There's an expression – 'can't see the forest for the trees' – that I think all elected representatives would do well to keep in mind.

While we are expected to keep in touch with the lives of our constituents and the challenges they face, it is also important to lift our gaze above the fray to see the big picture; to see the trends and pressures that are shaping our society and its future.

It is not easy to do because we get caught up in the daily details – 'the trees' – of what has become a fast-paced, high-pressured life that is relatively new to Bermuda.

I try to keep an eye on the big picture whenever I can and, when I do, it emerges from things I've seen, news stories I've read or what people tell me in conversation.

These days I am increasingly concerned that our values and standards are being challenged by a Government that shows no compunction about using strong-arm tactics to get its way.

This is not a new observation. In 1999, I listed seven "sins" in which the Government revealed a bullying tendency that was disturbing, particularly in the wake of an election victory that should have made for magnanimous leadership.

The list included the threat that anyone who opposed the public holiday celebrating the PLP election victory did so "at their own peril". There was the public comment that "We don't care what you think", and a warning to independent Senators not to "stifle" Government business.

These and other statements could have been dismissed as the passing indiscretions of a first-time government trying to find its feet, but time has proven otherwise. I see them now as the first signs of an autocratic, often bullying tendency within the Government that should be a concern for any Bermudian who cares about the health of our democracy and individual freedoms.

The recent Royal Gazette report of "political bullying" of civil servants by Government Ministers prompted me once again to put together a list of seven political sins. Taken together they form a 'big picture' that Bermudians should keep in mind. Here's the list:

1) The forced takeover of the Bermuda Cement Company. A businessman, who, for whatever reason, is not liked by the Government, is compelled to either agree to a new lease containing money-losing conditions or sell the business. Under duress, the businessman sells the company to a group of investors, some of whom are considered cronies of the Government and for whom the unreasonable conditions are suddenly and inexplicably dropped. For right-thinking people, this was for all intents and purposes, an officially-sanctioned mugging in broad daylight.

2) The arrest of the Auditor General. As the Government's top financial watchdog, the Auditor General has every right to collect information about possible financial misdeeds in the halls of Government. That his home and office were raided by Police and that he was jailed for questioning was a travesty that sullied Bermuda's good name. This was harassment and intimidation of the first order. The Auditor General was released and the matter never went to court.

3) The arrest of Son of the Soil. Patriot or whistle-blower? It doesn't matter what people think. The arrest and questioning of the Son of the Soil should be a warning to all citizens that this Government will come after you if you cross it. Son of the Soil was held for two nights of Police questioning but never charged with any crime.

4)Passage of a law that effectively discriminates against Bermudians married to non-Bermudians in their ability to purchase a home. No Government of Bermuda should ever discriminate, but this one did so with clumsily-drafted legislation to prevent illegal fronting. One of my colleagues described the changes as using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

5) The failure of the Government to fully involve teachers and principals in education reform, arguably the most important job in Bermuda today. That these groups are so at odds with the Education Ministry speaks to an inability or reluctance on the part of Government to do what is necessary to make education reform work. The Government needs to rise above the differences to bring all stakeholders together for the sake of our children. We will never have good Government with bad blood running through it.

6) Press intimidation. The Government's failure to work with the press, to properly answer everyday questions on public matters is now a well-established practice, and a disservice to the community. One can argue the merits of the Government's planned Press council, but I see it as one more step in its campaign to stifle the free flow of information. Similarly, its campaign against The Royal Gazette appears to be nothing more than a crude effort to cow its reporters and editors into submission. This seems to be about vengeance and nothing to do with the quality of the newspaper's reporting or, indeed, its editorial opinions. The Government would do well to remember that criticism and contrary views – freedom of expression – are the lifeblood of democratic societies.

7) Finally, the political bullying first mentioned above is an attack on the professionalism of the Island's civil servants, who are there to serve and carry out public policy regardless of who is in power. That Government Ministers bully these people is deeply disturbing because it undermines the integrity of our Westminster system.

This sin list indicates to me that Bermudians cannot rely on their Government to maintain or indeed strengthen our freedoms.

It also says to me that we will need to be vigilant and to stand energetically for the rights of others. If we do not, our democracy will be weakened along with the values and standards our people abide by and aspire to, such as fairness, equality, respect and due process.

As Bermuda's Opposition, we will do our part to maintain a close watch on the Government. We will work hard to defend our democratic institutions and traditions whenever necessary. But concerned voters need to play a part, as well. Speak to your MPs, no matter what their political affiliation. Let them know of your concerns, and let them know how you expect them to behave. They are, after all, there to serve your interests, not their own.