Too often in the world of politics, truth is sacrificed for image protection, resulting in the free press having to wade through a maze of information in order to accurately report on various issues.

In most democracies, Governments try to have well oiled information machines to get their message out, and to handle delicate situations that have the potential of creating a negative effect on how they are perceived by the people they serve.

On the road to power, politicians usually promise honesty, integrity, and fairness, but somehow, for some of them, once elected, the picture usually changes, especially if there is a highly controversial matter that threatens to derail the image they would prefer to project.

What then occurs is a war of words, always good for the press, but at the same time leaving the populace searching for the real story. Perhaps it is just plain politics, and we should all learn to live with it.

The next question is should we live with it, or exercise our democratic right to ask questions some politicians would rather not answer. Truth is far more important than image protection, but in politics it is not always seen that way. Too often when the truth gets ugly, and this happens in politics, some politicians head for cover by attacking the messenger, rather than focusing on the message.

Politicians then start running around in circles, with groups from opposing political sides waging verbal warfare as truth and often common sense are forced to take a back seat.

This is where the free press, while not always welcomed, is committed to looking closely at the whole picture with the single objective of exposing truths to keep the public informed. There are many silent citizens in this country who feel strongly that under the present economic circumstances, the full picture is yet to be revealed.

Bermuda will not escape the economic downturn that has brought so many nations practically to their knees, as job losses across the globe impact lifestyles that too many had taken for granted. The general view of financial experts is that no corner of the earth will survive without a serious economic challenge.

That being the case ,most Bermudians are looking for the Government to spell out as clearly as possible what most people can expect in the months ahead, and also what plans they have to counter job losses that have already started here. Insecurity creates another type of situation in the social arena, and this cannot be overlooked.

Lingering labour problems in any area, including the taxi industry, must be resolved before we find ourselves in an unpleasant situation on top an unpleasant situation.

This is certainly not the time to try to score political points. The challenge Bermuda faces is bigger than politics, and unless we are prepared to place as a priority, working together, despite political differences, it is going to be an uphill battle to approach the situation in a greater spirit of unity.

Surely we can learn from the terrible plight of so many in Zimbabwe where truth has been smothered so badly even the free press has been shut out by a regime that prefers to dictate policy against the views of many of its citizens and indeed the free world.

The suffering by so many in that country is almost indescribable through inflation, hunger, and disease. Even many African leaders have openly condemned what is happening there.

The real lesson is that all democratic Governments should be mindful that while they cannot provide the answer to every problem, they must be seen to conduct themselves with integrity in an absolutely transparent manner in dealing with the people's business, in order to maintain a high degree of credibility, and to generate confidence.

All of this revolves around truth and common sense. Good old fashioned common sense is as much a part of Bermuda as our lovely beaches. Let's not forget these two key qualities, as we try to move as one people to take on the economic challenges ahead.