In the gruelling world of politics, it is risky at times to even raise questions that might be perceived as attempts to cast doubts on the leadership of a particular Party or Government.

Despite that risk, the right to question any decision by any Government, should be held as high as all the values cherished in a democratic society, which usually holds freedom of speech as sacred. While that sounds healthy enough, in the real world, Governments are not usually open to criticism, nor are they willing to relinquish power easily, since such power is not easy to come by.

History is packed with instances where Government decisions have been questioned such as the US Government's declaration of war on Iraq, based on that country being in possession of weapons of mass destruction. Since no weapons were ever found there, debate still rages over whether there were other motives outside of the weapons claim.

Governments around the world often have to make tough unpopular decisions in the interest of the people they serve. Sometimes the decisions are correct. At other times they are clouded with suspicion, leading many to exercise their democratic right to question those in authority.

A solid Government should welcome tough questions, even from those within their camp. Only dictatorial administrations resist being questioned, and to discourage such activity they mete out punishment that at times even includes death.

This is why the free press in a democracy must never shrink from going after the truth, no matter what the consequences. The world of politics is not all bad, and not every politician is out to simply build and protect an image at the expense of truth. However too often on highly sensitive issues emotions can surface, and the nasty negative side of politics emerges.

It could be argued that when one chooses to enter the political arena, he or she should realise that whether they rise or fall, could depend on just how well they are able to read the tone of the Party, or the Government they are affiliated with.

Strangely it seems some politicians and indeed some supporters, appear to have been branded to a point where no matter what their Party does, they are obliged to support it without question. When any political party is thought to be bigger than proven good values, the danger of party first ,and people last, creeps in. US General Colin Powell, a Republican, demonstrated the ability to step outside of the party box, without abandoning his party, when he choose to endorse Democrat Barack Obama, not because he is black, but because according Powell, he represented a move to bridge racial gaps, and create a more unified nation.

Bermuda needs to learn a lesson from that history-making election victory. Obama accomplished this great achievement by appealing to the very hearts of people of all races and religious backgrounds throughout America.

While undoubtedly there were many who openly stated they could not vote for him because of his race, millions rejected such outdated sentiments and collectively used their voting power to change the face of America, in a way that drew praise around the world.

Too many people here in Bermuda, on both sides of the political stage are still too hung up on the past, and until we can bridge that gap we are not going to move with any haste to the next level of good community living.

We have the brain power and talent here to tackle our education, crime and social problems. However Bermuda will always need expertise from overseas, because of our size and small population, but this must be done in a manner that does not compromise our own abilities. No one knows the backyard better than the person living in the house.

Bermudians, irrespective of their political persuasion, must never be afraid to ask questions or challenge those in authority, as long as we are guided by truth, decency, respect and integrity. Our Government should also be guided by these same principles, if we are to grow as an example for generations yet to come, and indeed the world as that little country in the Atlantic that prides itself in doing the right thing.

If we fail to ask questions out of fear, we will lose our dignity and along with it that precious gift of free expression, which opens the door to better understanding and respect for one another.