March 19, 2013Dear Sir,Can we reverse the phenomenon where presumed liberators destroy the very aims for which they fought? This is not a rhetorical or remote question; it’s something this generation must face and resolve. Look at the 20th century which was replete with the stories of the overthrow of imperialism by liberation movements and powerful personalities. Look at where we are today having witnessed the traumatic end to some of those who would be called liberators because of the brave nationalistic stances fought half century ago but today are withholding modern day freedoms. On not so grand a spectacle, but nonetheless as insidious, we have nations and colonies, Bermuda included, who have won political victories over oligarchs during the last half century, with movements and powerful personalities but in similar fashion, have usurped the political privilege without reciprocating true benefits and freedoms to the people.Part of the problem is in our human make-up. We have some basic character types one of which is that of the strong advocate or defender. Experiences help in shaping what we think of as our identity. Our mind-body builds defences against hurtful or repressive experiences. For the most part these defence reactions become the personality indistinguishable from the true self. The problem for the strong defender type character is that long after the battle is won their defensive armour which is at the fore of their personality does not disengage. They are still at war at times of peace. Instead of building bridges and homes they build bunkers and forts. They will recreate the world of their oppressor because they have no other template from which to build.In order for this generation that has arrived beyond segregation to realise a new world, a new spirit of humanity has to be born. They have to discard the old armour inherited from a mind created by repression. We need to build a human society and therefore we need humanists as builders not nationalists; not ethnic heroes, etc. All have value and their contribution must be respected but recognise also they are not necessarily society builders. We have to understand the philosophy of the human and the kind of constructs that provides the environment for that humanity to flourish. We just faced a close political result where truthfully any perceived victory was in reality only an opportunity for the country to get it right. Fifty years with two party’s legacies is evidence of what is to be avoided. The One Bermuda Alliance must not leave democratisation undone like the United Bermuda Party. The Progressive Labour Party must remember what causes gave birth to them, not the least being the idea implicit in the name “Progressive”.KHALID WASI