{"id":135482,"date":"2015-03-07T12:47:56","date_gmt":"2015-03-07T16:47:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=135482"},"modified":"2015-03-07T23:21:55","modified_gmt":"2015-03-08T03:21:55","slug":"a-new-brand-of-denmocracy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/features\/commentary\/a-new-brand-of-denmocracy\/","title":{"rendered":"A New Brand of Democracy"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Jeffers
J.J. Joseph<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rather than evading or denying the obvious, it is ample time Dominicans come to the realism that our system of government has been morphed into something else. Could it be Dictatorship? Well, the jury is still out on this one; a verdict will soon be reached, however. Meanwhile, our current model certainly has all the characteristics and configurations of fascism or at the very least, we are currently governed by Roosevelt Skerrit’s ‘new brand of Democracy’. Manifestations of this transformation are prevalent in virtually every aspect of Dominican politics as Skerro has significantly eroded our Democratic and civil rights in so many ways.<\/p>\n

And, the sooner we cease from pretending it is a fallacy and face the palpable truth, the sooner we can elicit solutions to this metastasizing predicament. The very first step in finding a solution to a problem is to acknowledge or recognize its very existence. We should therefore awaken from our slumber, recognize the ‘elephant in the room’ and deal with the ominous nature of the problems facing our country rather than perpetually overlooking something so blatant.<\/p>\n

From Law Enforcement to our Electoral Commission to the Judiciary, this prime minister has seemingly stripped away any decision-making autonomy from heads of institutions thereby rendering them no more than puppets. Mr. Skerrit ‘has all his ducks in a row’ as he has essentially made himself the de facto decision maker in virtually every establishment’s affairs, while the so-called leaders remain gagged and powerless in their willingness to appease him. Notably, in her entrenched capacity as Speaker of the House, Alix Boyd Knights has invariably been so partisan and polarizing that she has openly demonstrated her obvious affinity for the PM. Ms. Knights has blatantly displayed her distinct bias against the opposition as she relentlessly imposes unfair constraints and restraints on the already nominal latitude allotted to them – just like a mother exhibiting favoritism toward a particular child.<\/p>\n

Roosevelt Skerrit has also been able to woo the clergy – an institution traditionally relied upon as the conscience of society – by his bestowal of generous endowments upon the Catholic Church and other denominations. In exchange, clergy surrogates expressly take sides by publicly defending the king’s corrupt practices and policies in the media. Gone are the days when religious leaders were revered and admired as pillars of society, possessing \u00a0too much integrity to allow themselves to be bought by politicians or others. Today, these so-called exemplars are no different than ordinary citizens and will sacrifice their souls for a handful of dollars – what cognitive dissonance!!! And, how can we possibly neglect to mention those erudites and pundits who compromise pseudo integrity, ideals and credibility by conniving with the PM in return for substantial monetary incentives. These days, it is all about the money, I suppose.<\/p>\n

In addition, the PM, though cognizant of the citizen’s rights to peaceful protest or assembly – as well as their freedom of speech – continues to use the scare tactics to intimidate them whenever they dare to. He is always at the ready to deploy his fully-armed military police in an attempt to prevent disconsolate Dominicans from expressing their disapproval of his governance. Attempts are even presumably being made to curb or dictate the types of songs calypsonians should sing during national events. Citizens should be categorically assured of Mr. Skerrit’s inability to turn his military weapons on them for exercising their rights – provided they are not in violation of the law, however. I reckon Skerro would not like the international notoriety caused by turning his guns on peaceful protesters, so he probably would be more inclined to keep it ‘in a vacuum’ by holding his fire. Instead, he continues to intimidate demonstrators in an effort to deter them from revolting.<\/p>\n

Depicted below are fundamentals of Democracy versus Dictatorship. Review them and objectively choose the one more consistent with our present political system.<\/p>\n

Fundamentals of\u00a0Democracy<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Government authority flows from the people and is based upon their consent.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Democracy is a system of government in which a country\u2019s political leaders are chosen by the people in regular, free, and fair elections. In a democracy, people have a choice between different candidates and parties who want the power to govern.\u00a0 The people can criticize and replace their elected leaders and representatives if they do not perform well.\u00a0 The people are sovereign\u2014they are the highest authority\u2014and government is based on the will of the people.\u00a0 Elected representatives at the national and local levels must listen to the people and be responsive to their needs.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Versus:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fundamentals of\u00a0Dictatorship<\/strong><\/p>\n

In dictatorship only one party is allowed to exist and it is the dictator’s own party. Other political parties, associations and organizations are not allowed to func\u00adtion. These are banned. All opposition to the dictator is ruthlessly suppressed.<\/p>\n

Under dictatorship, leadership is given to a single man. Full faith is to be concentrated in the leader. The leader is supposed to represent national unity. He is considered to be a symbol of national prestige. He is the final authority in every matter and his word is supreme.<\/p>\n

The individual does not enjoy any liberty or rights under dictatorship. Maximum obedience to the laws is equated to the maximum liberty. People are not allowed any liberty of speech, association and press. All agencies of education and propaganda such as schools, colleges, radio, papers and films are controlled by the state.<\/p>\n

In retrospect, the time has come whereby nationals are charged with the responsibility to come forward as courageous activists in an effort to mobilize, galvanize, agitate and educate the people in asserting their rights to true Democracy. Until then, we will continue on this undemocratic trajectory to a place where even our very freedom and liberty will inevitably be compromised.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rather than evading or denying the obvious, it is ample time Dominicans come to the realism that our system of government has been morphed into something else. Could it be Dictatorship? 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