As we struggle for political change, it is clear; we are far from where we ought to be. From what I sense from the politicians...’ and their friends...’ speeches, writings, and debates, ...“NOW...”, at this very minute, not tomorrow, is the time to change our form of government.

I admit as I have done in the past, I am not the sharpest knife in the kitchen. However, I am seeing a huge hole in the home team's (our team) strategy. First, we are not synchronizing our efforts therefore; the other side is methodically breaking through and deflating our momentums, leaving us blowing into the wind. For example, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Niu, the two legal experts of the home team are pushing their own agendas. Hello! Is anybody listening? Are they too busy to talk to each other or are they afraid someone else will get the credit for their efforts? When we are pushing for change as individuals not as a concerted team effort, we are as solid as a soup sandwich, even if 98% of the population sympathizes with us.

Raise awareness

Second, we need to organize and push a grass roots campaign to reach the public and recruit them to identify with our cause. Mr. Pohiva is belligerent about changing now, because the poll shows 98% of the public supports it. Being the devil'’s advocate, where are they? Last week, during Mr. Niu'’s sit in demonstration at Pangai Si'’i, there were more pigeons and seagulls in the area than his supporters. It doesn'’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Imagine how instant change would come had the 98% of the public showed up to show their support. What are we doing at Joe Public'’s level to raise their awareness and energize them to give up a day of their time to march or demonstrate with us? Remember the last march? Sure didn'’t look like 98%.

Finally, in our attempt to inform the public, we must show what we have to offer. So far, all we are doing is screaming loud and louder. Our avenue of approach is like the conflict between Pakistan and India. For years now, the two countries are at war. There are border skirmishes every now and then but there is no organized force on force actual combat. However, once or twice a month, each country fires artillery rounds toward the other to remind them they are still at war. The artilleries are purposely aimed at mountainous and unpopulated area to make sure the other side got the message and no one gets hurt. Once these rounds are fired, everyone goes back to business as usual and you can never know they are at war.

Set goals

May I make a suggestion to our team; set milestones (goals) and the steps (how) to get there. Forget about what the Royal Family will do. Get our stuff together, first. For example, one of the milestones is to energize the public to get excited as they did during the PSA'’s strike. Step one is to organize a town hall meeting at every town. Step two, select local representatives during these town hall meetings. The Government has the town officers '“ofisa kolo' in place. We have to counter with something. Step three, and step four, you got my drift?

Today in Tonga, Joe Public owns his land; he is free to move around anywhere he wants; he can say whatever he wants to say, and live his life in peace. Here we are trying to convince him he needs freedom? Has anyone ever stop and think, Joe Public is content with his life as it is and that is why he doesn'’t bother to show up for our march? As long as Joe Public perceives his life to be like this, we are going nowhere. For Mr. Laki Niu and his supporters who are in bondage, Mr. Joe Public is probably thinking, ...“it must be sucks to be them...”.

TamaFoa