Money and Freebies Go only So Far

Opinion

‘ There is no such thing as public money, there is only taxpayers money’

By Dr R Neerunjun Gopee

Sometime during the recent pre-election period, I received a forwarded post showing late UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher speaking. This is what she said: ‘One of the great debates of our times is about how much of your money should be spent by the State and how much you should keep to spend on your family. Let us never forget this fundamental truth: the State has no source of money other than the money people earn themselves. If the State wants to spend more, it can do so only by borrowing your savings or by taxing you more, and it’s no good thinking that someone else will pay. That someone else is you. There is no such thing as public money, there is only taxpayers money.’

‘Let us never forget this fundamental truth: the State has no source of money other than the money people earn themselves. If the State wants to spend more, it can do so only by borrowing your savings or by taxing you more, and it’s no good thinking that someone else will pay. That someone else is you. There is no such thing as public money, there is only taxpayers money.’ — Margaret Thatcher

During the recent campaigning one frequently heard it being said by people across the social spectrum that prospective candidates were distributing money to individuals on the ground, or in households as they were allowed entry to canvass votes. The amounts cited were from Rs 1000 – 10,000. There were some first-hand testimonies too.

This was not new to me. Such financial inducements were part of the scene in the by-election in the No. 7 constituency in 2003. It will be recalled that, following the arrangement between the MSM, led by Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ), and the MMM, led by Paul Bérenger, the former would step down as Prime Minister mid-term to become President, while the latter would assume the role of Prime Minister. SAJ resigned as a Member of Parliament to fulfill his new role, necessitating a by-election to elect a replacement candidate.

I was to be that candidate, but LP chose Rajesh Jeetah, and I was present when this was announced at the Labourdonnais Hotel in late November. From the next day onwards LP got going with the month-long campaign in which I participated with Dr Rihun Hawoldar who was a sitting MP.

It was the first and last time ever that I was involved in political campaigning. It was an eye-opening experience, revealing as it did many of the social ills and inequalities that existed in the country, some of which have worsened. I also learnt about people’s attitude and behaviour towards political parties and candidates. As elections have succeeded one another, the one constant that I have ‘diagnosed’ – no apologies for this professional bias! – is that the people cannot be fooled, or perhaps should I say that people are not that naïve as politicians seem to think. Especially when it comes to accepting money or freebies.

One example that has stuck in my mind concerns a young man who was manning a container used as “baz”. He was well-known to the local person who was accompanying us to introduce families, etc., and also that he was a traditional LP supporter. When asked why he was doing that, that is, helping the MSM-MMM Alliance, his reply was, ‘what can I do, I have not worked for three months and there is no money at home. They gave me x-thousand rupees to be in charge here. Of course I took the money, but don’t worry I know what to do on election day!’

Coming straight from the heart and the mind as it were! It may also be mentioned that this was the first time that containers were used as “baz”, about 20 them I believe.

On another evening as we were doing door-to-door campaigning, we approached a house festooned in orange and mauve colours. My childhood friend Motee Ramdass was walking away after meeting the family. Of course, we stopped and exchanged warm greetings. As we came close to the entrance, the family welcomed us and said, ‘Don’t bother about the festoons and don’t waste your precious time here. We have to be polite to all candidates, but we know who to vote for. Go to X-house, they are the ones who need your convincing.’ And sent us off with warm wishes.Read More… Become a Subscriber

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 22 November 2024