Unless the Rip Van Winkle syndrome has blocked out the past 13 years of the Progressive Labour Party Government, it would be incredible to think voters in the upcoming general election would not reflect on serious Government blunders on matters concerning the people, in order to decide who should lead Bermuda into another chapter of history.Too often, politicians speak as though they themselves have fallen victim to that fairy tale long sleep away from reality. A mistake common with most politicians, is that they frequently assume the people are asleep, or just not paying attention when things go wrong.In most democratic elections across the globe, politicians seeking a seat of power, usually say what they think people want to hear, rather than what they should know. It is a common practice that the voter needs to be fully aware of. The role of the free press is to ensure the populace is not left in the dark in keeping the whole picture out front, good and bad.Former US President Jimmy Carter brought this point out clearly during a recent television interview when asked about the current tone of the Republican campaign to seek a candidate to oppose President Obama. Mr Carter stated he did not think former house speaker Newt Gingrich was a racist, but he felt the presidential candidate knew how to phrase things in the south, to appeal to a certain section, in hopes of picking up support. Right or wrong, the point is that politicians choose words carefully in trying to boost their image in their quest for power.Bermuda is no exception, and just as the political climate in America is reaching a boiling point, we too are facing a testing time as political rhetoric might turn out to be our worst enemy. In political campaigns the public is like a sitting judge in trying to read between the lines in search of truth and substance.It need not be as gloomy as it might appear, because most voters are still seeking truth, transparency and accountability when it comes to the affairs of our island. It is certainly not unreasonable or unfair to raise questions yet to be fully answered by those in authority over a wide range of issues, in fact that is the voter's right In any free society, whenever there are matters that leave more questions than answers, the door opens for mistrust with all of the implications it carries.With Bermuda in the grip of grave economic times and violent crime never seen before, it should set off alarm bells that our way of life is under serious threat unless we change direction. If we are not able to move about in a peaceful safe manner, no fancy political dancing will restore Bermuda to the quality of decency and respect we want to be proud of.There are many voters throughout our communities who are struggling within themselves over who they should support in the next general election. Some of these people are even reluctant to discuss their feelings with family members or friends, because too often emotional reactions block out intelligent exchanges. That is sad, but understandable, because we do live in a small society, compared to other parts of the world.This is why our leaders should encourage open and frank views on any matters concerning the people, no matter how critical they may be about those in authority. Just as people are free to support the Government to the fullest, others who feel otherwise should be free to call for their dismissal if they are convinced that such a call is justified.It is not rocket science to conclude that when people feel somewhat deceived by those who promised fairness but failed deliver, that it is time for a change. We must never lose sight that democracy in its true form allows for free open expression. After all, trust is built on telling the truth.Our politicians should never forget that.