Dear Editor,
The electorate of St. Maarten is more confused than ever as we are now moving in to elections.
Knowledge is power, my task is to give the people much information so they can make the best possible decision on election day.
The truth is election for some is of a different purpose than for others. For example, election for a true Christian is of a different purpose than a person who only needs or wants a job or for a person who has business interest or to make money. So a politician’s job is to be all things to all people which is not possible. And this is where political ideology is of great importance.
Presently on the issue of finance most people are in need of a job and want more money in the pockets. This is issue number 1 for all or most people. From a Christian point of view issue number 1 is important, but for Christians it is just as important on how you go about it. They will ask should we promote prostitution and more gambling because that is the fastest way to make money?
For the people that believe in protecting the people of St. Maarten heritage issue number 1 is very important but their prime concern is to create or give jobs to people of St. Maarten heritage first and to have strong border control and solve our immigration challenges.
To the business people they are more concern of establishing laws or removing laws that make it difficult for a businessman to make profit.
In a nutshell this is what politicians have to equate to see how best they can convince you to vote for them. And this is how political science is used to convince you to vote for them.
Question to ask every political party first is what is their political ideology because the answer they give you sheds light on their belief or ideology on all issues mention above. This is the reason why this question is important.
Most of us want the same things in life. We want freedom; we want the chance for prosperity; we want as few people suffering as possible; we want healthy children; we want to have crime-free streets. The argument or discussion is which political ideology is best to attain that goal.
The main two political ideologies are Conservative (right wing) or Liberal (left wing). Liberals believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all. It is the duty of the government to alleviate social ills and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve problems.
Conservatives believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, in St. Maarten’s case traditional St. Maarten values and a strong national defense, in St. Maarten case border control. Conservatives are very Patriotic and believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.
For now I will give you both ideological views on economy and in my next letter we will discuss other issues.
A Liberal (social democrat) believes in a market system in which government regulates the economy is best. Government must protect citizens from the greed of big business. Unlike the private sector, the government is motivated by public interest. Government regulation in all areas of the economy is needed to level the playing field.
A Conservative (Believe in Patriotism) believes in the free market system, competitive capitalism, and private enterprise create the greatest opportunity and the highest standard of living for all. Free markets produce more economic growth, more jobs and higher standards of living than those systems burdened by excessive government regulation.
Stay tuned next time as I inform you on other vital issues of your concern.
The Patriot Miguel Arrindell
