t made the effort to understand the nature of it? Merely talking about it certainly doesn’t do the trick.

There was another thing that struck me about Simons’s op-ed, and it took several reads for this critical point to sink in.

A person who genuinely respects my intelligence, probably has more genuine respect for me as a human being.

Cynically, this means that they know they will have to work a lot harder to impress or fool me. Optimistically, I hope it means the person cares about more than getting elected. My final thought about the op-ed was related to the direction of Bermuda politics. Considering the incredibly toxic environment we find ourselves in, we need more people who can demonstrate respect not only for voters, but also for their fellow politicians.

Especially considering the economic tightrope Bermuda is walking upon, we really need solution-driven individuals who will reject (instead of support) the self-destructive political rhetoric that has become the accepted norm. In my view, Bermuda would be much better off if more of our politicians followed the example that Simons has set.

BRYANT TREW