Democracy without love and tolerance
The current political temperature in Sierra Leone is rising to a pitch and the consequence is not appealing, at least to well-meaning Sierra Leoneans.
Recent developments indicate that violence in the physical sense of blood-shedding and the willful destruction of property is fast returning to the political scene well ahead of 2012. The reason is that some people talk about democracy and want to enjoy the good fruits of democracy but do not wish to adhere to democratic ethics.
One thing we are missing as Sierra Leoneans is love in our body polity, love for one another and tolerance in our personal dealings with each other. We have always ascribed to ourselves the accolade as being the friendliest people on planet earth, but deep down in our hearts we hate the guts of our compatriots, especially if we do not belong to the same political camp.
Matters always come to a head when general elections are in the offing. That is when people start tearing each other apart in the name of democracy. But real democracy walks hand in hand with political tolerance, respect for the rights of others, etc.
Sadly though, in Sierra Leone today democracy, in a reverse definition, amounts to coercion, intimidation and physical violence. The perpetrators remain the unrestrained power seekers who believe that it is only through violence they will realize their dreams.
The latest incident in Bo is a practical display of political intolerance. The victims are the poor and defenseless Sierra Leoneans who have nothing to benefit from these violent outfits.
As a matter of fact, democracy is not simply about power. It is also about recognizing the rights of others and respecting their opinion, no matter how quaint the opinion. But wherein the process of choosing their leaders, the people throw love aside and become very desperate and militant in seeking power – democracy then becomes meaningless.
This is the road Sierra Leoneans are treading on so dangerously and the landing site in 2012 could well be predicted.
As a people, the best we can do to avert any mayhem as it is happening now is to tread cautiously, but more honestly we need to appreciate the rights of others. For democracy without love or political tolerance is a recipe for chaos.
This must be avoided at all cost. Many Sierra Leoneans are tired of witnessing blood-shedding dramas.
It’s now time to make love and not war. Let our politicians hear this!
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