Vexed Bermoothes

Larry Burchall made a comment in one of his editorials several years ago that Bermudians personalise every issue.  In other words, no idea is measured on its merits but rather in the context of who said it.  Larry fondly calls this one of Bermuda’s unique traits, a result of our small community.  It is however also one of our most limiting factors.

“Who said it” is the biggest avoidance tactic in Bermuda politics.  You see it all the time:

• The UK Foreign Affairs Committee produces a restrained report on reforms in Bermuda and other OTs.  The Premier and David Burch immediately right it off because the British MPs spoke to the UBP and “the lunatic fringe.”  All this despite the fact that some of the MP’s proposals have previously had the support of the PLP itself!
• There have been many concerned comments recently from people who love the PLP, that the PLP has changed to the detriment of its grassroots.  And the response?  Character assasination.

We Bermudians need to focus on what is said more frequently than who said it.  (And yes, I acknowledge that I am highlighting the PLP here;  the UBP has its own issues in this area.)