Speaking Out #BTSpeakingOut – The abstract art of politics Barbados Today Traffic08/04/2022052 views Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY. by Michael A. Callender The definition of abstract art is art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead uses shape, colour, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effects. Some of these same characteristics can be applied to those who practise “abstract political art”, but the politician goes a bit further to add smoke and mirrors to the routine and will speak to you in the “abstract”. I have seen and heard the various political commentaries on the budgetary proposal and financial statement delivered by the prime minister on August 14, 2022, and much has been said about the “sugar tax” and the public service pensions. We are confronted with economic problems, we are confronted with natural disasters which washed over us like a flood in the last two years. In some countries, the normal retirement age is higher based on how governments choose to deal with the issue of solvency. Many Bajans eagerly look forward to a time when they can stop working and officially set their status to “retired”, but that can be a pipe dream if we continue with a system that is unsustainable. I said that clearly with the understanding that economic and social perils confronting us today are mainly due to natural consequences and if not seriously addressed will result in disastrous economic fallout for this country and everyone has an opinion but is short on solutions. Fortunately, opinions do not affect facts, but facts affect opinions and do if presented in a rational way On the political landscape in Barbados, there are many has-been politicians, wanna-be politicians, and yes, that well-known feathered stock who is also part of that community that will comment on any and everything, that in their opinion, will make the government look bad. What the government has done to address the elephant in the room reflects a reality. “At times our worst enemy can be our inner me.”