Old and ailing monarchy system [1]
Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 16:56. Updated on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 12:48.
Dear Editor,
Can‘t teach an old dog new tricks
It seems like the people of Tonga are divided in whether or not to change the system of rule. The old ailing monarchy system is the only system that Tongans have known for nearly four generations of Tupou's.
This system that was adopted to Tonga was a system to get rid of slavery, oppression and allow people to be free as a normal human beings (equality). Pagan beliefs were abolished and Christianity enforced as the only religion. The constitution was made up by Missionaries and mimicked British Law.
Commoners were given equal rights, as a person or individual to live a life of freedom. Commoners had some rights to land, ocean foods and agricultural crops. No longer the commoners were to be enslaved by the Tu'i Tonga and their lives were under his absolute rule.
Life and Death was no distinction in those times because commoners were regarded as without a soul, like animals. The only person that had a soul was the Tu...i Tonga dynasty, the rest were like walking and talking animals. With the conversion of savagery or pagan beliefs, Christianity saved the idea of the soul. Now we know that every human being has a soul and equal in the eyes of God and can be redeemed by sin by accepting Jesus our savior.
Missionaries erected the constitution for a reason, for freedom and equality for the people of Tonga. Today we still struggle for this same equality and freedom in our country. This time we do not have any colonial influence in our change of system, but a change that commoners or the average Tongan wants to see a new hope for our direction of this Island Nation.
Old Kingdom, Old Banana Republic
Four generations later, Tonga has come a long way, some of our culture has changed and religion is a big part in politics today. Religion will always go hand in hand with Politics today because the founders were Missionaries and King Gorge Tupou I gave Tonga to God to be protected.
Tonga today, like Israel has ruled with a constitution that dates back to the Old Testament, the Law of Moses. Other countries, have done this as well, but have amended their interpretation and have left God out of Politics. Politically being correct is now a new age in Politics like for instance, Gay rights, Abortions rights, banning the Lord...s Prayer in school, banning Bible...s in school and multiculturalism. God is now an outsider in Politics and people are free to do anything that they please if it makes them feel good, not what is right and wrong! Take for instance, Gay marriages or Gay priests and the list goes on. Next thing you will know, they will legalize marrying pets!
With democracy, it is like a two-sided coin, Heads will give freedom to all and Tails will give radicals freedom of what they believe is right. In the economical scene, it will open a lot of markets in Tonga and the monopoly will be abolished and competitiveness is outmost. Consumers will have a wide range of choice and to choose which competitive price they will take. Look, at our international airways now, Royal Tonga went bust because it didn...t offer competitive rates and service. Now, looking at Christmas, Tongans overseas have a choice to pick any airline to come to Tonga.
Economic crisis
With the Red tape around Tonga...s economical situation, no wonder the economical fate relies on this year after the salary increase, which meant the Minister of Finance, had kept quiet all along making it out that Tonga was heading towards REFORM. In crisis, the Minister has to make a press conference blaming the salary increase for the economical situation in Tonga.
Now, once again the Government has shot itself again in the foot. This cunning propaganda has been going on for too long and must stop. The economical situation in Tonga is for all of Tonga to know, NOT just only the King!
The people are paying for the high inflation and taxes! The majority of the people are in the Government departments giving part of their taxes through their salary so that Government can decide what ever they want to spend for their own greed! What about the Health system? Why do the King, nobles, and royal family have to go overseas for a medical checkup when there are Doctors here in Vaiola Hospital? Are they sick of seeing the state that it is in? Or they have already paid their Health Fund overseas? Why build a national airline and NOT use it? Why so much love for foreign investors that have their own agendas and are now rich with Tonga...s money?
There are too many unanswered questions and this has to stop, they are making this Kingdom a mockery of what freedom and equality is. The freedom and equality is for all, not just those who are in that class of society! We have souls too and we are human beings not animals! Humans not animals demanded the salary increase! If this present Government thinks they are bigger than GOD, think again, the wrath of God will reign down on those who give this injustice to their people.
Facts vs Feelings
Letters have been coming in supporting the government, because it is the only Monarchy in the Pacific, the King marched with Jesus, I should say paraded and support of a King who has given economical rewards into Tonga.
All this support is because people are relying on their feelings or emotions and think it is patriotic to support the King because he is King. Yes, he is King but he should be a Good King. A good King would think of the position of the people when in crisis or wealth.
The facts are compiling each year about this form of Government, that its rule is unjust and unfair. There is no transparency or accountability, after one economical or social blunder that the Government has made. Everything is swept under the carpet and now that carpet is a bulge that everyone can see.
It is now or never, change is coming, if you like it or not. I can not see Tonga sweeping this agenda under the carpet, because I can...t see Tonga to live another Generation of Tupou V and the way he has been conducting his world of Capitalism.
Hats off to this new change, who cares who comes in! At least we have a right to vote them out if they are not accountable to their actions! With the next Tupou V we have to send several petitions to hear our voices and the reply would be an independent counsel. You choose, I have and it is not the next Tupou V.
Regards,
William Mariner