The optimistic imagination of the public servants buttressed by the monarchy and government appeasement of their demands for wage increase can be interpreted as a false sense of security as the scope of damages has still to be defined. The overriding question now is the survival of the monarchy, government and the people, and moving from survival to stability and from stability to success.

There is no doubt the prevailing wind in Tonga has changed direction in the wake of the strike; it is the people's choice to call for a change. Values and morals are shaped by the strike. Employees (public servants) and employer (government) are conducting business with civilities filled with mixed emotions as the monarchy, government and public servants have altered the course and direction of the government. The moral of the people is unequal to the imminent challenges of the tasks ahead. Stabilizing the economy may result in raising taxes, restructuring, rigid controls on spending, practical practices and reforms to return profit to the Treasury, lest chaos reign.

The kaleidoscope of the PSA strike and political faction highlighted the jagged seams of the monarchy, government and the people that have long been perpetuated by royal caprice, corrupt and unjust government, unstable economy and tactical foolishness. The chaos and political faction still does not leave Tonga ungoverned or ungovernable; any new form of government should be cautious on policy and prudence, instinct and necessity, cause and effect as trying to maintain power and the security and unity of the nation through so limited a means seem a dubious formula for success.

Insanity

The PSA and People's Representatives are petitioning for a more democratic government but what does that really mean to an average Tongan living in Tonga? It is pure insanity to continue building lives on the same blueprint and keep hoping to achieve different results, no matter the quality of the material and craftsmanship. The blueprint is faulty so it requires modification. If in fact a new government is formed, can it be a practical mix of oligarchy and democracy? Should there be new laws exterminating the truly appalling and precarious practices of today, giving voice and power to the strident demand of the people to be heard and to stand upon their rights and privileges?

The other petition to replace the Prime Minister and appoint new Cabinet Ministers leaves very few choices of capable, efficient, professional, honor and supreme virtue of action, is above straight bribery and incorruptible, and distinctly modern candidates. The King, with tactical shrewdness, may look to those whose efficiency, duty, devotion, and capability his rule and the people's interest depend upon. The people will need to courageously and bravely evaluate the politicians' agenda (such as education, healthcare, taxes, environment, importing & exporting, planning & zoning, waste management, inflation, deficit, to name a few), and their faith in these politicians to toil in their interests and the future of Tonga.

Patience

Everything is possible, though it will take time (and yes, time is money), for changes need to be carefully analyzed and boldly evaluated. People should be prepared for hard and heavy tidings; the people will also require patience as there are serious measures and steps necessary to introduce changes into the system while maintaining a balance and synergy in everyday business operations. The monarchy and government also need to respect and understand the will of the people by curtailing the absoluteness of royal authority that monarchy is liable to for as subjects are bound to obey dutifully so is the monarchy bound to command justly.

The traditional motto "Ko 'Otua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofi'a" is not a smarmy religious mockery. When the leaders and Members of Parliament speak of God's will and judgment, or his guiding wisdom and care, it should be a reference of faith, though never a substitution for human judgment and action or a man's obligation to do what needs to be done to remedy human errors, greed and vainglory.

With changes follow responsibilities and commitments and as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

And to conclude with one of Winston Spencer Churchill's quotes ...." I like to live

in the past. I don't think people are going to get much fun in the future. The longer you look back, the farther you can look forward. This is not a philosophical or political argument - any oculist can tell you it is true".

Change is a choice!

Mele Payne Lynch

Moss Beach, CA

Mlpayne222 [at] aol [dot] com